Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Vegan Bar Charlie Was a Sinner Arrives on the 13th Street Scene

Nicole Marquis, the entrepreneurial powerhouse behind the smash hit all-vegan fast casual concept, HipCityVeg, arrives on the bustling 13th Street scene with her latest, Charlie Was a Sinner.

The new bar and restaurant, which like her previous efforts puts forth a menu of drinks and eats that are completely free of any animal-based products and ingredients, takes up residence at 131 South 13th St. in the long vacant property that was last home to the skeevey and sleazy strip joint Full Moon Saloon. It opens daily at 8 AM, serving coffee and vegan pastries, and keeps service going into the evening, serving a full spread of all-vegan dishes created by The Mildred’s Chef Michael Santoro and a long list of clever cocktails from former Ranstead Room bar guru, Pete Venuto.

Marquis hired Canno Design to create the candle-lit space’s sexy mood, which was set with plush, button-tufted banquettes, antique furnishings and lighting fixtures, a gorgeous brass bar top and custom-built leather stools.

As has become customary, the bar program relies of fresh-squeezed juices and where possible, housemade ingredients. Venuto’s cocktail list includes a mix of old and new creations that range from classics like Singapore Sling, Bluecoat Gin, Cherry Heering, Combier, Benedictine, grenadine, pineapple, lime, and Angostura bitters; and Penicillin, Dewars, Laphroaig, ginger, lemon, and agave to the Dr. Steangelove-inspired Purity of Essence, Bombay Sapphire, cucumber, mint and aloe vera; and Pablo Picasso, Leblon Cachaca, enhanced blueberry wine and orange spice tea.

In addition to cocktails, Charlie Was a Sinner offers four beers on draft, another five in bottles, and a dozen wines — white, red and sparkling — by the glass and bottle.

Santoro and his kitchen crew kick out a selection of meatless dishes that includes everything from Korean fried tofu and beetroot dumplings to a Maryland style “crabcake” and bucatini and “meatballs.”

Charlie Was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St., charliewasasinner.com

 


Tags: Beer, Cocktails, Dinner, Food, Spirits, Whiskey, Wine
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Mural City Cellars: Local Winery Spotlight on Philly's Winery That's Community Focused

Mural City Cellars: Local Winery Spotlight on Philly's Winery That's Community Focused

This family-friendly neighborhood winery positions itself as a welcoming place for all in the community...read more ›

by Robin Shreeves May 5, 2026
First 'World Class Top 15 Bartender' from Philadelphia: Behind the Bar with Alexis Ortega

First 'World Class Top 15 Bartender' from Philadelphia: Behind the Bar with Alexis Ortega

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender Alexis Ortega about his experience in the industry, what h...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 26, 2026
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Philly Hosts U.S. Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit, Featuring William H. Macy, Danny Childs, & More

Philly Hosts U.S. Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit, Featuring William H. Macy, Danny Childs, & More

William H. Macy is keynoting the US Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit in Philly this month...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 21, 2026
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Meadowbrook Winery: Local Winery Spotlight on NJ's Stunning New Tasting Room

Meadowbrook Winery: Local Winery Spotlight on NJ's Stunning New Tasting Room

One of New Jersey's newest wineries is in Oldwick, New Jersey and has just five grape varieties planted in its...read more ›

by Robin Shreeves Mar 2, 2026
13th Annual Philly Bierfest Returns with Over 75 Beers, Arm Wrestling, Axe Throwing, Music, & More, Feb 28

13th Annual Philly Bierfest Returns with Over 75 Beers, Arm Wrestling, Axe Throwing, Music, & More, Feb 28

The German Society of Pennsylvania's 13th Annual Bierfest returns February 28 with a selection of over 50 Germ...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 19, 2026
Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Winter 2026

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Winter 2026

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink this Winter...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Feb 3, 2026
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia, 2026

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia, 2026

Giving your liver a break in the new year, or just looking for something a little different? We've got your 20...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Jan 11, 2026
Velvet Whip: Inside Look at the New Mixed Arts Speakeasy & Performance Space

Velvet Whip: Inside Look at the New Mixed Arts Speakeasy & Performance Space

This once hidden gem has opened to the public, and is where cocktails and creativity meet...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Nov 16, 2025
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close