Top Spots To Grab A Drink Before The Show In Philadelphia

Philadelphia has an impressive reputation for the arts and people come from miles around to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra, to experience the Philadelphia ballet and to see their favorite artists when they come to town. It's not always easy to get away for a night when you have kids and a busy schedule, so here are some great spots for you and your date or friends to stop for a drink before the show. Some are upscale, and others are low-key, but what you'll find is something for everyone.

XIX – Nineteen
Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
www.hyatt.com/gallery/nineteen/xix

Are you looking for an evening with a little more sophistication? A pre-orchestra cocktail, perhaps? Then XIX - Nineteen is the perfect spot. Located at the Hyatt on the top floor, XIX has an upscale atmosphere and fantastic views of the city. The bar offers an extensive list of top name liquors and over 300 types of wines, not to mention, it is just footsteps away from the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music.

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Jamonera
105 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6061
www.jamonerarestaurant.com

The wine bar and Spanish tapas restaurant, Jamonera, is a great place to stop for pre-show drinks. The popular tapas restaurant and bar is located just one block from Avenue of the Arts. The cocktail selection is by far one of the most impressive in the city. The selection of beer, red and white wines and sherry has something for everyone. Everything, from the cocktails to the atmosphere, makes this place a must when planning an evening out for drinks and a show.

Estia
1405 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 735-7700
estiarestaurant.com

Estia is the perfect spot if you are looking for drinks with a Mediterranean flare. The Greek restaurant is in the heart of Philadelphia's theater section and offers over 300 Greek, European, Lebanese and Israeli wines. Estia also offers a prix fixe theater dinner which is well priced, as well as an extensive gluten free menu, which is sure to please those in your group with a gluten sensitivity or allergy.

Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

Whether it is a show upstairs or a play at the Walking Fish Theater, Johnny Brenda's is a great place to have a pre-show drink with your date or friends. The laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to start the evening and a great place to find all local and all draft beers on the bar menu. Although the food menu is small, all of the items are served until 1 AM, so Johnny Brenda's is also a great place to make an after-show stop for a late night meal.

Marmont Steakhouse And Bar
222 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-1100
www.marmont.net

This Olde City establishment is the perfect place for a pre-show drink, especially if you plan on seeing a show at the Arden Theater located on 2nd Street. You will find a very diverse wine list and impressive selection of draft beers on the menu. Marmont is also known for great steaks, so why not make it your pre-show dinner spot too?

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Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/