Sutton’s Parlor

I went here for my birthday and it was amazing! Plans were made in advance, and we had a separate area to visit and eat. The music was nice, and we were still able to talk and hear each other. The food was unbelievable and some dishes are served table side. The drinks had a range of flavors for everyone to enjoy. The service was great! Everyone checked on us the make sure our evening was enjoyable. This is a great place for truly any event.

I thoroughly enjoyed a happy hour at Sutton’s Parlor a few weeks ago.
It’s easy to miss — I frequently go to Smith’s directly across the street and never saw it until a coworker suggested it for happy hour. I’m so glad they did because I didn’t know what I was missing in life! Namely the gin swizzle which was so delicious that
I had 3.
We only tried the Sutton Sampler so I can’t really comment on the food but I’ll definitely be back again. It’s a great spot for an intimate date (even with the deer heads on the wall…)

Great find! Never knew this place existed. Found it by checking Happy Hours @http://philly.thedrinknation.com. Although they did not have most of the Happy Hour specials that were listed; they did have 4 absinthe cocktails for $ 7, a Dales Pale Ale w/​shot of Bourbon for $ 6 (best Citywide special that I know of) and oysters $ 1 ea.
The atmosphere was cool; but the temperature inside was a bit warm. Kind of a speakeasy feel with mismatched, but comfy looking furniture and antiques scattered throughout. Nice framed old photos, including a large poster behind the bar of an old dude giving the finger. Cool looking coffee distilling press or some sort of apparatus next to that. The bar itself was nice; wood and copper.
Drinks were amazing! The Sazerac and Absinthe Old– Fashioned (two of the Happy Hour specials) were strong, tasty and well prepared. Our bartender put on a nice show; hand cracking ice, tossing glasses. Obviously you need to be a Grade A mixoligist to make drinks of this caliber. All tinctures, juices, syrups, etc. are made in-​house. We sampled a grapefruit tincture that was excellent. The Manhattan was one of the best I’ve had; aided by a flamed orange peel which gave it great flavor. They will make anything special to order; just give them a spirit, and a flavor, and you will not. be disappointed. A vodka based– lemonade type drink was very refreshing and pleased our female companion very much.
The oysters were very nice. Tasty, fresh and nicely presented on a bed of salt. Some ice would have been nice, as they were just slighly chilled. The mignonette & cocktail sauce were flavorful. The rest of the menu was just cheese, charcuterie and some rather expensive cocktails ($ 12-​$ 17)
Would definitely return; and hope they have AC for when it gets real hot.

A bar that stands true to it’s purpose. Unassuming façade (you might pass this place and not even realize it) but the drinks are decent and the atmosphere is relaxed and good for conversations. We felt that it was a scaled down version of another bar in the area featuring the same concept of mismatched furniture.
We got whiskey sours and vodka bucks the night we were here and the drinks were stiff but tasty. Would recommend this place.

Similar to Franklin Mortgage but so much better, which isn’t surprising since it’s run by the people who started Farmers Cabinet. Better drink menu, friendly and more well-​lit atmosphere, and a little bit less of a hipster staff. All pluses.
The drinks are incredible. I have had the Swizzle and the Pisco Negroni. Both were delicious and the bartender was more than generous with his pours! Bonus: the bartender hand crushes the ice in all of the drinks. This makes for a longer wait after placing an order, but more importantly it makes for a very personal, early 1900s feel.

Have not tried the food, but the drinks and the bartender were excellent. Has a charm about it. I was asked by friends to meet there at opening time on a Sunday so it was not the most bustling time (I believe it was the day after St. Patrick’s celebrations). I initially had a weird vibe from the people sitting at the bar as though I was an uninvited guest. They let me know I was a little early but in 15 minutes they would be ready. I actually was there less than 5 minutes prior to their advertised opening time so this put me off a bit. But one bartender and the drinks made up for that initial awkward feeling.
The thing I loved about this place: the bartender stated that he would have no problems attempting to make me something off the menu if I did not see something I liked. I did try one cocktail off the menu: excellent. And then I had him make me his own concoction based on what I tend to like: again, excellent. Kudos to a bar that has real bartenders.

Hesitated between a 2 and 3 here, dropped it because the more I think of it the more this place skeeved me out.
The concept itself is fine enough and may well fall into something decent. Certainly short of Farmer’s Cabinet, which I loved. Hard to put a finger on why exactly — just seemed like everything was off for some reason.
Maybe it was the décor which made no sense (an animal head, a huge red/​purple velvet curtain, a dining area kinda sorta partitioned off from the bar area despite not having, you know, a real menu for people to dine off).
Maybe it was the fact they called us the night before our reservations to say «oh by the way we’re not using our oven any more, so the menu on our website is not valid, just meats, cheeses and raw seafood.»
Maybe it was because we then didn’t know whether to expect to be able to eat dinner here, or just small snacks. Hint: don’t come here expecting to eat a meal, the menu we saw had no entrees, just the meats, cheeses and shellfish.
Maybe because the drinks weren’t that good. No layering of flavors, just a sharp alcohol kick and not much else. Maybe they suffer because I was comparing them to Avance and Good King Tavern where I’d also been in the last week.
Maybe because there were constantly large, tattooed, shady looking dudes roaming around throughout the meal, hushed conversations with who I assume to be the manager upon our arrival, before our seating, and an unprepared service staff wearing white soled sneakers in a restaurant claiming to be high concept.
Maybe it was just an off night because of the menu change. I don’t know. I just know we weren’t going to stay there long and won’t plan to come back until we hear otherwise.

Old-​fashioned fare without some of the flair.
I was in Philly for a weekend and old friends wanted to catch up over drinks. Having been recently opened and connected to the superb Farmer’s Cabinet, we wanted to give Sutton’s a try.
The front area of the restaurant is extremely well-​decorated. The bar and seating combo does make it seem like you transported yourself back to the 1920’s. However, the back area had more to be desired. Not only were the tables further apart, but it was so sparsely decorated that it felt like the world could hear our conversation. It lacked the intimacy of a speakeasy. Apparently during nights with live piano music, the space feels more alive, but this particular Friday night wasn’t the best atmosphere.
The drinks had their pros and cons. Pros: they were tasty, well-​mixed, and definitely felt true to their roots, which is one of Sutton’s aims. They’re also relatively cheap for what they are ($ 10). Unfortunately though, I expected a little better quality alcohol for the cocktails. Beefeater? That’s what I buy when I want to cut back on spending or if I’m heading to a large party. Upgrade the gin, and I’ll be back in jiffy.
The food was also interesting. We decided to try the duck tots due to their originality. It was a nice try but didn’t particularly satisfy. They weren’t very nugget-​y because the duck was flaky and the breading was a little hard. I did like the mustard seed jelly though. Wouldn’t order it again, but they were definitely substantial and worth a try.
Overall, Sutton’s has so much potential. I can tell management put a lot of thought into the décor and theme. Make it seem homier and slightly adjust the alcohol quality, and I think you’ve got a winner. They’re also apparently opening up a micro distillery on the second floor once licenses pass, so get excited Philly!

Only came here for happy hour after work and sat at the bar. It’s fun to watch the bartender furiously chip at the big block of ice. You swear he’d stab himself in the wrist at some point.
I like how the drinks here are simple and old fashioned, mostly made with a base spirit, simple syrup, and some kind of citrus. Most memorable drink was the royal rum punch. Loved the nutmeg powder on it. It added a nice complex flavor to the punch.

In spite of curiously mismatched décor and slow service, Sutton’s Parlor’s food and drinks are incredible!
Part of a group of five, I ordered a tequila sour to start. Perfectly mixed and served over hand-​cut ice, it hit the spot. I also tried a sip of my friend’s Fizz, mixed with whiskey, the egg white expertly blended, and it was delectable.
We also ordered the «popcorn,» or fried and seasoned chickpeas, oysters, and lamb fritters to share. Everything was delicious, and went well with our drinks.
Furthermore, our server was very knowledgeable and patient when it came to ordering both food and drinks. And it never got too crowded at any point, which was nice. I highly recommend Sutton’s Parlor for after-​work or after-​dinner drinks!
And I definitely plan to go back!

I had not heard much about this place, but a friend recommended this to me. We went during happy hour. Oysters are $ 1 (no option, just one selection.) and about 5 cocktails are $ 7. The waitress was helpful in suggesting her favorite cocktail. We also ordered a dozen oysters.
It took a noticeably long time for our drinks to arrive. Although, like many prohibition places in the city, extra care goes into the drinks. For the amount of people in the bar, it did seem like a long time. The oysters came out just on salt (no ice) and were room temperature, which made them not as enjoyable as the various other places that serve them cold.
There’s a warm feel to this place, and nothing really truly negative to say at all. It’s just not memorable in any way. I wouldn’t say I’m never going to return, but this place would never be a destination I’d plan on visiting again.

I went here for restaurant week and was not disappointed in the food. The crêpe lasagna is fantastic, but very filling. The bananas foster? I want to eat it every day. Everyday! Get the table side cooking. You’ll thank me.
Drinks are more prohibition style– simple ingredients, hand cut ice. Straight forward ‘pick your poison’ adventure.
Steph was our server and I can not say enough positive things about her. She was polite, personable without being intrusive, attentive and very friendly. Ask for her! She’s wonderful.

Went there this evening for what was apparently their first-​ever happy hr ($ 4 punch + other stuff) and their second night with goat ragout Mac n cheese on the menu.
Go for both and thank me later. Don’t mess around, don’t pass go, etc.

We were there early, granted, really, really embarassingly early. But we needed a cocktail and wanted to check this place out as we got our evening underway given that it’s new. It’s not that it was bad but «Meh. I’ve experienced better» really sums it up for me.
The décor is fine but it’s fairly sparce. I kind of felt like they robbed some stuff from the Farmer’s Cabinet and brought it over to decorate. Everyone was friendly, but when our server gathered with the rest of the staff (all of them) at the front computer to learn how to take reservations, I was a little put off. It was early, true, but they were open, and having to wait for my drink order to be taken so that the staff could get on-​the-​job training seemed less than appealing to me. Also, I’d finally be settling into a song that was playing when our server would go over and change the song/​station. We were only there for one drink and it happened twice during that span!
Also, while my husband’s rye cocktail was fine, but I found my drink to be unbalanced. I can’t remember the name of the drink but it featured bourbon (which was my choice) as well as lime juice and ginger among other ingredients. I appreciate the taste of fresh ginger, but it was all I could taste. It was so strong that it kind of burned a bit — and not the burn of a delicious spirit, but the burn of too much ginger.
Having been impressed by so many of the city’s other cocktail bars, I don’t think I’ll be back to Sutton’s.

It’s a little hidden with limited space but the handcrafted cocktails make it worth the search you do to find it on the block. A cocktail menu that allows for some customization. Pick your cocktail and add a liquor of your choice to it. The ice is picked from a large block and matches the shape of the glass. Tall glass — tall piece of ice. Overall, a great show to watch as your cocktail is prepared.
For my drink, I chose a Buck with Bourbon and have no regrets. Well mixed with lime, fizz, and a few liqueurs to create a top notch cocktail. You really have to respect the craft — and they ensure that you do with a $ 10 per cocktail price. Sure, this is standard for cocktails on the edge of being art, but it also means that, after a few, we headed out and went to another place to enjoy the rest of the evening with lower cost (although less complex) beverages.
Cheers.

I rarely check out a place I’ve heard little about, but when a friend suggested Sutton’s Parlor for our evening get together, I figured flying blind works for bats, so why not finding a drink?
Sutton’s began in the hole as it wasn’t the easiest of places to locate. ‘Maybe some better signage’ I thought as I entered. However, any other potential negatives were quickly put to bed. Walking in the place look great, yet not so fancy that I felt out of place with jeans and a button-​down. There was a good crowd, but it was not so difficult to navigate. Grabbing the menu, I saw a short list of cocktail options, however, all could be made with your choice of liquor. Yes, if you are one of those people who look a drink menu and say ‘I’d love that drink if it had rum instead of gin’, you’re in luck. I stuck with the Buck (with Rye) for this evening.
The atmosphere was fun as the bartenders worked to chop ice to size the various glasses and entertain. At around $ 10 per drink, the prices were fair for the quality they provided. Overall, while Sutton’s might not be a place you’ll spend all night at, it is the perfect way to start an evening and worth checking out.

After a very quiet opening, we went to Sutton’s for a happy hour cocktail to get the night started. Entering the space, I felt like it was a little more subtle than I expected. Dim lighting, animal heads on the walls, a old piano, a whiskey distiller behind the bar, a LOT of seating-it’s a less swanky version of the many similar style bars that exist in the neighborhood.
The menu is terse, but our attentive server led us in the right direction-​just tell him what you want and let the bartender work some magic. My «boozy, bourbon or rye based, bitter» request was met dead on, as was my mans request for something sweet and tequila-​y (yes, we defy gender roles for drinks). Drinks were about $ 12 each, though I think it will vary depending on what he makes you. There are also a few punch bowl options, and a tiny small plates section on the back of the menu, which we did not partake in.
From the same people as Farmers Cabinet (RIP), I expected a little more pizzazz, but honestly I kind of like the vibe here a little more. It’s just more quiet and casual, and these days that’s all I’m looking for.
PS As far as the music goes, there was a solo pianist the night we were there, but I’ve been told by a band member of the band that used to play at Farmer’s Cabinet that they will be playing at Sutton’s now. Just an FYI for those of you who really enjoyed Drew Nugent and his band.

Center City’s newest craft cocktail bar Sutton’s Parlor is a hidden gem, but it won’t stay that way for long. The charming Parlor is tucked away on 19^th between Market and Chestnut and is very unassuming from the outside. Step inside to experience the warmth of the Parlor itself, its friendly staff, and the cocktails themselves.
Manager and artisan bartender Paul MacDonald will assist with your drink selection and craft a phenomenal cocktail with only a few parameters. Like rye bourbon but a sweeter cocktail? Paul’s got just the thing. Prefer gin and citrus? Paul will craft you something you’ll love. From hand carved ice to absinthe rinses, Sutton’s Parlor hails from another time that is happily seeing a revival.
Treat yourself to some of the greatest cocktails you’ll ever experience.

In search of a comfortable, non-​clubby bar near Rittenhouse Square, we walked right past this one at first, not even realizing it was there. Glad we doubled back to take a closer look — this place is awesome! Trappist ales you don’t see too often, classic hand made cocktails, great live acoustic music. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. We all loved it.

Sutten’s Parlor emerses you in the midst of a speakeasy with old fashioned hand made cocktails with a modern flair. My gentleman friend and I slipped into the dimly lit ambiance, lightly furnished with dark wood bar, wall tapestries that adorn a simple brick wall, and lights that glow from almost impercievable fixtures as well as the small tabletop candles. He orders the Hot Toddy with thr managers recommmendation for rum, while I have The Royal Punch (with Cruzan Bootstrap Rum, fresh Grapefruit juice, & Camomile Tea — delicios & soothing on a cold and dark Philly evening). Tonight was Opening Night, and we ‘ll definately come back soon for more !