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Sips and Eats: Philly’s best food and drink picks for August 22-26

Featured Bars and Lounges 

Cocktails of the Week: National Whiskey Sour Day

(Art in the Age’s Sticks and Stones cocktail)

This Friday, August 25th is National Whiskey Sour Day. The classic cocktail can be celebrated at several restaurants, bars, lounges, shops, and distilleries in the area.

Art in the Age: Tasting room, bottle shop, boutique and bar supply hub Art in the Age has several whiskey sour spin-offs to celebrate the holiday. The North 3rd street store has an apricot whiskey sour called  Sticks and Stones ($13). There’s also a Tamarind Sour for $13 made with Von Humboldt’s Tamarind Cordial. The Kinsey Whiskey Sour with Kinsey Bourbon and a lemon peel garnish is just $11.

Rex 1516: At Rex 1516, Bar Manager Lou DiNunzio, will be poring up the Witch’s FlowerThe southern-themed and rustic space perfectly blends with this one-of-a-kind take on a sour. The cocktail includes Old Forester Bourbon, Lemon juice, and Italian liqueur. It’s only $12.

Jet Wine Bar: For those who are thinking about perusing South Street, stop by Jet Wine Bar. The “global vineyard” establishment boasts a New York Sour. The blend marries Yellow Label Bourbon, lemon juice, and red wine. The New York Sour is available for $12.

Bluebird Distilling: Bourbon lovers and cocktail enthusiasts should head to Bluebird Distilling’s Phoenixville distillery. Beverage Director Matthew Giarratiano’s take on the beloved drink includes Bluebird Four Grain Bourbon, Demarara Syrup, egg white, and fresh lemon juice. The cocktail is usually $12, however this Friday you can delightfully sip for just $10.

Square 1682: Square 1682’s Lead Bartender Daniel Kulisek’s Tommy & Jeannie cocktail will be a perfect way to celebrate the day. The blend is A tribute to his parents. This sweet and sour cocktail features Glenmoragie 10yr, Don Ciccio Mandarin, lemon, raw sugar, and orange bitters.  Usually, this heavenly mix would be $14 but on National Whiskey Sour day it will only cost you $10.

Center City Sips Picks: Aquiermo, aMuse, and Brü Craft & Wurst

(Aquimero)

Each Wednesday between the hours of 5pm-7pm the areas of Avenue of the Arts, Center City East, Center City West, and Rittenhouse Square participate in Center City Sips. Over 80 participating locations have $6 cocktails, $5 wines, $4 beers, and appetizer discounts. Here are this week’s best deals.

Aquiermo:  Broad Street eatery Aquiermo has plenty of deals during Center City Sips. Whether you want to try a Center City Sunrise  (Hornitos, Pineapple, Orange, Grenadine) or any of their small plates, you can’t go wrong. After Center City Sips on Wednesday, come back on Thursday night to celebrate Madrid’s La Paloma Festival . There will be traditional Spanish tapas, sangria,  Paloma cocktails, live music, and more. The event runs from 6 pm- 9 pm.

aMuse: aMuse is very close to all the busy bustling of City Hall. During City City Sips and every other day, you can always expect great cuisine and a stellar dining experience. On Wednesdays try the discounted Hornitos Limeade (Hornitos Tequila, lemonade, mint, club soda, and lime) or the White Peach (Hornitos Tequila, white peach puree, Lime Juice, and simple syrup).

Brü Craft & Wurst: Brü Craft & Wurst is the place to go when you’re downtown and want a fantastic beer hall atmosphere. The “alehouse with a garage-door wall” has many self-serve brews & German cuisine, and plenty of beers on tap.

Old City Eats Picks: Amada, Capofitto, and Common Wealth Old City

(Amada)

Each Thursday between the hours of 5pm-8pm, Philadelphia participates in Old City Eats. Over 25 participating locations have half-priced appetizers, $5 beers, $5 cocktails, and other drink specials.

Amada: Iron Chef Jose Garces’ Amada has a spanning Spanish-themed menu. During Old City Eats you can try their Tortilla Espanola, Chistorra Sausage, Salsa Brava for half-price. The establishment’s cocktail of the hour is the Tie Me Up Tie Me Down (lemon rosemary martini). Victory Summer Love will be available for all you beer lovers.

Capofitto: Capofitto is a pizzeria, bar, and gelataria. The Italian eatery has an Arancini small plate (Risotto, saffron, fontina,  and pecorino) for just $4.00 during Eats. Pair your meal with The Dude (Faber Vanilla Vodka, La Colombe Cold Brew, Frothed Milk) or a price-slashed Yards Pale Ale.

Common Wealth Old City: Common Wealth Old City is a MArket Street fixture serving up great dishes and tremendous cocktails daily. During Old City Eats you can try Shrimp Po Boy Tacos with Cajun Remoulade, a Travelers Passage Martini (Faber Vodka-soaked Pineapples) cocktails, and Troegs Sunshine Pilsner all at a discounted rate.

Weekly Events

(Parks On Tap)

Each week, Philly Influencer picks the best parties, events, and social gatherings the area has to offer.

Parks On Tap:Parks on Tap will be at Penn Treaty Park this week. There will be free yoga this Thursday, happy hours with brews and food, hammocks, sitting areas, and more. Also, this Saturday stop by between 6 pm-9pm for a Summer Ain’t Over Dance Party featuring Deja Groove.

Philly’s Classic Cook-off: This Thursday night, come out to The Schmidt’s Commons for Philly’s Classic Cook-off presented by Budweiser. Six local restaurants will be dueling it out with amazing dishes. You’ll be able to vote for the best, listen to live music, and sip the night away.

Cocktail Showdown at JJ Bootleggers: This Thursday from 5 pm-7 pm, JJ Bootleggers will be hosting a cocktail showdown between margaritas and moonshine milkshakes. Those who RSVP get a free margarita sample and milkshake sample for free.

Summer Party at James: This Thursday James will be hosting a Social Sips party. From 6 pm-9 pm, there will be drink selections from Bira 91 craft beer, sample specialty cocktails from Don Julio, small plates, and a wine selection. There will be live music at this event and your ticket gets you two complimentary drinks.

Dog Days of Summer: For the fifth straight year the Dog Days of Summer party will be in the city. The canine-friendly event will be taking place at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia.  There will be Rita’s water ice, pay-as-you-go food and cocktails, dog washes,  and more. The Red Owl Tavern will have its patio open for happy hour.

Wild ‘n Out Live: Nick Cannon’s hit MTV show will be live and front-and-center at the Wells Fargo Center this Thursday night. There will be live music from special guests Yo Gotti, BlocBoy JB, and YFN Lucci. This interactive game show with crazy punchlines and jokes will be the talk of the town. There will be an official afterparty at B Side Complex and Hookah Lounge with special guests from the show.

Pizza Workshop: This Saturday at La Colombe Fishtown Cafe, Head Baker  John McGrath will be proving an essential workshop. The immersive class will teach you how to make an entire pizza from scratch. There will be great conversation and drinks during the event running from 3pm-5pm.

Beer Muscles: 2SP Brewing Company will be hosting Beer Muscles this Saturday from 9 am-4 pm. You can come watch competitors or you can sign up to participate in this beer-themed strength showcase. There will be keg throws, beer truck pulling, and more. The tasting room will be open all day for those watching.

Fan Fest at XFINITY Live!: This Saturday from 1 pm-6 pm there will be a 97.5 Fanatic explosion taking over XFINITY Live! The 2018 Fan Fest will include bands, food, drinks, celebrity sports guests, prizes, and more.

Voltage Lounge Karaoke Punk and Emo Party: This Saturday night from 10 pm-2 am, the Voltage Lounge will be hosting a massive sing-along with a twist. Attendees will be able to sing their favorite emo or punk anthems while they’re backed by a live band. Signup and doors open at 9 pm.


You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected]

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