Brian Rothbart has always loved working in the beverage industry.
He’s been a sommelier and a winemaker out in California. He’s slept in vineyards and picked fruit for wineries in San Francisco and Australia. For a while, he worked at high-end bars in New York City before owning his own wine and cheese bar in New York City.
Then, eight years ago, “a lot of life happened at once,” he says. His wife got sick; he sold his wine and cheese bar and got sober. He tried different gigs, including construction management, but the beverage industry was where he wanted to be. He loved making drinks for people. About five years ago, he saw more and more non-alcoholic spirit options entering the market, so he decided to try his hand at mixing cocktails.
In April 2024, he opened East Passyunk’s Nutmeg Bar and Market, one of Philly’s few, fledgling 100 percent N/A cocktail bars. “It’s the first time that this concept has really been possible,” Rothbart says. “All of the products are here now.”
Rothbart’s establishment is part of a growing nationwide trend, where people, especially Millennials and Gen Zers, are drinking less or foregoing alcohol entirely. A 2024 Gallup report found drinking amongst adults under 35 fell 10 percentage points, from 72 percent to 62 percent. Now, only about four in 10 U.S. adults would describe themselves as regular drinkers, per that same report. Social media has helped fuel this shift, with many young adults participating in months-long no-drinking challenges, like Sober October and Dry January.
“People are changing their lifestyles. Alcohol is objectively bad for you,” says Nikki Graziano, owner of Bar Palmina, a Fishtown-based zero proof cocktail bar that opened in August 2024. Graziano started experimenting with N/A (nonalcoholic) cocktails after receiving a life-saving liver transplant and becoming sober in 2022. Her bar is named for her grandmother who taught her how to cook.
“It’s societally easier to not drink now. I think something happened to our collective societal psyche with Covid, where it’s like we have to be health conscious now,” she continues.
Whether you’re sober yourself, participating in a challenge like Dry January or Sober October, or just want to take a night off from drinking, Philly has a number of different options for you. Here’s a look at zero-proof bars, mocktails and other ways to have fun and drink less in our city.
Zero-proof bars
Many bars in Philly have a mocktail on the menu these days, but what tends to make zero-proof establishments distinct, their owners say, are the use of “dupes” or zero-proof versions of spirits like gin, rum, bourbon and tequila. These spirits are distilled like their alcoholic counterparts, but then they go through a second distilling to remove the alcohol. Most bars offering mocktails don’t stock zero-proof spirits (though there are exceptions), so their drinks are heavy on mixers and soda.
“Just because somebody isn’t wanting to consume alcohol doesn’t mean that they don’t want something that tastes delicious, or they want something that is more complex than, Here are some fruit juices, and club soda mixed together,” says Tony Vasinda, general manager for Unity Java, which offers N/A cocktails at its Umbria Street location. “We have things that are zero proof [and] spirit-forward.”
Bar Palmina: Graziano’s Bar Palmina has the same earthy, muted palette and shadowy lighting of many-a-Fishtown cocktail bar. It’s no wonder many people, Scotch salesman included, think her establishment is serving up hard gin and tequila. Graziano emphasizes she’s not trying to trick anyone — Bar Palmina has tons of N/A signs and all their menus say they’re zero-proof — but she does take it as a compliment when people say they can’t tell her drinks are booze-less. Try the “Il Coraggio,” Graziano’s take on something espresso martini-like, and their yuzu negroni. 1306 N. Front Street
Nutmeg Bar and Market: Part-bar, part-market, part-event space, Nutmeg Bar and Market strives to be the zero-proof establishment for all your going out, or staying in, needs. Rothbart’s Passyunk spot has a hip, unfussy vibe. Walls feature artwork from local artists, and he converts a corner into a stage for Nutmeg’s open mic nights. Behind the bar, he’s mixing drinks like alcohol-free spritzes and “The South Philly 75,” his version of a French 75, and serving better-than-bar-food snacks, like BBQ Jackfruit crostinis and vegan potstickers. You can follow Nutmeg’s Instagram to keep up with events or check out their Eventbrite, they’ve hosted everything from speed dating to sober stand-up. 1835 E. Passyunk Avenue.
The Top Shelf at Unity Java: When Unity Restaurant Group decided to shutter The Volstead, Philly’s first zero-proof bar, in August, they moved their operations to the upstairs of another of their restaurants: Unity Java on Umbria Street. Above the coffeeshop, Top Shelf at Unity Java offers drinks made with zero-proof spirits and hosts game nights, tastings and product launches. Like all Unity Restaurant Group establishments, they’re a recovery-friendly workplace. In addition to N/A cocktails, Unity Java offers shrubs, a type of drink made from vinegar, sugar and fruit popular in colonial times and again during Prohibition. 5001 Umbria Street and 5312 Ridge Avenue
Regular bars, stellar mocktails
If you’re going out with friends who plan to drink alcohol or you want to grab dinner and a zero-proof beverage, these bars and restaurants might be more of your vibe. Mocktail culture is growing in Philly, so this list isn’t comprehensive, but it is a roundup of some of the spots where you can reliably find an awesome mixed drink sans alcohol.
Bar Hygge: Fairmount’s Bar Hygge loves cozy fare, and their mocktail menu is no exception. Patrons can enjoy alcohol-free sparkling wines, and cocktails made with Ghia aperitifs and gin alternatives. 1720 Fairmount Avenue
Bloomsday: The Society Hill wine and coffee bar’s menu sports a handful of zero-ABV cocktails and house-made ginger beer. Their non-alcoholic cocktail and beer options are on their happy hour menu, too. Sip on them while snacking on the oysters on special. 414 S. 2nd Street
Char & Stave: Owned by Bluebird Distilling’s Jared Adkins, this Chestnut Hill and Main Line coffee shop Char & Stave becomes a cocktail bar at night, serving up boozy and N/A beverages. Their zero-proof menu includes an old fashioned made with aged espresso, and a matcha mojito. Bluebird Distilling’s primary location in Phoenixville also has a great mocktail selection. 8441 Germantown Avenue and 21 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore
Charlie Was a Sinner: Made with or without zero-proof spirits, Nicole Marquis’ Gayborhood staple Charlie Was a Sinner has a wide variety of no-ABV options for its patrons. One unique pick: “Wanderlust,” a no-ABV concoction made with pineapple, lemon, sparkling water and zero-proof mushroom amaro. 131 S. 13th Street
Craft Hall: If you’re a drinker looking for a no ABV-option amid a big, family-friendly, TV- and game-filled taproom, Northern Liberties; Craft Hall is serving N/A lagers, IPAs, and both chilled and, for fall and winter, warm mocktails, including cider and hot chocolate. 901 N. Delaware Avenue
Ember & Ash: Mocktails — including “Sweet Melon Fizz” and a Korean spice margarita — join de-alcoholized rieslings and more on the N/A menu of Ember & Ash in South Philly. 1520 E. Passyunk Avenue
Fitz on 4th: Like their food offerings, Fitz on 4th’s beverages favor vegan and locally sourced ingredients. That extends to their mocktails as well. Made with Ritual zero-proof spirits, the Queen Village hang serves a spirit-forward “Mable Rum Old Fashioned” and a refreshing cucumber and lime heavy “Emerald Fox,” amongst other tasty libations. 743 S. 4th Street
La Chinesca: A Mexican-Chinese fusion restaurant in Spring Garden’s repurposed Jiffy Lube, La Chinesca serves up a number of unique low- and no-ABV drinks, with unique ingredients like turmeric and dried chipotle. Try the “Tepache,” made with fermented pineapple rinds. 1036 Spring Garden Street
Puttshack: One of the few joints serving mocktails made with zero-proof spirits, Center City indoor mini golf and bar Puttshack offers a “H2NO Ranch Water,” “N/A Spritz,” “Passion Fruit Lemonade” and a sweet, Red Bull-laced concoction they call the “Cotton Candy Crush.” 1625 Chestnut Street
R&D: Like their alcoholic cocktails, R&D’s mocktails skew sweet and tropical, with virgin coladas, junglebirds and penicillins. Campari, lime and pineapple juice dominate the Fishtown drinkery’s easy-to-sip list. 1206 Frankford Avenue
Tattooed Mom: The South Street counterculture staple has long touted that everyone is welcome there and that ethos extends to their food and beverage menus. At T-Moms, you can sip on the Mom’s Mock Tai, their N/A take on a Mai Tai, or a zero-proof version of their Tikki Kitty, while attending one of their many poetry readings, drag shows or standup comedy sets. 530 South Street
Urban Farmer Philadelphia: The Logan Square hotel restaurant Urban Farmer is serving up a Shirley Temple, an N/A classic, and a cucumber spritz and strawberry fizz. The fizz comes with zero-proof gin, but the spritz comes without. 1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Lounges, board game cafes, hangouts and other third spaces
More and more Philadelphians in recent years have embarked on a new business venture: opening spaces where people can hang out in the evenings that aren’t bars or restaurants. This non-comprehensive list of so-called “third spaces” offer low cost ways for people to get out of the house and have a good time. Some offer snacks or drinks (including booze-free options), but eating and drinking aren’t the focus.
BUBS: When Simon Joseph opened BUBS in Fishtown this summer, he pictured it acting as a “living room for the neighborhood,” he told Billy Penn, “a place that is open in the evenings, that is not a bar.” At BUBS you can rent tables to play boardgames or tabletop role playing games or just to hang out. They host writing groups, fiber arts groups and other meetups weekly. 102 W. Berks Street
FaceClock: Part art gallery, part Victorian-style lounge, this Northern Liberties’ spot aims to be a vibe-y spot for people to hang out sans alcohol. They show and sell art, serve up coffee, tea, kompots and other zero-proof drinks and spin records during lively events. It’s always 100% alcohol free. 1935 N. 2nd Street
Queen & Rook Game Cafe: This Queens Village spot offers a selection of more than more than 1,000 games for patrons to play and unlike the other entries, serves a full menu, including a variety of mocktails. Spot by to eat, drink and hang with friends and — if you’re feeling a little adventurous — try the “Dubious Cocktail” mocktail. Ingredients? It’s a mystery. 123 South Street
Redcap’s Corner: Redcap’s Corner in West Philadelphia, one of Philly’s oldest game shops, hosts tournaments and events almost every day. They have two levels and stock more than 1,500 games. “We are, at our best, a third space,” founder Benn Roe says in a video on their Instagram. “This is a place where [people] come to unwind.” Inclusivity is also at their core, hosting ladies, LGBTQ, and trans and autistic gaming nights. 3850 Lancaster Avenue
Zero-proof bottle shops
As Rothbart notes, “In this country, you go out to drink, or you stay in to not drink. You don’t go out when you feel like not drinking.” If you don’t feel like braving the cold, or if you’re planning to host friends, these shops can help you stock an N/A bar cart.
Bella Vista Beverage: Best known as a beer store, this Wash West spot (its name is not its address) is well-stocked with N/A beer options. But they also sell a handful of zero-proof wines and spirits. 755 S. 11th Street
CORK: The Rittenhouse bottle shop stocks a variety of N/A sparkling wines, spirits and other beverages. They recommend people just starting out in the N/A space buy a variety of sparklers — ready-to-drink N/A wines — zero-proof spirits and after dinner sippers and palette cleansers. 253 S. 20th Street
Herman’s Coffee: With more than 200 non-alcoholic beer, wine and liquor dupes to choose from, Herman’s in Pennsport has you covered for all your dry January at home get-togethers. The shop, which started carrying zero-proof booze in 2020, sells them alongside market staples like coffee grounds, bitters and dried pasta. 1313 S. 3rd Street
Occasionette: The E. Passyunk, Chestnut Hill and Collingswood gift store sells everything from tea towels to baby gifts. Amongst their barwares offerings: a handful of zero-proof liquors, wines and garnishes. They also stock recipe books with non-alcoholic cocktail entries, so you’ll know what to do when you pick up the shaker. 1704 E. Passyunk Avenue, 8521 Germantown Avenue and 724 Haddon Ave Collingswood, NJ.
Riverwards Produce: Local and ugly produce supplier Riverwards in Fishtown and Old City sells a selection of N/A wines and spirits. They carry big brands in the N/A space like Ritual gin, rum and whiskey, and Töst wines. They also have HOPWTR, a beer / seltzer alternative. Find these goods next to their selection of mixers. 146 Bread Street and 2200 E. Norris Street
Wallace Dry Goods: While other entrants on this list sell N/A beverages alongside regular booze or other foodstuffs, Wallace Dry Goods in Ardmore exclusively sells zero-proof beers, wines and liquors — and host tastings, so people can become better acquainted with N/A substitutes. They also have a Libation Library on their website that guides customers through building a non-alcoholic bar for their home. 1 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
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