Top Whiskey Bars In Philadelphia
No matter your whiskey preference – single malt scotch, Irish or rye – many Philadelphia bars have accrued impressive lists of the popular spirit known as "uisce beatha," or "water of life," in the Gaelic language. Discover some of the best whiskey bars the city has to offer.
Ashton Cigar Bar
1522 Walnut St., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(267) 350-0000
www.ashtoncigarbar.com
Ashton Cigar Bar is located on ever-busy Walnut St. on top of one of the premier cigar shops in the neighborhood, Holt's Cigar Company, which will please both cigar and whiskey lovers. Browse through its selection of more than 200 cigars to find one that pairs perfectly with your drink of choice - the staff on hand is extremely knowledgeable about the stock. Ashton Cigar Bar has more than 330 different types of whiskey, including single malt scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey, American whiskey and even the hard to find Pappy Van Winkle. Dress code is business casual.
Bank & Bourbon
1200 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 231-7300
www.bankandbourbon.com
Bank & Bourbon is the newest whiskey bar to hit the city. Located in the lobby of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, this whiskey bar has more than 75 types of bourbon, rye and whiskey. It's known for its in-house barrel-aging program and offers an educational overview of the bourbon aging process. Through its locker membership program, guests are able to age their own bourbon, whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or novice. Bank & Bourbon also has great whiskey-based cocktails, including the Secret Knock, a favorite of Benjamin Franklin's that features milk, lemon juice, green tea and whiskey.
Bourbon & Branch
705 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0660
www.bourbonandbranchphilly.com
Bourbon & Branch opened a few years ago in Northern Liberties. It has more than 100 whiskeys, from American bourbon and rye to single malt scotch, Irish and Canadian whiskey, all available in one-ounce pours that are reasonably priced. This bar has a cocktail list that well represents the classics, like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and its drinks are made with only the freshest organic and local ingredients. Bourbon & Branch also has a heavy menu and live music on the second floor.
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Percy Street Barbecue
900 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510
www.percystreet.com
Barbecue may be the main attraction at this laid-back Fishtown restaurant, but while you're here, you'll also want to peruse its whiskey list, which includes more than 65 types of bourbon, rye and American whiskey. Try the Four Roses Percy Street Single Barrel, which is half price during happy hour. Percy Street also satisfies the beer lovers among us with its humongous canned beer selection, one of the largest in the city. Enjoy your beverage of choice with some smoky-flavors and Texas-style barbecue, including brisket, pork ribs and barbecued chicken.
Village Whiskey Bar
118 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
www.philadelphia.villagewhiskey.com
Iron Chef Jose Garces' Village Whiskey has amassed an impressive whiskey list, with more than 200 bourbons and whiskeys, single-malt scotches, blended, Irish whiskeys, and ryes. Village Whiskey is a small and cozy place, so if you're unsure of what to try, don't be afraid to ask one of the knowledgeable bartenders to try one of the whiskey flights of three one-ounce pours. Pair your whiskey with one of the best burgers in the city, the Village Burger, or, if you're feeling adventurous, the $26 Whiskey King made with foie gras, rogue bleu cheese, bacon and maple bourbon glazed cipollini.
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Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
