Main Street Tap House
209 Main Street, Placerville, 530-330-4648, taphouseonmainstreet.com, @mainstreettaphouse
Location, location, location.” I’ve heard it said a million times in regards to the potential success of a restaurant. If that’s the case, then Main Street Tap House in Downtown Placerville can look forward to a healthy 2021, and beyond—they have location in spades. Sited just off Highway 50 on Main Street, you literally can’t miss it.
Baby Back Ribs; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
The eatery has something else in spades that visitors will appreciate—their parking lot—as spots can be a precious commodity in the historic hamlet’s downtown district. They also have a beautiful open bar that will soon be serving patrons their favorite libations (after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted). In the meantime, there are high-top tables in front of the bar, abundant indoor seating options, and a spacious patio area.
Louisiana Shrimp Dip; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
I stopped in for lunch on a sunny winter day to sample the fare and gaze longingly at the brew and cocktail menu (alas, no designated driver). I asked my server for their recommendations and was told to start with the Louisiana shrimp dip. The cheesy amalgamation came scorching hot in a cast iron pan with those “tri-color tortilla chips” made popular in the ’90s. The dip itself was tangy (pickled jalapeños?), cheesy, and beloved by my friend and fellow dining partner.
Mexicano Flatbread; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
Next on the list: Mexicano flatbread with chorizo, steak, jalapeño crema, pickled jalapeños, onions, olives, tomatoes, and jack cheese. The verdict? A generously portioned fiesta de sabor (flavor party), including a kick from the capsicum, that would be plenty as an entrée or shareable appetizer.
Berry Shortcake; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
I took a chance on my server’s next suggestion of baby back ribs in honey sriracha barbecue sauce. I review a lot of BBQ and a lot of ribs, and I also review actual barbecues and smokers, so I have some opinions. This rendition was wonderfully meaty and plated nicely, though they would have benefitted from a low and slow cook (my preference). The fries and cilantro-fennel slaw served alongside it were superb, however.
Korean Pork Street Tacos; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
The Korean pork street tacos were my favorite dish of the day; the sriracha barbecue sauce wasn’t overpowering, and the combo of pork and pineapple salsa was akin to al pastor. They came three to an order, which was enough to share.
Stop in for one of their 20-plus beers on tap (many brewed locally) and a bite to eat, and bring your friends!
Main Street Tap House; by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
Hours: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday); 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Friday-Saturday)
Try This: Louisiana Shrimp Dip, Chicken and Chorizo Mac n Cheese, Tequila Lime Steak Salad, Mexicano Flatbread, Korean Pork Street Tacos, BOJ (Bacon, Onion, Jam) Burger, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Berry Shortcake
Drinks: Full bar; beer, wine, & cocktails
Tab: $$
by Lorn Randall
photos by DANTE FONTANA
Photos by Dante Fontana ©
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