Have you ever been in a supermarket in Pennsylvania that has a bar and you thought… who goes there? We do! This blog is inspired by a PHG client’s love for supermarket bars (her bachelorette party even kicked off at some of the ones listed below). We decided to do a deep dive and bring the people what they want; a comprehensive list of grocery store bars worth visiting when you need that carton of eggs and a lager.
Take a seat
We’ll start by trying to decode exactly WHY some grocery stores have bars with seating tucked in a corner of the store. In order for supermarkets in Pennsylvania to sell beer, wine and malt beverages, they need to have a restaurant license. Very specific conditions must be met such as having a defined separation from the rest of the store, a separate cashier and seating for at least 30 patrons.
This list doesn’t include the locations that are using the bar area as a loophole. Ahem… Acme on Girard (RIP Frosted Mug) and IGA in Fishtown. We’ve only included active and welcoming supermarket bars with folks that are ready to pour you a frosty one. So let’s grab a glass and go!
The tour
Giant Heirloom Market | 1004 N 2nd Street Northern Liberties
The Underground bar is tucked away downstairs, making it feel more like you’re in a well lit bar vs. in the middle of the grocery store. There are couches with charging stations, high tops with comfy chairs and best of all 3 TV’s with video game set ups.
You have your choice of taps or to grab something from the case and crack it open. Taps are priced by the ounce and are peppered with a range of beers, wine, a few other options like a premade spritz as well as non alcoholic options such as sparkling water and OJ. When we arrived the taps weren’t open, so they had to bleed them just for us. The spritz didn’t want to work, but the attendant fixed it. He comped the drink, which was thoughtful, as it was flat. We’re chalking it up as bad luck and would be up for trying again at a different time.
If you want to grab something from the mix and match section in the coolers, you can pay at the counter and sit back and relax. If you’d like to pour yourself a flight, a pint, or a goblet of wine, hand over your ID and credit card. In exchange you’ll get a bracelet that unlocks the taps and lets you pour till your heart's content… as long as it is under 32 oz because that is when Giant robots will cut you off.
Other things to note: Nice clean bathrooms available for use - just ask for the code. It was also perfectly toasty on a cold rainy day.
Giant Heirloom Market | 801 Market Street
Center City
We were pretty excited to stop at this Giant Heirloom Market as it is housed in the historic offices of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The “drinking room” is very cool, with tall ceilings that feel like you stepped back into 1931. However, all the taps were off. When we inquired about why, we got some top secret info. Although the room will always be open, the taps will be removed from all Giant Heirloom stores with the exception of the location at 23rd St. (see below) and possibly the N 2nd St. location (see above). Big bummer. Half the room (with the most comfy seats) was also roped off, so knocking off stars for that as well.
You can only grab what’s in stock from the cooler, pay at the counter and sit at the high tops. There’s a good selection but it’s not nearly as fun as getting to sample a bunch of different beers while you play bartender.
Molly Malloy's | 1136 Arch Street
Redding Terminal, Center City
We debated including this because it’s not TECHNICALLY a grocery store but it turned out to be one of our favorite stops of the day. We can absolutely see ourselves shopping for cheese, breads, and other foods from the market stalls and then finding a seat with our bags to recoup and have a drink.
The vibe was festive and lively. We all had the feeling we were about to head onto the jetway and fly off to a tropical island together. In other words, Molly Malloy’s was like sitting at a cross between Cheers and your fav airport bar…aka just right.
What a menu! Before we took a stool and saddled up to the bar, we thought it was going to be a straightforward, too-sweet cocktails-and-beer kind of place. We were pleasantly surprised by the drink offerings (that were nicely balanced) and the beer selection. It was lunchtime and ordered one of the yummiest grilled cheeses with roasted tomato we’ve had in a long time! Salads, burgers, and other good plates offered at reasonable prices. We enjoyed the bar seats, but there are plenty of tables if you have a young one with you or a larger group. Servers were attentive so you’ll be in and out as needed.
Other things to note: They are open daily from 8- 6pm (hours of the entire market). Happy hour starts at 4pm.
Giant Heirloom Market | 60 N 23rd Street
Logan Square
This location feels responsible for thrusting the grocery store bar scene back in the limelight. It’s not the first one by any means but it certainly is one of the cushiest. When it first opened, there was quite a bit of fanfare around the location and the outdoor terrace. Sadly the day we visited was wet and cold, but we can imagine it on a night after work, gathering up friends and making ourselves comfortable around the fire pit. With two outdoor furniture set ups and a few long high tops, there’s room for everyone. Inside you have a comfy and clean area to enjoy with views of the Schuylkill.
Same tap system with the same products offered at our first stop, the Giant Heirloom Market on 2nd street. They have a crowler (growlers in cans) happy hour that starts at 4pm and gets you 25% off. The staff must fill them for you. Maybe you’ll get lucky and time your visit while there’s a wine tasting on offer. Had something you liked? Grab a bottle and a seat and enjoy!
Other things to note: There is a Mission Taqueria counter. Perfect for a happy hour gathering or when you make the mistake of shopping when hungry!
Whole Foods | 2101 Pennsylvania Ave
Fairmount
Low ceilings, dim lighting, and white subway tile make it feel like you’re in a hipper place than the middle of the Whole Foods. We found seats at the bar and checked out the happy hour selection (runs from 4-6pm). Funny story - we saw a couple that we spotted at the Giant Heirloom bar on 23rd street settled in at the Whole Foods bar. When you’ve got great taste you can’t help it!
If you love yourself a good glass of wine and a decent pour but dislike being charged an arm and a leg, then you need to get yourself over to one of these bar stools. The prices are AMAZING! When was the last time you had a sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc for $6 or a natural sparkling for $7? We’re going to bet never. This may be exactly why this bar was bumpin’. During happy hour it’s an additional $1 off- WOW!
Order at the bar (even if you are sitting at one of the long wooden tables). The two times we’ve been here it’s a slower roll, so be prepared to take some time waiting, especially if you have a larger group. That said, everyone is so nice and you’re in a grocery store bar not a real one, so when in Rome. Sip till your lips turn purple, then swivel on your stool and grab a bottle that features all those that were on the menu line up- they really know what they’re doing here.
Other things to note: A food court tempts you with delish offerings from Goldie, Genji Izakaya and Federal Donuts before you arrive, all of which you’re welcome to bring over to the bar area. You can also grab your fav snacks or prepared foods from the cold and hot bar nearby.
There are more on the list that we didn’t check out, for example the Acme locations in South Philly and it’s rumored you can find at certain Wegman’s in the state. But we leave those for another day. Until then, we’re going to sit among the fluorescent lighting and hum of squeaky carts and enjoy our freshly poured bevy. Won’t you join us?
The Philly Home Girls love movies and we love real estate. Everyone knows about scary movie season around Halloween, but how about REAL ESTATE movies? They feel like nightmares to us! This list involves movies that have the house (or realtor) as a star. Some are goofy, downright spooky and there may be a couple of stretches in the connection to real estate, but we’ve included them anyway!