Where To Get A Pre-Show Drink Near The Kimmel Center
Located on the "Avenue of the Arts" at Broad and Spruce, along with its counterparts the Merriam Theater and the Academy of Music on the same block, the Kimmel Center is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Broadway Philadelphia, Chamber Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. But the list doesn't end there - you can even catch a rock concert in one of its halls or corresponding theaters. If you're heading downtown to catch a show, here's where to grab a drink beforehand.
Estia
1405 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 735-7700
www.estiarestaurant.com
This upscale Greek restaurant can be found across the street from the Kimmel Center. It has a prix fixe theater menu, which includes a first course, entrée and dessert for only $30. Estia's Mediterranean cuisine is as authentic as one can get in Philly. In fact, its seafood comes directly from the Greek Islands, and the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs prepare your food. If you're there just for drinks, sit at the bar and select a glass of wine from a list that includes more than 300 varieties from Greece, Europe, Lebanon and Israel.
Good Dog Bar
224 S. 15th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 985-9600
www.gooddogbar.com
Good Dog is less than three blocks away from the Kimmel Center, and this charming bar is a great place to come for a beer or two (or as many as you'd like!). Good Dog has three floors and plenty of room to sit and mingle with your friends. Take a seat at a wooden table on the first or second floor and indulge yourself with the award-winning roquefort cheese-stuffed Good Dog Burger or relax with a drink at the bar. Head to the top floor for a pre-show game of pool or darts.
Jamonera
105 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6061
www.jamonerarestaurant.com
Jamonera, a wine bar and Spanish tapas restaurant, is just a quick five-minute walk from the Kimmel Center. It was named one of Philly Mag's 2013 Best Restaurants and received a Best of Philly award for its tapas. Jamonera lives up to its reputation, and you won't be disappointed with its atmosphere, food and drinks. Equally as impressive as its tapas is Jamonera's range of drinks, especially the extensive list of sherry. If you're not well-versed on sherry, try the flight for only $20. There's also has a nice selection of cider, beer and red and white wine.
Related: Top Whiskey Bars In Philadelphia
Perch Pub
1345 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-4090
www.perchpub.com
This relaxing and unpretentious bar sits right across the street from the Kimmel Center and. As the name might suggest, Perch Pub "perches" above Broad and Locust streets, offering great views before your show of the bustling city below. This pub has 14 craft beers on tap and more than 104 bottles and cans available. The kitchen serves elevated bar food like the pan seared Atlantic salmon, tacos and the Scotch fillet sandwich. If you have some time to kill, Perch Pub has quite a few HDTVs, pool tables and dart boards.
XIX - Nineteen
Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
www.nineteenrestaurant.com
For a more sophisticated and upscale option, head to XIX on the top floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue. XIX is a block away from the Kimmel Center and, as the highest restaurant and bar in the city, offers fantastic views of the city skyline. The cozy and classy bar has a premium and extensive collection of liquors and more than 300 types of wine. Try one of its signature seasonal cocktails. In fact, if you come here during happy hour before a weekday show, you'll enjoy $6 cocktails and $4 drafts. XIX also boasts one of the best raw bars in the city, serving only the freshest seafood.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
