Philadelphia, PA—Bourbon Whiskey is a form of American Whiskey that is barrel-aged and distilled, primarily utilizing corn as its main ingredient. In Philadelphia, Bourbon can be found at most drinking establishments, and listed below are a few of our favorite locations to enjoy the brown spirits.
The 10 Best Bourbon Bars in Philadelphia: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide
Philadelphia's nightlife is a goldmine for whiskey enthusiasts. From historic Old City haunts to the trendy streets of Kensington, the city offers an elite selection of rare bottles, house-aged barrels, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual sipper, these are the top 10 bourbon havens in Philadelphia.
1. Bourbon & Branch (Northern Liberties)
Despite the "Old City" vibe of its rustic-chic interior, this Northern Liberties landmark is a true temple to the spirit. With over 100 whiskies on the menu, Bourbon & Branch is famous for its knowledgeable staff and approachable atmosphere.
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Must Try: Their rotating whiskey flights.
2. Village Whiskey (Rittenhouse)
Consistently ranked as one of the best whiskey bars in Philadelphia, Village Whiskey is a Jose Garces masterpiece. It’s intimate and upscale, with a library of over 200 bottles, including incredibly rare vintage pours and hard-to-find Pappy Van Winkle releases.
3. Bank & Bourbon (Center City)
Located inside the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Bank & Bourbon features an in-house barrel-aging program. Their "Barrel Forward" philosophy ensures a sophisticated tasting experience right in the heart of Center City, making it the perfect spot for professional happy hours or a high-end date night.
4. The Trestle Inn (Callowhill)
If you like your bourbon with a side of vinyl and go-go dancing, The Trestle Inn is your spot. This "Whiskey and Go-Go" bar specializes in 1960s-era vibes and boasts a curated list of over 70 craft bourbons. It’s the best place in Philly for a classic Old Fashioned and a high-energy dance floor.
5. Four Humours (Kensington)
This intimate Kensington destination is a "hidden gem" for purists. Four Humours focuses on small-batch and independent distilleries. They prioritize the "spirit of the pour," offering a diverse tasting experience that highlights the nuances of American craft distilling.
6. New Liberty Distillery (Kensington)
For a "grain-to-glass" experience, visit New Liberty Distillery. Housed in a historic horse stable, this working distillery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning Kinsey bourbon. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in the Philadelphia whiskey-making process.
7. Prohibition Taproom (Spring Garden/Callowhill)
Prohibition Taproom offers a cozy, gastropub environment with a surprisingly deep whiskey list. While they are known for craft beer, their bourbon selection is hand-picked to pair perfectly with their elevated comfort food menu.
8. Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft (Ardmore)
Just a short trip to the Main Line, Ripplewood has earned its reputation as a premier whiskey destination. With a warm, wood-heavy interior and a massive back-bar, it offers a "neighborhood" feel with a "big city" selection of high-end bourbons.
9. Manatawny Still Works (East Passyunk)
Located on one of the most vibrant streets in South Philly, the Manatawny Still Works tasting room showcases spirits distilled right here in Pennsylvania. Their cocktail menu is seasonally driven, utilizing their own small-batch bourbon to create some of the most innovative drinks in the city.
10. The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (Rittenhouse)
Commonly known as The Franklin Bar, this legendary speakeasy takes mixology to a scientific level. Their whiskey selection is vast, and their bartenders are masters of the craft, capable of tailoring a bourbon cocktail specifically to your palate's preferences.
Quick Tips for Your Philly Bourbon Crawl:
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Reservations: Spots like Village Whiskey and The Franklin Bar are small; booking ahead is highly recommended.
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Whiskey Flights: If you're looking to learn, prioritize Bank & Bourbon or The Trestle Inn for their structured tasting flights.
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Happy Hour: Many of these bars offer "Whiskey Wednesdays" or daily happy hour specials on house bourbons.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or simply looking to explore the world of whiskey, Philadelphia has a bar to suit your taste. Raise a glass and savor this beloved spirit's rich flavors and history at one of these top-rated establishments.
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Bill Zimmerman
Publisher
Publisher / Webmaster at Philly Bite Magazine.
Bill ZimmermanBest Whiskey And Bourbon Bars In Philadelphia
