After a year-long hiatus, Tavern on Camac is back open for business—and this locale will also be debuting a new chef and some updates to its space to accompany its fresh service.
The LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant originally began operations in 1925, making it the longest continually operating gay establishment in the City of Brotherly Love. The building itself holds a lot of history as well—portions of the lower ground floor even played a role in the Underground Railroad.
The Tavern Restaurant closed last August for “major” kitchen and dining room renovations, which included reorienting the kitchen and replacing every fitting, surface, and piece of equipment. The second-floor Ascend Lounge also underwent some updates — including an expanded dance floor and lighting/sound system — and various front-of-house renovations.
One big update comes from the menu, which will now be helmed by 36-year-old Zander Gatta stepping in as Chef de Cuisine. A South Philly native originally from Hammonton, New Jersey, Gatta attended the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing. He also spent time at The Palm AC, The Palm Las Vegas, and three years at Royal Boucherie. There, he spent two years as sous chef, and his final year as Executive Chef, changing the menu seasonally while expanding the restaurant’s charcuterie program, a release notes.
“It was a very difficult decision to leave Royal Boucherie after becoming so close with ownership and everyone there, but I’m very excited about my new role in reopening Tavern on Camac’s kitchen and dining room,” explains Gatta. “I’m committed to keeping the T.O.C. menu seasonal and as local as possible, sourcing from local growers and purveyors while utilizing the culinary techniques that I’ve learned over the years to produce delicious menu items for our customers. I’m excited to take Tavern on Camac’s menu to the next level.”
What can locals find on the list of offerings? Think a Sorrel Salad featuring watercress, goat cheese, cherry, toasted hazelnut and tarragon vinaigrette ($14); Snapper Crudo with watermelon, serrano peppers, lime and olive oil ($17); Chicken Liver Mousse with sour cherry mostarda and cornichon ($15); Bison, Pork Belly and Pickled Shrimp Sliders ($8 apiece), plus some old favorites in the form of a Tavern Burger with gruyere, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato and special sauce ($21) and a Fried Mushroom Sandwich featuring portobello mushrooms, red onion jam, lettuce and lemon aioli ($14.)
While dining here locals can also delve into entrees like Mussels & Shrimp in Brodo with tomato, fennel, parsley, and Mighty Bread sourdough ($17); a Half Roasted Chicken with roasted potato, watercress and chicken jus ($21); Veal Milanese with arugula, fresh herbs, lemon and olive oil ($55); a 12 oz. NY Strip ($42); 18 oz. Ribeye ($55); 14 oz. Double Cut Pork Chop ($28) and to finish everything off on a sweet note, Crème Brulée with chamomile and honey ($9); and a Brownie Sundae featuring Bassetts Vanilla Ice Cream and walnut syrup ($11).
Starters are priced between $7 and $17, sandwiches cost $17 to $21, and entrée prices range between $15 and $55.
Tavern on Camac is open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the kitchen serving until 11 p.m. To find out more information, visit tavernoncamac.com
