Philadelphia bar named one of the best bars in US. Everything to know before you go

Bloomsday, the Philadelphia wine and vermouth bar, this week made national news as one of 27 bars included on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. The list was created by USA TODAY Network food writers across the country and includes everything from humble dives to high-end cocktail bars.

"Our ethos is on making regulars. Building guest relations is a focus. Whatever your routine is, we want to be a part of it. Even if you only come every Sunday to get that croissant, that's your time and energy," said D’Onna Stubblefield, the bar's sommelier and beverage director.

What makes Bloomsday stand out

Bloomsday oozes with charm from the moment you step through the jewel-toned green front doors. At this corner spot on the intersection of two cobblestone streets lined with old trees, you’ll feel like you're in the hottest wine bar in town, but you won’t find anyone pretentious here. The attentive staff does their best to remember not just your name, but seating preference and drink of choice.

Bloomsday specializes in local and organic wines from the U.S. and abroad, including ciders, bubbly and orange wines, with a specialized menus featuring regions and themes on a rotating basis. And you can take home a bottle of your favorite or ask the staff to choose from a selection of natural wines, all made with sustainable practices, from the fancy wine shop in the back of the restaurant.

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If you’re not an oenophile, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Bartenders will simply take their favorite vermouth off the sparkling marble and crystal bar and run through pairings, like an olive or pepper gilda. Or, for a fun spin on a Philly classic, try the Bloomsday Citywide, a beer and vermouth combo that changes each month.

While the drinks are the draw, the food menu is not to be missed. While you imbibe, a variety of snacks will keep you fed. The menu includes truffle fries with garlic aioli, chips and dip with caviar, or your pick of several types of anchovies with crostini and veggies.

Most of all, Bloomsday is a neighborhood hub. Their wine club keeps locals up to date on the newest organic bottles, while the book club connects food with culture. High tea that pairs drinks with local bakers, tarot night and cookie decorating are just some of the events where neighbors meet each other. Grab a seat at the bar during happy hour for the tinned fish of the day, a cocktail and conversations with the staff and the locals who stream in toward the end of the workday. And Bloomsday's brunch, with outdoor seating across from one of the city’s best farmers’ markets, is the spot for people watching with an adult coffee on Sundays.

Soon regulars will have a new way to involve Bloomsday in their daily routine, thanks to an expansion a few doors down. The experimental space will be the daytime cafe to Bloomsday's nighttime spot.

Details: 414 South 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa.; 267-319-8018, bloomsdaycafe.com