As summer comes to a close, we’ll say goodbye to all of Philly’s beloved hot weather customs, including seasonal happy hour specials. To make sure you get a last round in, here’s our last-minute guide to the best discounts on cocktails, wine, beer, and appetizers in town.
Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
For the 20th year in a row, Center City District SIPS has been making Center City a deal hotspot on summer Wednesdays. Until Aug. 28, more than 90 restaurants are offering $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer, and half-priced appetizers.
- For classic wine: Give Butcher Bar’s red zinfandel a try. It pairs well with their selection of meats and comfort food offerings.
- For a cocktail: Check out the Italian restaurant Via Locusta, which is serving a Hugo spritz — a prosecco, elderflower, mint, and lemon mix.
- For a great view: Attico Rooftop has lounge seating 15 stories up, plus the $8 Attico burger, made with black angus beef, fontina cheese, shallot jam, and aioli.
If you don’t want to pack in drinks and food by 7 p.m., some locations, like Uptown Beer Garden, will have 15% off dinner after happy hour ends!
I tried the Buffalo Wings at Pizzata Pizzeria, a new restaurant in South Philly that is participating in the Passyunk Passeggiata. These half-dozen wings with a side of ranch were very filling — and just $7. (Abby Fritz/City Cast Philly)
Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
East Passyunk Avenue is celebrating the hot season with happy hour and sidewalk specials all along the Avenue between Wharton and McKean Streets. The passeggiata — which in Italy refers to an end-of-day stroll in a town's central plaza — is put on by the East Passyunk Business Improvement District and runs until the end of August. Each of the 40+ participating businesses has different pricing and deals.
- For cocktails: Try the $7 rum punch at the Carribean restaurant Ocho Rios Parrilla.
- For on-tap specials: The brewery Human Robot SÜD has $5 Hallertau Pilsners, a German-style brew. While you’re there, check out their unique 10-ounce “Milktube” invention, which is a glass of beer foam. (Pro tip: The Milktube is only $2 on “Tubular Tuesdays.”)
- For a wine go-to: Barcelona Wine Bar has one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the United States. It’s offering a $6 wine option during the passeggiata.
Make sure you take a walk down the whole East Passyunk promenade, because some stores will have sidewalk sales or other deals, like 20% off all services at the hair salon Headhunters Hair Design.
Fishtown TAPS
Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Summer can’t claim all of the best deals in town! Although Fishtown TAPS started in June, it will run all the way through October. Hosted by the Fishtown District, this neighborhood event brings $5 beers, $6 wines, $7 cocktails, and appetizer specials to participating businesses.
- For classic drinks: Cover all your beverage bases at Saint Lazarus Bar, which is offering both Downeast cider and Philly’s classic citywide special — a beer with a shot of whiskey — for $5 each.
- For the more adventurous drinkers: Check out Izakaya Fishtown, which is serving up $7 sake sangria.
- For hot weather favorites: Two Robbers Fishtown has $7 frozen piña coladas to keep you cool.
- For specialty appetizers: If you like smoked meat that’s locally sourced, Fette Sau is a good stop for $4 chicken legs with spicy slaw.
Let us know if you make it out for last call on these deals! Cheers!
