Where to Drink Wine in Philadelphia
“Welcome home!” chimed my cab driver as I tossed my overnight bag into the backseat of his taxi at Philadelphia International Airport. Although he was mistaken—Philly has never been my home—it is certainly familiar. Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, I frequently visited Philadelphia with my family and on school trips. By college, I had seen the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall enough times to make the Founding Fathers thoroughly proud. As an adult, my trips have continued: parties with high school friends attending university in North Philadelphia turned into long weekends with friends and family living in the suburbs. It’s not home, but sometimes it feels that way.
And so it’s time to share this long overdue list of recommendations: my favorite places to enjoy wine in the City of Brotherly Love! As a bonus, I included a few spots for cocktails, too.
My favorite wine spots in Philly
Wine Dive: This is a cool wine bar on South Street with both indoor and outdoor seating, and they also have a wine shop. Grab a bottle to go or enjoy a glass amidst their wine cat-themed chalk art.
Le Caveau: Another South Street favorite, Le Caveau feels très Parisian. The mood lighting, natural wines, and small bites remind me of my favorite wine bars in Paris. This would be an excellent date spot!
Vintage: Just a few blocks from City Hall, Vintage is a French-American bistro with a Euro-centric wine list. The selection is a mix of favorite go-tos and quirky, new finds, primarily from France, Italy, and Austria.
Tinto: Although their Rittenhouse location recently closed, Chef Jose Garces and the team at Tinto are actively looking for a new venue to serve Spanish wines and tapas to Philadelphians and visitors. Be on the lookout for their new location!
Panorama: If you like wine flights, Panorama is the place for you. In addition to an extensive by the glass menu, this Old City bar-restaurant offers creative wine flights, like “Shooting Blancs” and “Rhône Rangers.”
Tria: No Philadelphia wine list would be complete without Tria. Both of their Center City locations are chic yet casual. In addition to carefully curated wine lists, they also offer stellar cheese boards.
Di Bruno Bros.: I’ve considered moving to Philadelphia for Di Bruno Bros. In addition to Italian meats, cheeses, and snacks, they also have excellent taste in wine. Visit their 9th Street Bottle Shop to stock up on unique wines for home.
Parc: Parc is one of my favorite French restaurants outside of France. Although the interior is lovely, I recommend sitting at a sidewalk table for the full Paris-meets-Philadelphia experience. Be sure to order the French onion soup!
320 Market Café: Located outside of the city in Swarthmore and Media, 320 Market Café is the place to explore natural wines in Philly’s suburbs. You can enjoy a sandwich and glass of wine, or pick up a bottle and fresh food to go.
Fishtown Social: You can find this chic natural wine bar in Fishtown. Their by-the-glass menu is comprehensive and affordable. Bonus: It is located across from Suraya, a buzzy and delicious Lebanese restaurant.
Bonus: Cocktails!
Graffiti Bar: Tucked behind sister restaurant Sampan, Graffiti Bar isn’t easy to find, but it’s worth the hunt. Go for happy hour to enjoy a select menu of $9 speciality cocktails and $6 plates of dumplings.
Charlie was a sinner.: This vegan restaurant celebrates vegetables on the dish and in the glass. Try “Whisper Song” comprised of gin, beet eau de vie, celery, lemon, thyme, and olive oil. Savory and delicious!
Osteria: Located near The Met concert venue, Osteria makes the list both for their cocktails and their Italian wine list. If you love gin and ginger like me, try the “Rubino” featuring those ingredients plus hibiscus.
The Philadelphia wine scene continues to blossom—there are many more bars and restaurants that I want to explore on future trips. I’ll keep this post updated!
