In the past couple decades, South Street had slipped from its status as an ultrahip, art-filled neighborhood and became known more as a tourist draw full of overpriced bars. Good news for locals: the strip is on its way back up. At the east end, Headhouse Square is now full of solid establishments like Cavanaugh’s Headhouse and The Twisted Tail, and closer to Broad there are great spots like Supper, Percy Street Barbecue and most-recently, Serpico. Helping lift the street to the next level is Redwood, now open at 340 South.

The venture is the latest from Bill Curry, who also owns two Copabanana tropical burger joints next door. Curry took over a former clothing store with his nephew Dan Christensen and turned it into a swanky wine bar and bistro. The interior features lots of wood, exposed brick walls and a stamped tin ceiling above a long bar and several tables. The garden patio out back opens for the first time on Wednesday, July 24, and happy hour will be extended through 10 PM that night.

Redwood offers 28 wines by the glass, all the time, thanks to a cruvinet system that keeps bottles fresh. There are also eight taps pouring craft drafts — as of this writing you can find beer from Yards, Philadelphia Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Victory, Sly Fox and more. Hundreds more await in cans and bottles. There’s also a full bar, and a specialty cocktail list; despite the high-end feel of the bar, drink prices don’t go over $9, even for something that includes brand name booze like Bulleit and St. Germain.

More deals await during happy hour, which runs 5–7 PM every single day (weekends included). During that time, look for $3 drafts, $5 select wines and a slew of app specials. For example, recent happy hour food included $2 sliders, $3 deviled egg, $3 hummus and $6 lamb chops. Swing by — be sure to let the bartender know Drink Philly sent ya — and let us know what you think.

Photos by Adam Schmidt