7 Cocktail-Focused Bars to Explore in Delco

A beautifully crafted cocktail, with fresh, creative ingredients and well-balanced flavors, is one of life’s small pleasures. And whether you prefer a light, fruity spritz, a zesty margarita, or a strong Old Fashioned, there are plenty of great spots in Delco to indulge in all kinds of cocktails!

The next time you’re looking to try something new, stop into one of these seven local restaurants and dive into the cocktail menu. Many of these restaurants have great happy hours, too, where you can get a deal while enjoying a fabulous drink! Pro tip: If you can, grab a seat at the bar. That way, you can watch the mixologists do their thing, and get recommendations from the bartenders about what’s new and exciting on the cocktail list.

 

Teresa’s Cafe

This James Beard Award semifinalist is a beloved go-to for all things beverage. From the Belgian-inspired beer list, to the by-the-glass list or organic wines, there is always something interesting to sip (and nibble) on at Teresa’s! And the cocktail list is no exception: There’s a long list of barrel-aged cocktails, kegged cocktails and build-your-own gin and tonics, as well as special cocktails on offer each week. In fact, there are so many options, it can be a little overwhelming! If you’re stuck, just chat with one of the friendly servers or bartenders who always make great recommendations. 

Teresa’s Cafe is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour, which includes $5 kegtails, is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.

124 North Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 293-9909.

 

Autograph Brasserie

This modern American restaurant pulls inspiration from classic steakhouses and French bistros. The beverage lists are dynamic and fun, with a combination of classics and new-school creations. Autograph’s cocktail list is all about fun twists on familiar drinks, like the Smoking Sazerac, a combination of Knob Creek Rye, Peychaud’s bitters, caramelized sugar, and Vieux Carre Absinthe, that’s actually smoked before being served to you. Looking for something a little lighter? The Watermelon Mint Martini or Carrot Top (Hendricks gin, carrot shrub and yellow Chartreuse) is just the thing. There are great mocktails, too!

Autograph Brasserie is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and features select $9 cocktails.

503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-2588.      

 

Tiki Bar at Romarco’s

A tiki bar in Clifton Heights? Yes! Attached to the old-school Italian restaurant, Romarco’s, find a colorful patio (covered and heated) with a festive, tropical vibe. Frequently, there are DJs and live music, as well as firepits, for a true party atmosphere. The drinks bring a lot of fruity, boozy flair in true tiki fashion! Think: Zombie’s, daiquiris and Pain Killers. The entire Romarco’s menu is also available at the tiki bar.

The Tiki Bar at Romarco’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m.

451 E. Baltimore Ave., Clifton Heights, (610) 626-7414.

 

Tavola

If you love drinking al fresco, the huge patio at Tavola is where you want to be! It’s the perfect place for a girls’ night or date night, and the long list of cocktails does not disappoint! Many of them, like the Strawberry Mojito and the Lemon Elderflower Martini, include fresh ingredients picked from Tavola’s own garden beds! With plenty of signature cocktails, coffee cocktails, frozen blended cocktails and mocktails, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Tavola is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with discounted drinks and snacks.

400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, (610) 543-2100.

 

Azie Media

You might know Azie as a top spot for sushi in Delco, but this sleek Asian-fusion restaurant is also mixing up some of the best cocktails in Media, which you can enjoy in its chic space or amazing rooftop deck! 

The options here are all about seasonal, inventive flavors: The signature Azie Blue is a minty, vodka-spiked blueberry lemonade; Another Bright Idea blends sochu (a Japanese spirit) with IPA syrup, grapefruit and lemon; and the Fastcar is a flashy, bold combo of Crostwater Cinnamon whiskey, mango, hibiscus and grenadine. Many of the ingredients are made in-house, and you’ll never be bored choosing from the menu! 

Azie Media is open for lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is offered Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 in the lounge and bar, and features select $6 cocktails.

217 W. State St., Media,(610) 566-4750.

 

The Crown Tavern

Stylish and cozy, The Crown Tavern takes an elevated approach to British-inspired pub fare. The food and drinks deliver familiar flavors with creative upgrades and ingredients. We love the three gin and tonic offerings, including the delightful Gin di Tonico, with Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin, rosé wine and tonic! The Castle Cocktails menu offers a lovely array of options, like a punched-up Pimm’s Cup (the Wimbledon Cup) and a martini made with Earl Gray tea-infused gin.

The Crown Tavern is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and weekends from 3 to 6 p.m., with half-priced drinks and buck-a-shuck oysters.

451 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 361-9800

 

Marple Public House

You might expect a comfy neighborhood pub like Marple Public House (the first in the township to open since Prohibition!) to be heavily beer-focused. And to be sure, its draft list is solidly curated. But don’t overlook the cocktails, which are an unexpected treat. In addition to classic cocktails, like the Proper Whiskey Sour, French 75 and Moscow Mule, there are a bunch of specialty cocktails, as well. Try the Delco Queen, a riff on a grapefruit paloma, the Marple Tea, with Maker’s Mark, oolong tea, passionfruit and lemon, or the Lucky Lady, a play on the dirty martini.

Marple Public House is open every day from noon to midnight.

31 N. Sproul Rd., Marple, (484) 420-4502. 

• • •

 

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo courtesy of Tavola