Are you trying to spice up your love life for your anniversary? Or maybe trying to impress a first date? We have some date ideas that will be sure to wow your partner. Tell you s/o to get all dolled up, cause you’re going out on the town.

Hop Sing Laundromat

Image Credit 

 

While we hate to blow up this swanky speakeasy’s spot, we just can’t neglect our commitment to delivering the scoop on the best bars in Philly. Ergo, we feel you deserve to know about Hop Sing Laundromat. Be sure to dress nicely and mind your manners at this offbeat bar. That means no screens, folks: leave your cells in your pockets and embrace Hop Sing’s elegance. Don’t be intimidated by creative cocktails you might not recognize; Hop’s friendly and expert wait-staff will guide you through the drink list. We recommend the ginger beer based “El Diablo,” which pairs perfectly with the dark, intimate ambiance.

If you’ve got someone you’ve been dying to impress, Hop Sing is the local burried treasure you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re on vacation or you call Philly home, you should get in on the secret and pay a visit to Hop Sing Laundromat. Oh, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the ATM on your way over, because this Philly gem comes from a time before credit cards. Be forewarned: you’re heading towards a spot that will be very kind to your palate, not to your wallet. But, in our opinion, $15 dollars is a small price to pay for superb cocktails in a quiet, classy environment adorned with prohibition-era decor. Hop Sing Laundromat is not simply a bar: it’s an experience.

10 Arts

 

Image Credit

On the Avenue of the Arts, you will find some of the finest “farm to table” cuisine and classic cocktails in The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia’s 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge. The 10 Arts Bistro menu is a haven for new-American comfort foods served by way of sharable dishes, harvested from organic and local ingredients. While the menu changes seasonally, the quality of 10 Arts delights remains a constant 10. The rich cultural atmosphere of Philly’s art district mixed with 10 Arts’ serene and intimate setting make this the ideal location for a romantic night on the town, where sensorial satisfaction is always on the menu. Each dish is perfectly plated with an accute eye for detail. For those interested in enjoying these intricate palatte pleasers in exclusivity, the restaurant even offers private dining in The Reserve, a cozy nook off of the main dining room.

If you aren’t in the mood to leave after a delicious meal in the Bistro, head over to the lobby-adjacent 10 Arts Lounge for after-dinner cocktails. Featuring impeccable cuisine, fabulous service and impressive live music in the heart of Philly, 10 Arts is your go-to for impressing that special someone.

Alma de Cuba

Image Credit 

 

Created by the world famous Stephen Starr, house of renowned head chef Douglas Rodriguez, Alma de Cuba graces the Philadelphia restaurant scene with its presence. This Neuvo Cuban eatery is a true masterpiece from the decor to the menu. If you haven't heard of Mr. Rodriguez, you should know that he has not only won several fine cuisine awards and mentored Iron Chef Jose Garces, but has also been selected by Newsweek as one the the 100 Americans that will influence this coming millennium. You’ll want to start with appetizers to make sure you get the most out of your Starr experience: we recommend the spicy-sweet Smoked Albacore Tacos for an authentic burst of Cuban flavor. You can get your hands on great appetizer and drink deals during Alma de Cuba’s notorious Happy Hour. The watermelon mojitos are refreshingly delicious, pairing perfectly with many flavorful tapas. Philadelphians also rave about Alma’s ceviche tastings ranging from $28 to $59 dollars for one to seven tastes of expertly prepared fresh fish.

Beyond the menu, which we could go on about for days, this restaurant offers a calming candle-lit romantic dining atmosphere as well as professional and friendly service. Make next date night extra special when you head down to Rittenhouse for a lovely dinner in the city at Alma de Cuba.

Butcher & Singer

 

Image Credit

Another elegant dining production by Stephen Starr, Butcher & Singer composes a Gatsby-esque ambiance complete with romantic lighting, comfortably cushioned chairs, and swanky cocktails. This refined Rittenhouse restaurant is located just a brief walk from Suburban station, making it convenient as well as classy.

A self-identified steakhouse, Butcher & Singer offers even more than their signature cooked-to-perfection steaks and chops. Every dish is delicious-- from the raw bar fresh oysters to the grilled veggies, they’ve perfected all of the American dinner classics. This homage to post-prohibition old Hollywood is sure to make you feel like a celebrity for the night.

You will experience truly professional service: exceptionally knowledgeable wait-staff, attentive bartenders, and gracious hosts, making Butcher & Singer the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, impress the parents, or treat your date to an extraordinary evening out in Philadelphia.

Amada

 

Image Credit

Famous chef Jose Garce’s iconic first restaurant, Amada, is cookin’ up tapas galore in Old City. It’s not every day that you can find quality Spanish cuisine in Philadelphia-- unless, of course, you’re at Amada. On Monday through Friday every week, Amada is the perfect place to bring your pals after work for a Happy Hour that can’t be beat. From 5-7 pm you will enjoy $5 tapas and great drink deals. Order one of everything to share and try all of Garce’s specialties.

Small plates aren’t all Amada delivers; their renowned entrees are known for their use of the freshest seafood and traditional Spanish elements. Try the Mejillones en Escabeche dish-- Blue Hill Mussels, Smoked Olive Escabeche, and Saffron Toast-- for a true burst of coastal Spanish flavors.

The experience of dining at Amada is as delightful as the food itself. Dine streetside in the fresh air under a shaded umbrella for a lovely immersive view of Philadelphia’s historic Old City neighborhood. As it gets cooler, head inside to dine in Amadas Euro-rustic warm setting at refined wood high-tops or large communal bar. Book your reservation online today here, and don’t forget to check out the Chef’s Tasting options for creative diversions from the menu and expert wine-pairings for your dinner.

1 Tippling Place

 

Image Credit

This low key watering hole is tucked away into Philadelphia’s charming Rittenhouse neighborhood on Chestnut Street. 1 Tippling Place provides a welcome twist to your typical speakeasy style bar expectations. Warm, welcoming couches and homey ornamentation donning the walls make 1TP a nice change of pace from your usual city bar scene. The quaint atmosphere is excellent for small groups going out for a classy cocktail.

At 1TP, they have mastered all of your classics, but you’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t treat yourself to one of their signature seasonal cocktails. We recommend the deliciously tart New Orleans Buck, a mouthwatering mix of aged rum, lime, ginger, pineapple, and soda. Their gourmet hors d'oeuvres are just another tempting reason to bring a few friends and split some apps while you expand your liquor proclivities. If you’ve been looking for a calmer, quieter mature alternative to your typical night on the town, be sure not to pass up this retro-chick hidden gem next time you’re strolling down Chestnut.