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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

Did you know April 7 is National Beer Day? On this day in 1933, 

 for the first time since Prohibition began, marking the beginning of the end of the dry era.

Breweries are a part of Philly history, so much so that we have 

. Curious how Philly’s finest brewers make their beer? Discover the secrets and taste it for yourself on these tours.

 went from brewing beers from a small location in Manayunk in the 1990s to running its huge Northern Liberties facility today. Find out how all of it came to be! On a tour, you can get a look-through of the facility, a beer sample, a full beer, and a souvenir. 

 everyday of the week. Right now you can get half-off tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

 has locations in Point Breeze and Fishtown. If you want to take a tour, those are 

. For $10, you can sample a couple of beers and receive a pint glass and sticker. The tour runs for about 30 minutes and is available by appointment on Saturdays at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Larger groups can be accommodated on different days of the week upon request.

Walk down Frankford Avenue and you’ll stumble upon several breweries, craft halls, and neighborhood bars. Operating from the nearly 150-year-old Weisbrod & Hess Oriental Brewing Company facility, 

. is keeping the River Wards’ beer-making tradition alive. This brewery leads 

 of the month at noon and 2 p.m. Stop by and learn more about the building’s history and see where the beers are brewed and bottled. Keep your eyes peeled for Duke the Brewery Cat while looking around!

Co-owned by brothers Richard and Mengistu, 

 in Pennsylvania. The University City brewery offers tours Friday through Sunday between noon and 4:30 p.m. Guests receive a souvenir glass, a vinyl-branded sticker, $1 off all draft beer the same day, a coupon for a return visit, and a complimentary pour of Good Jawn (Pale Ale), Nubian (Brown Ale), or Clean Sweep (Pilsner). 

Philadelphia Hops and History Walking Tour

 narrows its focus to the Spring Garden section of the city. Attendees can sample up to 12 different beers from three stops while learning about Philly beer history. This walking tour is on Saturdays and is $75 per person. The 

 is your crash course to the beer scene in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Round-trip transportation is provided. This tour is available Wednesday through Saturday and is $85 per person.

Have a Drink at Philly’s Touring Beer Garden

Philly’s history with beer goes as far back as the city’s founding. These are the breweries continuing that legacy. 


Where To Go on a Brewery Tour in Philly

Tours on Tap: See How Philly Beer is Made

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Parks on Tap, the popular touring beer garden, returns for its ninth year, spanning 27 weeks until mid-October.

The season kicks off on April 8 at Azalea Garden, a scenic area near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Lloyd Hall Recreation Center featuring gorgeous flora once in full bloom. The pop-up will remain there until April 19, before moving around the rest of the city.

The series is free entry, but food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. Vendors take credit cards or cash, but a card is preferred.

A portion of all proceeds goes to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to fund projects such as trail improvements, tree plantings, and movie nights.

You must be 21+ with a valid form of ID to enter, and alcoholic drinks must stay within the restricted area. Younger attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Some seating will be available on-site, but feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs to lounge in the parkland.

The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Offerings include a pulled pork sandwich ($16), a loaded Mexican hot dog ($10), and a veggie crunch wrap ($14). Select vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.

For drinks, you can sip on options like spicy mango margaritas ($12), draft beers ($8), and wines ($11). If you want a zero-proof drink, you can choose from lemonade ($3), soda ($3), or Athletic Brewing Company’s N/A drinks ($8).

Parks on Tap will rotate between 25 parks, spending five days at each location (Azalea Garden will host two consecutive weeks). Here are the first few stops:

​​Full Parks on Tap Schedule

Find the seasonal pop-up at these Philly parks.

Philly’s Traveling Beer Garden Returns for 2026 Season

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

City Cast Philly staff

Why do some pasta dishes use some noodle shapes over others? Which sauce should you be using? These are the questions Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri aims to answer in his aptly named new book, 

Vetri recently joined City Cast Philly at the Fitler Club, where he delivered a 

, discussed his career trajectory, and revealed his favorite restaurant in the city. Want to recreate one of his dishes? Check out his tips on making the best pasta.

Vetri’s book featured several commandments for cooks to live by. The seventh commandment is “Thou shalt use a maximum of three key ingredients in a pasta dish.”

“Everything that I’ve made that’s really resonated with everybody eating it, it’s always been super simple,” Vetri said. “And it’s always been three main flavors.”

Restraint is the most important aspect of cooking. If you have the sudden urge to add something else, stop and consider that what the dish actually needs is nothing else. Three is best. Four is pushing it. Five is too much.

“ When you think about history and why certain things are with certain things, you have to remember they ate that because that's all that was available,” Vetri said.

Vetri said that while you can flavor noodles with a variety of ingredients, certain Roman dishes are the way they are because that’s how the people in that region ate them for decades, and “you don’t wanna mess with that.”

If you’re new to the kitchen and intimidated by what you see, Vetri said there are no rules, just guidelines.

“Making fresh noodles is not that hard. When you see the flour, and you see the egg, you start to get nervous about stuff, right?” Vetri said. “You’re like, ‘Oh my God, what’s gonna happen? It’s gonna explode.’ But you can measure. You have a recipe: one cup, two cups, whatever it is.”

You don’t have to go 100% by the book; you can make adjustments as needed. Let the instructions guide you in the right direction.

Find the Right Rhythm When Rolling Your Dough

When mixing, Vetri approaches his dough in a left-and-right motion. When making your first rollout, he recommends that your dough be just a little thick.

Measure the Right Thickness for Your Noodle

When hand-making your pasta, you should be able to see through your noodles. Aim for just a slight thickness when making fettuccine.

Vetri said that fettuccine can be served with just about anything. His go-to sauces? A meat ragu or bolognese.

🎧 Need someone to show you the ropes around the kitchen? Vetri Community Partnership 

The chef and owner behind local restaurants Fiorella and Vetri Cucina promoted his new book with a live demonstration and left us with key pasta-making tips.

Learn How To Make Pasta With Philly Chef Marc Vetri

Alisha Miranda

The Caesar salad is one of the most iconic dishes in the world; it’s a tangy-creamy-crunchy salad, made with just a few star ingredients, with a recipe over a century old. Here in Philadelphia, you can get a classic Caesar at Italian joints like 

, but what’s most exciting these days is chefs reimagining the salad with multicultural influences and global ingredients.

Here are four places serving the best new school Caesar salads in Philly today.

 features a light, vinegary, and tangy dressing made from “bagoong” – fermented shrimp – that’s often used in Filipino recipes. Also in Tabachoy’s salad is Napa cabbage, mustard greens, mint, sesame oil, fried shallots, Thai red chile, and cured egg yolk. This Caesar salad is a perfect tart bite to accompany the rich, savory Filipino-American menu. Pro-tip: The dressing can be adjusted for shellfish allergies.

 zeroes in on umami flavors. The dressing includes smoked herring and fermented black garlic for a nuttier and smokier flavor, spooned onto the bottom of the plate. From there, three types of lettuce are layered on top: little gem, romaine, and radicchio. The salad is finished with shaved egg yolk and Japanese bread crumbs.

MidKid goes big with their Caesar. First, bitter chicories and classic romaine hearts are sourced from regional farms. Owner Matt Cahn says: “Chicories work with Caesar because bitterness cuts fat, sharpens umami, balances salt, and adds structure, keeping a rich dressing from just tasting heavy.” The dressing is bright but sharp, with plenty of black pepper, anchovy, Worcestershire, capers, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Leftover house-made focaccia is also turned into garlic Parmesan croutons. The salad is finished with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and showered with shaved Pecorino. Bonus: You can add a 

 or opt for a vegan “Seaweed Caesar.”

High Street celebrates New American regional cooking, so it’s no surprise their 

 is modernized with romaine or kale, tahini dressing, parmesan, boquerones, sunflower seeds, and large baguette crisps. But the sleeper hit is their 

 (a seasonal special) with radicchio, anchovy cream, breadcrumbs, and grilled lemon.

Local chefs are reimaging the classic dish served before your entree with global ingredients. 

Where To Find the Best Caesar Salads in Philly

A Guide to Philly’s Best New-School Caesar Salads

Philadelphia is a come-as-you-are city where dining out doesn’t require wearing a tie or breaking the bank. That’s thanks to a crop of new generation chefs offering tasting menus that are more casual and affordable — no special occasion needed. Think progressive-course menus that often highlight seasonal ingredients and global influences, cost $100 or less per person, and last under two hours.

Reservations are the best way to secure a table, as seating times and options may be limited.

Tasting menus are prix-fixe: The menu and cost are pre-determined, and diners must commit to the full experience. So substitutions, dietary restrictions, and allergies may not be accommodated.

Pro-tip: Check sample menus online or contact the restaurant if you have questions.

Beverages and pairings, like wine, are separate costs. So are tax and tip.

Here’s where to book some of Philadelphia’s most affordable tasting menus right now.

Chef-owner Chance Anies’ Filipino-American BYOB is best enjoyed with a group as dishes are served family-style at the cozy rowhome-turned-restaurant. For $55 per person, you get a feast of family-inspired recipes: three appetizers, a small plate, an entree, and dessert.

 | 723 Chestnut St. (Washington Square West)

Stephen Starr’s Morimoto has been serving up some of the best sushi in town since 2001. Can’t decide what to get for the table? Share the 

 for $75, which includes a mix of five kinds of sushi (10 pieces), Tamago egg omelet, and two maki rolls (six pieces each). Or order the $125 combo to double the amount of food.

Don’t let this members-only, polished South Philly spot intimidate you — the menu and service are approachable. Chef-partner Edmund Konrad’s 

 takes inspiration from Italian, Polish, Pennsylvanian, and Japanese cuisines. It’s only $95 per person, plus $65 for the beverage pairing. It also rotates thematically and seasonally, with the salmon crudo being a constant day-one signature dish.

, booking a table at this 24-seat restaurant that’s only open Monday through Friday for two seatings (6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) might prove difficult. But it’s worth it! The $97-per-person seven-course 

 reflects a blend of French, Italian, and American Jewish cuisines through both shareable and individual plates. It changes every few weeks (and sometimes day-to-day), so set an alert for the third Sunday of the month on 

Special Dining Experiences in Philly

Multi-hour-long, Euro-centric prix-fixe menus that cost hundreds of dollars are out, and multicultural tasting menus with casual vibes and affordable price tags are in for 2026.

Your Guide to Affordable Tasting Menus in Philadelphia

Philadelphia knows world-class dining and entertainment. We also like to combine the two, with venues serving dinner while hosting jazz nights, cabaret, piano shows, and even opera performances.

Need a unique idea for a night out? This is our guide to see jazz, cabaret, and DJs while dining.

, with a history spanning over 100 years, has been revived and now hosts free 

 every Sunday. Reserve a table in the main dining room where blues and jazz performers share the stage under a grand mezzanine from 6 to 9 p.m. Rex offers a full menu of coastal Southern cuisine during performances. Don’t miss their fried green tomatoes, catfish and waffles, or signature shrimp and grits.

The Library Bar inside The Rittenhouse Hotel

 | 210 W. Rittenhouse Square (Rittenhouse)

Sultry music, leather chairs, and vintage books make for an intimate evening at The Library Bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Here, vocalists and solo musicians perform jazz renditions from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Order a classic cocktail inspired by “The Great Gatsby,”

like the Hemingway daiquiri, to learn why this bar is consistently ranked among the best in the city.

This 50-seat candlelit bar is known for creative cocktails, comforting tavern fare, and jazz trios who perform here every Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (and sometimes on Monday nights). No tickets or reservations are required. The good vibes continue upstairs in their sister bar, 

 that welcomes vinyl lovers and live musicians.

This lively Japanese izakaya, a sister restaurant of Queen Village’s 

, now hosts a live jazz series inspired by New York’s Tomi Jazz on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m., featuring rotating food and drink specials under $20. No reservations, and first-come, first-served. Come here after work to watch from a table or the bar rail as jazz duos perform in front of the Sansom Street-facing window in the side dining room.

 also hosts free jazz performances on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A roaring fireplace, wood-paneled walls, a stiff martini, and a plate of fries hit different here.

 is the only Philadelphia restaurant where you can watch Broadway stars perform cabaret numbers up close. Dinner begins between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and includes a three-course meal followed by an intimate musical experience featuring award-winning actresses, singers, composers, and jazz pianists. 

 ‘70s-sound lounge are more your vibe, Percy has you covered. DJs spin records here several times a week, typically starting at 6 p.m. on weeknights and 9 p.m. on weekends. Tickets range from free to $10 per person, depending on the event. Eat dinner from the diner-inspired menu in the main restaurant beforehand, then enjoy a post-dinner drink inside the lounge.

😋 Plus, where to listen to opera while you eat!

Need a unique idea for a night out? Check out our guide to see jazz and cabaret while dining.

Best Dinner and a Show Experiences in Philadelphia

Where To Have Dinner and a Show in Philly

Happy Hour has become the go-to activity to kick back and relax after work. But what if you’re sober, cutting back on your alcohol intake, or just tired of 

hanging out at the bar? Finding after-hours hangs can be tough, but if you look close enough, Philly has a range of zero-proof options to start your night with.

You deserve a treat after work. If you’re craving something sweet, visit Chinatown’s 

 Cake and Cafe. Known for its cute pastries in unique shapes like lambs and pandas, customers can opt for just a slice or the whole cake. If you’re feeling thirsty, you can choose from milkshakes, hot tea, or bubble tea. A La Mouse is open until 11 p.m. every day except Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended until midnight.

, Fishtown’s non-alcoholic bar 一 and the only one left in the city. If you are looking for the bar experience with exclusively zero-proof options, its extensive menu changes regularly. Sip on these craft cocktails anytime between 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Catch up on the latest releases or watch some niche films with 

, sci-fi, or genre-bending flicks, movie nights can be a laid-back way to socialize with other movie buffs.

Not everyone is comfortable with solo nighttime outings in nature. Instead, try getting some fresh air at night with groups like 

. These birding clubs host meetups in the evening, as both dawn and dusk are optimal to catch avians in flight. And if you want to explore on your own time, 

If you want to talk (or yell) over something other than a drink, why not a board game? 

, including Queen & Rook, Board and Brew, and BUBS.

 also has an extensive game library, from card games to video games, available during its regular game nights. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are also available. Be sure to visit Maisy’s on other nights for a Super Smash melee tournament, trading card night, and Mario Kart tournament.

Who said skating was just for the kids? Local roller rinks such as 

 Skate Center are open every day of the week.

In addition to its regular programming, Philly Skateplex hosts adult skate nights with the schedule as follows:

Wednesdays, 9 p.m. to midnight with $10 admission

Thursdays, 9:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. with $13 admission

Thursdays (R&B Skate), 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with $13 admission

Saturdays, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. with $13 admission

Sundays (R&B Skate), 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with $15 admission

Rolling Thunder offers specials, including $1 admission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and $2 admission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

🎧 Want even more suggestions? Be sure to 

listen to today's episode of City Cast Philly

 for ABV-free clubs to join, places to dance, and comedy clubs to laugh in all night long.

Wind down after your 9-5 with these alcohol-free activities around Philly.

Low Cost & Low ABV Philly Activities

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

In 2025, Philadelphia third graders were 

over 50% of Philadelphia adults read at a fifth-grade level or less

With this in mind, one Philadelphia restaurant is trying to bridge the literacy gap by amplifying the work of authors, generating excitement about books, and supporting local charities — all over a shared meal.

, a new American restaurant in Rittenhouse, hosts book dinners in its dining space, with recent guest appearances from authors Jo Piazza, Emma Copley Eisenberg, Liz Moore, and Leni Zumas. Co-owners Nicole Barrick and Brett Naylor, who have supported local causes through happy hour fundraisers, discussed different ideas before landing on the dinners.

“I love reading, but I also love the arts,” Barrick said. “Part of our thing has been to really try to figure out ways to also incorporate our support for the arts and creative work that people do.”

Participating authors are usually local, but Wilder has branched out to invite other authors if they have a new book and if a food connection can be made.

Barrick said the draw for the experience is that readers can share an intimate space with an author alongside only about 20 other guests. And though books are at the top of the discussion, the talk feels nothing like a lecture.

“People are eating and drinking, and it's a more relaxed atmosphere that allows for just deeper discussions and also just sharing,” Barrick said. “Almost everyone ends up participating and asking questions or sharing stories that are related to what we're talking about.”

So how does one craft the perfect menu that revolves around a book?

Liz Kleppinger, general manager for Wilder, said executive chef Ryan LaFrance and beverage manager Tom Brander were up for the challenge. Sometimes the interpretations are literal, while others are more imaginative, depending on the scene and available local ingredients.

’ book dinner with Liz Moore, that's taking place in upstate, primarily in the woods,” Kleppinger said. “So we did things that we could forage for in that area, or things that were kind of nostalgic to camping.” The dishes included baked trout piccata, dandelion-marinated cucumbers, and a s’mores tart for dessert, channeling the woodsy theme.

’ dinner, there's a scene where they're specifically talking about eating tofu bánh mìs, and we made our own rendition of that,” Kleppinger said. “But then there are also things from the book where they just mention traveling through PA. And we did an ode to an Amish shoofly pie and mint chocolate chip ice cream.”

Barrick said the dinners provide an opportunity to shine a light on the work authors are doing, making guests think, “Oh, look, there's this local author who's writing all these books, maybe I need to check out this book.”

Tickets for the event range from $110 to $125, depending on the final menu, covering a five-course meal, tax, gratuity, and a copy of the book. Themed cocktails and mocktails are available for purchase, and a full bar menu is available during the event.

In 2025, the program raised $4,800 for three local organizations chosen by the authors and Wilder: 

 to find out when tickets are released for the first program of 2026.

Each quarter, Wilder celebrates an author’s work with a five-course meal that takes inspiration from the book. 

Wilder’s Dining Series Gathers Book Lovers Over a Meal

Brrr! It’s chilly out there. While you can bundle up with a sweater or a blanket, a nice hot drink from these local establishments will warm up your bones and soothe your soul.

Once you’re done seeing the twinkling lights in Franklin Square, go down a few blocks to 

try its toasted marshmallow hot chocolate. The marshmallow foam is toasted to a light brown and topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.

If you haven’t had Oaxacan hot chocolate, you’re missing out. 

 serves the traditional chocolate drink with a taste of cinnamon. If you’re feeling hungry afterwards, there’s an excellent menu of Mexican cuisine, much of which can be made vegetarian or vegan.

The hot chocolate at the Italian Market’s 

 is its own experience. Brought to you by the owner of Philly Cannoli King, the hot chocolate is served with large roasted marshmallows (do not be alarmed by the 

 to help you defrost this season. If you’re someone who likes eggnog, there are a few takes on the classic Christmas drink, including the Eggnog Cappuccino. If you really want to lean into the holiday spirit, grab a Candy Cane Mocha with candy cane syrup, chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk.

 in Brewerytown has a delightful seasonal menu featuring a 

 can match your taste palate. Consider orange cardamom, pear allspice, or spicy mocha to add to your drink.

 is Northern Liberties’ go-to spot for all your herbal needs, from boosting immunity to reducing inflammation. You can select from a range of options including house blends, Japanese teas, and caffeine-free tisanes. Do try the chai masala for a warm kick of spices. The drink can also be made vegan or decaffeinated.

 serves up compelling cocktails to pair with your meal, including a hot drink in a tea cup called 

. It’s a mix of Jameson, Meletti, hazelnut brown butter, spiced apple syrup, and lemon.

. Its mulled wine is made with a house red wine, Art in the Age Old Baldy Spiced Apple Whiskey, maple syrup, warming herbs, and a citrus zest. Want more options? There are plenty of 

Assembly Rooftop Lounge’s hot cocktails

 will keep you warm from the breeze as you enjoy the beautiful rooftop views. Choose from a Golden Hour Toddy, Rooftop Remedy, or Velvet Skyline, all priced at $16.

☕ Need more recommendations for drinks to warm you up? 

Listen to our recommendations for the best cafes to visit in Philly

Fight off the cold with a tasty drink that will keep you warm and relaxed all season long. 

food

Tours on Tap: See How Philly Beer is Made

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

Learn How To Make Pasta With Philly Chef Marc Vetri

Latest articles

Tours on Tap: See How Philly Beer is Made

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

Learn How To Make Pasta With Philly Chef Marc Vetri

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Latest articles

A Guide to Philly’s Best New-School Caesar Salads

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Where To Have Dinner and a Show in Philly

Low Cost & Low ABV Philly Activities

Wilder’s Dining Series Gathers Book Lovers Over a Meal

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