11 Zero-Proof Bars and Bottle Shops for All Your N/A Needs
These alcohol-free spots in the Philly area promise good drinks without the hangover.
Our guide to zero-proof bars and bottle shops in the Philly area. / Photograph courtesy of Gem Life + Bar
In recent years, an increasing number of individuals — Philadelphians included — have become sober curious, or more mindful about how much, how often, and what they’re imbibing. Drinking is at an all-time low in the U.S., as more people are more focused on better-for-you habits and having fun without the hangover.
“It’s societally easier to not drink now,” says Nikki Graziano, owner of Fishtown-based zero-proof bar Bar Palmina. “I think something happened to our collective societal psyche with Covid, where we have to be health-conscious now.”
In response, restaurants and bars have been crafting some seriously complex (and delicious!) alcohol-free cocktails, and zero-proof bars and bottle shops have been popping up across the region, making N/A options more accessible and mainstream. If you’re already sober, are rethinking your relationship with alcohol, or simply want to have a good time sans spirits, check out these alcohol-free bars and bottle shops in and around Philadelphia.
Zero-Proof Bars
Bar Palmina
1306 North Front Street, Fishtown
Graziano was inspired to open Bar Palmina after a life-threatening stint in the hospital led her to become sober. Disliking old-school N/A options (sweet sodas, juice, etc.), she was motivated to create a space where “a nice drink that someone put their time and care into, all wrapped up like a little gift” with a focus on “presentation, scent and texture” could be found. At her Fishtown spot, find thoughtfully crafted cocktails utilizing zero-proof bourbons, gins, tequilas, vodkas, and more, plus alcohol-free and dealcoholized wines and beer. Bar Palmina also partners with Wallace Dry Goods (below) so you can take home bottles and cans right from the bar.
FaceClock
1935 North 2nd Street, Fishtown
Part art gallery, part Victorian-style lounge, this vibe-y Fishtown spot aims to be a place for people to hang out sans alcohol. They show and sell art, serve up coffee, tea, kompots and other zero-proof drinks and spin records during lively events.
Free Spirit
4920 York Road, store 13, Buckingham
“If you’re not ensuring that someone who doesn’t partake in alcohol has an option better than club soda with a splash of cranberry juice, you’re not doing the job,” says Christa Vigilante. “After some frustration with a few instances of this, I half jokingly said to my husband, ‘I’m so sick of drinking club soda. I should just open a place for everyone who doesn’t drink.’” And that’s exactly what she did, opening Free Spirit, an alcohol-free bar and bottle shop in Bucks County, in May of 2023. At her space (which also sells hemp goods), find major labels including Levity, Prima Pavé, and Lyre’s, plus lots of canned cocktails and seltzers. Free Spirit also boasts a rotating menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and, bonus, all the soda syrups, shrubs, and juices are made in house.
Mercantile 1888
765 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey
Downtown Collingswood’s modern-day general store features a full-service zero-proof bar with bartenders slinging N/A margaritas, Cosmos, espresso martinis, and THC cocktails, with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Collingswood Farmers’ Market. There’s also boozeless beer, canned cocktails, and kombucha, cold brew, and HopTea on tap. Bonus: Mercantile 1888 hosts frequent tasting events and mix-and-sip workshops.
The Top Shelf at Unity Java
5001 Umbria Street, Manayunk
When Unity Restaurant Group closed The Volstead, Philly’s first zero-proof bar, in August, they moved their operations to the upstairs of their coffee shop, Unity Java. The Top Shelf offers drinks made with zero-proof spirits and hosts game nights, tastings and product launches. In addition to N/A cocktails, Unity Java offers shrubs, a type of drink made from vinegar, sugar and fruit popular in colonial times and again during Prohibition.
Zero-Proof Bottle Shops
Photograph by Gab Bonghi for Wallace Dry Goods
Gem Life + Bar
5 South Broadway, Pitman, New Jersey
What started as an e-tailer of nonalcoholic beverages and goods in August of 2020 quickly transformed into a thriving brick-and-mortar in Pitman. The shop’s ethos is “conscious cocktails for mindful moments,” with opportunities to taste and buy over 250 zero-proof brands, plus participate in community events both in store and around the area via Gem’s pop-ups. Can’t swing by? Gem offers local delivery and nationwide shipping.
Wallace Dry Goods
1 West Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
This bottle shop in Ardmore stocks a range of zero-proof brands — we’re talking Ghia, Ritual, Cut Above, Trejo’s Spirits, Spiritless, and more — plus glassware, bar tools, fun cocktail napkins, and other hosting goods. Owner Robin Cummiskey, an Ardmore native, says the goal of Wallace Dry Goods is to make zero-proof options more accessible to consumers and within social settings: “I wanted to create a place where people could come try a variety of zero-proof spirits and then purchase their own bottles to take home, and where bar or restaurant owners could learn more about how to integrate sophisticated N/A offerings into their menus.” That’s why Wallace is more than just a retail boutique — you can expect regularly scheduled events, like tastings, mixology workshops, happy hours, and more.
Shops That Carry N/A Items
Photograph courtesy of Herman’s Coffee via Instagram
CORK
253 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse
CORK is a go-to for picking up a nice bottle or a curated gift basket — and they don’t skimp on the N/A selections, from a variety of sparklers to after-dinner sips.
Herman’s Coffee
1313 South 3rd Street, Pennsport
This beloved neighborhood spot is more than just a coffee joint — it doubles as a boutique market that houses just about everything. Find chocolate bars galore, a massive inventory of tinned fish, and imported pastas, sauces, and spices. But you’re reading this because you’re looking for booze-free stuff, and Herman’s Coffee houses an incredible selection of N/A offerings, from over 150 varieties of spirits, wine, and beer to all the mixers, bitters, and syrups your heart — and your zero-proof drink — desires.
Occasionette
1704 East Passyunk Avenue, East Passyunk; 8521 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill; and 724 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey
With three locations across the region, Occasionette offers everything from tea towels to baby gifts. Amongst their barwares offerings: a handful of zero-proof liquors, wines and garnishes. They also stock recipe books with non-alcoholic cocktail entries, so you’ll know what to do when you pick up the shaker.
Riverwards Produce
146 Bread Street, Old City and 2200 East Norris Street, Fishtown
Local produce supplier Riverwards sells a selection of N/A wines and spirits at both their Fishtown and Old City outposts. They carry big brands in the N/A space like Ritual, Töst wines, and HOPWTR.
