An Insider’s Guide to Philly’s Best Wine Bar Happy Hours
Here's where to indulge in Philly's vibrant wine scene without burning a hole in your wallet.
Superfolie / Photograph by Ian Shiver
Robin Shreeves is an award-winning drinks journalist. She holds a Global Intermediate Sommelier Certification and has written extensively about both global wines and wines from the East Coast of the United States.
Not since George Washington and his crew ran up a hefty bar tab at City Tavern in September 1787 — that among other libations included 54 bottles of Madeira and 60 bottles of Claret — has there been a more exciting time to drink wine in Philadelphia. With a thriving wine bar scene embracing everything from classic Bordeaux to local urban winery-produced natural wines, fantastic glasses and bottles abound throughout Philly. Best of all, many of these bars host happy hours, so you can try a new vintage after work or a premium pour before dinner without breaking the bank.
Here where and when you can get a taste of select wines and food pairings for a steal.
Superfolie, Rittenhouse
Happy Hour: Friday and Saturday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
At Superfolie, glasses of the vin de table (table wine) are $7, and there is always a red, a white, and a rosé to choose from. Pair those wines with a $7 snack plate of cheese, bread, and a revolving menu of accompaniments, or $7 polenta fries. They also have hand-painted backgammon boards, perfect for a friendly game over a late-afternoon wine. 1602 Spruce Street.
Martha, Kensington
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
It should be no surprise that Martha, the neighborhood bar that sources locally whenever it can, would source its house wines that way, too. Made from local grapes the Martha Blanc and Martha Rosé are $6 a glass during happy hour. The snack menu changes regularly, but be sure to get the soft pretzels with truffle mustard if you see them. 2113 East York Street.
Barcelona Wine Bar, East Passyunk
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Barcelona Wine Bar’s happy hour complements its existing Spanish tapas and Mediterranean-style cuisine with unique vintages and 50% off all bottles of sparkling. The current happy hour includes half price on all bottles of sparkling wine and a Sacaback, a traditional shot of sherry blended with brandy with a side of Guindilla pepper brine. A small selection of tapas specials round out the happy hour menu. 1709 East Passyunk Avenue.
Jet Wine Bar, Graduate Hospital
Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
What could be better than going to South Street after work and lingering over interesting wines from around the world in Jet Wine Bar’s outdoor wine garden? During happy hour, a handful of those wines, which always include a bubbly, are $8 by the glass. There’s also red or white sangria for $7 a glass. Small plates, from cheese to meatballs, are also at happy hour prices. Keep an eye out for “rainy day happy hour” at Jet, too, that’s a newer addition for those gloomy days. 1525 South Street.
Bloomsday wine / Photograph by Esra Erol
Bloomsday, Queen Village
Happy Hour: Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It’s rare to find a Saturday happy hour that actually extends into the evening hours. So if you find yourself in Headhouse Square at 5 p.m., stop over at Bloomsday where their wines on draft — usually from local producers such as Mural City Cellars, Galen Glen, and Wayvine — go for $9 a glass. Bites include special pricing on popular menu items such as chips and dip, a “tinned fish of the day,” and the cafe’s version of a smashburger. There’s also a $50 platter called “The Werks”, consisting of a smattering of all its happy hour foods plus two glasses of wine. 414 South 2nd Street.
Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar, Manayunk
Happy Hour: Sunday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jake’s and Cooper’s has been serving wine for over 36 years — longer than most of the city’s wine bars have existed. Its consistently good happy hour menu currently offers one red wine and one white wine for $6 each, plus a handful of bar foods including a burger for $6 and teriyaki salmon belly for $12. 4365 Main Street.
Solar Myth, South Philly
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
In what was once a row home, Solar Myth is part record store, part coffee house (starting at 8 a.m.), and part wine bar (starting at noon). Draft wines by the glass are $2 off, and carafes are $6 off. And while they aren’t specially priced for happy hour, a slice of Cacia’s Tomato Pie or Spinach Pie is under $4. 1131 South Broad Street.
Panorama, Old City
Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panorama offers a plentiful by-the-glass program from its wine preservation system which can hold up to 120 bottles. During happy hour, they offer some of those glasses for $6, at the bar only. Also included in the bar-only happy hour specials are $7 off wine flights, $6 small plates, and a $6 pasta. 14 North Front Street.
