Top Spots For Sangria In Philadelphia
There are few things that go better with Spanish food than sangria, a drink typically made with wine (red or white), seasonal fruit and brandy. Many restaurants in Philadelphia put their own twist on the classic drink. See below for some of the best.
Amada
217-219 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
www.amamarestaurant.com
Amada is Philadelphia's famed chef Jose Garces' first restaurant in the city. It offers three different varieties of sangria and each is made with wine, seasonal fruit, orange liqueur and Spanish brandy. Try the white wine sangria ($8 a glass, $32 a pitcher) prepared with crisp white wine, apple, pear and orange, the red wine sangria ($8 a glass, $32 a pitcher), which uses spiced red wine, orange, apple and cinnamon, or try the "temporada" ($9 a glass, $36 a pitcher), a combination of Rosado wine, watermelon and basil. Pair your sangria with one of Amada's authentic Spanish tapas like lamb meatballs, roasted eggplant and crab-stuffed peppers.
Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com
Bar Ferdinand is Northern Liberties' Spanish tapas restaurant, complete with beautiful mosaics, authentic Spanish décor and sangria that is sure to keep you coming back for more. Choose between white wine sangria mixed with melons, berries and citrus fruit or the red wine sangria combined with mixed fruit and brandy for $7.50 a glass or $24 a pitcher. Don't leave your sangria drinking just for the night – Bar Ferdinand is known for its great weekend brunch (Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Enjoy your glass with a variety of egg dishes (Gruyere cheese omelet with grilled scallions, for instance) or Spanish tapas.
El Vez
121 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com
Stephen Starr's innovative Meixican-American restaurant, El Vez, is the place for sangria in Midtown Village. Try the white wine sangria combined with Patron Citronage, seasonal fruit and agave syrup or the red white sangria mixed with Patron Citronage, brandy, seasonal fruit and spices. Don't just come here for the sangria, though. El Vez has six different types of guacamole you'll want to dig into. And everything else on the menu – salads, enchiladas, tacos – is sure to please, too. After you've stuffed yourself with guacamole and enjoyed a few glasses of sangria, make sure you visit the photo booth in the back to capture your meal.
Related: Top Sangria In Philadelphia
Jamonera
105 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6061
www.jamonerarestaurant.com
Jamonera is yet another Spanish tapas restaurant and wine bar that serves great sangria along with a huge amount of Spanish wine and sherry. This 13th Street eatery in Midtown Village has two types of sangria. The "Roja" sangria combines Spanish red wine, apple brandy, orange and rosemary syrup while the "Blanca" sangria mixes Spanish white wine, citrus and ginger syrup. Come in during its late night happy hour (Monday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.) for $4 sangria, otherwise you'll be paying $9 for a glass or $36 for a pitcher.
Tinto
114 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9150
www.tintorestaurant.com
Tinto is located just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square and its design and feel are inspired by the Basque country, a region in Northern Spain. While here, indulge yourself in one of Tinto's two sangrias. The "Tinto Sangria" ($9 a glass, $32 a pitcher) is made with red wine, applejack, Guindila, lemon and fruit, while the "Blanca Sangria" ($9 a glass, $32 a pitcher) is a mixture of white wine, Absolut peach and fruit. The food here is also a must try, with tasty "Pinxtos" – a form of tapas typical of northeastern Spain (think skewers, crostini and charcuterie) -- a favorite.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
