Blue Bear Tavern is the new “American Tavern” filling the Doc Watson’s space at 216 S. 11th Street. The former Doc Watson’s Pub, which opened way back when in 1971 and closed in February 2010, has been a perpetual construction zone since it was purchased by Vesper Hospitality Group. These guys are the investors behind Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria and the upcoming Frohman’s Wursthaus by Jose Garces, both just around the corner on 13th Street.  According to Vesper’s site, Blue Bear’s projected opening was September 2010. Both Blue Bear’s Facebook page and website show no new activity since 2010, and a phone call to the restaurant’s phone number says it’s been disconnected. A quick peek at the page for Center City Sips, which began back on June 1st, has Blue Bear Tavern listed as “opening soon.”

Construction had seemingly come to a complete halt for the majority of the spring and summer, but has resumed in the past few weeks.  A spokesperson from Vesper says the majority of construction has been completed, and the finishing touches will be done by next week.  The newly installed barstools, marble bar, booths, light fixtures, and wood floors are swathed in plastic; we will hopefully update next week with new interior photos.