The Olde Kensington neighborhood, located from Girard to Cecil B. Moore Avenues between 5th and Front Streets, is an up-and-coming locale in Philadelphia for drinks, food and socializing. Pop into the following spots to enjoy refreshing cider, robust brews and creative dishes, along with some evening entertainment:
Starting point: Cider & Snacks at Original 13 Ciderworks
Start your pub crawl at the newest neighborhood addition: Original 13 Ciderworks. Beverage options include Sir Charles American Pub Cider, Original 13 heirloom ciders, mead, beers on draft and cocktails. The surprisingly creative culinary menu promises to complement the extensive drink menu, including bites for the gluten-free crowd, such as Brussels sprouts with apple, pickled shallot and cider vinaigrette; beets with black garlic puree, shallot, blue cheese and greens; and duck confit with a duck demi, cheese curd and duck fat fries. There’s a whole bookshelf of board games to keep kids entertained, plus a newly installed projector, screening sports games on evenings and weekends. 1526 N. American St.; (215) 765-7000
Next: Pints at Saint Benjamin Brewing Company
An Olde Kensington walkabout is incomplete without a stop into Saint Benjamin Brewing Company to explore the many brew options on tap. As you enjoy a pint or two of Start Today DIPA or Reaper Wheat IPA, be sure to peruse the food menu. Some of the current bites include grilled chicken salad with chipotle ranch, onion rings with an ancho chile aioli and the mouthwatering angus burger with a tasty house remoulade. Follow along on Facebook to keep yourself up to speed on Saint Benjamin’s monthly events, such as the upcoming Holiday Benefit Bingo for Puerto Rico event on Dec. 13. 1710 N. 5th St.; (215) 232-4305
Refuel at ReAnimator Coffee
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Catch a second wind with a pourover coffee or espresso drink at ReAnimator Coffee‘s cafe and roastery. The modern, open space has lots of cozy nooks to take a load off while people-watching the parade of cool kids on both sides of the counter. Take a peek in the back to see the roasters at work, and grab a bag of beans to make tomorrow morning a little bit less harsh. 310 W. Master St.; (267) 758-6264
Classy Cocktails at New Liberty Distillery
New Liberty Distillery offers tours and tastings at various times throughout the year, but did you know that it’s also a spot to belly up to the bar and enjoy creative cocktails made with its top-notch spirits? Whether whiskey, bourbon, rum or vodka pique your palate, New Liberty Distilling offers all of these options and more. 1431 N. Cadwallader St.; (800) 996-0595
Nightcap: Evil Genius Beer Company
Before you hop back on the El, duck into Evil Genius Beer Company‘s inviting taproom. Sure, technically it’s just across the border from Olde Kensington, but it’s close enough to warrant a visit! Evil Genius’ tasty and bizarrely named brews fill the tap list, and the exciting events which they offer, like tap socials and burlesque shows, make it well worth a visit. 1727 Front St.; (215) 425-6820
Bonus: Keystone Mini Golf & Arcade
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If you prefer to punctuate a bar crawl with some wholesome fun, head just half a block north of Olde Kensington on Cecil B. Moore Ave. to Keystone Mini Golf and Arcade where kids of all ages can enjoy arcade games and 18-hole mini golf. This spot makes for a great date night, or an evening out with friends, and as a precursor to the other spots to visit on this list. 161 Cecil B. Moore Ave.; (267) 627-GOLF.
- Original 13 Ciderworks photos: Original 13 Ciderworks
- New Liberty Distillery exterior photo: Quaker City Mercantile
- Evil Genius Beer Company interior photo: Evil Genius Beer Company
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