4 enticing weekday specials in Philadelphia

The city is full of eateries, all with different offerings and atmospheres. So it comes as no surprise that heading out to Philly restaurants has become much more than a weekend activity or something to do on a special occasion—and some local tops spots have made sure of that.

Here are a few reasons to check out weekday specials in Philadelphia.

Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia

This Rittenhouse area hotel is still in its first year, but its offerings at Patchwork—the eatery located inside—are anything but basic. With a patio overlooking Center City, a new spring menu and a brand new Happy Hour (available Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 p.m.), this venue has also decided to launch its “Makers Series” to truly make a mark. 

The series kicks off on Wednesday, May 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month. This new activation will always feature work from local artists, with the inaugural event showcasing fine artist JP Weber’s art and backstory in the form of a panel discussion and Q&A, hosted by Christopher Plant of RadioKismet. As a release states, the seminar will include panelists spanning art therapists, yoga instructors, music therapists, and more – all of which are mental health experts passionate about spreading awareness and discussing the creative therapeutic avenues used to help heal and grow. This event is free to attend, and anyone interested can RSVP online. 

And what about that Happy Hour we mentioned earlier? If you can’t make the event next week, you can still check out Patchwork to try $5 local craft beers, $6 wines, $6 apps and a $7 bartender’s choice cocktail during the week. It’s a win-win if you’re looking to indulge in some weekday specials in Philadelphia. 

1620 Chancellor St., hyatt.com

Forsythia

This little French-inspired gem tucked away in Old City holds a lot of personality through its atmosphere and menu—so it makes sense that every last Monday of the month is a party there. Industry Night at Forsythia will feature guest bartenders, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and an ever-evolving menu of curated cocktails for patrons to enjoy. The new activation kicked off this past week on April 25 with newly launched seasonal cocktails courtesy of Beverage Director Shawn Miller, and the new tradition will continue on May 30 with BBQ-inspired fare and guest bartender Mike Nimmo (Beverage Director at Messina Social Club) serving up options from 7 to 11 p.m.

It’s meant to be an evening where servers, bar staff, managers, chefs, and every culinary-focused position in-between gets a chance to enjoy time off—but there’s something enticing in store for everyone. As a release states, following the inaugural Industry Night, guests can look forward to a different well-known local mixologist at the helm for each event with a customized beverage menu for the evening. Proprietor and Chef Christopher Kearse will also provide a variety of complimentary light bites and French-style pizza utilizing Forsythia’s wood-burning oven featuring playful versions of Pissaladière and Tarte Flambée. An interesting choice if you’re looking for weekday specials in Philadelphia. 

233 Chestnut St.,  forsythiaphilly.com

River Twice

The modern American restaurant that calls East Passyunk home is no stranger to upscale cuisine. River Twice is gearing up for another Hidden in Plain Sight dinner—a collaboration with two culinary forces (or a beverage brand) for a seven-course experience. Past collaborations have included dinners with Chef Alex Yoon, Chef Amanda Shulman, Chef Christopher Kearse, Chef Matthew Erik Harper, Hale & True Cider, Human Robot Brewery, Garden State Mushrooms, Chef Shola Olunloyo, Chef Diego Moya (from Brooklyn), and Chef Evan Hennessy (from New Hampshire).

On Monday, May 16, however, former Parc pastry chef and owner of The Bake School Abby Dahan will be joining chef Randy Rucker for her first-ever savory dinner. As a release states, the seven-course dinner will feature both indoor and outdoor seating beginning at 5 p.m. Dinners cost $130 per person, or $150 at the chef’s counter (four seats with two turns per night). Due to the nature of the event, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated, and reservations can be made through Resy. 

1601 E Passyunk Ave., rivertwicerestaurant.com

Royal Boucherie

Every weekday could use a spritz—of alcohol that is. Old City’s Royal Boucherie announced earlier this month that it would be bringing back its wildly successful Spritzer Bar for the second year in a row. From Service Manager Samantha Seltzer, this special activation lets Philadelphians be in charge of how they enjoy the traditional cocktail, and this go-around brings a bevy of brand-new, elevated seasonal offerings to choose from. 

How does it work? Guests can select a base Aperitif spirit (think Aperol, Cappelletti, Lillet Rosé, Lo-Fi Gentian and more), a modifier (think aloe, cherry, grapefruit, honey, lavender and more), and a Topper (think club soda, white wine or a rosé) to build their customized libation. This “build your own spritz” module is designed to highlight Royal Boucherie’s unique Amaro selection as well as provide guests with a refreshing elixir throughout the hot summer months. A tasty option if you’re looking for weekday specials in Philadelphia. 

 52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com