Uncommonly Keen

The 10 best restaurants in the Upper Kirby district.

Comments (0) By Katharine Shilcutt and Fuentes, Monica Wednesday, Dec 5 2012

Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. opened in the old Dragon Bowl space at Shepherd and 11th Street, bringing another excellent craft beer selection to the Heights. Owner Ken Bridge (who owned Dragon Bowl, and who also runs Lola, Pink's Pizza and Shepherd Park Draught House) was on hand when I visited this past week, showing his new chefs how to cook up a menu of simple pub favorites.

I even got a quick peek in the back, where Bridge has built possibly the finest tap room in town; each keg has its own individual regulators, and there's plenty of room for cask ales, too. Witchcraft also has the same rock and roll vibe of Shepherd Park Draught House, with more of Bridge's rock memorabilia on display and a stunning piece of wall art made out of retro speakers.

Gary R. Wise

Breakfast thali at Pondicheri.

Katharine Shilcutt

An oyster-filled po-boy at BB's Cafe.

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And speaking of craft beer, a new underdog is set to be the best bar to open on Washington Avenue since the original incarnation of Pearl Bar: The appropriately named Underdog's has been operating quietly in the old Lot space for the last four months, offering an incredible selection of microbrews at ridiculous prices. I'm talking $3 for nearly any pint — even stuff like Saint Arnold Pumpkinator and Sixpoint Autumnation — and only $6 for heavy-duty brews like Narwhal. It's the best-kept secret on Washington Avenue for now, but I doubt it'll stay that way for long.

And after months of anticipation, The Pass portion of The Pass & Provisions finally opened last Tuesday.