Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Village Whiskey: 5 O' Clock Somewhere Happy Hour

What time is it?
Village Whiskey: 5 O' Clock Somewhere Happy Hour

Note: The Saturday Happy Hour referenced in this review has been discontinued....sorry. :(

The dining room at Village Whiskey can feel spacious, like when you're lucky enough to be ensconced in one of the luxurious rounded-banquette tables. The popular Rittenhouse corner resto-bar can also feel extremely tight, like when you're working the 1-hour-plus wait by standing at the slim shelf that runs along the tiled back wall.

But the main bar is long and surrounded by plenty of high, comfortable stools, and the bartenders know how to put your mind at ease, ready to take care of you even in a crowd.

Either way, the year-old Jose Garces spot is a winner in both the food and beverage departments, with an arguably-best-in-Philly burger and a selection of over 150 (!) brown liquors, complimented by a solid bottle and draught beer selection.

The just-introduced "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" happy hour may be the best deal in the formidable Garces Group empire, which in Philly includes Tinto, Garces Trading Co., Distrito and his original outpost, Amada.

Served on Saturdays from 2-4 pm (who says day drinking is for Sundays only?), there are drink specials to fawn over. Each week features a different craft whiskey at $7 for a 2 oz. pour. Depending on which offering you find, this is half-price to way-less-than-half-price for some fine ryes and bourbons.

The first week presented Michter's Straight Rye, a sweet-spicy liquor that has won accolades from Wine Enthusiast and others. Look forward to the Ransom's Whippersnapper Whiskey, a pot-distilled, category-defying sip, and the Suntory Hibiki 12 Year, a Japanese blend.

For only $6, a cocktail of the day is also offered, and the astute mixologists won't disappoint with a traditional Sazarac, Martinez or the Village Manhattan. A solid Cabernet and a Chardonnay are available for $5 each (another half-price win), and three beers are on tap for $4 per draught.

In the edibles the dealage is just as phenomenal. The VW Slider, which features a custom-blend of coarse chopped meat, rolled and sliced instead of pressed, can be yours for just $3. Atop an eggy brioche roll with Thousand Island, tomato and Bibb lettuce, the thick patty seems just as satisfying (and more sane) than its full-size cousin.

Also offered are a tasty BBQ Pork Slider, pulled pork shoulder served on the brioche roll with crunchy, tangy cole slaw, and a duo of Pickled Canapés, which feature a seasonal pickled vegetable laid over creamy whipped ricotta and black olive tapenade. On a recent visit, they were earthy, rich pickled Chanterelle mushrooms!

So get your autumn outdoor pleasures over with on Saturday morning, and at 2pm duck into the cozy Village Whiskey for an early afternoon treat. But use caution, as those two hours go awfully fast abetted by $7 pours of brown fiery liquid. Or just plan on staying for dinner.

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:
 
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
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
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
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
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

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

Close