🍸 Best bars to sip solo

🚓 Homicide Rates Down in Philadelphia

At 241 homicides so far in 2024, rates in Philadelphia are on pace to be at their lowest levels since 2014, when 248 homicides took place. At this time last year, the city recorded 384 homicides. [Philadelphia Police]

🚌 Talk of a New Heated Bus Station in NoLibs

Philly plans to add a heated shelter at the Greyhound bus terminal on Spring Garden Street. However, community members in Northern Liberties are not pleased, citing a lack of notice about the installment of the station. [🔒The Inquirer]

💵 Jay-Z Partners with Philly Finance Program

Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation is teaming with Bridges to Wealth to create a financial literacy program at historically Black colleges and universities to address the nation's racial wealth gap on a local level. This collaboration with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania will launch a pilot program in the spring at Lincoln University, among others. [🔒The Inquirer]

🖼️ New Initiative at the Art Museum

“The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure” exhibition will run through Feb. 9 offering free tours for K-12 students in the School District of Philadelphia and Title I schools in the tri-state area. Educators can also reserve tours online. [Philly Voice]

Going out for a drink alone can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re craving a refreshing cocktail or a delicious bite to eat, Philly has plenty of welcoming spots to enjoy some quality alone time. Pull up a stool at these 10 places:

Prunella | 112 S. 13th St.

Indulge in a solo date at Prunella in Center City, where you can get a pie and a craft cocktail. Sip on an Italian Sighthound, a refreshing drink made with rosemary vodka, grapefruit, and chili. As for the pie, I would suggest the Queen Bee which is made with hot coppa, provolone, and hot honey. Take a seat at the stunning marble bar, where there are a bunch of stools available.

Parc | 227 S. 18th St.

Head to Parc on Rittenhouse Square when you’re in the mood for specialty cocktails, wine from their extensive list, or craving an amazing dish off their food menu. There are plenty of smaller tables, making it a great place to sit alone and read your favorite book and pretend you’re dining in Europe.

Lorraine | 1502 Brown St.

In North Philly, Lorraine is a go-to dive bar for a solo drink. With its eclectic, laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere. Drinks are affordable and there are a ton of craft beer and cider options. This cozy, hole-in-the-wall spot features mostly bar stools, making it perfect for solo visits, or if you’re looking to strike up a conversation with someone new.

Oscar’s Tavern | 1524 Sansom St.

If you’re in the mood to catch a game, Oscar’s Tavern is the spot to go. You can grab a beer and cheer on the Eagles, or another favorite Philly team, as they score a big win. Even if you’re sitting alone, you're bound to find another sports fan rooting for the same team as you.