Manayunk is set to welcome a new year-round summer escape.
Riptide Tavern, inspired by owner Tim Spinner’s childhood summers at the Jersey Shore, will open at 4388 Main Street. The new spot will sit just steps from Spinner’s other Main Street restaurant, Taqueria Amor.
“I like a neighborhood bar. I am a beach bum. I grew up spending my summers down the shore, working summers down the shore at different restaurants, pizza shops and ice cream parlors, so a lot of the inspiration comes from my childhood, working, fishing and surfing. We’re trying to create an endless summer in Manayunk,” Spinner told What Now Philadelphia.
The interior will evoke a divey beach spot with a familiar, community-driven feel centered around its intimate 38-seat layout. Vintage photos, artwork and beach memorabilia will line the walls.
“There’ll be a bunch of stuff on the walls, including things from my bedroom down the shore that my parents held onto. There’s surf artwork people have given me over the years, a photo from the ’90s of the entire Wildwood Beach Patrol from a friend who’s a lifeguard, and artwork from another buddy’s grandma. Everything has a story,” he said.
A jukebox stocked with 100 albums spanning classic rock, alternative and punk, all released before 2004, will fill the space with music.
Riptide Tavern will also encourage guests to put their cell phones away.
“I was over in Ireland last year, and a lot of the pubs had a take-your-phone-outside policy. That was big there. We’re implementing the same thing to connect with people again. For me, it just takes me back to my youth, pre-cell phone days, when we hung out and talked to each other,” Spinner said.
The cocktail program will lean into the beachy vibe with orange, grapefruit and lemon crushes alongside signature cocktails, cold beer and shots. Standouts include the “Midnight Luau,” a Hawaiian-inspired espresso martini made with macadamia nut liqueur, espresso liqueur and vanilla vodka; the “Siren Porn Startini” with vanilla vodka and passion fruit liqueur; and a mai tai topped with passion fruit foam and dark rum.
A small food menu will round out the offerings, with everything made from scratch. Items will include fish and chips, chicken fingers and fries, spicy garlic shrimp, crab dip and a prime rib French dip sandwich, along with rotating daily specials.
“We have a talented culinary crew that’s going to be working here, so we’re going to have some great specials. I would always recommend ordering a special. It could be ceviche, a whole fish, steak au poivre,” he said.
Spinner looks forward to welcoming guests into his home away from home.
“It’s been a long time in the making. Seeing everything come together and hearing what people’s reactions are makes me feel good. I’m just excited, we’re getting close.”
Riptide Tavern plans to quietly open at the end of June.
“Once the paper is peeled off the windows, you’ll know we’re probably open,” Spinner said.
Follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
