Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Watch the Big Game

Watch the Big Game
Cavanaugh's Restaurant & Sports Bar bills itself as a "Gastopub Sports Bar," and that just about sums it up. Fancy pub food is on the rise in Philadelphia right now, and I was fixing to see just how snazzy these folks could get with their hot wings.

Upon entrance, I was faced with the decision of heading up or downstairs. Both paths lead to fairly similar bars, with some seating tucked toward the back end. I opted for the lower path, primarily because it was quieter and sported what appeared to be a Big Buck Hunter II machine.

The walls behind the bar are lined with HD television, piping highly detailed sportscasts throughout the room. The liquor selection is pretty broad, but nothing really standout from any other sports bar. A notable beer on tap is the Brooklyn Pennant Ale the first time I've seen it in Philadelphia. Opting to pair spicy with spicy, I ordered a Victory Brewing Company's Golden Monkey.

Thursday was 35 cent wing day during the happy hour, so I saddled up and ordered ten. "Hottest wings you got, please. Kill me."

The 3rd Degree sauce doesn't lie. I can say without a moment's hesitation that these are the hottest wings I've had thus far in Philadelphia, and I am no novice. An intense heat matches with a nice subtle sweetness, and will surely leave your lips a-burnin' for quite a while. The sauce is thick, almost certainly tomato-based, and flavorful. It's rare to find something legitimately spicy in any restaurant these days. My hat goes off for the pleasant surprise.

The drink prices aren't too bad, and it seems that the specials are where Cavanaugh's shines. My Thursday happy hour yielded $4 on most bottles, which was great given the impressive bottle list.

The service was very accommodating and friendly, and the food was promptly served and delicious. The downstairs restroom made me feel a little like Harry Potter under the stairs, but it's a fairly relaxed bar - I sort of expected as much.

Average drink price runs around $5, and the food menu definitely stays on the cheaper side, erring around $8-10. Cavanaugh's runs many, many specials from 4pm-Midnight every day, so you're guaranteed to find something within your budget.

Relaxed atmosphere, good food, and a decent drink selection…and a Big Buck Hunter II machine.
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:
 
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2019

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2019

Whether it's to enjoy the first warm breezes of spring or the unexpected sunshine of a crisp day in fall, Philadelphia is full of great places to drin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 11, 2019
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
Behind the Bar: Bartender Barry (Johnson)

Behind the Bar: Bartender Barry (Johnson)

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with Barry Johnson, better known as "Bartender Barry" of Instagram and as cocktail catering special...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 9, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

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

Close