NFL Draft: Philly's best food and drink deals

The NFL Draft coming to Philly is a big deal, ya heard? It’s not the only time the selection process has taken place here — the first draft ever was held at the Ritz-Carlton in 1936 — but it’s the first in the modern era, which is a whole new ballgame. Around 200,000 people are expected to descend on the Ben Franklin Parkway during the three-day extravaganza, which will feature a huge pop-up arena, food trucks and family activities (and yogurt).

From Thursday, April 27, to Saturday, April 29, bars and restaurants all over Philadelphia will be running specials to make city life that much more fun. Here’s what to look forward to.

Nick’s Bar and Grille

One of the only bars in Old City where you can find a crowd that’s neither douchey or hipster is running a special $15 cheesesteak trio — classic provolone and onions, Italian-style sharp prov and long hots, Yards beer cheese and jalapeno. Draft ticket holders get 10 percent off. Yards Draft Day IPA will be on tap.
16 S. 2nd St.

The Cambridge

Hit up this South Street West beer sanctuary to watch the Draft or just chill with other Philly fans — whenever the Eagles are on the board, pints of Yards Philly Pale, St. Benjamin Wit or Witout and Dock Street Rye IPA go for $4 each, plus sweet-sesame or garlic hot wings are half-price.
1508 South St.

The Little Lion

Whenever there’s programming, the Draft will be showing on the TVs upstairs at this spacious Old City joint, where buck-a-shuck oysters and $3 Yuengling lagers will sweeten the deal.
243 Chestnut St.

Taproom on 19th

Swing through this deep South Philly tavern to catch the Draft with sound on, and choose from the always-banging selection of drafts or take advantage of the special $4 price on cans of Founders All Day IPA.
2400 S. 19th St.

Aqimero

Know folks staying at the Ritz-Carlton, or feel like the Draft is a good excuse for a splurge? A package deal in the ground floor restaurant includes 12 bottles of beer (of your choice from the limited list, so potentially Dogfish or Dock Street) plus unlimited truffle fries, nachos and sweet and spicy wings.
10 S. Broad St.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

The oldest bar in Philly is going all out with Draft-inspired drink names, plus has a few good deals too. Special cocktails include the Game Day Shandy (PBC Walt Wit, lemon soda, watermelon liqueur, lemonade), The Philly Tailgate (Jim Beam and PBR), NFL Fanatic (vanilla vodka, creme de cocoa, creme de menthe), the Iggletini and the Hail Mary Bloody Mary. Want beer instead? Get a sampler of six “first round picks” from Philly breweries. Bring bring any McGillin’s SuperMug from the last 157 years and score $1 Bud Lights.
1310 Drury St.

Jet Wine Bar

If you’re excited by the idea of the Draft but don’t care about the minutia of the NFL, make plans to hit up the Friday Night Lights marathon at this South Street West wine haven. It starts with the original movie showing at 9 p.m. Thursday, then runs into Friday and Saturday with episodes of the TV show. All the while, enhance your enjoyment with a special $5 themed cocktail.
1525 South St.

Yards Brewing

Philly’s biggest in-city brewery worked up a killer limited-edition beer called Draft Day IPA — if you catch a Yards rep, chances are they’ll spot you a pint. Look for it at bars all over the city, including: