10 New Philadelphia Venues for Fall 2018 Meetings and Events

Kontrol, a “secret” bar, club, and late-night kitchen, opened in Midtown Village in September. The colorful, 1,000-square-foot underground space accommodates as many as 100 guests for cocktail-style events. The decor incorporates industrial elements like a polished concrete floor, exposed beams, historic brick and tile, graffiti from local artists, and a 25-foot granite bar. A glass wall showcasing the door to the original cellar vault honors the building’s heritage as the former home of Tradesman’s National Bank and Trust Company.  The kitchen serves upscale bar bites like German pretzels, fresh-cut fries, and in-house smoked pork.

Tradesman’s, an American barbecue, whiskey, and beer hall, opened in Midtown Village in August, serving smoked and grilled meats, classic sides, sandwiches, and seasonally sourced vegetarian dishes. The 6,000-square-foot, bi-level venue features two bars and holds 400 people for cocktail-style events. Rustic decor includes 23-foot vaulted ceilings, large windows, exposed brick, and historical ceiling details. Projection units are scattered throughout the space, and two TVs are available for planners’ use.

In September, PJ Clarke’s opened in the Curtis Center overlooking Washington Square Park. An offshoot of the popular New York eatery, the menu includes classic American fare like burgers, black angus steak, seafood, and a raw bar, as well as full beverage service. Measuring 16,000 square feet, the restaurant seats 214 guests or holds 350 for cocktail-style receptions. The space includes plush red banquettes, stained glass, archival Philly-centric art, vintage furniture, 12 TVs, and state-of-the-art surround sound. Two private dining rooms are available for smaller events: The Chapel seats 14 or accommodates 20 for receptions, and the Walnut Room seats 40 or fits 50 for receptions.

Measuring 10,000 square feet, Stats on 17th opened in Rittenhouse Square in September. With room for as many as 450 guests for cocktail-style events, the upscale sports bar offers the quintessential game day experience, with sports memorabilia, a dugout-inspired bar, V.I.P. zones dedicated to Philly’s hometown teams, and a wall that displays sports statistics. The menu includes pub fare like buffalo chicken meatballs, chicken wings, flatbreads, and pizzas. At the bar, guests can choose from a selection of beer, spirits, specialty cocktails, and wine. A state-of-the-art sound system, four full-length projection walls and 20 additional HDTVs are available for audiovisual needs.

Pennsylvania Distilling Company set up shop in Malvern in August. The 3,500-square-foot working craft distillery produces whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum. A 1,150-square-foot tasting room can accommodate as many as 66 guests for receptions, and events can include facility tours and tastings. In addition to house-made spirits, the bar serves wine and beer. The distillery has working relationships with local food trucks, and planners are welcome to bring in outside catering.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant opened a new Center City location in September. Totaling 8,500 square feet, the venue seats 275 guests. The spacious, open dining room features a mix of tables and booths, an open kitchen, and playful wall murals. The menu includes specialties that the brand is known for, like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, chicken pot pie, and Cajun garlic shrimp.

In April, Hale & True Cider Co. opened in Bella Vista just off of South Street. The facility’s 900-square-foot taproom is available for private parties for as many as 45 seated guests or 50 for receptions. The space is inviting and modern, and groups can participate in tours that highlight the cider-making process. Light fare like lentil salad, seasonal pickles, and baguette sandwiches are available from partner Good King Tavern, or planners can opt to bring in outside catering. Guests can wash down their food with beer, wine, cocktails and, of course, house-made cider crafted from local apple juice.

In April, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft opened in Ardmore on the Main Line. An inviting combination of a classic whiskey bar and gastropub, the menu includes inventive cocktails, beer and wine, and bar snacks and shareable plates and entrees like charred eggplant dip, seared scallops, and roasted chicken. The bi-level venue includes a 2,000-square-foot interior and a 500-square-foot patio. An upstairs space accommodates 35 seated guests or 55 for cocktail-style receptions, the back room seats 24 and accommodates 30 for receptions, and the patio seats 30 or fits 40 standing guests.

Kurant Cider Taproom opened in Fishtown in June in an 1880s-era carriage house. The cidery includes a 700-square-foot bar area and a 500-square-foot, second-level dining room, each of which seat 25 guests. Planners can use the venue’s audiovisual equipment, which includes a screen and projector, an in-house stereo system, and a microphone. The food menu includes organic, grass-fed hot dogs and locally made snacks, and the bar serves hard cider, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Nauti Mermaid Crab House & Piano Bar opened in Old City in July. Inspired by Maryland’s famed crab houses, the menu includes classic dishes like colossal crab cakes, fresh oysters, grilled rockfish, and Baltimore pit beef sandwiches. Measuring 4,000 square feet, the venue can accommodate as many as 100 guests for cocktail-style events. Dueling pianos provide nightly entertainment.