As the summer weeks pass and we become veritable members of the workforce (five weeks of Excel and counting!) or delve deep into the throes of academia (what up, Summer Session Two), we’ve come to appreciate the beauty of hump day more than ever. Halfway between a case of the Monday’s and sunshine-filled weekend bliss? Cause to celebrate! And as any seasoned summer Philadelphian knows, Wednesday is Sips Day, the happiest happy hour in Philly. Every Wednesday this summer from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., over 70 Center City bars and restaurants open their doors to the city’s thirstiest. All participants offer special lists of $4 cocktails, $3 wine and $2 beers. Once these deals have the stressors of your workweek softening around the edges, indulge in half-priced appetizers and, at some locations, fifteen-percent discounts on dinner. While details of all participating locations and their specials are available on Center City Sips’ official site (www.centercityphila.org/life/Sips.php) be sure to hit these two faves.
APO Bar & Lounge
102 S. 13th Street
While the bar formerly known as the Apothecary may have pharmaceutical roots, walking into this swanky Sips fixture is a far cry from the starkness of a CVS medicine counter.
A favorite of Penn students and corporate twentysomethings on summer Wednesdays, APO’s offerings are as appealing as its atmosphere. The two-floor bar maintains a minimalist chic vibe with its sleek bar, low lighting and fun wall art. Especially perfect for the late afternoon Sips, though, is the outdoor balcony seating on the second floor — chill at the umbrella-shaded tables overlooking 13th Street.
APO, a lounge that refers to its drinks as “elixirs,” does not disappoint with its sips coktail specials. If you’re partial to light liquor, try the Moscow Mule, a vodka, lime juice, and gingerbeer concoction with a deliciously tangy kick. Feeling more old-school? Order a John Collins, which consists of bourbon, lemon juice and seltzer. APO offers asian-inspired appetizers (dumplings and chicken bites) for $3. On Sips nights, APO is the perfect panacea to your Wednesday woes.
— Annette D’Onofrio
Tinto
116 S. 20th Street
If there’s one thing you can count on with Center City Sips, it’s the crowds. The popularity of this summertime event usually results in an overloaded bar, messy and ignored tables, and stressed-out servers. That is, unless you go to Tinto. Jose Garces’ take on Basque tapas, already known for the delicious and innovative menu items, really knows how to put on a happy hour. Thirsty patrons show up just before opening to snag a spot at one of the heavy wooden tables in the narrow and intimate bar area. The door stops letting people in when they’ve reached capacity, so it rarely gets too crowded to move. The servers are quick, the menu is appetizing, and the drinks are hard to put down. I suggest choosing between Sangria Blanca (white wine and Absolut Peach) and Sangria Tinto (red wine and Applejack), both delectably sweet (but not too sweet) and topped with crunchy fresh fruit.
Though the happy hour appetizer options are tasty and nicely priced, don’t be afraid to venture off onto the regular menu. The friendly, attentive staff and cozy atmosphere will surely convince you to stay put for the full two hours, and then some.
— Kristen Franke
Take a sip out of these hot spots, too, before summer is over and Wednesdays become lame again. Four bucks never tasted so good!
1225 Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge
1225 Sansom St.
Sips Cocktails:
Sake Tango (fruit infused sake)
Pink Bubbly (vodka, champagne, cranberry, pineapple)
Leblon Sour (cachaca, watermelon schnapps, pineapple, sour mix)
Vango Lounge & Sky Bar
116 S. 18th St.
Sips Cocktails:
Well gin drinks
Well vodka drinks
Devil’s Alley
1907 Chestnut St.
Sips Cocktails:
Red Sangria
White Summer Sangria
Rum Punch
Chifa
707 Chestnut St.
Sips Cocktails:
Traditional Pisco Sour (brandy, fresh lime juice)
Mula Cuzco
(vodka, ginger liqueur, cusqueña pilsner, lime)
