What do you do when you’re soaking wet while visiting Cardiff, Wales and want to warm up? You go out for veggie burgers and beer at Urban Tap House in Cardiff! Considered Wales’ first fully devoted craft beer and cider bar, Urban Tap House first opened in September 2013.
Today we’re going back in time and revisiting one of our destinations from our annual New Year’s Eve trip. At the end of December 2013 we were up to the letter “C” so that meant that Mr. TSG and I were going to be in Cardiff. While there, we were able to visit Urban Tap House only months after they opened. As long as there is beer at a destination, it’s pretty easy to convince Mr. TSG that he wants or needs to go inside.
The pictures above show what it looked like outside when we left Urban Tap House. A little damp, but not horrible especially as we looked across the street toward Cardiff Arms Park (now known as BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park as of September 2014). Whether you are looking to watch a rugby game or to see a concert, there’s always something going on at Millennium Stadium. Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones, and U2 all have played here in the past.
You might have guessed that I wouldn’t be so lucky when I first arrived at Urban Tap House and you’d be right. It was cold, rainy, and wet and that made for the perfect excuse for ducking inside and having a pint.
While Mr. TSG ran up to get us a few drinks, I took some pics through the window and inside the bar while trying to dry off. Urban Tab House is part modern industrial and part home basement chic. It’s modern while not being uncomfortable or sterile and unique enough not to feel like a stodgy old pub. The atmosphere is laid back, the staff is helpful and friendly, the food and beer is always great, and the prices are more than reasonable.
It’s definitely all about the beer at Urban Tap House. Look at some of the choices available during my visit: Tiny Rebel Flex, Owtch (Welsh for “hug”), and Dirty Stop Out Nitro, a vegan friendly option. If you’re looking for a gluten-free beer, they also stock Green’s in their fridge so everyone can enjoy a drink at Urban Tap House.
If you like your beer on tap, either from the cask or the keg, you’ll happy to hear that they update their inventory online as they change a barrel. With local, national, and international beers in house, there’s an abundance of beers for the tasting, which you could easily spend an entire day (or night) trying all the different ones available. And how could I possibly turn down a great tasting beer with a teddy bear on the glass?
Now this is the main reason why I wanted to visit Urban Tap House! How can you not get excited to see that they have more than one vegetarian burger from which to choose? You can try the Wild Mushroom (wild mushroom and spinach burger, goat cheese and thyme sauce), the Saag (curried spinach and potato patty – gluten free, too), or the Italian (cannelini bean and basil burger, smoked garlic mayo and sundried tomatoes). Check out the crisp onion rings and those “sexy skin-on fries,” too. Ridiculously fresh and crispy! Mr. TSG requested the deep fried gherkins, which are deep fried in beer batter, and was pleasantly pleased because they were crisp and not soggy.
It’s fairly easy to screw up a veggie burger and I’ve had my share of store bought burgers sold as “homemade” in restaurants. I can confidently say that their veggie burgers are some of the very best I’ve ever eaten anywhere. The delectably crisp and hot veggie burger was served on a fresh-baked bun with lettuce and tomato. The side coleslaw and burger toppings made an ordinary veggie burger no less than extraordinary.
Hey carnivores! Perhaps you’d rather try a real meat burger. No problem! Urban Tap House regular makes the “best burger” list for best burgers in Cardiff. Choose from the Regular, Classic, Signature, Pizza, or one of a number of other burgers. You can even replace your bun with a waffle or create your own burger with #newburgerthursday. What’s that? Submit your burger suggestions and you might find your burger on the menu AND get it for free!
Whether you drop by Urban Tap House for lunch, dinner, a quick drink, or before or after a game, be sure to check out all of their rooms, their Homebrew Club, and events including music, games, and sports. You’re bound to have fun as well as great beer and food when you visit Urban Tap House.
Urban Tap House
25 Westgate Street
Cardiff
CF10 1DD
Phone: 02920 399557
Email: urbantaphouse@tinyrebel.co.uk