As we hinted at in today’s Metro the Public House people are taking over the Independence Brew Pub and installing a sports bar, the Field House.

THE OWNERS of the Public House (18th & Cherry) will soon open the Field House (1150 Filbert), a giant, high-end sports bar on the site of the former Independence Brew Pub, which closed abruptly last month.
Brian Harrington confirmed yesterday that he and partner Gary Cardi signed a lease last week on the property and are hoping for a Nov. 15 opening.

They’re going for a similar American fare menu to their popular Public House, and Harrington says “it’s not your onion rings and frozen appetizers type of place.” The bar will have a raw bar and the pair hope to attract conventioneers as well as catering to a local crowd.

Big new sports bar is on deck [Philadelphia Daily News]

Where to go to watch the Kentucky Derby? With Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby colliding it seems that the horses are taking a back seat to Mexico’s celebration of beating the French. But there are a few places out there that are focusing on Derby fans.

At the Public House they’re hosting “Hats and Horses” where picking the winning trifecta will net you a $500 gift card and ladies wearing their best hat get a complimentary cocktail.

The recently reopened Misconduct Tavern is also catering to the race fan. There will be the pre-requisite Mint Juleps, as well as a special Southern menu served all day.

O’Neals, named one of America’s best sports bars by the Sporting News gives you the best of both worlds with high-def horse racing, mint juleps as well as $3 Mexican beers.

Or if you want to see some horses up close, head to Philadelphia Park where there is live racing as well as simulcasting of the Derby. And of course you can bet there.

Public House invites ladies to build their very own martinis for just $5 from 6-10 pm every Friday for the rest of the summer.

Public House [Official Site]