Philadelphia is a city that truly embraces the art of drinking, offering an impressive array of venues catering to every possible taste. From sophisticated cocktail lounges to cozy dive bars, here’s a rundown of the best places to grab a drink in the City of Brotherly Love, highlighting the unique features that set each location apart.
Let’s start with the **Best New Cocktail Bar**: **Almanac**. Located at 310 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106, this bar is inspired by nature’s cycles, offering a menu that changes with the seasons. With locally sourced ingredients and an izakaya-inspired food menu, Almanac combines meticulous drink crafting with a captivating ambiance created by its swanky decor and moody lighting.
For wine lovers, the **Best New Wine Bar** in town is **Supérette**, at 1538 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147. This charming location transports its patrons to a European wine experience, featuring a handpicked list curated by sommelier Kaitlyn Caruke. Don’t miss out on their soft serve, making the experience feel akin to indulging in a South of France escape right in South Philly.
If you’re looking for the ideal spot for after-work relaxation, **Kiddo** is the place to be for **Happy Hour**. Conveniently situated at 1138 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Kiddo offers half-priced seasonal pastas and affordable drinks, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Their happy hour is available four days a week, making it an excellent go-to for work friends and guests alike.
Stepping into history, **A Man Full of Trouble** represents the **Best Old New Bar** in Philadelphia. Situated at 127 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, this pre-Revolutionary War tavern has been revitalized to feature tasting options from Succession Fermentory. Known for its farmhouse ales brewed with local ingredients, this bar is sure to please any beer enthusiast.
Moving on to the **Best Urban Winery**, we have **Pray Tell**. Located at 1615 North Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, this establishment brings the romance of winemaking from the West Coast directly to Kensington. Tom Caruso, with his extensive winemaking experience, showcases elegant, low-intervention wines crafted from top-quality grapes, reminding us of the true essence of vino.
For those looking to socialize with a group, **Jaffa Bar**, found at 1625 North Howard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, is the **Best Place to Roll with a Crew**. This two-story oyster bar boasts a vibrant atmosphere where guests can enjoy fine dining upstairs and a more laid-back setting below, complete with gin cocktails, fantastic music, and a mouthwatering selection of oysters and unique dishes.
**Cider Belly Hard Cider**, located at 8005 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, earns the title of **Best Cidery**. Specializing in European-style ciders, this local favorite sources apples from nearby orchards, creating a diverse array of flavorful, dry ciders. Sipping on their signature offering, Wissahickon, provides a delightful taste of Pennsylvania’s natural bounty.
If you’re searching for a lively spot where pizza meets cocktails, **Sorellina** at 699 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, is your destination. This vibrant eatery, linked to chef Joe Cicala’s fine-dining establishment Cicala at the Divine Lorraine, stands in stark contrast to its sibling with a casual atmosphere, high-hydration pizza crusts, and street-inspired Italian hip-hop music. Be sure to try one of their innovative cocktails alongside delicious offerings like burrata and pistachio pesto pizza.
**Bar Palmina**, located at 1306 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, is recognized as the **Best N/A Bar** in the city. Founded by Nikki Graziano after her personal journey toward sobriety, Bar Palmina features creatively crafted zero-proof cocktails. With exciting options like a yuzu negroni, Bar Palmina caters to those seeking flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives.
For a pre-concert or pre-gaming locale, **Izzy’s Cocktail Bar** is your best bet. Situated at 35 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, this izakaya is known for its bustling atmosphere where patrons can enjoy creative cocktails and a menu featuring delightful offerings such as hand rolls and bao. Izzy’s is perfect for gathering friends before an event or simply for a fun night out.
Last but not least, **Mickey’s Tavern**, positioned at 129 South State Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082, has earned accolades as the **Best Dive Bar**. With its genuine dive bar charm, Mickey’s embraces a blend of locals from various walks of life, creating a warm and inviting community ambiance. Enjoy reasonably priced drinks while mingling in an atmosphere often filled with the sounds of sports broadcasts and lively karaoke nights.
In conclusion, Philadelphia’s drinking scene offers something for everyone. From upscale cocktail lounges to cozy, lively dive bars, these ten spots are sure to cater to any type of evening out you’re looking for.
Plan your next outing confidently, knowing these curated selections will provide some of the best drinks experiences in the city.
image source from:phillymag