Underground Bar Review: Midnight & The Wicked
The Vault photo credit Midnight & The Wicked
Amidst the plethora of drinking establishments in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City District, Midnight & The Wicked stands out as a unique underground cocktail lounge reminiscent of the opulence of The Great Gatsby era. Descending a flight of unmarked stairs, patrons discover several uniquely captivating rooms, The Vault, Midnight, The Crimson Theater, and The Wicked.
Interior
Honoring the clandestine allure of prohibition-era nightlife while staying in the moment, Artem Ustayev and his friend Josh Tourdot conceived a bar concept that seamlessly blends past and present. Midnight & The Wicked combines a serene 1920s jazz lounge, with dark wood accents and sumptuous red velvet banquettes, exuding a soft, golden ambiance, with an adjacent lively club where a DJ booth pulsates with infectious energy.
Connecting these two contrasting worlds is a functional bank vault, symbolizing the merger of tradition and modernity and adding an intriguing layer of allure to the Midnight & The Wicked experience.
“What makes the venue unique,” says Ustayev, “is that it offers multiple rooms and two distinct vibes. You can either unwind and savor the smooth jazz in the lounge or dance the night away in the nightclub.” Having different concepts under one roof, open every night of the week draws in a crowd.
The Drinks
Director of Mixology Dan Hamm's cocktails reflect his passion for discovering unique flavor profiles and sourcing local and often seasonal ingredients. His expert mixology shines through in quirky and ever-changing signature cocktails like the strawberry-centric Waiting on Carmine or the sophisticated Tourdeaux—featuring island rum, bergamot liqueur, and pressed celery. The Cooling Twilight cocktail, features NYCISC winner Barr Hill Gin infused with olive oil and delicately blended with violet liqueur.
Spresso-tini photo credit Midnight & The Wicked
3 Popular Cocktails
Spresso-Tini
It seems every bar has to have an Espresso Martini. This version skips the usual bottled coffee liqueur, opting instead to spotlight a homemade cold brew cordial meticulously crafted in-house by Hamm himself. Highlighting the commitment to quality, Hamm notes that the espresso beans hail from the esteemed Rival Brothers, celebrated for their exceptional flavor. Moreover, the bar boasts a top-of-the-line espresso machine, ensuring the true espresso in every sip.
Remaining faithful to tradition, this rendition of the Espresso Martini includes vodka to maintain the familiar essence of the beloved cocktail. Tito's vodka is often chosen at Midnight & The Wicked.
Champagne and the Stars photo credit Midnight & The Wicked
Champagne and the Stars
A spritz-style cocktail, Champagne & Stars uses house-made cucumber water and an in-house strawberry-infused Aperol. It is topped off with the effervescent LaMarca Prosecco, a 2023 NYISC winner and a mint garnish further enhances the refreshing qualities of the drink.
Deep Cut photo credit Midnight & The Wicked
Deep Cut
This captivating cocktail blends the earthy sweetness of beets with the smoky allure of Ilegal mezcal, clarified Cortland apple, and a touch of Modena balsamic vinegar. Reminiscent of a Boulevardier, the cocktail also features Cappelletti, a splendid vino aperitivo from Aldeno, Italy, in place of the vermouth. Crafted during the menu's inception, this drink is a must-try. Read more about vinegar cocktails.