Philadelphia’s First Ever Dry January Bar Crawl

Dry January doesn’t have to mean opting out. Sometimes, it just means opting in differently.

For the first time ever, the city is hosting a Dry January Bar Crawl on Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th, turning an otherwise sleepy winter weekend into a choose-your-own, sober-ish adventure across some of the city’s best bars, breweries, and restaurants.

Sourced via Percy’s Instagram

This isn’t about racing from place to place or forcing yourself to drink something you don’t want, but instead about intentional stops, great food, creative zero-proof options, and feeling social without feeling wrecked.

Here’s how to think about the crawl and how to do it right.

Start Slow and Easy

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The earliest window is perfect for easing into the day. These are the spots where coffee adjacent drinks and relaxed seating make Dry January feel approachable instead of restrictive.

Stops like Amina, El Camino Real, and Front Street Cafe are ideal openers. They’re food forward and great for grounding yourself before the crawl really starts. Jerry’s Bar, Johnny Brenda’s, Percy Diner & Bar, and Standard Tap bring that lived-in Philadelphian bar energy that works just as well in the daylight.

Midday Momentum

11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

By late morning, the crawl starts to feel social. Bar1010 and Yards Brewing Co. are great bridge stops that can handle groups, conversation, and people popping in and out without craziness. 

Peak Crawl Hours

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

This is the heart of the Dry January Bar Crawl, when energy is highest and options are everywhere.

Fishtown really shines here. Garage Fishtown, Fishtown Social, Frankford Hall, The INTL, and Urban Village Brewing are built for movement and mingling. You can stay for one drink or settle in for a bit without throwing off your whole plan.

For beer lovers doing Dry January their own way, Evil Genius Beer Co. and Meyers Brewing, bring craft to the crawl, while Mural City Cellars and Stateside Vodka Bar add something a little different for people who want thoughtful flavors without overdoing it.

Late Add-Ons and Second Winds

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

If you’re still going strong, Pearl’s, Bar Palmina, and The 700 are perfect later stops. They’re relaxed enough to wind down but lively enough to keep the social energy alive.

Brewery ARS, closing out the crawl window from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, is a natural final stop just in time to pivot to dinner.

If you’re loving the idea of low pressure plans that still get you out of the house, this crawl pairs perfectly with our Sunday Scaries Survival Guide.