The Unexpected Alcohol Rule Tourists Need To Know Before Dining Out In Philadelphia

You're dining in a cozy Philadelphia bistro, ready to toast your trip with a glass of wine. You glance at the menu, looking for the wine list. Hmm, it's not there. In fact, there's no alcohol on the menu at all! You've just run into the unexpected alcohol rule that can leave you high and dry in Philly: A lot of restaurants in the city are B.Y.O.B. — bring your own bottle/beverage/booze. Whatever you want to call it, it means you can't buy alcohol on the premises.

This may come as a surprise. After all, Philadelphia is one of the best U.S. cities for beer lovers to visit, with an abundance of breweries serving up craft brews. However, in Philly, the city's laws make it difficult and expensive to get a liquor license. Many restaurant owners just can't afford it, so they offer diners the chance to bring their own instead.

But don't let the idea of B.Y.O.B. dampen your spirits. It has its perks! You get to choose the exact wine you want to pair with your dinner, and you save money by buying it from a liquor store rather than at restaurant prices. It's another reason why Philly is one of the best budget-friendly destinations for a bachelor party.

Before you stroll into just any restaurant with a bottle in hand, call ahead to confirm they allow B.Y.O.B. If they're on board, you're off to the liquor store! Wondering what you can take? Pretty much anything goes, so grab some wine for a French bistro, a thermos of margaritas to pair with your Mexican meal, or a six-pack to enjoy the city's best Philly cheesesteak.

Some places will charge a corkage fee, while some won't. But remember: The cost of a drink in a restaurant is about more than just the alcohol. It covers the service, the glasses that get washed (and occasionally smashed), and the red wine stains you leave behind on the tablecloth. Help cover those costs by leaving a healthy tip on your (diminished) check.

Dining at a B.Y.O.B restaurant is a quintessential Philly experience, and one that tourists shouldn't miss out on. It's a chance to enjoy great food paired with your drink of choice for less than you would usually pay. Just be mindful of the vibes — cheap vodka in a swanky Italian restaurant? Perhaps not. And tip generously to thank the restaurants for a great time.