The fall season is in full swing, and Philly's food and drink scene is getting into the spirit. Think haunted chocolates, witchy cocktails, over-the-top Halloween treats and seasonal bites worth venturing out for.
America’s oldest candy shop has transformed locals’ real-life ghost stories into its ‘Haunted Philadelphia’ Halloween sweets box. Limited to just 125 cases, the collection features 14 chocolates and confections inspired by seven local hauntings and legends (like a sparkling champagne pâte de fruit inspired by a phantom party at a former hotel). The mystery assortment comes with an illustrated zine detailing the stories and their historical roots, plus a beeswax ghost candle from Philadelphia Bee Co.
110 Market St., shanecandies.com
For a spirited take on spooky season, Red Owl Tavern is bringing trick-or-treat nostalgia to the bar with “Bitter Treats”, a month-long Halloween activation in partnership with Fernet-Branca. The Old City hotspot is serving four signature Fernet-Branca cocktails and shots Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 p.m. through Oct. 31, including a classic Fernet shot; a Fernet-Branca and Brancamenta split; an espresso-forward Fernet-Branca and Borghetti mix; and a Fernet-Branca and cola highball.
433 Chestnut St., redowltavern.com
This fall, Picnic unveiled its newest seasonal series, the Roast Duck Dinner. With it, the restaurant is serving up half-roasted duck with seasonal accompaniments once a week through Nov. 12.
2421 Martha St., picnicphilly.com
2026’s Halloween menu at Craftsman Row brings back fan favorites like the Vampire Burger, Boo-schetta, Spiderweb chips and guac and Spookghetti and meatballs, alongside new creations like the Oktoberfest burger, Pumpkin Sage Séance ravioli, Monster tacos and a candy apple turkey BLT. The bar is equally festive with sips like the Pumpkin margarita, Witches Goblet and Fortune Teller’s Poison, plus playful shots (including one dubbed “Bobbing for a Bad Apple”).
112 S. 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com
In the mood for drinks and a bit of history? Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s seasonal outdoor pop-up has just unveiled new offerings like the warm Widow’s Tea (made with vodka, black tea, lemon, honey and cinnamon), and the Blood Moon (a mix of vodka, ginger, lemonade and grenadine). Beer lovers can also enjoy $9 pours of Samuel Adams Oktoberfest and Downeast Pumpkin Cider.
2nd & Walnut St., historicphiladelphia.org
This fall, Bloomsday has set out to make wine education fun and a little spooky with a new class led by Beverage Director Chris Liu in partnership with Sande Friedman of Wine with Friends.
414 S 2nd St., bloomsdayphilly.com
On top of a daily pumpkin patch, the fall menu here brings a mix of dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts tossed with bacon; smoked pork belly tacos layered with butternut squash; and a pear and kale pizza topped with mozzarella and toasted pistachio. For something a little more indulgent, there’s mac and cheese with pepper jack, sun-dried tomato and chipotle breadcrumbs, plus warm Pier Peach Pie and fresh churros for a dessert finish.
21 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., morganspier.com
MORE: Northern Liberties’ Monster Mash returns with 18 Halloween-inspired Bloody Marys
