Chap's Taproom — Restaurant in West Norriton Township

Chap's Taproom is one of those timeless bars where the culture and the experience is immediately attained after scaling the stone-carved stairwells of the restaurant's impressive structure. As a former employee and a current regular, Chap's is quite fitting for anyone in search of solace and refreshment. Until 2012, I never knew much about Chap's. Whenever I made the drive to East Norriton to visit family or friends, I seemingly bypassed the hub not knowing exactly what it was. It turned out that Chap's was one of those diamonds in the rough especially residing from the Trappe area. Upon my enlistment with the bar, I quickly realized how much I missed out on such a great tavern. If I learned anything from working there the past three years, Chap's benefits from three important components. The first being the outstanding food and beverages such as their signature buffalo wings and hand-crafted Irish Nachos, the second pertaining to the friendly and well-accommodating staff and lastly the spacious infrastructure of the bar itself. Chap's has plenty of elbow room and for all the right reasons. Unlike many dive bars such as Nippers and Black Stallion that lack the appropriate size, Chap's succeeds in separating its audience. The fact that there are two private dining rooms, a general eatery, a primary bar, a game room, a high-top gallery and a enormous event floor adds even greater value to the tavern making for a wider canvas and a highly-suitable environment for a particular crowd. Since its inception in 1998, Chap’s Taproom & Sports Grill drawn an imposing audience and a loyal following that has forever shaped the East Norriton landscape from this day. The grand vision of Michael Bono came to life when construction finally concluded after two years in 1998. In dedication, Bono coined the bar after his father, Charles “Chap” Bono, and has made its mark in the Jeffersonville community for quite some time. Aside from the history of the bar, Chap's offers its guests more than a place of nourishment but a lodge to create lasting friendships and connections through the food and service. During my three year tenure with the bar, I've seen people come and go, but those that go always manage to revisit time after time. Where there is a beginning, there is no end and with that being said that aphorism ultimately sums up Chap's. If you are looking for a great time whether it be alone or in the company of others, Chap's thrives as an axis of...

My girlfriend and I have been loyal patrons of this restaurant for years, frequently visiting for trivia nights and enjoying the atmosphere. Unfortunately, after tonight, we won’t be returning.

Katherine B., one of the bartenders, was incredibly disrespectful from the moment we arrived. She ignored us, made me shout my first drink order across the bar instead of coming over to take it properly, and her attitude set a sour tone for the evening.

The drinks we ordered became progressively more diluted. By the time I received my last margarita, it tasted like straight mix with no tequila. When I politely mentioned this to Katherine, she brushed off my concern and didn’t even make eye contact. The professional thing to do would have been to remake the drink in front of me, but instead, I felt completely disregarded—especially after we had already spent close to $100 on food and drinks.

What made the experience worse was that it was obvious Katherine was talking about us negatively to the other bartenders. This was both unprofessional and hurtful, and it made us extremely uncomfortable. It felt like we were being targeted all night.

The food was decent, but service like this ruins what used to be one of our favorite spots. I hope management addresses this kind of behavior, as loyal customers like us deserve to feel welcomed and...

Bring Cash! The cost of eating out has gone up, so we do so less these days. We used to go to Chaps about twice a month but haven't been there in maybe 6 months. Like many other places, Chaps now charges a card fee. Makes sense with costs going up though I think it was about 4%, which seems high for my debit card. I carry cash now for this reason but was a few bucks short on the tip, so I charged it. For comparison, Anna's Corner Store charges a flat 50 cents. Food has always been the best bar food in the area. Probably still is but seems a little different now (fries not quite as good, got a few pickle chips instead of a huge spear...) Still very good though. Craft beer prices don't seem to have gone up much if at all and the selection is terrific. Mixed drinks cost more I believe but not certain. Staff is still terrific, especially a few of the bartenders. Still I end up giving 4 stars but I'm open to finding a new favorite place....which may not be out there. Positives: Terrific employees, good craft beer selection and good food. Dings for high card fee and food perhaps a bit less awesome yet still very good. Not sure how prices compare with other, similar places. For example, Fish and Chips cost 17.50. One big piece of cod, fries, coleslaw. The Reuben is probably a good...