It’s 5:00 in Philly! For the 20th annual summer, Center City District is hosting Sips, the city’s beloved happy hour tradition.
Each Wednesday from June 5 through August 28, indulge in $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer and half-price appetizers at select establishments across Center City from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. From Aire Grille to Yakitori Boy, nearly 90 bars, restaurants and beer gardens will provide a post-work refuge for colleague bonding or a study break for the trapped-in-class Drexel student. Whether you are sticking to one spot or bar hopping, it is worth picking your endpoint wisely; some locations are sweetening the deal with a 15 percent dinner discount post 7 p.m. The CCD website provides a list view of participating locations, including each location’s offerings.
Debuting in 2004, Sips was originally Philly’s tactic for adding some traction to their hospitality scene during Shore season. After proving good for business and culture, the season snowballed into a success. Despite taking a brief hiatus during the pandemic year of 2020, Sips has been back and good as new in recent summers. An attraction for millennial locals, summer interns and college kids alike, Sips seems to thrive on a youthful pulse, transforming Philly into a city-wide pregame and kicking “Wine Wednesdays” up a notch.
The first step to taking on Sips, according to popular Philly influencer Brandon Edelman, is to “determine your vibe.” Better known on social media as Bran Flakezz, Edelman does Philly’s social circuit like a pro, sharing advice on his TikTok page along the way. In his June 2023 guide to Sips published on TikTok, he asks, “Are you looking for just a casual place to get a cheap happy hour and drinks with your close friends, a spot where you can socialize with a ton of people, or a spot to get feral?” With a little something for everyone, find your Sips vibe throughout the season by trying out different areas in the city, types of establishments and times of attendance.
Making the best of Sips may seem an intimidating feat; for more information, guides, menus and more, check out the CCD website and the Visit Philadelphia website. And, of course, tune into social media for some influence — the search query “Philadelphia Sips” can tell you all you need to know. Most importantly, remember to drink responsibly and to savor the summer.