As an industry worker zipping around on your feet all day, the best part of the day is enjoying a shift drink: a post-work alcoholic beverage to decompress, take a load off, and yes, enjoy a nice buzz before heading home. In our “Shift Drink” series, we explore the many fantastic bar programs of Philadelphia where you can treat yourself after a hard day’s work. For this edition, I visited Wine Dive.

When I think of dive bars, I immediately assume the bartender is going to be a seasoned, grizzled vet that’s going to be quick on the sass and short on the smiles unless they know you. The drinks are going to come in a can or a shot glass. The walls will be adorned with tins or neon signs from breweries that may no longer exist, and some form of memento commemorating that one customer that one thing that one night. (Pretty sure I just described my friends at Bob and Barbara’s. Hi Kelly!). This is not that kind of place.

Adorned with fun and funky decor, Wine Dive is much more. Upon entering, you’re greeted by their bottle shop. The selection is going to mostly incorporate wines that you will not find at the state store.  Additionally, you can order any of them for delivery. 

Opting to sit at the bar versus any of the cozy-looking banquettes, you get further confirmation this is not your uncle’s favorite corner bar. You’ll find a menu wrought with “citywide” specials, interesting session cocktails and, of course, wine selections. While I didn’t partake, the specials are an amalgamation of old school (ponies galore) and new school (Fernet and Lo-Fi amaro shots). My first beverage came in the form of the easy-drinking “New York Sour,” a combination of bourbon, lemon and simple syrup.

I’d be remiss if I did not have at least a little bit of wine being in a place with wine in their name. There are quite a few approachable varietals by the glass, ranging in body, tannin level and price – as low as $8 per and topping out at $14. Since I ordered the burger, I went with the Barbera – ripe cranberry, red currant and soft tannins.

You can visit them seven days a week starting at 11AM to 2AM.

Wine Dive, 1506 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146