Good Grub on Tap This Spring

For all the advances in patio-warming technology, there’s nothing quite like shaking off winter’s shackles to enjoy true outdoor dining.

The Tap offers generous patio seating overlooking the State Street corridor to Purdue University. It’s a good way to enjoy the bustling campus vibe and strong food options among what the Tap (located in the Rise building) calls “elevated” pub fare.

Tasty appetizers like Firecracker Shrimp and the Feisty Feta Spread tip toward the spicy side, but plenty of straightforward options are available. Trying to split the difference? The Tap Fries offer four differently delicious dips for the crispy, house-seasoned taters — beer cheese, Parmesan garlic aioli, sun-dried tomato pesto crema, and chipotle ranch.

Main courses include a variety of burgers, sandwiches, entrée salads, wraps and pizzas. There’s one for all tastes, from traditional to try-anything. You could push the pepper envelope with the Smoky Ghost pizza’s ghost pepper infusion or the sriracha, red and jalapeño blend on the pounded-patty Sriracha Turkey Burger. On the lighter side, the Sesame Salmon Salad brings some zing with Asian sesame dressing atop greens and grilled salmon.