Date Night at The Twisted Tail

TwistedTail1

Being a true Philadelphian at heart, I can’t help but love our brisk, ‘get-to-it’ attitude.  It’s a staple that gives us character!  But, it’s easy to get caught in a whirlwind of fast-paced, North-Eastern life that snuffs out the burning passion of romance.  If you’re looking to reignite the blaze between you and your sweetheart, the match is already lit at the sweet and savory charcoal-bistro known as the Twisted Tail.  This place sets itself aside from others of its kind with hearty, smoked goods that are fired up on their natural wood charcoal grill.  Just the right amount of smoke blended with native flavors of fresh ingredients simply makes food better.  From wholesome classics to fresh seasonal dishes, their innovative twists on comfort-food favorites will fill your mouth, stomach and soul with intense feelings of tender love.

Located south of Lombard on 2nd street, there’s no battle with the flashy South Street crowd on the cobblestone streets of historical Headhouse Square.  As soon as you step foot inside, Twisted Tail’s neighborhood-like atmosphere greets you kindly at the door with an intimate, rustic look and smokey aroma that breathes easy.  You can even find owner George Reilley humbly hanging behind the bar making drinks or having a laid-back chat with the locals.  The open space is the perfect mix between a hospitable backyard locale and classy contemporary dining.  So take a seat anywhere that seems cozy in this two-story restaurant equipped with dining on the first floor, a full 25 seat bar on both levels and a club room with lounge-style seating perfect to settle in close for that extra sizzle!

TwistedTables

Even better, every drink is made with love too!  All liquor infusions are barreled in-house using exciting season-centered ingredients that often come ripe from the Headhouse farmers market right across the street!  Once the batch is out, they’re coming out with fresh ideas to keep the menu blooming and vibrant.  Each unique infusion is thoughtfully paired with effervescent mixers for the perfect balance of smooth, sunny and refreshing.  Even as a devoted beer drinker, I was hooked on their Long Hot Tequila mélange that was spicy, citrusy and topped with an IPA brew!  If cocktails just aren’t your thing, then take a look at their diverse beer list or melt away your stressful day with the warmth of 120 bourbon choices that include tons of rare finds.  If you like it all, then grab a flight of beer, cocktails or infusions straight up to share!

TwistedCocktails

Peach Bourbon muddled mint bourbon infused with fresh grilled peaches, lemonade and club soda
Thyme after Thyme thyme, gin, citrus, ginger

 

Grab a summer flight!

TwistedFlight

Pomelo Gin Fizz pomelo infused gin, elderflower and champagne
Long Hot Tequila long hot pepper infused tequila with IPA beer and grapefruit
Poblano Basil Vodka poblano pepper and basil infused vodka done as a Bloody Maria or with fresh squeezed lemonade

Everything here is original and delectable.  The layers of their Mordern-American dishes embedded in home-town Southern roots takes every tastebud personality on a pleasurable journey from sweet to spicy to savory all in one bite!  If you’re feeling adventurous, you and your babe can experience Babe in a new light with playful pig-part appetizers that range from fried pig ears to crispy, twisted pig tails.  Or maybe just keep it simple and take a look at this exquisite 4 course His and Hers dinner that’s on a prixe fixe menu already curated for you!  Twisted Tail truly gives new meaning to Southern-inspired cooking with the finest moist, melt in your mouth meats harmonizing with fresh, crisp veggies.  Friday evenings even come with a charming acoustic guitar player on deck to sweetly serenade you and your heart’s desire for the perfect romantic arrangement.  What else could you ask for?

Happy Hour Bites

TwistedTomato

Fried Green Tomato BLT Sliders

TwistedApps

Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings with Pickled Carrots

Summer Starter Salads

TwistedSalads

Southern Salad thinly sliced Burger’s Smokehouse ham, arugula, spinach, roasted tomatoes, corn bread croutons, hard boiled eggs with house-made sweet rosemary vinaigrette
Pork Jowl Salad  pork jowl dry rubbed with herbs, sided with watercrest and a corn, tomato, green bean succotash

   Entrées

TwistedPorkChop

Pork chop grilled on natural wood charcoal topped with salsa verde and paired with a four bean medley

TwistedDuck

Pan Seared Duck with a peach and lavender glaze on top creamy pearl barley, baby zucchini and heart of palm

Desserts

TwistedICREAM

Poached Pear poached in riesling, sided with bourbon caramel and vanilla ice cream 

TwistedShortcake

Strawberry Shortcake pink pepper macerated strawberries, strawberry creme fraiche and mint whipped cream

If you’re not ready to go home yet then you don’t have to!  When’s the last time you and your sweets played games together?  Let loose your inner children and hang out in the lounge!  Laughs will definitely be shared when you play some shuffle board or darts and just kick back.  Music enthusiasts, loosen your belt and put on some dancin’ shoes for some funky blues tunes because jam starts at 9pm in the Juke-Joint upstairs on Friday’s and Saturday’s!  You’ll feel just like Johnny and Baby straight out of Dirty Dancing gettin’ down on the floor together.  The band will be playing melodies that will have you and your date swing dancing all the way home!

Late Night

TwistedBartender

IMG_9765

IMG_9769

TwistedBurbon

This is a place is for people who appreciate the good stuff.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic relaxed meal, cocktails at the bar or getting funky on the dance floor, Twisted Tail gives the perfect amount of flexibility to satisfy all of your date night needs.  Come check it out!

Screen Shot 2015-07-25 at 10.09.49 PM

Vendors | Photography: Ted Nghiem | Venue: Twisted Tail