Last Call for Center City SIPS: Five Can’t-Miss Spots

The Experience

On Wednesday evenings in the summer, Center City is the place to be for happy hour.

During the Center City District SIPS promotion, patrons at dozens of participating businesses can enjoy $5 beer, $6 wine, $7 tequila cocktails and half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday.

A wildly popular Philly tradition, SIPS draws big crowds, and many Center City bars and restaurants fill up. (In other words: Pick a spot and get there early.)

After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner at select SIPS participants.

  — Photo by Beaumonde Originals

Five Can’t-Miss SIPS Destinations for 2024

More than 90 bars, restaurants, beer gardens and other outdoor spaces get in on the action for SIPS 2024. Curious about where to start? There are no wrong choices, but are some SIPS destinations for every vibe:

• For SIPS of sunshine: Uptown Beer Garden: One of the largest outdoor beer gardens in the city, this Philly fave can be found right between City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Uptown Beer Garden can accommodate over 300 guests on its tree-shaded patio with prime views of LOVE Park. On the menu: sandwiches, small bites and desserts, plus an expansive bar menu of wine, cocktails, frozen beverages and plenty of draft beer. Hang out after happy hour ends and get 15% off dinner. 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
• For specialty SIPS: Air Grille Garden at Dilworth Park: To celebrate SIPS season, the Center City District is introducing SIPS Summer Splash, a lime-infused Mexican-style lager made in partnership with Broad Street Brewing. The limited-time brew is available only at Dilworth Park’s Air Grille Garden. 1 S. 15th Street

• For SIPS with style: Darling Jack’s Tavern: From the team behind Philly hotspots Barbuzzo, Bud & Marilyn’s and Little Nonna’s, this Midtown Village darling (see what we did there?) offers elevated comfort foods and vibes that are part cozy, part refined. On the SIPS menu: drink deals like discounted chardonnay, cabernet and special blood orange margaritas, plus half-off bites like latkes & smoked trout or coal-grilled asparagus. 104 S. 13th Street
• For SIPS and songs: Chris’ Jazz Cafe: As the longest-operating jazz club in Philly, Chris’ Jazz Cafe hosts live music five nights a week with performances by local, national and international artists. The toe-tapping venue serves up an ever-changing menu of Southern-inspired dishes. Grab drinks before dinner or simply pick up a general admission ticket and enjoy the show. 1421 Sansom Street
• For a SIPS speakeasy: The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.: This Rittenhouse Square speakeasy — known for its spellbinding cocktail creations — lies off a back alley at the rear of The Franklin on Rittenhouse boutique hotel. (Finding the entrance is half the fun.) Reservations are required. Stick around after happy hour for 15% off dinner. 1715 Schubert Alley

For a full list of this year’s participating bars, restaurants and beer gardens, click the button below.

Getting There

Do yourself a favor and keep the car at home for this party.

Many participating establishments are easily accessible via SEPTA’s Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway lines, Center City bus routes, and all Regional Rail lines.

Plus, those looking to burn a few carbs between bites can (responsibly) take advantage of the many, many Indego bike share docks all throughout the district.

For more information on Center City SIPS, click the button below.