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Tue-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
"We had the pleasure of FADO for brunch a couple of Sundays ago. I at first thought the menu was limiting, but how many ways can you make…" read more »
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Mmmm....tell the bartenders what you like, and they will special tailor it to your liking. I'm a big fan of the gimlet, and so I got a delicious concoction made with vodka, passionfruit, and jasmine tea--something that will soon be on their menu.
They also serve absinthe..! I believe its called the French Bock (sp?)...
Also have snacks, pretzels and mustard :) Super friendly, knowledgeable bartenders, Trendy, but worth it.
And love the single stall Euro toilets!! Btw, they're open certain nights...
Inventive cocktails, to be sure - this might be reason #1 one might pick this relaxed yet high concept lounge. Thematically built around that curative concept, mixtures of typically refreshing fruit and one or two alcohol bases are often dispensed in laboratory glassware. And some fairly refined beers are on tap for medicinal purposes as well. Reason #2 may be the slick lounge surroundings - hip, modern furnishings, a dim atmosphere gently accented by neon glows, and chill DJ beats, all designed to calm and cradle one away from the urban din. Check out the upstairs terrace for some fresh air therapy.
If you're not into fruity novelty cocktails or the occasional crush of suburbanites packed in on weekends, it may be a quick visit, and your bar tab may seem unjustified. But if you're looking for an aperitif meet-up, maybe before dinner at exceptionally tasty Lolita or trendy El Vez, both right around the corner, Apothecary's a smooth prescription to start off an evening.
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APO was on our way back to the car and seemed like an interesting place to finish the night. I should mention that in general I am not a huge fan of lounges and with exception of a good whiskey sour, I rarely get a mixed drink...
Well... I was in for a pleasant surprise...
We sat downstairs in the corner and the vibe was nice and relaxing. The music was very eclectic as far as the selections and it was not loud... it was a bit empty for 10:30pm Saturday, but as we sat there people kept coming in...
The service was very good, friendly and knowledgeable, suggesting drinks that we'd like - and with the creative drinks APO offers you certainly need a suggestion...
Immunity Idol was good, though had a bit too much gin for my taste... Booty Collins on the other hand was just want I needed and it was outstanding... two full glasses later I knew that they menu meant by saying to be careful (though personally I really did not mind).
Definitely a cool, nice place...
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Go for the drinks. Go for Preston the bartender. Go for the rooftop. It would be nice if you could go for some food, but we can't have everything.
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While I loved the idea of Apothecary, the actual execution didn't do much for me. I found the space itself to be cold and uninviting, almost sterile. The drinks are interesting and unique for sure, however, that comes with a price, as most of the cocktail concoctions will run you about $12. The "recession cocktail" for $6 is a great idea, although the selection is limited. On the night that I was there it was a ginger based cocktail that was VERY heavy on the ginger. I like a good Moscow Mule but this was almost undrinkable.
I did find it incredibly odd that at a bar that is clearly carving a niche for itself out of creative cocktails that the table next to us ordered a bucket of Modelo. Really? Is this a pool party or a lounge? I'm honestly surprised that they even offer Modelo to begin with, let alone a bucket of it. It just seems to be totally out of character with what they are trying to achieve.
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The drinks? Are delicious. The atmosphere? Is posh and fun. The seating? Is ridiculously uncomfortable. But all that styyyle needs to be paid for somewhere.
There's outdoor seating that fills up quickly most of the time, and little seating otherwise. Still, everything I've ever had here, foods, beverages, etc., has been great. It's just, unfortunately, not comfortable for sitting and hanging out for awhile.
I never thought I'd be singing a bar's praises because of the ease with which one can bring an infant, but that is exactly what I'm doing. This weekend found J and I in the City of Brotherly Love, visiting friends and their newborn twins. During a stroll down Walnut Street, conversation turned to one of our favorite topics--cocktails--and our friend mentioned a nearby bar that served creative high-end drinks. "I think they call their bartenders mixologists or something?" he said, and J and I shared a knowing glance.
When I suggested that we go I didn't mean we go RIGHT THEN (who brings a baby to a bar?) but my friends seemed totally happy with the idea. So, the babes all asnooze in their bjorns, we climbed the stairs to Apothecary's 2nd level, where we found a lovely patio and super friendly staff who didn't bat an eye at their WAY underage patrons.
Apothecary takes its medicinal theme seriously, with ingredients like valerian root, echinacea, and gingko throughout the cocktail menu. Though the signature drinks struck me as a little too fruit-heavy for my usual taste, it was early in the evening, and I let the when-in-Rome in me take over. Plus, how could I not order something cautioning "not for the faint of heart or hypertensive"? The Booty Collins was tall and cool and fruity without being cloying. The Bronx cocktail was light and refreshing, and they did a great job with J's classic Bijou as well.
What's nice about Apothecary is that they do well what so many fail at--having a gimmick without coming off as too gimmicky or trying too hard. Unlike their conceptual twin in NYC, Apotheke, it's not over-the-top, showy or snooty, and it's laid back enough in the early evening that you can bring a baby or two. That would NEVER happen in New York.
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I had intended to give Apothecary a three-star review after my experience Saturday night but a combination of a related discussion on the threads (re: hipsters and how their presence ruins places, should the business owner be held accountable for the clientele they attract) and the chance to observe it in a controlled environment (at the Elite event last night) softened my initial assessment. So, I shall split the difference: five-star cocktails but two-stars for my fellow patrons (with the former being given greater weight since the latter is a matter of personal preference).
I started with the La Paloma, which at least equaled the one I had at Branch & Brook in SF, and followed with a French Buck, which had a pleasant kick. I did not get the opportunity to observe the cocktails being mixed in action, as it was far too crowded (more supra) on this occasion, but the spectacle was quite enjoyable at the Elite event. I'll refrain from going into detail detail on the cocktails at the event since that has its own proper place. Suffice to say, they likewise would have been worth the high price of the drinks.
Now, for the disappointing part, the disdainful group of individuals who were there Saturday night. Yes, its my fault for going on a Saturday night when it was sure to be filled with the bridge & tunnel crowd*. There was barely room to breathe; it was like being packed in a sardine can of douchery. And yes, I agree in principle that a bar should not be blamed entirely for the crowd it attracts, however, they do remain partially responsible. The lounge atmosphere will tend to attract a lounge crowd. Its not healthy to hold on to your anger so I'll just leave it at the fact that I strongly prefer a much more understated environment, especially in a cocktail place such as this.
Apothecary has many things I like but, overall, this likely is not the bar for me. Perhaps Franklin Mortgage is more what I am looking for.
* I use the term not for accuracy but for implication. I have nothing against the bridge & tunnel crowd, as I myself once numbered amongst them, but rather, what they represent in terms of the stereotypical, loud & obnoxious Jersey-ite ordering up endless Red Bull and vodkas or what have you.
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Affordable? No.
Way too crowded on the weekends? Yes.
But here's the thing: they're great at what they do. Normally my tastes in booze tend toward the purist--scotch or bourbon neat, or a dirty martini--but it's a whole different ballgame here. Booty Collins, Sage Wisdom, French Buck, Immunity Idol, Aviation, and La Paloma are all perfect to enjoy on their deck for a laid back start to a night of serious drinking.
And the service kills. Everyone I've spoken to there seems to know and take an interest in bar craft. First time I went there, a while back, my friend and I sat at the bar talking with the bartender and watching him work while he made us half-sized versions of almost everything on the menu, so that we could try more drinks before we fell off our stools. Very smart way to build customer loyalty.
So either suck it up and deal with the price and the crowd, or go over there early in the evening on a weekday, but you should check this place out.
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This place is like a Manhattan speakeasy without the whole 'let's be underground and hip but really we're a magnet for pretentious little snots' meets a regular bar. It's fashionable without being annoying.
Mr. Bartender downstairs was chill and recommended some great drinks. I could tell he was trying not to eavesdrop on our convo since we were the only living creatures in sight (bottom floor was completely empty on a Friday night). But I saw you laugh when I made a joke! Bravo for your stealth, Mr. Bartender!
We carried our drinks upstairs intending to sit on the rooftop deck but it was humid hair frizz galore so stayed inside and buddied up to the air conditioner. My French Buck was spicy with a strong root beer and ginger taste. I didn't even feel a buzz after my absinthe drink, good or bad? Bad! I have no class.
Something about this place is very London to me.. like a Coldplay album reincarnated into a bar. Drinks range from $9 to $12.
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I was to meet friends here a couple days ago, and as I walked up to the intersection of 13th & sansom I stared blankly all around me. Where the hell IS it?? I thought. Turns out, it's marked only by a small discreet green-and-white sign, right on the corner of an alleyway...Drury Lane? Am I right? I seem to remember it being Drury-something. No wonder, when finally inside this place seemed something out of a faerie tale.
This bar is great. Classy, swank, with an aura of mystery and a very impressive & innovative collection of alcoholic elixirs boasting a ton of ingredients, as well as a hefty price tag. The daily special was only 6 bucks, so I started with that. Very good, it tasted of ginger and sorcery. However, if you are willing to fork over 11+ bucks per drink, the specialty cocktails are powerful & powerfully tasty and worth a try.
If you're hankering for a bite to eat (I didn't try their food, can't comment) the Indian-inspired Bindi is right across the street.
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Popped in at Apothecary last night after hitting my stomach's limits at Bindi. Just when I decided adding anything else to my already bulging Bindi belly was a bad idea, the swift bartender slid a Clever Club in my direction. His craftsmanship alone was enough to keep me put. I sat mesmerized as he sent orange essence sparks into a lucky patron's elixir.
When I simply couldn't drink anymore, I spotted the bartender (dare I say his name is Nick) applying a fragrant foam to my neighbor's cocktail. Inquiring wasn't in my best interest. Or maybe it was? Minutes later, I was met with some Sage Wisdom: rhum, white grapefruit, sage leaves, gingko, pineapple-sage foam. One of the best things I've ever put in my mouth.
Aside from the drinks, my friend's favorite APO experience was the sage-slapping practice. Just ask or observe next time you're in.
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I pretty much go to Apothecary to remind myself that there are people in Philadelphia who are… Read more »
So, I stopped by tonight with some friends and we were cut off from the downstairs bar by a forced invitation to the upstairs lounge. Normally not an issue, but one of our company had muscular dystrophy and stairs were a challenge. We assisted our friend up in expectation of the fantastic beverages that were to come. Tonight especially, a taste of 'Root'; the new locally brewed spirit.
We sat at the very small upstairs bar and were given samples of root. It was very nice, a bit sweet for me, and discussed the possibility of mixing it with a prosecca to enhance the base flavors and tone down the sweet.
Unfortunately for us, Nick and Christian were no where to be found, so our discussions were for naught. The waitress who assisted us had no mixology skill, and Sam, the official barkeep, said not ONE WORD to us the hour we were there, nor did he bother to make a drink for us or inquire if we wanted one.
The waitress ended up making our drinks, which we agreed were lame and tame compared to the vivid flavors we are used to from this place. We considered a second round, but after waiting for fifteen minutes with dry glassware I finally gave in and tendered my credit card, paying forty five (yes $45) dollars for the three drinks we had.
When we first starting coming here, drinks were great, service was brilliant, and we were excited to be part of the Apothecary scene. It sadly seems that as the name has shrunk, so have all other aspects of this bar/lounge, except the price. (The hours have even been cut to wed-sun!)
Sorry Tony, just as we had to walk away from RAW when you cut back the quality, we now have to walk away from here.
So no longer can I recommend the Apothecary, as now its simply APO, and although there's lots of lipstick on this pig, it's not the Marilyn we once loved.
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The smartest new bar in Philadelphia, I was worried if they'd survive or not. Thankfully Philly is… Read more »
I'm not sure about this place yet. It's very nice inside and out with a loungey feel to it. The also have a roof deck, which you cannot smoke on...jerks. The drinks are delicious and original. I'm not quite sure why, but I was amused by all of the random bottles of stuff the used to make the drinks, labeled with things like 'brown sauce'.
The bartenders were kind of cranky and not very attentive, maybe because they were very busy. Could have been lack of planning on their part. Either way, I will definitely be giving Apothecary another chance. It certainly has the potential to be better.
Great rooftop bar area!
I went there on Sunday evening with three of my friends. They have very inventive cocktails, which were delicious. I had the Scandal in Bohemia and it was a good drink, very strong, flavorful, with a licorice aftertaste. My friend was particularly fond of the red that she picked up.
On their website it said that Sunday-Thursday they served $7 cocktails, apparently that was a mistake and Sunday didn't count. (Minus one star)
We waited a while for our cocktails even though there were only 5-6 other patrons there. (minus half a star)
We were hungry and there were no bar snacks, no peanuts, nothing at all to munch on while having our drinks even though I saw a menu online - (I understand that a kitchen is closed at 8PM on Sunday, but not even crackers or bread??) (minus half a star)
I would go back for the atmosphere and the creative drinks. I'll know for next time to bring a bag of peanuts with me.
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My friend had suggested we go to this bar for a few cocktails on a Tuesday. After checking out the menu and the website, I was so excited to give it a try. Too bad they are closed on Tuesday. So Wednesday night, I just had to drop in for an after dinner drink.
I was a bit disappointed. The photos that I had seen made this place look warm, inviting and trendy. In reality, I kinda felt like I was in a hospital. The jars of ingredients on the bar are really cute, and definitely add to the theme, but the nausea green walls behind the bar take the idea from cute to "Frankenstein's lab". Add that to the fact that it wasn't all that clean and I was not a fan.
But, I had yet to try the cocktails. I took a few minutes to peruse the menu and saw several that looked intriguing. I could have used some advice from the bartender, but she was too busy screwing around with her drunk, off-duty coworkers to answer questions. I went with the French Buck. I imagined it would have a spicy anise flavor from the absinthe and the ginger beer, but it was VERY heavy on the lemon. So much so that it turned out to be a very bitter drink. I'm not sure if that was supposed to be the right mix or if the bartender was a little off, but not good.
When I went to leave, I took a walk upstairs to check out the patio. Turns out that I should have gone up there in the first place. It looks a little less hospital-y upstairs and the patio looks quite nice. Probably should have followed the two guys who came to the bar downstairs, got sick of waiting for the bartender to stop socializing and went upstairs.
I'm hoping I just had some bad luck, there need to be more great cocktail places out there. But for $14 a drink, I don't think I'll take the risk.
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enh, it was ok. I'd read about the speakeasy resurgence and was excited to try this entry into the competition. I wanted a place that wasn't tooo heavy on the theme, without the silly passwords and drama. But in retrospect, there wasn't *enough* going on in term of the theme here.
It was definitely a Very Slick Bar. But I wanted more than that. Besides the retro cocktails (we didn't get the one with valerian--um, why would you want to fall asleep. I mean, I guess it's sort of a psychotropic, but not my thang...), it wasn't very Prohibition at all. Granted, it was a travel article that billed them as such, so maybe it's the writer of that article I should be disappointed with.
Drinks were good but pricey. The ginger beer in the French Buck was not even kidding (spicy!!), and I don't think I'd personally want more than one of them in a sitting--or perhaps a lifetime. Best to know your retro drinks and order what you like rather than use the (limited) cocktail menu. Online they feature recession specials, but there is no menu for that readily available; so study it online before you go. The Husband got a sidecar; he is VERY particular about his sidecars (his Platonian sidecar is from the Starlight Lounge at the Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco), and he loved it.
Anyway, maybe on another night or something, but this place was not what I wanted last night. As a side note, a group of trying too hard 20-something women came in at the end, wearing almost identical bubble-hem strapless mini-dresses and pumps (bachelorette party? probly not; just seems to be the sorority girl type that hangs around here), before we headed to dinner around 9. YAWN.
I say again: enh.
Conclusion: Just not my scene.
I honestly thought this place was going to be overrated. Any place that has such a tiny sign so as to cause you to walk past it like some underground club could easily think way too much of its offerings.
I was pleasantly surprised, though.
I met up with several other individuals from a Nursing program we're all about to start at UPenn and it ended up being a great spot for a meet-and-greet prior to class on Monday.
The cocktails are delicious. I normally never order cocktails at a bar as they are often hastily and ineptly made. Also, I'm kind of a beer gal. First up on my tab was the French Buck. If you go to a bar that actually has Absinthe, you might as well try it, right? The first sip had me wrinkling my nose and wanting my $12 back, but the mixture of flavors grew on me and I am a fan. Next up? The Corpse Reviver No. 2. The No. 1 is on the menu, but the lovely lady bartender created mine with a twist on their standard. Again, the flavors just melded in my mouth, making for an extremely smooth summer cocktail.
What I like about this spot:
- Don't know what to order? Tell the bartender what kind of flavor you're in the mood for (sweet, tart, etc) and they'll whip up something to satisfy your tongue.
- Don't love the strong taste of most liquor? No problem. These drinks are blended to perfection and won't leave you in a ridiculous stupor after one swig.
- This place is classy. The decor is tasteful, but minimalist. It's fun to write on the brick wall. You can get tipsy in a most dignified way without college coeds cackling away beside you.
- It's the perfect change of pace from everywhere else in the city whose bartenders are good at slinging what's on tap but bad at shaking up a Manhattan.
Grab your best girlfriend, a flirty summer frock, and treat yourself to brandied cherries and experience the way cocktails were made back when the 3-martini lunch was standard fare.
PS. Better go after payday.
PPS. The ice cubes are freakin' awesome! They won't dilute your drink. They're dense bricks of cool goodness that bring new meaning to "on the rocks".
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Friend: "Can we go back to plus sign???"
(Said friend after one drink at APO). We sat for a round, left to try to find food, but I wanted another round, so we returned.
The bouncers were extremely friendly and the bartenders definitely like talking to customers. Unfortunately for us, we came on a Friday night with blasting music and such so we couldn't get that whole one-on-one interaction with the bartenders. Another time then. It's really awesome to watch the bartenders make your drinks for you and I really enjoyed the experience. BUT I can't complain about the music because they were playing awesome club mixes and I enjoy my hip club music :)
So, my friend ordered the Meditation on 13th Street and the French Buck. The former tasted very minty, most likely due to the basil. The French Buck had more of a ginger taste, but I think the Absinthe did him in. As for me, I had the Booty Collins and the Immunity Idol. The Booty Collins definitely tasted like punch and I wish it packed a little more punch (haha) of alcohol, but hopefully that will happen another time. Very good drink for the girls in your party. I'm not familiar with this elderberry, so to me the Immunity Idol tasted a lot like fennel seeds, which is not a bad thing in my book.
Great space as well! Very clean, green, and maintained. We stayed downstairs because the upstairs crowd felt sleazy on a Friday night. Come here during the week so as not to run into said sleaze.
Definitely my new place to get "luxury" cocktails.
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I really like this place. The drinks -- especially the El Floridita -- are super tasty and outstanding. We have had the absinthe flight, which is worth experiencing -- the presentation alone is great circus.
I'd have a little snack before I went -- there's no food or snacks. (You can get pizza across the street.) There's a lot of alcohol and a low key attitude by the waiters makes this a great place to go.
Nice downstairs bar area. Upstairs is the lounge, music and outdoor patio.
The music is WAY too loud downstairs to talk to your friends and of course drinks are overpriced. Good service and wine selection though. Oh and for some reason Friday night cover was $10 - which was a joke since no one was there.
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Had drinks here after Morimoto's and we chilled at the ground floor bar. We hoped the upstairs patio was open but it wasn't.
The place reminded me of a bar in New York and the music was eclectic. I settled for a glass of prosecco while my cousin had a tequila cocktail which tasted just like a margarita on the rocks. In any event, I'd come back here again and perhaps try their Absinthe cocktail, which is the real thing, baby.
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A friend and I were on our way to a different bar when we were literally stopped in our tracks and lured in by the mysteriousness of this place. From the outside there is no visible name and it looks uber-sleek. Inside you'll find the same modern aesthetic of green lights and candles until you reach the bar. The bar is like an old timey saloon with the drinks and fixings to match.
The bartender on the night I was there, Christian, is more like a storyteller and will explain your drink from start to finish. These are handcrafted with a bunch of ingredients that I never heard of and some I have (Absinthe anyone?) I even had my drink served hot.
But I can not wait for a summer night out on their rooftop section.
Pricey by Philly standards but it is really not bad for a well-made drink in a dope atmosphere.
After 7 Sun-Thurs they have what they call "Recession Proof" drinks for $6. No frills cocktails for those in need of a major stimulus! Hi-yoo!
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I'll be the first to admit that I've always been a bit of a dive bar/gastropub girl. But sometimes, you just feel like having a classier night. Apothecary achieves this with perfection.
Here's the first thing I loved - it's not pretentious. Most bars or clubs with drinks this expensive would be full of bros and snooty service. Nope. The bartenders and servers here do truly treat you like your friendly neighborhood pharmacists.
The atmosphere is gorgeous and minimalistic. I love the color green, so of course I was smitten. The upstairs lounge area is especially chill and relaxed. Sweet disco sounds were spinning, creating a great vibe. Don't forget the roof deck - which I got to enjoy on the rare mild February evening. Philly needs more roof decks - and this one was perfect.
Let's not forget the main attraction - the cocktails. My drink of choice for the evening? The Keystone Mule - a delicious concoction of rye vodka, lime, grapefruit, the homemade ginger brew, and perhaps another ingredient I am missing. The bite of the fizzy ginger complemented the citrus magnificently. I also tried a sip of the Immunity Idol - decadent! - and the Apo "sauce" of the day - a mix of cider, honey, and some other yummy ingredient I'm missing. Though the focus is on liquor here, even their draft and bottle/can selection was impressive.
I will definitely have to come back on a weekday evening for their "recession proof" specials at $6. It took me a long time to try this place out, but I'm thrilled I did. I could get used to this place.
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4 stars for the limited drink menu.
This place serves up 5-star drinks, unlike anything else in center city & well worth the price. The atmosphere is uber modern, the roof deck is a definite plus - the small topiaries are a nice finishing touch. My friends and I found a spot on the roof deck around 9:30/10:00ish with barely any wait.
My only dissapointment this Saturday was the small drink menu. It's not what I remembered, nor is it the same as is advertised on their website. There were only 4 or 5 unique cocktails to choose from, luckily the Booty Collins is still one of them. It's my favorite drink - fruity w/ a nice spicy kick & very potent.
I wanted to like Apothecary but I just couldn't. The upstairs patio is really nice. The service was fine too -- nothing to complain about or exclaim over.
I am not interested in pricey drinks in general -- and especially not if it's just because they have unusual ingredients or "clever" names. So I ordered a beer in this case. Please tell me why the bottled beer section of the menu can't be called "Bottled Beers"? Why must it be called "containers"? And why are the draft beers only served on the first floor?
It just seems a little pretentious to me.
The minimalist interior is a little sterile for my taste, though I do like their sign.
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I can't give them a five-star review at the moment because of the premise of my trip. I'm sure Apothecary will prove more than deserving of a fantastic review once I get myself in there properly.
I ventured into Apothecary on a Thursday night. My best friend lives in LA and we had this great idea of "meeting up for drinks" in our respective cities (great idea, poorly executed - her phone ran out of battery as soon as she got to her bar). I picked Apothecary after having heard great things from a co-worker. I liked the way it looked - the music was great, the overall feel of the place was pretty awesome.
I asked the bartender, "What's good?" And he made me a Booty Collins. I like my drinks sort of sweet and not very alcohol-y, and this was fantastic! I loved it. I'm not sure exactly how much alcohol was in it because I couldn't taste anything. I was a little woozy after, but that could be attributed to the fact that I don't really eat anything.
In my short time there, I had a great drink and pretty decent conversation with the people behind the bar. I will definitely stop in again on a busier night (and hopefully with friends) and give them a five-star review.
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I was wrong, folks.
Yep, I said it. Now that Apothecary has been open for a while, they seemed to have worked out the kinks from when I first paid them a visit back in May. That automatically makes me a fan. Whenever a business strives for improvement rather than sitting on its fanny shows me that they care about their customers, potential customers and their integrity. So I applaud thee, Apothecary. Nicely played.
Drinks; crafted like a top pick on Etsy. Bartenders; on their game like Ryan Howard. Ambiance; am I still in Philly?
High five, guys. High, high five.
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Oh, the sadness I feel as I write this review. From the hype it was getting I thought I just might… Read more »
The more often I go here the more I like this place. Mind you, two out of the three times I've been here I've been with a regular and friend of the staff.
The atmosphere downstairs is so relaxed (not ratty jeans and tshirt relaxed mind you--just easy going) even on a busy night. I've only ventured upstairs once and was met with a New Jersey meat market of sadness, though I was told that is not always the state of the upstairs.
The staff is so friendly. Christian is a great guy, so are Nick, Corey and everyone else here. They also are VERY knowledgeable about their spirits and flavors. Probably some of the most elite bar staff in the city.
I am not sure what people are expecting for the drinks prices, but for the quality of spirits in them, they are very reasonably priced. They also taste great. But it's an acquired taste requiring a sophisticated palette to pull the flavors out. I think most people complaining want a Chilli's style drink where you taste all sugar and no spirits.
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This lounge was just one stop on my whirlwind tour of Philly but it was by far my favorite. It is tucked away on this cute street and in the dark of night, it could totally be in any hot city in the world. The sign really lends it that universal feel too. The bouncer was super friendly our friend who was leading us there which was a little strange because our guide later told us he didn't know the guy.
I only got a peak at the ground floor but it had wonderfully tall ceilings for a very narrow space: intimate. We were headed for the patio. It was just warm enough to sit outside near midnight with a light breeze: just beautiful. A heat lamp stood in the middle of the deck just in case.
Upon the advice of our friend we ordered a bottle of Immunity Idol [gin, elderflower liqueur champagne, orange bitters, pineapple juice, and a bunch of little things ]and another of Booty Collins [gin, passion fruit, agave nectar, cayenne, brandied berries]. I loved the tag lines just as much as the ridiculous ingredients list.
Immunity Idol - An analeptic of high style for all systems in need.
It took them a while to accumulate enough glasses so that we could taste them both uncontaminated. Worth the wait.
I totally loved the Booty Collins and could have has a whole bottle by myself. The cayenne pepper gave a wonderful heat to the entire drink and actually brought back the voice of on of my fellow loungers. The valerian root might have had something to do with that too. I even ate the oranges out of the drink and they were amazing: alcohol soaked? or just plain good?
The Immunity Idol was also good but much less sweet.
Once we had glasses in our hands I began to notice the actual space. The bar on the second floor was green lit and beautiful and the bathrooms were really great and unisex meaning that i came out to find a line of men waiting. Awesome.
Have to go back to try their other cocktails.
Great place for a cocktail whether you're dressed for it or not. But let's be honest, it better be good for Capital Grill prices. I'll pay $15 bucks for a Manhattan again. Nice place.
My inner cynic says this place is a big cliche, totally out of place in this neighborhood. Patrons of Apothecary, most comfortable within a scrubbed, valeted Olde City, look frightened when they leave and cross the drunken stream flowing from MCGillan's down the alley next door.
Anyone else sick of drink menus?
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Apothecary has a very cool vibe about it; swanky decor, freakishly knowlegable bartenders and great servers. I will admit to trying the absinthe fusion elixir thingy. It wasn't the best drink I've ever had, but the total experience was one that made the hideous price tag worthwhile.
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A bar that would be competitive in a much larger city, and that I was thrilled to find during a recent trip.
The past few years have seen a resurgence in classic cocktails, and it's no longer out of the ordinary to find bartenders who will offer you a Manhattan made with rye, or who have a bottle of St Germain behind the bar (frankly, the latter seems to have obtained almost cult-like status). What is rare, though, is to find bartenders who are at the top of their game in an environment that's conducive to good drinking without having to resort to stratospheric prices.
On my three nights at Apothecary, I sampled between twenty and twenty-five drinks--a handful of those on the well-crafted menu, but the majority culled from the current drinks being blogged about (the Ramos gin fizz, the Pegu Club, etc.) and the clear classics (pink gin, vermouth cassis, navy grog). On nearly all of my requests, they produced practically perfect drinks, including the best French 75 I've ever had (and I've been to a few).
I was there on the weekend, and while the place seemed busy (and the upstairs, which I never visited) seemed quite popular, I never had to wait for more than a few moments to get a drink, and never felt jostled or crowded--for a popular bar to manage this on the weekend is an admirable feat.
The service, though, is what really made Apothecary shine--Nick and Chris chatted about cocktails and stories with me, willingly played around with ratios, adjusted to taste, checked cocktail books to find multiple recipes, ktl. While there are clear differences, I have no doubt that this is Philadelphia's finest bar, and would willingly put it in the same category as Death & Co, The Gibson, and Montgomery Place.
Truly stellar--I'm going to find myself missing Philly now.
People thought this was:
I don't mind paying a lot of money for a well made cocktail. I really enjoy a good drink. And I was pretty excited to try this place after reading the reviews of it on Yelp.
I was really hoping to have a drink and an experience like I can get at the Violet Hour in Chicago. Amazingly crafted, original cocktails served in a nice atmopshere. I'd read that they make their own bitters and have experienced mixologists, etc.
I was honestly not super impressed. For one thing, the music was loud dance music. I was hoping for something a little less abrasive for listening pleasure. The place was pretty but so what?
The drinks. Meh. I mean, a really good cocktail is orchestrated. There are different smells and tastes that work in tandem to create a bouqet and flavor. There is something to be said for subtlety and depth and complication.
My drink was the Immunity Idol. I specifically ordered this because of the St. Germain elderflower liqeur but would not have even known that it was in the drink were it not for the menu listing it. The pineaple and orange flavors really overwhelmed everything else. No balance. My friend had the French Buck and the ginger beer totally overwhelmed everything else. There was the scent of anise (from the Absinthe, I would imagine) but the cassis, lemon and ginger flavors were just lost.
I was really looking forward to going here while in Philadelphia and it is the part of my trip that may be the biggest let down. I am still giving them 3 stars because the drink selection is somewhat creative and the place is pretty. Also, the waitress was really nice and I think that she could tell that I was not thrilled with the drink and offered to get me something else. I did not take her up on it after tasting the drinks ordered by others, though. Not worth it.
People thought this was:
I'll give you two words that make this place stand out -- story telling.
A colleague and I sat at the bar on a Thursday night listening to the bartenders enlighten us on the stories tied to fine liquor. These guys know everything about the liquor they serve as well as the history tied to it. Oh, and they make some incredible elixers. Do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to the absinthe.
Love the vibe here. You pay for the shelf above the top-shelf liquor, but the barkeeps and quality drinks are worth it. I asked the bartenders to make a suggestion and, after a couple questions to help him determine my preferences, he presented me with something appealing to my personal tastes. How cool is that?
Since I prefer a more low-key atmosphere, I suggest swinging by during the week for a cocktail. Don't bother asking for a beer or a glass of wine. That's not what Apothecary is all about. Get the full experience and order a cocktail.
People thought this was:
I loves me a rooftop lounge! We stopped here for happy hour on a nice Friday afternoon, and when we got there it was almost empty. An hour later, the place was packed and they were out of chairs. Their drink specials are yummy, but not so easy on the pocket. Also, no food? Snacks would have been nice. You just can't go wrong with roof-time hangout.
People thought this was:
Cocktails made perfectly, almost to perfectly. Everything from classics like a Sazerac to new inventions. Been twice, good both times. The wall you can write on is fun if you have something you want to tell everyone...
I had heard good thing about Apothecary from a few people - so when I was asked to go with peeps from work - I was kind of excited.
I hate getting all worked up over nothing.
Here is what I liked:
* Awesome Chandelier
* The water didn't taste bad
Here is what I hated:
* Signage out front is too small - it's a hard place to find if you don't know where you're looking
* Signage indoors is too large - anything cool about the atmosphere was killed by the exit signs
* The wine list at happy hour was labeled - "Red" and "White". And the waitress didn't know what the red was when asked. And it was crap. If you're gonna sell me Peter Vella at $7 a glass - just say so.
* The beer was brought out in a can for my friend - he had to ask for a glass and finally finished the beer before the glass made it out
* Speaking of - this was the second worst service in the city. I swear my glasses all came out dirty - but it was too dark to really tell.
* The food all tasted like it was made from all canned ingredients. This was especially evident with the Barcelona Nostrum - canned onion, canned red peppers, not enough goat cheese and canned black olives on Pillsbury dough - I swear it. And if this was Dirty Franks it would have been awesome - because Franks would have charged me $2.50. This place hit me up for $10. I also tried the P.A.F.F. - I don't believe it was made from prosciutto as advertised - I know bacon when I taste it.
* Ah prices - going here means paying New York prices for Delaware County atmosphere in Philadelphia
* Mixed Drink quality - the only one I tasted smelled like it was made from rotten fruit.
* Uncomfortable - the seats are wretched. You're either in a backless bench of on a booth seat covered in horse skin. This place is a vegan''s nightmare.
Overall? If you wanna try it yourself get over there fast - I can't imagine this place is gonna stay open more than a few more months.
People thought this was:
My drink was expensive! Sweet Jesus! It was good but not THAT good. Gotta pay that rent I guess.
The bar is VERY cool. The patio is awesome. The waitstaff was stiff as corpses. I couldn't figure it out.
I stayed for almost an hour sipping my $13 drink on the patio. Hell, I figure I was owed that after them prices. I heard the same killers song twice, knocks it down a notch.
Another reason it was knocked down, I saw the bartender using premade mix in my drink. It was the "stirrings' brand. Not to be cheap but for $13 I want something 'custom' which they claim to be.
I probably won't go back. Nice concept though and exceptionally CLEAN!
People thought this was:
This is prob the best bar i've been to in Philadelphia in terms of actual drinks. They have alot of different kind of unique liquor and cocktails. I've only been to the downstairs bar, which is a very nice atmosphere, the bar is made out of marble which is really nice.
I had a drink called the French Buck which was really refreshing, it was made of of absinthe, ginseng, ginger beer and some other stuff. The booty collins is also really good! I also had two shots that the bartender recommended, both of which were delicious! The shots were mango/ginseng tasting... really good!
Although it is kind of expensive, the bartenders seem to be very knowledgeable and professional. Probably the best bartender i've seen so far. The drinks are amazing!
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