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A secluded haven where precision meets passion. We are inspired by the finest traditions of Japanese bar craft and the American speakeasy. Our handcrafted cocktails, filtered through the lens of the Slow Drinks movement, explore the intersection of Japanese flavors and American terroir.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 310 Market St Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 238-5757
Website: http://almanacphilly.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Related Web Results
Almanac Philly
Almanac is a Japanese-American Cocktail Bar nestled above Ogawa Sushi & Kappa.
Bar Almanac (@almanacphilly) • Instagram photos and videos
Thank you to @slowfoodusa for featuring Almanac as the only cocktail bar in Philadelphia on their snail of approval list!
Almanac – Philadelphia, PA | OpenTable
Almanac delivers a moody, speakeasy-style atmosphere, dim lighting, plush decor and carefully curated tableware. Guests consistently praise the sexy, intimate …
Reviews
R
We were little early for our reservation downstairs so we were able to get table upstairs. You definitely need a reservation. Then we realized we didn’t have enough time to both get drinks, as you’re not allowed to take the drinks from upstairs to the restaurant. They were really understanding when we ordered one drink for two people. Their service, graciousness and their attention to detail was amazing. I would come again, as you can order food upstairs as well! The Japanese Kit Kat with the check was a nice surprise!
… moreLucy March
We had a lovely evening here! Perfect atmosphere. All the cocktails we ordered were absolutely outstanding and worth the hype. It is evident that lots of thought was put into each drink. We got a couple of snacks, the agedashi tofu tempura was not for me but the chicken wings were fantastic. This is definitely not a place you just walk in and grab a drink but if you want a unique experience you will be rewarded.
… moreHoyun Sohn
Overall, Almanac has a lot going for it, especially the food, cocktails, and service. The cocktails were well crafted and enjoyable. The salmon was very good, and the tofu dish was packed with flavor. The octopus was nicely cooked and had a great smoky taste, though the toast pairing felt a bit odd. The scallop dish was decent, but the scallops themselves were hard to taste. The otoro was excellent, and the uni paired well with it, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the otoro.
The main downside of the evening was the initial seating experience. The hostess placed us at a table that was noticeably smaller than the others, much lower to the ground, and almost looked like a small side table you would find in a waiting area. It was also positioned directly next to and below where coats were hanging. This table was the only one in the restaurant that was different from all the others. When we asked if we could be moved, we were told that all tables were the same and that the others were reserved. This was frustrating because we had a reservation ourselves and could clearly see that the tables were not the same. To make it worse, one of the “reserved” tables remained vacant for our entire visit, which made it feel like we were not being given an honest explanation.
Fortunately, the experience improved significantly thanks to our server, Westly. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely helped turn the evening around. His service made a noticeable difference and is the reason this still earns a solid four-star rating.
… moreThe main downside of the evening was the initial seating experience. The hostess placed us at a table that was noticeably smaller than the others, much lower to the ground, and almost looked like a small side table you would find in a waiting area. It was also positioned directly next to and below where coats were hanging. This table was the only one in the restaurant that was different from all the others. When we asked if we could be moved, we were told that all tables were the same and that the others were reserved. This was frustrating because we had a reservation ourselves and could clearly see that the tables were not the same. To make it worse, one of the “reserved” tables remained vacant for our entire visit, which made it feel like we were not being given an honest explanation.
Fortunately, the experience improved significantly thanks to our server, Westly. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely helped turn the evening around. His service made a noticeable difference and is the reason this still earns a solid four-star rating.
Felix
One of my favorite cocktail bars I have ever been too! They hospitality is very warm and friendly, the vibes are super comfortable, and the playlist is perfect.
The drinks are Japanese-focused and nicely spans the spectrum of drinks – long/spritzy, sours, dark/stirred. Would strongly recommend the omakase option as well!
Reservations would be very helpful, but we were able to snag a seat for three with only a 20 minute wait on a Saturday night.
… moreThe drinks are Japanese-focused and nicely spans the spectrum of drinks – long/spritzy, sours, dark/stirred. Would strongly recommend the omakase option as well!
Reservations would be very helpful, but we were able to snag a seat for three with only a 20 minute wait on a Saturday night.
John Ventre
We didn’t get out much the holiday season but we are happy we got to Almanac. It was a romantic evening where we enjoyed fine cocktails and good food. The cocktails were first-rate and included, for us both, Japanese whiskey and gin versions of classics as well as in-house creations. The Japanese inspired dishes were all well done and the detail given to the ingredients impressive (many of the fresh ones brought in from Japan). Most enjoyed were the cucumber and fries snacks that we tried and the wagyu hot dog. The Toro Tako was also very good. Service was very good and helpful. The small dark space lended to the intimacy. but due to the shape of the room most people are looking a wall, beyond their partner, and feels like you are in a hallway. Reservations can be made for the Almanac and are suggested.
… moreJon O
Highest ranked Speakeasy I could find so I headed that way. Turns out, there was a wait so I made a reservation through OpenTable. 5 mins later I was pinged my spot at the bar was available. I was informed there were rules… no flash photography and no phone calls. I love these rules!
I met Beau the bartender and he was incredibly kind and informative… you know like one of those people that are so passionate about their craft it gets you hyped just listening to them? That’s Beau. My cocktails were incredible and Beau took me on a journey explaining how the ingredients were made for each one. Top notch experience.
… moreI met Beau the bartender and he was incredibly kind and informative… you know like one of those people that are so passionate about their craft it gets you hyped just listening to them? That’s Beau. My cocktails were incredible and Beau took me on a journey explaining how the ingredients were made for each one. Top notch experience.
Jo
Talk to the host in Ogawa. They will bring you upstairs. Finding the place was very confusing. I knew the restaurant name but not the logo. I ended up walking by twice. The side door on the right with the sign to talk to Ogawa host was also missed because the door was open.
Great service, friendly staff, good food, knowledgeable about drinks.
Did walk-in on a Friday at 5pm. I was the first seated at the bar. By the time I was leaving, all five walk-in seats were full.
Fermented Grapefruit Soda $8 have you ever had the Chinese white fermented bean curds? If you like that, which I do, you’d enjoy the drink. Otherwise, I would hard pass. If I didn’t grow up with this taste I’m not sure if I would have liked it lol
Wagyu Hotdog $14 (Tonkatsu Sauce, Japanese Slaw, Bonito Flakes, Nori) – was a bit disappointed it just came out on regular hotdog bread. Otherwise, the beef had a nice bite, the Japanese slaw was a good mix with the saltiness of the tonkatsu sauce
Yuzu Miso Glazed Wings $14 (Miso, Yuzu, Sriracha, Mayo) – the wings came out hot and crispy. A nice surprising kick from the sriracha. I only had one and took the rest home. The sauce was good the next day cold as well
Overall, good experience
… moreGreat service, friendly staff, good food, knowledgeable about drinks.
Did walk-in on a Friday at 5pm. I was the first seated at the bar. By the time I was leaving, all five walk-in seats were full.
Fermented Grapefruit Soda $8 have you ever had the Chinese white fermented bean curds? If you like that, which I do, you’d enjoy the drink. Otherwise, I would hard pass. If I didn’t grow up with this taste I’m not sure if I would have liked it lol
Wagyu Hotdog $14 (Tonkatsu Sauce, Japanese Slaw, Bonito Flakes, Nori) – was a bit disappointed it just came out on regular hotdog bread. Otherwise, the beef had a nice bite, the Japanese slaw was a good mix with the saltiness of the tonkatsu sauce
Yuzu Miso Glazed Wings $14 (Miso, Yuzu, Sriracha, Mayo) – the wings came out hot and crispy. A nice surprising kick from the sriracha. I only had one and took the rest home. The sauce was good the next day cold as well
Overall, good experience
Joei Brock
Shhhhh! It’s a speakeasy! My husband and I tried this fun place a few weeks ago on our way to the Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. We almost didn’t find it but a very nice patron on the street let us know that we had to enter through the restaurant downstairs. Holy moly this place is fabulous! The cold green tea they serve you as a welcome drink is delicious and like something from a tea ceremony. The cocktails are fresh and very well crafted. The star of the night for me was the wasabi fries. A few years ago I tasted wasabi fries at a Japanese McDonald’s. They were something I’ve never forgotten. The flavor was outstanding and very unique. Well, the fries at almanac are an even more elevated version of those. Try them, they will not disappoint!
… moreBrianne Moore
Make your reservation yesterday.
Almanac is an experience start to finish – I went last night to celebrate the end of a work project and am STILL marveling at their ability to curate an attentive, delicious, and above all calming experience for their guests. I have been to cocktail bars in Japan – Almanac captures the sense of expertise, place, dedication to the craft, and presence, but adds in a white-glove service more similar to a Michelin or bib gourmand restaurant. All ‘ground rules’ (no flash photography, don’t take phone calls, 2 hr limit) are established before you’re brought upstairs.
The space is small and intimate, and the emphasis on seasonality is clear in the menu. Our server (Wesley) was serene and attentive, and was very helpful as we planned the flow of our dining experience. Our favorite food item was the Spicy Bay Scallop Crispy Rice, but every food was delicious and the perfect size. It’s clear that you’re expected to opt for multiple food choices and at least 2 cocktails as you relax and enjoy.
Throughout the course of the night, I texted no less than four people about Almanac and recommended that they go – and I think you should, too. You deserve it. You’ll leave feeling very doted on, and very full. Can’t wait to return!
… moreAlmanac is an experience start to finish – I went last night to celebrate the end of a work project and am STILL marveling at their ability to curate an attentive, delicious, and above all calming experience for their guests. I have been to cocktail bars in Japan – Almanac captures the sense of expertise, place, dedication to the craft, and presence, but adds in a white-glove service more similar to a Michelin or bib gourmand restaurant. All ‘ground rules’ (no flash photography, don’t take phone calls, 2 hr limit) are established before you’re brought upstairs.
The space is small and intimate, and the emphasis on seasonality is clear in the menu. Our server (Wesley) was serene and attentive, and was very helpful as we planned the flow of our dining experience. Our favorite food item was the Spicy Bay Scallop Crispy Rice, but every food was delicious and the perfect size. It’s clear that you’re expected to opt for multiple food choices and at least 2 cocktails as you relax and enjoy.
Throughout the course of the night, I texted no less than four people about Almanac and recommended that they go – and I think you should, too. You deserve it. You’ll leave feeling very doted on, and very full. Can’t wait to return!
Payal Amin
Such a fun vibe! The host was so friendly. Fantastic bartender who walked us through basically the whole menu. The drinks were AMAZING. So much made fresh and in-house.
… more