Top 5 bars to drown your winter blues

January 6, 2:31 PMPhiladelphia Nightlife ExaminerNatalie Hope McDonald

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Photo courtesy of Mexican Post

The holidays are over! To celebrate, stop by one of these friendly after-work watering holes where it never has to feel like January thanks to delectable drink specials and South of the Border style.

Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut St., 215-988-1799) heats things up with a gourmet food and drink menu. Start out with small plates (ceviche) and daring Caipirinhas made with muddled limes, sugar and Brazilian Leblon Cachaca. Vodka lovers will enjoy Caipiroskas (combining choices of white peach, mango and passion fruit). Also popular: sangria and mojitos in several exotic flavors.

Amada (217 Chestnut St., 215-625-2450) also serves up special small plates featuring the finest breads, meats, seafood and cheese. While the wine and beer lists are stellar, specialty cocktails are best at this Spanish outpost, including the Matador (with ginger bourbon), Labyrinth of Passion (strawberry Old Fashion) and Volver (green tea gimlet).  

Copa South (344 South St., 215-238-1512) is a Philly tradition when it comes to Mexican food and margaritas. While the South Street location has become a little shabby over the years, the frozen beverage concoctions and people watching opportunities can easily make an afternoon fly by. Your best bet: Grab a few friends, order Spanish fries and margaritas before taking in a live music show at the nearby TLA.

Vango (116 S. 18^th St., 215-568-1020) isn’t only a fun fair-weather destination. While the sky deck offers beautiful views of the city in spring and summer, this lounge is always steamy thanks to a Japanese fusion menu and bar scene.  Nosh on an octopus salad, sushi and tempura or sip on the Vango Zombie (a rum drink) or the Crouching Plum Hidden Cucumber (a blend of sake, cucumber-infused vodka and plum wine). Don’t forget to say hello to Seth the bartender (formerly of Bar Noir just next door).

Mexican Post (1601 Cherry St., 215-568-2667) always gets busy after work thanks to its location near City Hall and the downtown office corridor. But with lots of seats at the circular bar, you can enjoy plenty of complimentary chips and salsa, as well as a frozen margaritas and a slew of draught beers (including great, cheap specials on Dos XX).