12 Picks for Center City Sips

Where to go for atmosphere, beer, food and drinks

by Chase Harrison in Bars & Restaurants

The weekly summer happy hour known as Center City District Sips returned for the season on June 6, and runs through August 29. each Wednesday from 5–7 PM, participating establishments offer $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers. There are over 80 bars on the Sips list, and some of them can get a bit overwhelming during this popular promotion, so we’ve picked out a trio that stand out in each of four categories. Check them out and be sure to let us know how it goes.

For Atmosphere

Bar: This Midtown Village drinkery offers a divey change of pace from the more common swanky style of Sips participants (1309 Sansom St; no phone).

The Corner: Not only does this 13th Street gastropub have a sweet roof deck, but its indoor decor beautifully merges classic and modern styles (102 S. 13th St; 215-735-7500).

MilkBoy: Enjoy the rollup garage doors and sip on a cheap Sly Fox while listening to live tunes at this trendy Jefferson-area cafe (1100 Chestnut St; 215-925-6455).

For Beer

The Boilermaker: The new bar’s Sips specials have a local focus that include the Citywide Special as well as Yards and PBC on draft (216 S. 11th St; 215-922-3427).

Perch Pub: With a slick view overlooking Avenue of the Arts, great craft beer and tasty tavern food, Perch has it all (1345 Locust St; 215-546-4090).

Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse: If you're looking for a Sips spot with sports, this is the place, abetted by a plethora of craft brews (1823 Sansom St; 215-665-9500).

For Food

Sampan: The bites at Michael Sampan’s Asian in Midtown Village are perfect for the long days when you just don’t feel like making your own Penang Duck at home (124 S 13th St; 215-732-3501).

Smokin’ Betty’s: BBQ and beer in a sunlit, wood-filled room in Wash West? Yes, please (116 S. 11th St; 215-922-6500).

Square Peg: Pair a $5 Strawberry Basil Mint Julep with Matt Levin’s innovative take on Southern cuisine at this Wash West high-end diner (929 Walnut St; 215-413-3600).

For Drinks

Aki: If you’re not wooed by the sake menu, grab a well-mixed cocktail to pair with the fish at this Midtown Village sushi stop (1210 Walnut St; 215-985-1838)

Opa: Pro tip: half-price mussels go great with cocktails — or just about anything bartenders at this Midtown Village taverna whip up (1311 Sansom St; 215-545-0170).

Vintage Wine Bar: Class it up with a cocktail or glass of wine from the extensive rotating selection at this 13th Street wine bar (129 S 13th St; 215-922-3095).