Top Whiskey Bars In Philadelphia
The word whiskey comes from the Gaelic phrase "uisce beatha," which literally means "water of life." Whether you're searching for bourbon, scotch, single-malt, Irish whiskey or just plain water and good food, these bars are sure to have something for everyone. Here are some the best places to find quality whiskey in Philadelphia.
Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar
123 S. 7th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 226-2667
www.cooperagephilly.com
Hidden away in The Curtis Center, this whiskey bar has more than 75 bourbons, ryes, Irish whiskeys, Canadian whiskeys and single-malt scotches. The Southern-inspired menu consists of small snacks, soups, salads and sandwiches and keeping with true Southern style, you won't leave hungry. Cooperage also has a solid selection of wine and drafts and the bartenders and servers are some of the friendliest in town. During happy hour, many drinks are discounted and snacks are $5.
Related: Top Cocktail Bars In Philadelphia
Lloyd Whiskey Bar
529 E. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-4600
www.lloydwhiskeybar.com
Lloyd Whiskey Bar opened in 2012 in Fishtown and is on the inexpensive side of whiskey bars in town. It has more than 80 ever-changing varieties of bourbon, Irish, rye and scotch. All of the whiskeys come in two-ounce pours, but you may try a one-ounce pour for half the price and six flights are available, all for less than $17. The decor of the bar is modeled after the living room the owner grew up with during the 70s and the name comes from his dad (who is also part owner) and from the bartender in "The Shining." Lloyd also has eight drafts of local craft beer along with 15 bottles and original house-made and classic cocktails. It is open for dinner seven days a week and for brunch on the weekend.
Stateside
1536 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 551-2500
www.statesidephilly.com
Stateside is devoted to all things American. To go with the theme, this South Philly bar carries more than 80 options of American bourbon, rye, sour mash and whiskey. The ingredients for its menu are locally produced and the menu consists of small plates, like the bison tartare, pumpkin gnocchi and paella risotto, and a few larger plates meant for sharing. The bar carries 10 drafts and rotating cans of domestic and craft beers. Stateside also has a small list of American-produced wines and spirits.
Time
1315 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 985-4800
www.timerestaurant.net
There are three rooms at Time - the dining room, the whiskey bar and the upstairs Parisian-style dance club. Head to the cozy whiskey bar to try one of its more than 80 varieties of American rye and bourbon, Irish Whiskey and Scottish single-malts and blends or duck into the dining room to sip on your beverage of choice. Enjoy some live jazz while you dine on upscale American fare like the Maine lobster or roasted duck breast. The upstairs dance club is open on the weekends. Time also has an impressive list of drafts (with 20 on tap), wine and absinthe.
Village Whiskey
118 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
www.philadelphia.villagewhiskey.com
As the winner of Philly Magazine's 2012 "Best Whiskey Bar," Village Whiskey doesn't disappoint with its vast selection of more than 100 bourbons and whiskeys, single-malt scotches, blended, Irish whiskeys and ryes. For those overwhelmed by the lengthy menu or the wide array of bottles behind the bar, all whiskeys are available in one-ounce tastes, and the bar offers several flights of three whiskeys each. And the food is just as impressive as the whiskey in this tiny Rittenhouse Square restaurant with Iron Chef Jose Garces behind it. Pair your whiskey with a burger (the $26 fois gras "Whiskey King" is a favorite!), or try a small snack, like the $3 deviled eggs or $5 tater tots.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.