Ah, fall—when a young Philadelphian’s fancy turns lightly to thoughts of pumpkin beer, apple cider and Eastern State Penitentiary. Looking for a spot to grab a drink this autumn? Here’s our list of must-visit locations:
Frankford Hall
Did you think you were finished with beer garden happy hours once summer ended? You thought wrong. Frankford Hall, the German biergarten concept from Steven Starr, is a year-round favorite, and there’s no better time to visit than during the height of Oktoberfest. Order a stein of a hearty German beer like the Hofbrau Dunkel and some wurst, and unwind by one of the many heat lamps that dot this mixed indoor/outdoor space. If you want an activity to go with your drinking, grab one of the Jenga sets Frankford Hall helpfully provides or play a round or two of ping-pong. 1210 Frankford Ave., (215) 634-3338
Lloyd Whiskey Bar
Some liquors and seasons are natural pairings. Summer is for fruity rum drinks. Winter is for vodka, assuming you are in Russia. And nothing goes better with a crisp fall evening than whiskey. At Lloyd Whiskey Bar in Fishtown, bourbon, scotch and the like flow abundant. Try one of the creative spins on classic cocktails, such as the Cinnamon-Grapefruit Old Fashioned or the Jack & Wendy, which is essentially a Manhattan laced with lemon, fresh sage and apricot preserves. If you’re looking to broaden your whiskey palate, order one of the whiskey flights to learn more about categories such as American Ryes and Regional Single Malts.
And of course, like all the best Philly bars, Lloyd has its own version of the Citywide Special: $5 for a Miller High Life and a shot of Old Grandad. 529 E. Girard Ave., (215) 425-4600
Plenty Café
It’s the biggest culinary question of the season: are pumpkin spice lattes delicious or a scourge on coffee culture, and indeed, American society in general? Debate this hot-button issue over one of the many sophisticated coffee-based cocktails at Plenty Café on East Passyunk, such as the San Marco Stroll, a scintillating combination of Philly’s own Bluecoat barrel aged gin, vermouth, Cappelletti, coffee syrup and orange.
If South Philly is too far of a trek, the Rittenhouse Square location of Plenty Café recently announced that it is introducing alcoholic beverages to the menu. Fourteen taps are planned behind the bar—three beers, nine wines, one sangria, and one signature cocktail—so come thirsty! 1710 E. Passyunk Ave., (267) 909-8033
The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell
A visit to Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the top Halloween activities in the city. Calm your nerves after travailing through the “haunted” prison by stopping by the Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell. Guests can enjoy a complimentary Yards Beer, cocktail or soft drink while touring the notorious gangster’s cell block, listening to jazz music and interacting with a colorful cast of characters straight out the Roaring ‘20s (be wary of Billy the Silly—he deals a mean hand of blackjack).
The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell is only available as a $10 add-on experience for Terror Behind the Walls ticketholders, so unfortunately the faint of heart among us won’t get a chance to visit. However, for those who can handle some scares, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy a drink while surrounded by bootlegging history. 2027 Fairmount Ave., (215) 236-3300
Taproom on 19th
Many among us look forward to fall primarily as the beginning of football season, and it follows that there are a lot of bars in Philly where you can catch an Eagles game and sip your Yuengling while noshing on wings. But South Philly’s Taproom on 19th, with its self-described “upscale comfort bar food,” might be the most fun. It’s particularly recommended to hit up the Taproom during Sunday games, when you can pair your brunch with bloody Marys mixed with house-infused black pepper, garlic or celery vodka. If you’re feeling daring, throw back a “breakfast shot” such as the Honeynut Cheerio, made from Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey and Orchata.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t also order some of the zesty Korean wings—they’re delicious anytime, but especially when they’re half-priced on game day. And of course, there’s Yuengling, the nectar and ambrosia of Pennsylvania. However, this time it comes with a twist: Taproom on 19th exclusively has the Lord Chesterfield Ale variety on draft, though you can still get a classic lager in bottle form, should you desire. 2400 S. 19th St., (267) 687-7817
McGillin’s Old Ale House
McGillin’s is the oldest continually operating pub in Philadelphia, so odds are you’ve visited sometime over the past 150 years. Whether McGillin’s is an old haunt or terra incognita, the homey Center City tavern is a wonderful place to cozy up by the fireplace and sip on some seasonally appropriate beverages. This year McGillin’s, like the rest of us, is crazy for pumpkin, with fall drinks including pumpkin martinis, pumpkin chocolate martinis and numerous pumpkin beers. If that’s not enough Cucurbita pepo for you (that’s the scientific name for pumpkin, don’t cha know), chow down on pumpkin mac and cheese and pork pumpkin apple cider stew. 1310 Drury St., (215) 735-5562
- Frankford Hall photo: Frankford Hall
- Plenty Café photo: Plenty Cafe
- Taproom on 19th photo: Michael Strauss
- McGillan's photo: Curt Hudson
