by Jordyn Kimelheim
Crunchy West Philadelphia is more known for kombucha and co-ops than a thriving bar scene. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some gems nestled along the neighborhood’s leafy streets. Here we feature a few of our favorite West Philly watering holes.
Local 44
A Spruce Hill institution, Local 44 is, as you’d imagine, the “local” of a swathe of loyal customers. The beer list is on point, but Local 44 truly shines when it comes to food. There are plenty of delicious vegan options for those who need them (to no one’s surprise—this is a neighborhood where even corner stores sell seitan cheesesteaks), but Local 44 also features a great cheeseburger for more carnivorously inclined diners. The Happy Hour menu is particularly worth trying, with snacks such as sriracha pickled eggs and scallion hushpuppies retailing for $3–$4 each. There’s also an attached bottle shop, so you can bring some beer home for later. 4333 Spruce St., (215) 222-2337
Fiume
Hidden away on the second floor of one of West Philly’s many Ethiopian restaurants (Abyssinia downstairs is itself a fine place to go for a brew and some injera) is Fiume, an honest-to-god speakeasy. Like speakeasies of yore, the décor is bare-bones—think folding chairs and card tables. Space is limited, yet remarkably Fiume manages to showcase 150 beers and 80 whiskeys in a bar the size of a studio bedroom. The friendly and knowledgeable bartenders are always happy to help you select from the beer list, and the whiskey-oriented cocktail menu is superb. Fair warning: Fiume is cash-only, so hit up an ATM before you arrive. Bonus: Fiume is open 365 days a year, so if you find yourself alone on Christmas, Fiume has you covered. 229 S. 45th St., (215) 387-2424
Dock Street Brewery
A bit down always-hopping Baltimore Avenue is Dock Street Brewery, a brewpub that perpetually has unique beers on tap. Dock Street classics include the Rye IPA and Man Full of Trouble Porter, but the adventurous drinker might have the opportunity to sample concoctions like a Walking Dead-themed beer made with smoked goat brains. Dock Street also serves wood-fired pizzas, so you’ll have something hearty to soak up all those hops (and those brains, occasionally). 701 S. 50th St., (215) 726-2337
Clarkville
Competing with Dock Street Brewery on the pizza and craft beer front is Clarkville, a recently opened venture from the owners of Local 44. This colorfully decorated gastropub is kid-friendly, featuring a children’s menu and even a kids’ happy hour special. Adults can enjoy numerous local beers on tap, including a few special collaborations with local breweries, such as the Unity, a Kölsch from Victory Brewing Company. Don’t forget to order a pizza to split with the table—the Loaded Potato Pie is this correspondent’s favorite. 4301 Baltimore Ave., (215) 387-4992
Gojjo
Per the owners, Gojjo translates to “a cozy home or hut” in Amharic, and the name is fitting—this Ethiopian bar and restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere. Grab a drink or some Ethiopian food (the Ethiopian Cheesesteak is highly recommended) and unwind while catching a game on one of the bar’s several TVs. There’s also outdoor seating in the backyard and on the second floor patio, so skip the crowds elsewhere and enjoy your own private beer garden. 4540 Baltimore Ave., (215) 386-1444
Dahlak
At this authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant (sensing a theme to this list?) meals are served on a mesob, a traditional round table designed for communal eating. After dinner, head to the back to the bar area, complete with outdoor seating options. The cocktails are cheap and strong, and the bar play hosts to frequent events such as poetry readings and DJ nights. 4708 Baltimore Ave., (215) 726-6464
- Local 44 & Clarkville photos: Peter Murray Photography
- Dock Street Brewery photo: Aleksandr Certo-Ware
