Sweet and savory ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day in Philly

National Pumpkin Day is this Thursday, Oct. 26, and to celebrate Philadelphians can indulge in different drinks and dishes from around the city. 

Forsythia

The acclaimed French hotspot is showcasing a few different delicacies for National Pumpkin Day. While here, Philadelphians can try Pumpkin-Black Truffle Beignets ($12) served with apple butter and miso aioli, a Stuffed Crêpe ($16) comprised of kale, pumpkin, caramelized onions, and comté cheese fondue, and the Foie Gras Mousse ($20) made with cassis, pumpkin seed granola and served with black pepper-whole wheat brioche.  

Forsythia’s annual weekend activation, Sundaes (every Sunday in October), will also feature a Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Sundae comprised of pumpkin ice cream, coffee caramel sauce, molasses whipped cream, and a poached pear. Philadelphians can also sip on the Harvest Old Fashioned ($16) crafted with pumpkin-infused bourbon, vanilla-scented sugar, cardamom bitters, and Vietnamese cinnamon.  

233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com

Panorama

This stop in the Penn’s View Hotel (which is known for its wine selection) has some new fall menu items involving pumpkin. While here, diners can try the Pumpkin Ravioli ($25) made with brown butter, sage, toasted pumpkin seeds and herb oil, plus the Pumpkin Cheesecake ($12) baked with cinnamon crumble, and topped with bourbon caramel sauce. 

And as a release states, these specials are available for dinner à la carte, or as part of the Penn’s View Hotel’s Gourmet Getaway package, a new hotel package including an overnight stay and three-course dinner at Panorama for two.

14 N. Front St., pennsviewhotel.com

Bluebird Distilling

There are a few ways to indulge with this grain-to-grass distillery. For one, their Spiced Pumpkin Dark Rum ($45), is an 80-proof Dark Rum flavored with autumn spices and a pinch of cane sugar, distilled and bottled on-site. As a release states, this small-batch, spiced sipper, boasts tasting notes of pumpkin, caramel, baking spice, nutmeg, and vanilla, and will be available for purchase at Bluebird Distilling and sister store Char & Stave, as well as online for shipping throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

There’s also the Chicory Treat ($12), crafted with Spiced Pumpkin Dark Rum, cold brew, spiced oat syrup, and chicory pecan bitters, or the Pumpkin Affogato ($11), made with vodka-infused maple pumpkin soft serve, and cold brew concentrate float, then topped with a salty-sweet blend.

100 Bridge St. Phoenixville, bluebirddistilling.com

Dock Street Brewing Company South Philly

While here, Philadelphians can try a few tasty options for National Pumpkin Day. The Pumpkin Pie Dip ($8) is made with pumpkin cream cheese filing, graham cracker crust and whipped cream; while the Autumn Hummus ($11) is blended with tahini, cumin, cayenne, lemon and toasted pumpkin seeds, then served with two naan. 

2118 Washington Ave., dockstreetbeer.com

Dock Street Fishtown

Dock Street Fishtown is celebrating the flavor with their “Basic B” Dinner Party, a four-course experience that begins at 7 p.m. The meal is chock full of pumpkin and classic fall flavors from Executive Chef PJ Freeman such as pumpkin stew, hearty pasta, and more, a release states. 

The dinner will be accompanied with beverage pairings by General Manager Jackie O’Hare, including PSL-inspired cocktails, espresso martinis, and other options. The release also states that a carefully curated playlist will set the mood (think Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan,” Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season,” Kacey Musgraves’s “Slow Burn,” etc.) and at 8 p.m., attendees will enjoy a screening of ‘Hocus Pocus 2’. Tickets are $70 (not including tax + gratuity). 

1229 N Front St., dockstreetbeer.com

Red Owl Tavern

For National Pumpkin Day in Philadelphia, diners can head to Red Owl Tavern for their sweet and savory options. For one, the Stingy Jack ($18) is comprised of Wheatley Vodka, apple brandy, coffee liqueur, pumpkin-spiced syrup, and espresso, then topped with espresso beans (aka their take on an espresso martini.) 

From the dinner menu, guests can enjoy an appetizer of Bone Marrow ($14) comprised of a sage and walnut crust and miso pumpkin butter, followed by an entrée of Sweet Potato Risotto ($20) made up of miso pumpkin butter, crispy sage, and spiced pipits, which can also be served as a side dish for $11.  

433 Chestnut St., redowltavern.com