Tis’ the season to trick, but also especially to treat. Here are some spots around the city to indulge into everything this fall season and spooky holiday has to offer.
McGillan’s Olde Ale House
Apart from being home to some brews, prime football viewing tables and bar fare, one of Philly’s oldest bars is also home (allegedly) to some ghosts and spirits as well. Owner Chris Mullins has been vocal about the many people who have died at the historic tavern and left their souls behind — including William “Pa” McGillin who opened the bar. As a release states, after Pa McGillin died, Catherine “Ma” McGillin, who raised their 13 children upstairs had to run the bar alone until she was 90, so she may have reason to keep an eye on the tavern for eternity, too. The next owner, Joe Spaniak (ancestor of current owners) died there, too. And they even have a photo of a ghost reflected in the mirror above the fireplace taken by the South Jersey Paranormal Society, a nonprofit that tracks ghosts. To toast to the spirits with spirits, McGillans is offering Pumpkin Martinis, Apple Pumpkin Shandys and Pumpkin beers. Philadelphians can sip on these libations on Halloween night during their scaraoke (costumed karaoke) starting at 9 p.m. with drink specials and prizes.
1310 Drury St., mcgillins.com
Insomnia Cookies
This chain is already known around the city as offering some primetime sweet treats, and that is only accelerated with their new Halloween offerings. Recently Insomnia Cookies debuted their CookieLab in South Philly and launched some fall-time treats to celebrate the season. There, Philadelphians can sip and much on their Snickerdoodle Chai Milkshake, Caramel Cold Brew Milkshake and Caramel Apple Pie Cookie—but the real treat comes Oct. 27. There will be three new limited Edition Halloweekend Specials launching that day at all locations and Philadelphians will be able to try their Tricked Out Deluxe Cookie, Brownie and Dippers decked out with MARS and Snickers, Twix and M&Ms candies. That date the CookieLab will also be debuting a similar new milkshake limited to Halloween weekend as well, made with vanilla ice cream blended with chocolate chunk cookie and made with Snickers, Twix and M&Ms pieces. The cup is decorated with chocolate buttercream and M&Ms pieces and its topped with whipped cream Twix, Snickers, and M&M’s pieces and a Chocolate Chunk cookie. Lastly, the cookie connoisseurs are also offering DIY Spooky Kits, which comes with 12 classic cookies, green and orange buttercream icing, gel icing, and candy topping including candy zombie eyes and candy corn ready for decorating.
various locations, insomniacookies.com
Coopers’ Craft Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Halloween is for the kids, but adults can indulge as well. After trick or treating or even during a costume party, Philadelphians can whip up a Coopers’ Craft Pumpkin Pie Milkshake with just a few ingredients. With just Cooper’s Craft Craft Bourbon (1.5 oz), Coopers’ Craft Bourbon Whipped Cream (made with .5 of the bourbon, 8 oz of heavy whipping cream and 2 tbs of powdered sugar), a slice of pumpkin pie and some vanilla ice cream (8 oz), the drink can be ready in no time. The ingredients get blended together, served in a glass, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon and then its ready to serve.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
There’s an array of ways to indulge in the flavors of Halloween down in Atlantic City on top of everything right here in Philly. This Saturday, Oct.23 at noon, there will be a Halloween Truffles Pastry Class where participants will learn how to make fun and creepy themed chocolate truffles in this hands-on class by Chef Thaddeus DuBois. Tickets run for $35. For something a little harder, there will also be a Pappy Van Winkle Five Course Tasting Dinner, Thursday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. featuring an intimate five course tasting dinner at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood to include the Pappy Van Winkle family of bourbons. Tickets are $525 and are available online.
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com.
