Root

What started as a spectacular place to sip wine has grown into a fully-fledged restaurant and cocktail bar, and the citizens of Philadelphia (and websites dedicated to great bars) couldn’t be happier about it. From the get-go, Root has had a focus on taking a fresh look at the wine list as we know it, eschewing the most common varieties for adventurous grapes and tastes from lesser-known regions around the world. The fare has followed suit, focusing on fresh Mediterranean-inspired meals, with a touch of local flavor thrown in for good measure. Before we get to all the great stuff being poured though, we must talk about the decor of Root, because it’s one of the most striking we’ve seen in a long time. Teal, mustard yellow, and jet black furnishings (in a curvaceous and cool ‘50s style) all contrast beautifully, and rest upon a brilliant cube-patterned tile floor. We also love the large rounded-rectangle mirrors that hang on the walls, giving off a retro rearview-mirror effect. It’s all a rather wonderful window dressing for the drinks list, which has kept its famed collection of eclectic wines by the glass (think a citrusy white from Turkey, a leathery red from Portugal and a rose from Austria among recent offerings) and esteemed Private Stash, while adding in craft cocktails and beer. In a nod to the Spanish influences on the food menu, Root offers a line of premium gin and tonics, and complements it with a fun list of mixes like the Fishtown Mule (American craft vodka, ginger beer, rhubarb bitters, and grapefruit juice) and boutique bottles from Philly and beyond.