When 1 Tippling Pl. made the 2012 Foobooz Top 50 Bars list, even I, curator of that list, raised an eyebrow. But the panel had spoken, so onto the list the new Chestnut Street cocktail lounge went. And upon further inspection, it isn’t difficult to see why this newcomer made such an impression. When you walk in, you’re greeted by welcoming love seats, overstuffed leather chairs, and small tables for your drinks. The bar mixes up excellent classic cocktails like gin martinis, old-fashioneds and manhattans. “Less Common” and seasonal cocktails also make for sound choices. The Penicillin provided just the remedy for a cold night, with smoky scotch, lemon, honey and candied ginger warming me from the inside out. The only food on offer: throwback hors d’oeuvres like meatballs in Thai peanut sauce, dates wrapped in bacon, and nuts served in a clever (though only partly successful) angostura bitters glaze. Go for the drinks, though, and you won’t be let down. For sustenance, eat before or after, or stick with the kitchen’s grilled-cheese menu.

1 Tippling Place
2006 Chestnut Street
215-665-0456
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