Last night, at the Trestle Inn, we brought together bar industry folks from across the city for our first-ever Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards ceremony. With the help of a panel of in-the-know judges, the awards gave us a chance to dole out prizes to the best bars in Philadelphia at this very moment—from promising new joints to iconic dives and even the bartenders and cocktails you need to get acquainted with pronto.
We couldn’t have picked a better spot than the Trestle Inn, which is always a blast, with its go-go dancers, old-school funk and soul music and some of the friendliest drink-slingers in town. Spirits flowed all night, courtesy of Bar Awards sponsors Hendrick’s Gin, Flor de Caña and Segura Viudas, who each brought specially made cocktails (or a small bottle of straight up Brut, in the case of Segura) for guests to enjoy.
When it came time for the awards presentation, everyone gathered on the dance floor to cheer on all the winners and nominees. It’s clear that bar industry folks make up a tight-knit, supportive community in this city. That fact only helped make the night one big, kick-ass celebration—with winners and nominees alike getting back-pats and high-fives all night long. Check out the full list of winners here, and some photos from the evening below.
All photos by Margaret Ferrec
David Powell from Flor de Caña serves his special cocktail, the Translation, made with Flor de Caña 4 White, fresh lime, simple syrup, angostura bitters and a lime garnish.
The other special drink was the Paprino Verde, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Ancho Verde, green bell pepper juice, fresh lemon and simple syrup and then topped with a cucumber garnish.
Trestle Inn owner Ian Cross chats with André Darlington, one of the Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards judges who just released a cocktail book with his sister Tenaya, called Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drink.
Attendees from Philadelphia Distilling take some snaps at the onsite photo booth.
Panelists André and Tenaya Darlington seem to be enjoying the Flor de Caña Translation.
The Darlingtons present the award for Best Cocktail, which went to a.bar for their Good Night and Good Luck drink. “We love the combination of smoky Laphroaig, hellfire shrub and absinthe to a rye cocktail,” said Tenaya. “It's been a perfect antidote to an erratic spring.”
Panelists and Flor de Caña and Hendrick’s Gin brand ambassadors David Powell and Erik Andersson pose in front of the photo wall.
Folks from the Good King Tavern hold up their award for best Wine Bar, presented by Segura Viudas.
The winners gather at the photo wall, including guests from Oloroso, Friday Saturday Sunday, Bob & Barbara’s, Oscar’s Tavern and more.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Time Out Philadelphia's Bar Awards