Village Whiskey

Located in a space within Rittenhouse Square that channels the free-spirited ambiance of a speakeasy, Village Whiskey stands as Chef Jose Garces’ intimate 30-seat homage to the timeless spirit.

Indeed, Village Whiskey showcases an extensive library of 80-100 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, rye, and scotch hailing from Scotland, Canada, Ireland, the United States, and even Japan.

Beyond serving as a perfect setting for toasting and banter, Village Whiskey is a culinary creation of Jose Garces, renowned for his establishments such as Amada, Tinto, Distrito, and Chifa. This ensures that the food is nothing short of exceptional.

Cuisine

Village Whiskey specializes in “bar snacks,” and that doesn’t mean a simple bowl of cashews. Instead, it includes meticulously crafted offerings like deviled eggs, spicy popcorn shrimp, soft pretzels, and an à la carte raw bar – all prepared with the culinary expertise that earned Jose Garces a finalist spot on The Next Iron Chef.

For those with heartier appetites, standouts on the menu include the lobster roll, raw bar selections, and Kentucky fried quail. However, a must-try is the Whiskey King: a 10 oz patty of ground-to-order sustainable Angus beef topped with maple bourbon glazed cipollini, Rogue blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and foie gras. Bring your appetite for this delectable treat.

Cocktails

Whiskey-based cocktails at Village Whiskey are thoughtfully categorized into two sections: Prohibition, featuring classic cocktails, and Repeal, showcasing more contemporary and modern variations. A perennial favorite, the Manhattan, is a constant on the menu, crafted with house-made bitters.

In the Prohibition category, you’ll find classics like the Old Fashioned (Bottle in Bond Bourbon and house bitters), Aviation (Creme de Violette and gin), and Philadelphia Fish House Punch (dark rum, peach brandy, and tea). On the Repeal side, there are innovative options such as APA (hops-infused vodka, ginger, and egg white), De Riguer (rye, aperol, grapefruit, and mint), and Horse With No Name (scotch, Stone Pine Liqueur, and pineapple).

Atmosphere

The speakeasy ambiance is meticulously crafted through subtle lighting, vintage alcohol posters, a tin ceiling, and antique mirrors. Black-and-white tiled floors, marble-topped tables, and wooden drink rails contribute to the classic bar decor.

Behind the pewter bar, an array of whiskies is proudly showcased, resembling a collection of leather-bound books.

In the warmer months, patrons have the option to enjoy their whiskey outdoors, seated at spacious wooden tables lining Sansom Street.