Philly Cheap Cocktails: Where To Drink Up

by Alex Tewfik Oct 15, 2015, 4:53pm EDT

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by Alex Tewfik Oct 15, 2015, 4:53pm EDT

Drinking cocktails doesn't have to mean spending upwards of $13 every time you want something mixed. The resurgence of Philly's cocktail culture raised the bar for all restaurants and bars across the city. Places that don't need a good list, have one, because they'd be in the back of the pack if they didn't. Cocktails can be expensive, but not all of them have to be. Here now, is our list with eight bars where you can find great cocktails under $10.

Tattooed Mom

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If Tattooed Mom existed on any other street, in any other neighborhood, it wouldn't make sense. The South Street stalwart is there for a reason. Maybe it's because it still projects that punk rock lifestyle of South Street's days of yore, or maybe it's because it's just a friendly, fun bar (kitchen open till 1:30 a.m., two floors, both with their own awesome aesthetic). Either way, Tattooed Mom exists because Philly wouldn't be the same without it. The cocktails aren't "craft" but they're fun, inventive, and exactly what you should be drinking at a place like this. The Pink Puss, their signature cocktail, is a candy-like potion of different flavored vodkas and juices, that will surely lead you to a raucous night and a ripping hangover.

530 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 238-9880

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Oscar's Tavern

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Oscar's isn't by any means a cocktail destination. You come here for pitchers of Yeungling, shots of Jameson, and really, really great times. But if you're not a beer drinker, heck, even if you are a beer drinker, the cocktail to get at Oscar's is the Long Island Iced Tea. This is the only cocktail you'll find on this map for $12 — which is not cheap for a cocktail. But is it cheap for a 23 oz. pilsner glass of around six shots of all clear liquors mixed with juice? Hell yeah, it is.

1524 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 972-9938

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Loco Pez

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The "lowriders" at Loco Pez cap out at a measly $8, and with a weekly dollar taco night, you can have a rip-roaring night without spending a ton of cash. Our favorite cocktail? The Monte Carlo. The chipotle-infused tequila drink is flowery, even startlingly spicy, and yes, it comes "up". But you're not the person at a Fishtown taco joint sipping a purple drink from a martini glass, then what are you even doing?

2401 E Norris St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

(267) 886-8061

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Blue Corn Restaurant

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Blue Corn, the authentic Mexican sit-down restaurants in the Italian Market, is considered to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Philly. But with a street lined with taquerias, the one with the bar stands out. Blue margaritas (made blue by curacao), palomas, and other tasty cocktails and sangrias come out to under $10, and they do wonders to a feast full of spicy stuffed poblanos and ceviches.

940 S.9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 925-1010

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North Third

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Mark Bee's (Frankie Bradley's, Silk City) eclectic neighborhood hang does everything well. The food is great, and affordable enough, for multiple visits a week, the beers are constantly rotating, and the cocktails (very few cross the $10 mark) are fun and easy, much like the entire place itself.

801 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 413-3666

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South Bowl

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City bowling can be one of the more expensive outings you could have in Philly, and the prices of, let's say Lucky Strike in Center City, are difficult to justify. North Bowl, although great, is almost always packed, so South Bowl, it is! The enormous arcade/bowling alley is chock-full of fun activities, arcade games, table games, pool tables, and of course, bowling. But if that's not enough of a reason, then the Neapolitan pizza and all-$6-cocktail list definitely is.

19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 389-2695

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Prohibition Tap Room

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Prohibition Taproom is known for having one of the best beer taps in the city, but their cocktails are nothing to sneeze at. Awesome for late in the night, but even better for brunch, the bartenders know how to make a mean drink, even if the focus at the Taproom is on the beer. The Bartender's Breakfast is a creamy (from egg whites), chocolatey bourbon drink, delicious on its own, and even better with a brunch burger.

501 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 238-1818

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Han Dynasty

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If you're ordering wine at Han Dynasty, you're doing it wrong. Beer and cocktails is the only way to supplement super-hot Szechuan food. At Han Dynasty, the cocktails are surprisingly awesome. Most of them are based in tea, and those are perfect cooling agents for the Dan Dan kick in the pants, but the Peach Cobbler Sazerac, with cognac, peaches, tamarind and Chinese bitters, is a perfect way to start, sustain, and end your meal at Han Dynasty.