Slicing into a large juicy watermelon is one way to celebrate summer. Luckily, the pink fruit is highlighted in a number of menus throughout the city this season. Here, six drinks and dishes to enjoy all summer, but especially on August 3, National Watermelon Day.
Surround yourself with lush greens on the Talula’s Garden patio and enjoy delectable farm-to-table dishes. As for a fruity cocktail to wash it all down, try The Wanderer—flavored with basil and lime. 210 W. Washington Square, 215.592.7787, talulasgarden.com
Opa in Center City offers an exciting Greek menu. Here they put a sweet twist on their watermelon salad. The pink fruit is mixed with juicy mango, red onions, black sesame seeds, feta cheese and finished off with a grape must balsamic dressing. 1311 Sansom St., 215.545.0170, opaphiladelphia.com
At Sampan in Midtown Village, enjoy an impressive Asian-fusion menu in a dim atmosphere. We recommend your party washes down their meal with one of the Scorpion Bowls—the rum one is a smooth mix of Kalamansi citrus and mint. 124 S. 13th St., 215.732.3501, sampanphilly.com
The Franklin Fountain is known for its old-school ice cream flavors and techniques. Instead of ordering a traditional scoop of ice cream, try a float. The watermelon soda is hand-drawn right in front of you—just as if you were in an old parlor decades ago. 116 Market St., 215.627.1899, franklinfountain.com
Located within the Kimmel Center, Volvér is the ideal place for pre-show drinks. Head to the bar and order The Union—vodka and fennel vermouth sweetened with melon and strawberries. 300 S. Broad St., 215.670.2302, philadelphia.volverrestaurant.com
Although actual the actual melon doesn’t make the plate, the grilled sea bass at The Twisted Tail is still worth celebrating. Seasoned with an herb vinaigrette, it’s served with snap peas and topped with crisp watermelon radish. 509 S. Second St., 215.558.2471, thetwistedtail.com
Photography by: Photo by Leah Sprague, courtesy of Talula's Garden; Photo by Neal Santos, courtesy of Opa; Photo by Saeed Ferguson for Schulson Collective; courtesy of Sampan; Photo courtesy of The Franklin Fountain; Photo by Chris Mann, courtesy of Volver
