Last-Minute Food Gift Guide
By Catherine Murray
‘Tis the season for merriment and last minute shopping! To make your holiday gift giving extra tasty — and very South Philly, swing by one of these beloved establishments.
Artisan Boulanger Patissier
Want to impress your family visiting from out of town? Pick up chocolate croissants or raspberry mousse from this long treasured South Philly bakery. The artful and decadent treats made here will make your celebrations a little sweeter.
Address: 1218 Mifflin Street
Hours: Open daily 7 am – 5 pm and Sunday 8 am – 4 pm. Closed Mondays.
Price: Varies upon item
Brewery ARS
If you haven’t been to ARS yet, now is the perfect time to go. These South Philly brothers brew some seriously good stuff. To celebrate their second anniversary, ARS just released bottles of its bourbon aged imperial stout – the perfect stocking stuffer for the beer lover in your life. While supplies last, ARS also has cans available of mouth-pleasing salty caramel stout. Want even more beer? Grab a growler of one of their eight delicious beers on tap.
Address: 1927-1929 W. Passyunk Ave.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 5 – 10 pm ,
Friday 12 – 11 pm, Saturday 12 – 11 pm, Sunday 1 – 8 pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Price: Growlers range from $16 – $20 and $7 – $12 for the glass, Bottles go for $22 while supply lasts
Essen
Hanukkah has passed (and we’re sorry we didn’t post this guide in time for it!) but thankfully the treats at Essen, a Jewish bakery on the East Passyunk Avenue, are available all year round. Grab a babka – coffee cake layered with chocolate and pastry – to take to your soon-to-be-delighted host. You’ll definitely get invited back next year.
Address: 1437 E. Passyunk Ave.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8 am – 5 pm, Sunday 8 am – 3 pm, Closed Mondays
Price: Chocolate Babka, $13, other loaves and treats vary
Hale and True Cider Co.
Husband and wife duo Kerry and Risa McKenzie opened Hale and True this spring, and the accolades keep rolling in. The hard cider made on-site is so flavorful and crisp that it will ruin all other ciders for you. Choose one of the five distinct flavors on tap for a growler. To make the holidays more festive, Hale and True is offering 15% off growlers and fills on Sunday, December 23rd and Sunday, December 30th. The Season, an off-dry cider fermented with cranberries and a hint of maple syrup, is the perfect addition to any winter gathering. (Disclaimer: the author works at Hale + True but still stands by this recommendation wholeheartedly!)
Address: 613 S. 7th Street
Hours: Wednesday & Thursdays, 5 – 11 pm, Friday 5 – 12 pm, Sat, 12 pm – 12 am, Sunday, 12 pm – 10 pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Price: $22 for 64 oz. growler fill, $10 for the glass
Occasionette
A delightful staple on the Avenue for unique, thoughtful, and gorgeous presents for everyone in the family. To make your celebrations feel a bit Old World, pick up a jar of mulling spices. Sipping mulled wine by your fire or Christmas tree will feel just right.
Address: 1825 E. Passyunk Ave.
Hours: Open daily 11 am – 8 pm, Sundays 11 am – 6 pm
Price: $8 – $12 depending on size
Primal Supply Meats
For the meat lover in your life, shop online or swing by Primal Supply Meats, one of the newer darlings on the Avenue. Purchase a one-time Butcher’s Club Package of meats and sausages, a butchery class, or a gift certificate. Primal Meats sources from local farmers who are raising their animals humanely and managing their land sustainably.
Address: 1538 E. Passyunk Ave.
Hours: Open weekdays 12 – 8 pm and weekends 10 am – 6 pm, Closed Tuesdays
Price: Small butchers package $44, Butchery Class, $125
South Philly Food Co-op
The community-owned grocery store at 2031 S. Juniper is getting closer and closer to opening its doors. The co-op will be a community gathering point, offer tastings and food education, and will carry a wide selection of local, natural, and organic foods and household items. It’s going to be the real deal. A co-op doesn’t have big corporate backing – it literally takes years of hard work of dedicated volunteers and community members working together to make this happen. Give the gift of member-ownership this holiday season to the South Philly (or Center City!) friend or foodie in your life.
Address: 2031 S. Juniper Street (opening in 2019)
Price: $200 for equity ownership, can be paid in installments
