Happy Hour is one of the most well-recognized drinking time frames around the world. For many, it’s considered the best couple of hours of their day. Usually, it’s tied directly to the triumphant feeling you get when you realize that the work day is, in fact, over.
There is a sense of jubilation, getting out of work with your friends, looking up the best happy hour specials in the city and taking advantage of everything it has to offer. Relax with a frosty cold mug, or better yet enjoy a refreshing cocktail on special to forget about the long work day finally completed.
Why Does Happy Hour Exist?
Most people enjoy happy hour but have no idea where the idea even began. Sometimes it’s good to learn your history, then indulge. Ironically enough happy hour has nothing to do with the idea we all know and love in the 21st century. We should be lucky enough that we have happy hour, in some states, it’s actually banned such as Rhode Island, Alaska, Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Vermont.
In fact, the notion of happy hour began back in the 19th century out at sea. It was to describe the entertainment period in which activities such as boxing and wrestling matches would occur on board the naval ships. This was a time for the seamen to get their minds off the hardships of war.
During the era of prohibition in the 1920s happy hour was used as “a euphemism for drinking sessions ahead of dinner in public restaurants were serving alcohol was illegal.”
Today we look at things a little differently for happy hour, it’s quite mainstreamed and it seems like every bar in America has one.
Some people today especially during the age of the millennials, utilize happy hours as their only time to go out, it’s cheaper, most places have a great atmosphere, and it’s usually earlier right after work lets out. There are a few things people look for first when it comes to choosing their favorite happy hour spot.
- Break up your stale week, grabbing a few cheap drinks might break up the monotony of your week.
- Keep your everyday commuter out of the rush hour. Cities like Philadelphia can be a struggle leaving around 5pm with tens of thousands of people trying to get back home from work. Grabbing a couple of drinks while rush hour ends might just be your best bet.
- Try new things, sometimes it’s great to be able to go to a place you’ve never been before, check out the cocktails that are on the happy hour menu, usually they’re cheaper than normal. Try to step out of your comfort zone and try new things on special.
- Great time for bonding with friends and coworkers. Not always is there a chance to hang out with coworkers, but happy hour is one of those times where it’s easy to get everyone together for some good old fashioned fun.
Top Lunch Spots Near Rittenhouse
Philadelphia is a destination to tourists from all over, looking to immerse themselves in a brand of culture not felt by any other city in the country. We are home to some of the most intriguing restaurants and shopping with concepts from all around the world.
If you’re looking to make it a day or a weekend in Philly, grab a quick lunch, here are some spots to check out before happy hour!
PARC
address
227 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.545.2262
Parc relys on authentic design elements imported directly from Europe, the all-day restaurant presents a sweeping cinematic interpretation of the French lifestyle. From a café au lait and fresh-baked croissant to start your morning through to flawless brasserie classics like steak frites, escargots and towering plateaus of fruits de mer, the menu is wide enough to please, while remaining true to the traditions that inspired it.
LOVE
address
103 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.433.1555
The Love features all the trappings you’d expect at a Starr joint, from first-class service to artful, considered décor. The lunch menu tilts toward the savory end of the spectrum, with several hearty soups and stews, delectable salads and sandwiches, and a smattering of very good pasta entrees.
The Continental Midtown
address
1801 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.567.1800
The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak spring rolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion.
Schlesinger’s
address
1521 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Get Directions
Phone: 215.735.7305
There is nothing quite like a classic delicatessen. From first-rate pastrami and corned beef to great breads, bagels, soups and desserts, everything here is exactly what you’d hope for from an old-school deli—minus the over-the-top portions and prices. Schlesinger’s also has a great, complimentary “pickle bar” replete with potato salad and other sides that you can dive into while you wait for your main course to arrive.
For People Looking to Explore Philly a Little
Not looking to go grab a bite to eat before coming to happy hour, there are plenty of places to check out to pass the time before you party the night away! Below are some of our favorite spots in the City of Brotherly Love.
One Liberty Observation Deck
address
1650 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Phone: 215.561.3325
One Liberty Observation Deck will offer sweeping views of the region. Climb 57 stories up (via a state-of-the-art elevator experience) to the enclosed deck to get a top-down look at iconic sights like City Hall, the Ben Franklin Parkway, the Ben Franklin Bridge, the stadium complex, University City and the rest of Philadelphia. It’s Brotherly Love from above. One Liberty is also a perfect place to learn more about Philly pop culture, music, and sports.
Rittenhouse Park
address
210 W Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Phone: 215.683.0200
One of five original squares planned by city founder William Penn in the late 17th century, Rittenhouse Square is the heart of Center City’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhood.
With a bevy of high-rise residences filled with top-end luxury apartments, and some of the best fine dining experiences in the city, residents can marvel at their options, while also enjoying the luxury retail shopping in the area, all of which help surrounds the handsome tree-filled park. Only a few blocks away from Rec Room, enjoy the outdoors and come have some drinks to top off a great day with our Happy Hour!
Dillworth Park
address
1 S. 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Get Directions
Phone: 215.440.5500
Located at the foot of City Hall, Dilworth Park recently underwent a major transformation. On September 4, 2014, the park reopened as a modern and welcoming outdoor space, reestablishing William Penn’s original Center Square as a gathering place for all Philadelphians.
LOVE Park
address
Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Philadelphia’s iconic John F. Kennedy Plaza, better known as LOVE Park, is currently receiving some much-needed love, care and 21st-century upgrades. The overhaul to the popular public space includes adding green space, structural improvements, installing a new water feature, creating concession areas and opening up access to the park.
LOVE Park gets its nickname from Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue, which has resided in the space almost continuously since 1976.
Independence Hall
address
520 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Get Directions
Phone: 1-877-444-6777
Looking to check out the history of the Birthplace of the United States? Independence Hall is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. It is a great opportunity to understand a little more of how this country began in the 1700’s before the US Constitution was ever signed.
George Washington’s “rising sun” chair dominates the Assembly Room which is arranged as it was during the original Constitutional Convention.
In the adjacent West Wing, the actual inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are prominently displayed.
Shopping → Happy Hour Might be More Your Style
Some of us might not be so interested in checking out the attractions Philly has to offer. Don’t worry, the city of brotherly love has plenty of shopping whether you’re a tech shopper or someone looking for high end luxury we have it all to help pass the time until the drinks start to flow freely. Below are some of our favorite places to shop before the night begins.
The Apple Store
address
1607 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.861.6400
The Apple Store is something for everyone, not really just for the tech shoppers but for everyone alike. This is why it is number one on my list of places to kill time. You can play with all the gadgets from watches to MacBooks and everything in between.
UBIQ
address
1509 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Phone: 215.988.0194
UBIQ at first glance you might not think is for everyone since they have some of the most highly sought after sneakers in the game today. They have the stuff no one ever heard of, stuff no one can get their hands on, and also some stuff that’s actually right in price range for the everyday sneaker wearer.
UNTUCKit
address
1611 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Phone: 267.687.1625
UNTUCKit is one of the most up and coming clothes brands in Philly right now and in the country. They’ve been around serving some of the most classically comfortable but also very trendy. One of my favorite parts is you can go in, try on some clothes, and even grab a bourbon while waiting.
Rag & Bone
address
1601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Phone: 215.709.4284
If you’re looking for not your traditional clothing store like a Macy’s, Rag & Bone is perfect for both men and women. They deal exclusively with fashion-forward denim, casualwear, footwear & accessories. Prices aren’t too high, especially if you’re looking to stay trendy.
Nordstrom Rack
address
1700 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.599.6755
Nordstrom Rack is a retail clothing store known by all shoppers, made a little for everyone, both male and female. With some of the higher end clothing such as Neiman & Marcus, Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren, G-Star Raw and many more. Don’t be afraid of the high end brands, everything is discounted on the Rack. Come get freshened up, and come check out Rec Room happy hour.
Brooks Brothers
address
1513 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Get Directions
Phone: 215.564.4100
Brooks Brothers is the oldest men’s clothier in the United States and is headquartered on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1818 as a family business, today Brooks Brothers has 210 stores in over 70 different countries throughout the world. Providing only the best products in the world, if you’re trying to look your best, look no further than the threads inside Brooks Brothers. Their brand has even been worn by the likes of Barack Obama for his inauguration to the Presidency of the United States.
Joan Shepp
address
1811 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions
Phone: 215.735.2666
Founded in 1971 in Lafayette Hill, Joan Shepp has been Philadelphia’s premier fashion destination for over 45 years.
Recognized as one of the country’s style leaders by publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and Departures Magazine, the store is home to a beautifully curated selection of the most creative European, Japanese, and hard-to-find designers.
Joan Shepps offers a unique high-end fashion boutique carrying an eclectic assortment of big-name & emerging designer clothing.
