1 Tippling Place: A Rittenhouse Living Room With Killer Cocktails

Former real estate agent Anne Frey is a longtime Rittenhouse resident, and for years she dreamed of a bar that was elegant but at the same time comfortable, that served great cocktails without pretension, that offered easy snacks that weren’t just fried food but were still affordable. On a brainstorm last year, she decided to create the place herself, and the result is 1 Tippling Place.

Nestled into a narrow storefront on Chestnut Street just west of 20th (it was once Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar), the space is decorated almost like a dream living room — one outfitted with a full bar, a row of bar stools included. Other seating is found at sofas, easy chairs, chaise lounges and antique tables, interspersed with knick-knacks and other homey furniture. The drinks are anything but homestyle, however.

Over a dozen seasonal cocktails include original creations like the Deep Blue Sea (American Harvest vodka, Lillet, Crème Yvette) and the Jewel (Tanqueray 10, Chartreuse, Carpano). Classics from an Old Fashioned to a French 75 to the Bee’s Knees are expertly shaken as well, and a dozen beers and handful of wines by the glass round out the drink options.

Only seven items make the food list — if you’re looking for dinner, come to the aptly named Tippling Place before or after — and all the plates are meant as perfect accompaniments to your sips. Bacon-wrapped dates, sausage rolls, artisanal grilled cheese and sweet-and-spicy nuts will suit anything from a mixed drink to a just-poured pint.

Happy Hour runs 5–7 PM, Tuesday–Friday and 6–9 PM on Sunday, when there’s also often live jazz. Look for specials like $5 glasses of Fish House Punch and $5 glasses of wine. Regular hours are 5 PM–2 AM, Tuesday–Sunday.

2006 Chestnut St.; 215-665-0456