Fishtown, offer a warm wino welcome to the neighborhood's two newest wine bars.
First up is Fishtown Social, open today, March 18, at 1525 Frankford Ave. Headed by Fishtown resident Vanessa Wong, it's a wine cafe concept that features draft wine and beer, along with small plates. For now, the wine menu includes eight whites and 11 reds that range in price from $8-$15 per glass. Two sparkling options will cost you $12.50 or $14.50.
For snacks, it's a standard cheese affair with a handful of nut options, truffle and parmesan popcorn and a variety of meats that include chicken liver pate and ham. Though, one local cheese -- an organic PA noble cheddar from Lancaster -- serves as a menu standout.
Fishtown Social is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to late and noon to late Friday through Sunday.
Second on the menu of new wine bars is Root at 1206 Frankford Ave., run by Greg Root (former director of restaurants at Starr Restaurants) and Nick Kennedy. It's a slightly more full-featured restaurant, serving up plates like bagna cata, steak tartare, a mushroom burger and potato gnocchi -- in addition to a selection of toast and cheeses, of course.
The wine menu includes six reds, about eight whites, a rose and three dessert wines. Cocktails and beer will also be served.
Root will be open daily from 4 p.m. to late. Though an exact date and time have not been specified, it's slated for an opening this weekend.