Formerly known as Fiume, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speakeasy is nestled atop what’s colloquially known as the best Ethiopian restaurant in West, if not the city. It’s frequented mostly by neighbors within walking distance of the quirky, dimly lit establishment, and it’s no wonder why. One visit to this unpretentious spot doling out shockingly elaborate libations will keep newbies coming back for more.
The drink menu is lovingly illustrated and routinely updated, but there are a few you can almost always count on ordering. Take the Yuzunaut, a mouth-puckering mix of Japanese gin, yuzu, honey, and lemon. For something more potent and a touch smoky, there’s the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, made with reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, and charred orange peel. There’s also an impressive selection of craft beer, many from local purveyors. It’s not all hazy IPAs either; there’s an emphasis on sours and Belgians here, too. But don’t let the fancy lineup fool you: You can still kick back with a Citywide (that’s Philly’s take on a boilermaker, traditionally a shot of Jim Beam whiskey with a PBR) for $5.
To soak up all that alcohol, you may feel peckish. While you technically can’t order from Abyssinia’s food menu at the upstairs bar, there’s a workaround. First, head upstairs to see if there’s a free table. Snag one, then go to the downstairs bar to put in a food order that will be brought to you upstairs. First-timers will want to go for the Abyssinia 1 sampler, complete with spicy lentils, chickpea stew, beef tibs, special kitfo (which comes spicy, buttery, and most deliciously, raw), collards, and injera.
The vibe: Cozy, artsy, and undeniably West Philly
The food: Ethiopian food from the restaurant downstairs
The drink: Lots of craft beer and hand-crafted cocktails
Time Out tip: To cash in on the Citywide bargain if you aren’t a whiskey drinker, order the Silver Whale instead, which trades the whiskey for a shot of silver tequila for $1 more.