Skip to content
Entertainment
Link copied to clipboard

Where to drink the night before Thanksgiving in Philly

Many Philly bars are offering drink deals and themed parties in honor of Thanksgiving Eve.

12 Steps Down will combine Black Wednesday with giving back.
12 Steps Down will combine Black Wednesday with giving back.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

The night before Thanksgiving, affectionately known as Black Wednesday, is one of the year's busiest and rowdiest party nights. Many of Philly's best watering holes are offering special drink deals and live entertainment, so if you're planning to go out before you sit down to a turkey dinner the next day, here are the spots you simply can't miss.

American Sardine Bar

American Sardine Bar celebrates its sixth anniversary on Wednesday. The Point Breeze gastropub is closing down the street and turning it into a neighborhood celebration, complete with hay bales, a fire pit, and an enviable tap list featuring its favorite breweries and a few rare beers. The  bar will also serve signature sardine creations from Bing Bing, Aldine, Pizza Gutt, and more. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. and ends at midnight — giving you plenty of time to check out another bar before your night is over. 1800 Federal St.; americansardinebar.com

The Trestle Inn

Known for its go-go dancers and impressive whiskey selection, the Trestle Inn is throwing a dance party to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve. The bar is offering complimentary Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon and cocktail tastings from 8 to 10 p.m., $7 whiskey sours from 8 p.m. to midnight, and $5 Yuengling lager cans with Wild Turkey bourbon the whole night. Film fans can also enjoy a screening of Cleopatra Jones at 8 p.m. 339 N. 11th St.; thetrestleinn.com

Johnny Brenda’s

Johnny Brenda's is hosting a 1994-themed Black Wednesday party, with DJs Emynd and Bo Bliz playing all the hits from 1994, and Yards Brewing Co., founded in 1994, pouring $5 pints all night. Cover is $7 before midnight and $10 after.
1201 Frankford Ave.; johnnybrendas.com 

12 Steps Down

There's a lot to love about the unassuming South Philly dive 12 Steps Down, and the fact that it's using a Thanksgiving Eve party to promote charitable causes is a great reason to drop by. The bar is kicking off its annual toy collection on Black Wednesday, which will run through Dec. 9. It's also collecting shelf stable food through Dec. 1, so consider donating to one or both as you enjoy a beer. 831 Christian St.; 12stepsdown.com

Tabu

Tabu is known for its tater tots and divey atmosphere. Go-go dancers take over the bar every Wednesday night, so you can expect to see the Philly's Foxes there on Black Wednesday. There's no cover, so save those dollar bills for the dancers. The bartenders will also be pouring Jack Daniel's whiskey for $6 all night long. 200 S. 12th St.; tabuphilly.com

Toasted Walnut Bar & Kitchen

Toasted Walnut is hosting its annual Toasted Turkey Eve. Beers start at $4 and drinks at $5. Happy hour begins at 4 p.m, and there's no cover for the bash until 9 p.m. ($5 to enter after 9 p.m.) And if you'd like to start your Thanksgiving early, the bar just added Fireball pumpkin-pie shots to the menu. 1316 Walnut St.; toastedwalnut.com