September food and drink events throughout Philadelphia are so numerous that choosing which to attend may be the most difficult decision you’ve had to make in a long time. From the opening of a new restaurant, Butcher Bar, at the beginning of the month to a Robert Irvine-hosted event where food and music come together in one sitting later on in the month, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied this September.
Opening of Butcher Bar (Sept. 2)
On September 2, a new eatery along Chestnut Street throws open its doors. The highly-anticipated Butcher Bar will be serving up dishes such as house-made beef jerky and sausages, meatballs, burgers and other enticing meat-centric items. In addition, an extensive beer list (16 on tap), draft wines and other adult beverages are sure to please at the new Butcher Bar. 2034 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 563-MEAT
National Bacon Day at Reading Terminal Market (Sept. 3)
Bacon lovers, this message is for you! On September 3, stop by Reading Terminal Market to celebrate all things “bacon”! Throughout the Market, vendors will be offering special bacon-inspired dishes and deals on bacon-theme items, such as the Pennsylvania General Store, which will offer 20% off of all bacon and pig-related items. 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, (215) 922-2317
South Philly SausageFest (Sept. 10)
Sausages will be lining the grills in South Philadelphia on September 10 when the South Philly SausageFest returns. From noon-8 p.m. this delicious food festival will take over West Passyunk Avenue, between 15th and South Broad Streets. Area restaurants and food vendors will be offering sausage-centric dishes, including some vegan options. In addition, there will be craft beer from seven breweries, live music and activities for the whole family to enjoy. The event is free to attend with food and drinks available on a pay-as-you-go basis. West Passyunk Avenue between 15th and South Broad Streets, Philadelphia
Center City Restaurant Week (Sept. 11–16 & 18–23)
Center City Restaurant Week is more than a week’s worth of restaurant deals and specials throughout this popular downtown area. Choose from three-course lunches for $20 and three-course dinners for $35 from participating restaurants. One such special taking place during this exciting dining event is the $35 dinner at Ocean Prime featuring filet mignon, jumbo lump crab cakes and lobster bisque, to name a few of the enticing offerings.
Meet the Beet at Martha (Sept. 12)
Love beets? Then, the unique Kensington bar, Martha, is where you need to be on September 12! From 5-7 p.m., Lansdale distiller Boardroom Spirits will be on hand, serving up their creative libation, Beet Spirit. Beet-themed cocktails will be center stage, such as the enticing Beet Down, a refreshing concoction featuring Beet Spirit, dill root syrup, fresh lemon and sea salt. To accompany these beet beverages, try free beet-laden light bites, including the beet poke with coconut, lime and chilies and even beet ice cream with local honey and sesame, with the option to order full servings on a pay-as-you-go basis. Heading to Martha with a beet fanatic, but not much of a fan yourself? Boardroom Spirits will also be offering their specialty FRESH vodkas in blueberry, cranberry and cherry varieties. 2113 E. York St., Philadelphia, (215) 867-8881
Chef Robert Irvine’s Beats ‘n Eats (Sept. 19)
Chef Robert Irvine is hosting a spectacular feasting and music event on September 19 at The Fillmore Philadelphia… and you’re invited! From 6-11 p.m., the focal points will be food and music, but keep in mind that it’s all to benefit two great organizations: Philabundance and Philadelphia Music Alliance! The seven-course family-style meal will be prepared by celebrity chefs such as Morimoto, Marc Vetri, Kevin Sbraga and the host himself, Robert Irvine. Live music from Bosley and other popular musicians will entertain the crowd throughout the meal. Tickets are $150 for general admission and $250 for VIP admission and can be reserved online.
Support Team USA’s Quest to Win Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition by Attending Barclay Prime Fundraising Dinner (Sept. 23)
Enjoy an evening out at Stephen Starr’s Barclay Prime on September 23 from 6-9 p.m. and help Team USA 2017 make their way to the prestigious culinary competition, Bocuse d’Or, in Lyon, France. Guests will indulge in cocktails and raw bar offerings to start off the evening and then it’s time for an exquisite seated dinner where STARR Restaurant chefs, Alex Lee and Sebastien Rouxel, and Barclay Prime Executive Chef Mark Twersky will create an unforgettable four-course meal for guests to sample. The cost to attend this special fundraising dinner is $250 per person and proceeds will benefit the Ment’or BKB Foundation, which provides mentorship and educational opportunities to aspiring culinary professionals throughout the country. Purchase your tickets today for this lovely evening out to benefit Team USA 2017 and their Bocuse d’Or aspirations! 237 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, (215) 732-7560
Scarpetta Opens at The Rittenhouse (Sept. 28)
On September 28, Scarpetta will open its doors at The Rittenhouse and begin serving exquisite Italian fare, courtesy of Executive Chefs Jon Oh and Jorge Espinoza. Some of the offerings that this stellar culinary team will be creating include Scarpetta’s famous spaghetti, yellowtail crudo, short rib agnolotti, creamy polenta, roasted branzino and more. In addition to the culinary menu, beverage offerings will include a creative craft cocktail program and extensive wine list. The 150-seat dining room at Scarpetta boasts a contemporary design complete with reclaimed white oak and distressed leather furnishings. Scarpetta will be open for dinner service in the beginning and will eventually offer lunch and brunch dining as well. 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, (215) 558-4199
Open Bar Fundraiser at Urban Saloon to Benefit Operation First Response (Sept. 30)
Enjoy cocktails and other adult beverages at the fundraising event at Urban Saloon to benefit Operation First Response. Guest bartenders Tiffany and Dan Marino will be serving up drinks all night long for a great cause—to raise money for Operation First Response, an organization which helps our wounded heroes and disabled veterans, such as donating over $.90 of every dollar raised directly to wounded military members in immediate need of financial help. During this special open bar fundraiser, half of all ticket proceeds and 100% of all tips will go directly to Operation First Response! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online. Lend a hand to our military members and veterans while enjoying an evening of fundraising and fun at Urban Saloon. 2120 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, (215) 232-5359
- Sausages on the grill photo: KaboomPics
- SausageFest photo: Taproom on 19th
- Robert Irvine photo: Jim Berman
- Scarpetta photo: Scarpetta
