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Sips and Eats: Philly’s best food and drink picks for April 24-28

Featured Bars and Restaurants 

This Week in Cocktails: Parks on Tap Returns

Image result for parks on tap 2019
(Parks on Tap)

Parks On Tap, the nomadic beer garden and food truck oasis will be making its triumphant return to Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 24th. As a partnership between the Philadelphia Parks Association and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, the traveling beer garden will span dozens of different parks for several weeks through the season. The locations will feature hammocks, beer, wine, bike shares at some locations, food, family-friendly programming, and dogs are welcome. Stop by the beautiful  Azalea Garden through Sunday for kickoff celebrations.

Opening this Week: Vegan Restaurant Week 

(Café Ynez)

Vegan Restaurant Week begins this Sunday, April 28th and will conclude on Saturday, May 4th. Several restaurants in the city will be sizzling with plant-based inspired dishes. One hotspot, Café Ynez, is offering tremendous deals through the week. Try out its sizzling platter of Veggie Fajitas — featuring tofu, red and green bell peppers, poblano peppers, cauliflower, white onions, guacamole, and soft corn tortillas ($10). The dish pairs perfectly with a blood orange margarita or glass of horchata and the best part? Cafe Ynez is BYOT — bring your own tequila!

The Spotlight of the Week: Outdoor Eats 

(The Bourse)

A Mano: A Mano, three-bell Italian BYOB from Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group, has put its tables and chairs out for the season. Guests can enjoy rotating seasonal takes on classic Italian dishes from Executive Chef Michael Millon, such as Parsley Cavatelli ($16), Burrata ($15), and Duck Breast ($36) while taking in the views from the corner of 23rd St. and Fairmount Ave. Keep a lookout for the latest spring menu additions — coming soon.

Assembly Rooftop Lounge: Assembly Rooftop Lounge offers Philadelphians sweeping views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Art Museum and Center City from nine stories above Logan Square. Guests can dine and imbibe al fresco this season with and a frosé or craft cocktail in hand while enjoying unrivaled views of Philadelphia. Starting Monday, April 22nd, Assembly will be open 4 pm-close every day.

Bluebird Distilling: Bluebird Distilling, the award-winning grain-to-glass craft distillery in historic Phoenixville, invites imbibers to enjoy its outdoor patio flanking bustling Bridge St. this season. Guests are encouraged to BYO food from one of Phoenixville’s many restaurants, grab a craft cocktail from Bluebird Distilling’s bar, and snag a seat outside. For those looking to escape the bustle of Center City, or those already living in the suburbs, Bluebird Distilling is an ideal location to enjoy an afternoon or evening outside with a beverage in hand.

The Bourse: The Bourse, Old City’s newly opened historic food hall, has set up it’s all-day outdoor seating on its patio across the street from Independence Mall. With food and drink options such as Filipino fare from Lalo, drafts from Taps Fill Station, and made-from-scratch tacos from Rebel Taco, guests can enjoy a world of flavors in the shadows of history.

CO-OP Restaurant and Lounge: CO-OP Restaurant and Lounge, University City’s lively bar and restaurant located on the bustling corner of 33rd and Chestnut, offers patrons a fresh perspective on city dining with its open-air seating on Chestnut St. When the temperature rises, so do the glass garage doors, creating an inviting outdoor space lined with blossoming planters, where everyone can enjoy a seasonal cocktail and delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner.

J. Alexander’s: J. Alexander’s, the new contemporary American restaurant in King of Prussia, invites guests to enjoy a drink or bite on its stunning outdoor patio before or after a meal and during happy hour from 4-7 pm Monday-Friday. Guests can grab their favorite cocktail, wine, or beer at the bar and head out to enjoy warm spring days with friends and family.

MilkBoy: MilkBoy, Philadelphia’s dynamic duo of restaurants, bars, and live music venues, invites imbibers and foodies alike to enjoy outdoor seating at both the Chestnut St. and South St. locations. Perched on the corner of two bustling intersections, guests can enjoy a cocktail, pint of beer and some snacks while watching the world go by.

(Assembly Rooftop Lounge)

Philadelphia Brewing Company: Philadelphia Brewing Company, one of Philly’s oldest and largest brewing companies, recently launched its fully operational Peacock Room Bar and Beer Garden. Guests can enjoy a flagship Kenzinger or a crisp and refreshing Commonwealth Cider in the beer garden or beautiful cobblestone courtyard while enjoying the sunshine. Food trucks roll up to the outdoor space intermittently throughout the season.

Red Owl Tavern: Red Owl Tavern, located across the street from Independence Mall, boasts expansive al fresco seating in addition to an outdoor bar for imbibers. Guests can enjoy a vast selection of brown spirits and craft cocktails by Lead Bartender Kyle Darrow and elevated American tavern fare, including Crab & Corn Fritters, Fried Artichokes, Berkshire Pork Chop, with historic views of Independence Hall. Stay tuned for spring menu updates, coming soon!

Rex 1516: Rex 1516, Philly’s go-to for elevated Southern-inspired cuisine, offers guests outdoor seating on South Street with an array of mouthwatering Southern fare. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes, such as the Fried Green Tomatoes, Crawfish Pot Pie, Mussels, Fried Chicken, and St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, while enjoying a craft cocktail and the fresh air. For those looking for a new brunch spot, guests can pull up a seat at one of Rex 1516’s coveted outdoor tables for the über-popular Shrimp & Grits or Chicken & Waffles Benedict.

Royal Boucherie: Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively American brasserie from award-winning chef Nicholas Elmi, is opening its verdant upstairs deck on warm, sunny April days with an official opening slated for May 1. Hungry imbibers can stop by for lunch during the week and enjoy a $2 martini on the deck, or stop by for happy hour from 5 to 7pm and soak up the last sun rays of the day while noshing on snacks such as Pork-Stuffed Fried Olives ($3.50).

Square 1682: For those looking to dine al fresco in Center City, Square 1682, located steps from Rittenhouse Squareoffers outdoor seating on Sansom St. Guests can stop by for innovative craft cocktails and appetizers such as Truffle Fries and Duck Wings, while soaking in the sun. Perfect for a post-work beverage or a late evening meal, Square 1682’s patio offers guests a front row seat to one of Philadelphia’s liveliest intersections.

The Twisted Tail: The Twisted Tail, Society Hill’s vibrant bar, restaurant and live music venue, serves up Southern-inspired contemporary American cuisine at the many umbrella filled tables flanking Headhouse Square during warm weather. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining and Southern-inspired dishes and beverages while taking in the sights and sunshine. Known for their brown spirits selection, imbibers can settle in for a bourbon or whiskey flight while enjoying a delicious meal off the charcoal grill.

Urban Farmer: Urban Farmer, the modern American steakhouse located on Logan Square, has generous outdoor seating along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where patrons can spend a Sunday morning building a Bloody Mary ($16) or an early weekday dinner enjoying happy hour specials, such as Urban Farmer Beef Sliders ($5). While guests dine and imbibe, they are treated to a striking view of one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful parks.

Weekly Events

(Philly Margarita March)

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

Sittin’ In: Tonight the Kimmel Center will be hosting a free jazz event starting at 9 p.m. Sittin’ In will be a massive jam session of local talent as they celebrate jazz musicians or soul vocalists. There will be cocktails and more available for purchase.

Manayunk Restaurant Week: Manayunk Restaurant Week runs through this Friday, April 26th.This food extravaganza is one that shouldn’t be missed. Come out for three-course, prix fixe menus ranging from $15-35 per person.

Philly Margarita March: This Saturday will be the annual Philly Margarita March. Starting at the Fox & Hound, this bar crawl will include seven bars in total. You can sip and bounce from place to place while enjoying great drink and food specials.

Margarita Rumble: The Margarita Rumble will be taking over Philadelphia this Saturday. Fifteen of the best bars and restaurants will vie for the title of best margarita in the city. Come out to see this mixologist war, an assembly of food trucks at the location, and a fun time

Philly Whiskey Walk: The 2019 Philly Whiskey Walk is this Saturday. Eight premium Irish whiskeys will be up for grabs and sampling this weekend. Enjoy stops at your favorite bars during this amazing crawl.

Featured Event


The Twisted Tail Hosts Über-Exclusive Whiskey Tasting Event

Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S 2nd St.
When: Friday, April 26th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Twisted Tail, the popular Southern-inspired restaurant, bar and live music venue on Headhouse Square known for its extensive array of brown spirits, is hosting an exclusive Owner’s Collection Whiskey Tasting with Four Roses 130th Anniversary on April 26th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. George Reilly, Master Craftsman and The Twisted Tail owner, will lead guests in a guided whiskey tasting of several top-rated bourbons, featuring the incredible Four Roses 130th Anniversary Bourbon alongside other one-of-a-kind bourbons, such as Angel’s Envy Cask StrengthWild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival, and Willett 80th Anniversary. Pour size is 1oz. for each bourbon.

As a limited-edition, small batch bourbon blend, approximately 13,140 bottles were distributed for this release. Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres in addition to the one-of-a-kind bourbons. Event space is extremely limited with space for only 23 guests. Tickets for this exclusive tasting are $250.

For more information, click here.

 


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

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