Much like Winberie’s before it, Black Powder Tavern has been billed as a revival more than a first-run production. Established back in 1746, the structure has a long history of tavern-esque transformations. Adjacent to Gateway Shopping Center in Wayne, the storied spot was a meeting place for George Washington and a secret hub for a munitions stash (hence the name).
Unveiled last fall, the latest incarnation is a tribute to that rich history, as conceived by the Ohio-based Select Restaurants. Its oak flooring, unadorned wood tabletops and period sconces gently nudge diners into the past.
The menu, however, is anything but dated. From the deviled eggs crowned with Ducktrap trout to the crispy-skinned,
hoisin-spiced chicken wings, contemporary sensibilities pervade Gary Summers’ inventive take on approachable comfort food. The reuben incorporates pastrami-smoked salmon and Brie, while the bold bánh-mì-style hot dogs come with shrimp chips. Our white-wine-and-sesame-ginger mussels were tender and aromatic, and the Nutella-marshmallow-banana s’mores made for a dreamy send-off.
For beer geeks, the bar features some two dozen craft brews on tap. And a locally focused drink menu should raise the snow-battered spirits of those craving summer.
1164 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, (610) 293-9333, www.blackpowdertavern.com.
