Top 3 Mixology Spots in Philly

Now if there’s one thing Philly is, it’s a drinking town.  Rated one of the best beer drinking towns, Philly has no shortage of bartenders.  However, what about mixed drinks.  Sure you can find a plethora of signature drinks in just about any establishment.  But what about Mixology?– the art and science of cocktail making.  Although, many talk about making artisan drinks most pale in comparison to the three places we are highlighting today.  So whether you are coming into town to visit or happen to be a local looking for a great drinking experience, make sure you check out these places.  ¡Salud!

Hop Sing Laundromat

1029 Race St | Tues.-Sat. 5 pm- 2 am

Don’t let the name fool you.  You could not find this place if no one told you where it was.  As the below picture suggests it is very discrete.  This place feels like a secret club.  Their gate is always closed and patrons must ring a door bell.  This does not even guarantee access.  Doormen are selective and are known to turn people away.  If you are granted entry you will be given a spiel stating that cell phones are strictly prohibited. The owner who is infamously known for being surly, does not want any evidence of people patronizing.  Almost like you were never there.  Most if not all pics taken inside were done so in a sneaky fashion.  Mysteriousness aside, this places slings some of the best cocktails ever.  They even give their drinks catchy names like “O Mary, Don’t You Weep,” which contains El Dorado 6 year white rum, D’Aristi Kalani coconut liqueur and cream, along with cinnamon and nutmeg.  If you can make it past the iron gates you won’t regret it one bit.  Enjoy.

Hop Sing’s discrete appearance gives it a “speak easy” feel

Hop Sing’s offers elegant decor (pic courtesy of Yelp)

Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

212 Walnut St. | (215) 238-0499 | Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 am-11 pm, Fr. 11:30 am – 11 pm, Sat. 12 pm-11 pm, Sun. 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm

A stark contrast to Hop Sing’s low key, dark, and mysterious ways, Positano’s is bright, airy, and prominently located in the heart of Old City.  Although it has been around and enjoyed for years, I am always amazed by the number of people I meet that have never been here.  Sure there are plenty of Italian places to dine at but if you are looking for a great drink experience to go along with your pasta primavera, this is the spot.  The bartenders are courteous and the drinks are phenomenal.  The drink menu reads more like a grocery shopping list with ingredients such as  aloe vera, lemon grass, black berries, egg whites, and cinnamon clove juniper berry syrup.  So if you are up to trying new things and love flavorful drinks, check this place out and let us know what you think.

Positano’s offers a bright and airy atmosphere to enjoy your artisan drinks.

Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.

112 S 18th St | (267) 467-3277 | Sun.-Wed. 5 pm – 1 am, Thurs.-Sat 5 pm- 2 am

Another misleading name on the list, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. is anything but that.  The name is actually a throwback to the prohibition era when Franklin Mortgage was a front for bootleggers.  Keeping that speak easy ambiance, Franklin Mortgage takes it’s love for alcohol very serious.  The bartenders are some of the most knowledgeable in the city.  This place is for no-nonsense drinkers as their menu features recipes that call for scotch, whiskey, bourbon, and tequila. Although other sweeter liquors can be found, this place prides itself in the traditional “man drinks.”  Incorporating fresh fruits, spices, and bitters, Franklin Mortgage takes Mixology to the highest levels.  If Mixology was taught in colleges these bartenders would be the professors.  If you can free up some time this week we suggest heading down to Franklin Mortgage and doing your own homework.  Enjoy!

Franklin Mortgage plays up the prohibition theme. (pic courtesy of Jewish Singles.com)

Franklin Mortgage has the classic speak easy look to go along with the name