Looking for the Best Bars in Philadelphia? The nightlife calls in Philly, a city overflowing with bars from easy-going dimly-lit taverns to vivacious establishments with live music. The one element they all have in common is great drinks, good food, and a distinctive vibe. Keep reading for the 50 best bars in Philly!
1. Friday Saturday Sunday – Coolest Neighborhood Bar in Philly
Friday Saturday Sunday has phenomenal food but it’s not a restaurant, or maybe it’s just an upscale joint hiding as a bar. Either way, this popular place is worth dressing up for with its giant marble counters and elegant outlay.
The question you’re going to want to ask yourself is whether you want to reserve your belly for marvelous drinks or incredible food. Of course, going with both is the best resort but you’ll have to balance your stomach accordingly.
Enjoy a number of mind-blowing items from the drink menu.
- Assassin’s Handbook – cognac, Jamaican rum, Averna, mulled wine shrub, and habanero
- The Philosopher King – plantation pineapple rum, amontillado sherry, and lemon coriander shrub
- Being Frank – vermouth, botanist gin, passionfruit liqueur, Laphroaig whiskey, besk, and rosemary
- False Prophet – mezcal, lime, lemon-coriander shrub, and cider quinquina
Current tasting menu:
- Confit Artichokes – with macadamia nut and buckwheat
- Lamb rib – with cherry jus and Jimmy Nardello peppers
- Grilled Quail – with pate and coco bread
- Sweet Potato – cacao nib, cider gastrique, and flan
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drinks 4.7
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.4
Overall score 4.6
2. Library Bar – Best Hotel Bar in Center City, Philadelphia
A Center City icon, the Rittenhouse Hotel sets itself apart from other Philly lodging options with its picturesque old-style hotel and a bar straight out of a movie. This is a bar for you and your friends to grab a table and socialize while enjoying the classy atmosphere.
If you intend to indulge at this establishment, make sure to get there early as it’s first come, first served you may have to wait if it’s busy. Then again, how do you blame people for flocking to a bar that provides live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights in addition to fabulous cocktails by Paul MacDonald?
In an ode to Alice in Wonderland with names like “Through the Looking Glass” or “Mad Tea Party” items, the Library Bar’s drink menu has one of the most eclectic cocktail lineups in town and their dinner menu is just as good.
Drinks
- Perfect Square – Maker’s Mark bourbon, Licor 43, dry vermouth, cherry nectar, angostura, and Old-Fashioned Bitters
- Through the Looking Glass – Ketel One Botanical Vodka, grapefruit, lime, and club soda
- Mad Tea Party – Maker’s Mark ‘The Rittehouse’ Private Select, Italicus, and Butterfly Flower Pea Tea
- Off With Their Heads – Corralejo Blanco Tequila, blood orange, and lavender
Food
- Croque Madame – Comté, country ham, green salad, fried Egg, and fries
- Tuna Nicoise – Grilled Bigeye Tuna, egg, tapenade, and roasted pepper
- Maine Lobster Roll – Homemade roll with fries or greens
- Chocolate Saber Tart – Manjari chocolate, orange confit, white chocolate mousse
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drinks 4.8
- Food 4.5
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
3. Tattooed Mom – Hippest Bar/Restaurant on South Street
The type of bar that doubles as a fun diner decorated with art and trinkets, Tattooed Mom gives delectable classic bar favorites finished with a flavorful drink. If anything, you can’t be bored at this joint, the walls and overall aesthetic make that impossible.
Plus, you can bring the whole family down to Tattooed Mom on Craft Sundays where you and any crafty tag-along can get messy with your artistic side with all supplies provided. Yeah, you’re not going to find many bars with that on the menu or that have freaking toys and candy on the counter.
Smash Burger Wednesdays, Pierogi Thursdays, and Parmesan Pepper Toppers are just a few standouts from Tattoed Mom’s great website. Their great vegan-friendly menu features a wonderful array of affordable and tasty food and drinks that you won’t forget.
Drinks
- Lemon Bourbon Smash – housemade mint lemonade and bourbon
- Mandalorian Punch – mango boba pearls, rum, raspberry liqueur, peach brandy, pineapple, cranberry, and lemon
- Pickletini – luksusowa potato vodka, pickle juice, and olive juice
- Pop Rocket – Stoli raspberry, pop rocks candy, raspberry liqueur, and lemon soda
Food
- Parmesan Pepper Fries
- Vegan Corn Dog on a Stick
- Pickle Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Classic Sweet Sriracha Chicken Sandwich
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.5
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 4.9
Overall score 4.7
4. Midnight Iris – Best Neighborhood Tavern in Philadelphia
A bar inside an art gallery? Yep! That is one reason Midnight Iris stands out from the rest of the nighttime fare in Philly as it’s an LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood tavern with all the perfect perks including a comforting ambiance and board games! Wait, it gets better.
Got a doggo? Bring it along for the fun as you and your friends have a wonderful time while being served by some of the friendliest, warmest waitstaff in town. This two-story establishment also has a distinct ambiance on each level with the ground floor being more of a standard bar while upstairs is more of a lounge-style vibe with its couches, TVs, and games to play.
One note on this place, it requires proof of vaccination to enter so bring that along if you intend to spend a night here.
Don’t forget to indulge in Midnight Iris’ breathtaking food menu, including one of the best cheeseburgers in Philadelphia as well as their insane beer-battered everything onion rings, which are absolutely divine. Of course, you better study the cocktail menu as you don’t want to leave anything behind at this joint.
Drinks
- The Midnight Iris – butterfly pea infused vodka, bergamot syrup, arak, lemon, mint, and sugar
- The Philly ‘76 – bluecoat gin, fiorente elderflower liqueur, fresh lemonade, and pet nat rosé wine
- Espresso Martini – Tito’s vodka, la colombe espresso, bebo coffee liqueur, and Irish cream
- Two Robbers Cocktail – rum haven coconut water rum and two robbers fruit punch seltzer
Food
- Beer-battered Everything Onion Rings – with long hot yogurt
- Chicken nuggets – with your choice of Sneaky, house-made hot sauce, Frank’s hot sauce, Buffalo, ranch, blue cheese, yellow or honey mustard, honey, or ketchup
- Falafel Sandwich – house-made falafel, hummus, lettuce, red onion, long hot yogurt, pita
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – with Cooper sharp and house-made Boursin Boursin on Texas Toast
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 5.0
Overall score 4.8
5. The Dandelion – Best British Pub in Philly
Philadelphia is known for a lot of amazing things but British pubs are not one of them. The Dandelion is trying to change that with its bi-level pub that serves contemporary British cuisine in a venue that feels like you’re in the United Kingdom.
In addition to rich draft beers and crisp, delicious ales, and perfectly concocted cocktails, your food is served to you on a thick wooden platter that will make you feel like a king.
The Dandelion’s dinner menu includes British classics like godly fish and chips, bangers and mash, or an unforgettable lamb shepherd’s pie. Have it with an ale or choose from a drink menu of cocktails and wine like the Jungle Lion or Big Ben.
Drinks
- Jungle Lion – Cazadores Blanco Tequila, Aperol, St. Germain, pineapple, and lime
- Big Ben – Bulleit bourbon, thyme, lemon, and egg white
- Pimm’s Deluxe – Beefeater gin, Pimm’s #1, lemon, and muddled cucumber
- Irish High Kings – Tullamore D.E.W., La Colume coffee, and Bailey’s Irish whipped cream
Food
- Pint of Prawns – poached prawns with spicy cocktail sauce and lemon mayonnaise
- Rabbit Pie – with oyster mushrooms, cippolini onions, smoked bacon, grain mustard, and white wine
- Lamb Shepherd’s Pie – ground lamb, potato mash, cheddar cheese, and root vegetables
- Crispy Skate Sandwich – breaded skate, tartar sauce, and gem lettuce on toasted ciabatta
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.5
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
6. McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Oldest Bar in Philly
162 years, bro. 162 years! Yes, this place has been filling pints for one hundred and freaking sixty-two years. How do you not want to go here for a drink simply for the history? You can drink, eat, and feel like an 1800s aristocrat at this place, a slice of old Philadelphia that provides an experience like no other.
Hey Birds fans, guess what else? McGillin’s has Eagles game day deals like $5 super mugs and $2 refills of Bud Light plus other great drink deals so make sure to rock your green and white jersey and fly, Eagles, fly!
But then there’s the food; the heavy-hitting signature pub dishes such as wings and fries but they toss in a few extras like the cheesesteak eggrolls or the seafood cake. McGillin’s has 30 beers on tap featuring local drafts from Eastern Pennsylvania breweries including their house specialties brewed by Troeg’s Independent Brewing.
Along with a great menu for food, there is also a small but sweet cocktail menu to check out.
Drinks
- Garden Mule – “Philly’s Own” Stateside Vodka, ginger beer, muddled lime, mint, and cucumber
- Aperol Spritz – Aperol, sparkling wine, soda water, and an orange wedge
- Peach and Rosemary Bellini – Grey Goose Peach and Rosemary Vodka, peach puree, and sparkling wine
- Cold Brew Martini – Vanilla vodka, Jacquin’s Light and Dark Cream de Cacao, Bean 2 Bean coffee, cream, and espresso beans
Food
- Seafood Cake – Homemade Shrimp, white fish, and crab cake breaded and fried golden brown. Served on a brioche bun with lettuce, McGillin’s tartar sauce, and chips and pickles
- Mile High Meatloaf – the ultimate comfort food – a generous portion of meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes piled a “mile high” and topped with gravy and an onion ring, served with a side of chef’s veggies and garlic bread
- Cheesesteak Eggroll – handmade Philly cheesesteak egg rolls served with sriracha ketchup
- Tex-Mex Fries – A Texas-sized portion of spicy, battered-dipped curly fries, smothered in Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and jalapeno peppers and topped with salsa and sour cream
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.5
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 4.6
Overall score 4.6
7. Monk’s Cafe – Best Belgian Bar in Philly
Monk’s Cafe is where you may just have the best damn beer of your life according to locals. Yeah, if you’re into ales, especially Belgian ales, you really don’t need to look anywhere else because you have found your tiny slice of heaven here.
If you don’t believe this let’s just say Monk’s Cafe has not only been named one of the best places to have a beer in Philly, it’s been named one of the best places to have a beer…in the world. Then again, that’s not surprising when you realize this joint keeps over 200 different kinds of beer in stock so everyone has a beer they can enjoy at Monk’s.
In terms of the atmosphere, expect more of a European-style pub rather than an American kind of bar at Monk’s Cafe. Don’t feel the desire to have to dress up here because chances are you’ll be getting either great beer or food on your clothes so leave the date-night outfit in the closet.
Take a peek at the drink menu and, if you still even have the time, let your mouth froth over the food menu that will have you drooling. Also, you’ll enjoy reading the background behind some of their drinks from the on-tap menu. Happy reading!
Drinks
- Chouffe Houblon – BELGIUM – Monk’s served the very first keg outside of Belgium. Chris handed a 5-liter keg to Tom at the Zythos beer festival in St. Nikolaas several years back. Brought home as checked luggage. Inspired by a US Imperial IPA, but with a classic Belgian twist. 9%abv
- De Ranke XX Bitter – BELGIUM – Belgian IPA Blonde ale with an inordinate amount of hops, by Belgian standards that is. Hops in the nose, taste & finish, but these guys balance all of those hops with the substantial malt character. A bit of Brettanomyces yeast is in the taste but does not remotely dominate. 6%abv
- Fantome Garden Ghost – Collaboration with microbrewery ‘t Hofbrouwerijke. Saison with loads of grapefruit and Goldings hops for bittering and Ekuanot hops for aroma. 7%abv
- Westmalle Dubbel – BELGIUM – Monk’s Café is honored to be one of a few beer bars to debut this legendary Trappist beer on draft in Pennsylvania. A dark red-brown beer with notes of caramel, malt, and fruity esters followed by a long, dry finish. Rich and complex. We are so excited to pour this gem!
Food
- Frog Legs – Southern Fried Frog Legs tossed in house-made buffalo sauce. Served over our blue cheese créme with shaved celery
- Spanish Flies – Incredibly hot chicken wings with a chipotle pepper sauce that are not for the faint of heart. They aren’t those wimpy ‘buffalo wings’ – these babies are incendiary! HOT! HOT! HOT! Did I mention that they’re HOT? We do offer barbecue sauce for the less adventurous. Served with a side order of our famous Frites
- Duck Salad Sandwich – Our award-winning salad is served sandwich-style on an Italian roll. Baby greens with grilled duck breast, goat cheese, spicy walnuts, and Monk’s Flemish Sour Ale-soaked craisins. Served with a side of baby green salad
- Local Mushroom Pappardelle – Mycopolitan Mushroom Farm’s Lion’s Mane, Pioppino, Oyster, Trumpet, & Shiitake mushrooms cooked in herbs, butter, garlic & cream, tossed together with Pappardelle pasta and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.9
- Food 4.6
- Atmosphere 4.5
Overall score 4.6
8. Khyber Pass Pub – Best Bar for Southern Food in Philly
Philadelphia is famous for cheesesteaks and Italian food, but who would have thought there would be great Cajun food at a Philly bar? Khyber Pass Pub is that place and brings with it some cool history as part of its establishment was used during the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia!
While you enjoy the feeling of New Orleans raining down on you, take a trip upstairs where you can try your luck on the dance floor or be marveled at an art show.
Kyber Pass Pub is one of the few bars in Philly that provides southern food on their menu, and, more specifically, New Orleans-themed favorites the locals fawn over like cajun popcorn made with bacon grease or jambalaya.
Thirsty? Kyber Pass Pub has got your back with a wide variety of drinks including 22 craft beers on rotation and several brown spirits to choose from.
Drinks
- Corpse Reviver #2 – gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon, and Herbsaint
- Louisville Lightnin’ – A mason jar of refreshing bourbon and housemade lemonade
- Sazerac – Old Overholt Rye, absinthe rinse, and Peychaud’s bitters
- French 75 – Paul Louis Blanc de Blancs, gin, and lemon
Food
- Smoked Catfish Dip – hickory-smoked catfish dip with preserved lemon, cajun spices, and grilled bread
- Jambalaya – Shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage
- Cajon popcorn – with bacon grease or cajun seasoning
- Pecan Bread Pudding – pecans, chocolate chips, vanilla creme Anglaise, and bourbon sauce
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.5
- Food 4.6
- Atmosphere 4.6
Overall score 4.6
9. Bob and Barbara’s Lounge – Funnest Bar on South Street
Food, drinks, and drag. Yep. That’s what you get at Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, the hip South Street dive bar that’s been open to all walks of life since it opened its doors in 1969. Featuring live entertainment and pleasantly cheap drinks, Bob and Barbara’s also has its claim to fame and provides the longest-running drag show in Philly.
You can also catch some of Philadelphia’s best jazz players every Friday and Saturday night while throwing back some cold ones. The only drawback of this pleasing bar is that it serves up very few food options (six very basic snacks) but still has great drinks on its menu.
Drinks
- Jalapeno Paloma – Tequila, grapefruit, lime and lemon juices, jalapeno simple syrup, and club soda
- Old Fashioned – Jim Beam, orange, cherry, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters
- Gold Rush – Jim Beam, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice
- The Special – Pabst Blue Ribbon with a shot of Jim Beam
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.0
- Atmosphere 4.5
Overall score 4.4
10. Ranstead Room – Best Speakeasy-Style Bar in Philly
You won’t notice the Ranstead Room unless you’re looking for it as this happening Center City secret is great nightlife behind what looks to be an unmarked door leading to nothing. Except it leads to this wonderful little cocktail joint wrapped in a bundle that’s one of the best straight-up cocktail bars in Philly.
You and your friends can sink into the incredibly comfortable red booths providing tons of legroom and space for all your drinks and food. If you’re not into brightly-lit bars, this will be your jam as the darkness envelops you here in a good way. There is some food here but that’s not the reason to go. You’re going for the drinks and the atmosphere. Period.
Drinks
- Ranstead Daquiri – house-pressed cane juice, lime, coconut oil-washed rum blend
- Apertiki Smash – pineapple, mint, lemon, red aperitif, and gin
- You’re Doing Great – pomegranate, ginger beer, lime, bonded applejack, vodka
- Tongue in Cheek – kiwi oleo, cucumber, mint, lime, basil, vodka, and bubbles
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.8
- Food 4.0
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.5
11. Hop Sing Laundromat – Best Bar for Mixed Drinks in Philly
Another one of those bars with an unmarked door, the Hop Sing Laundromat is on par with any bar in Philly when it comes to cocktails. The drinks at Hop Sing are so carefully made you almost feel bad drinking them. Almost. It’s a swanky kind of VIP deal inside but for good reason.
The owner of the bar is the only person with a key to the joint and he specifically screens patrons to weed out any belligerent people so folks can enjoy their drinks. With this Chinatown lounge paying so much attention to detail, it would be silly not to check this place out. Enjoy the awesome backstories on the menu. Drinks and cash only at this great spot.
Drinks
- Henry “Box” Brown – In 1849, liberty was mailed to the city of brotherly love. born into slavery in 1815, Henry Brown executed a stunning escape to freedom by arranging to ship himself from Richmond, Virginia in a dry goods box to a downtown abolitionist. Needless to say, we are pleased to name our very first libation after the greatest arrival in the history of Philadelphia
- Stonewall Riot – “We are the Stonewall girls, we wear our hair in curls, we wear no underwear, we show our pubic hair, we wear our dungarees, above our nelly knees!” With this cry, in the early morning hours of June 28th, 1969, members of one of the most marginalized communities in New York City decided to stand up and fight back for their rights. This libation pays respect to their courage and beliefs.
- Clubber Lang’s Lemonade – “This favorite son of south Philly made us all proud when he pummeled the villainous Balboa at the spectrum in 1982. To this day, he remains the most beloved brawler in the neighborhood of 9th street & Passyunk Avenue. We can only hope this lemonade brings back the proud memory of that surreal victory.”
- Nevermore – “While the phrase “nevermore,” might have caused haunting chills and meant something different to Edgar Allen Poe, who once lived along the 700 block of spring garden street, with this drink we hope you have found your perfect nightcap and nothing more. (coffee flavor, cream, no sugar, gin)”
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.9
- Food N/A
- Atmosphere 4.6
Overall score N/A
12. Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen – Best Bar for Food in Old City, Philly
Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen is the perfect balance between simple American cuisine and great beer. It has a menu that looks like it comes from a diner and the food at this spot is what all bar food should aspire to be.
An excellent spot for lunch, Happy Hour, or dinner, Glory Beer is worth the trip not only for the kick-ass fried chicken but for its wide variety of beers including a laundry list of American ales. Extra bonus points for a simple but easy-to-navigate website with a food and drink menu.
Drinks
- La Paz – Bolivian brandy, Andean purple corn Infusion, and basil rhubarb simple syrup
- Spicy Ranch Water – Hornitos Tequila, jalapeño cilantro simple syrup, lime juice, and soda water
- Classic Negroni – Campari, Bluecoat gin, sweet vermouth, and orange peel
- Angels Envy Manhattan – Bourbon, Antica vermouth, bitters, and cherry
Food
- Kibbe Naya – Middle Eastern lamb tartare, mint, harif, and lettuce cups
- Braised Lamb Shank – Maple-port wine demi, creamy polenta, spicy collard greens, pears, and figs
- Glory Fried Chicken – Colonel Kev’s secret recipe, garlic mash, Delco slaw, and a buttermilk biscuit
- Mussel Mousse Toast – Pickled pearl onions, cherry/Fresno jam, and pine nuts
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.7
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
13. Johnny Brenda’s – Best Bar for Live Music in Philadelphia
Fishtown’s Johnny Brenda’s is one of the best bars for live music in town as their restored music venue upstairs is always a great time. This is for those who love music and loud places and if you’re wanting to check out a show, their website makes it easy to book tickets and see all upcoming events.
Johnny Brenda’s has a great little menu with all the bar classics including their Italian fried chicken sandwich that is to die for. One great element about Johnny Brenda’s is their chalkboard drink menus both inside and out.
Drinks
- Where There’s Smoke – Vicio Mezcal, Esplone Blanco, and blackberry shrub
- Mexican Radio – Hornitos Reposado, Amaro Meletti, orange bitters, and lemon peel
- Night Moves – Service Bar Rye, Cynar, and Badel Orange Pelinkovac
- The Castaway – JB’s cold brew, coffee, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, sweetened condensed milk, and mint
Food
- Caramelized Scallion and Feta dip – served with fried pita, figs, pears, and honey drizzle
- Italian Style Fried Chicken Sandwich – buttermilk fried chicken breast, sauteed spinach, roasted red peppers, pickled long hots, garlic aioli, and sharp provolone cheese on a sesame bun
- Chilaquiles – tortilla chips sauteed in salsa verde, pulled pork, black beans, avocado, two fried eggs, and rose crema
- Curry Vegetable Pot Pie – yellow coconut curry, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and green peppers in a house-made vegan pie crust with a side salad
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.6
Overall score 4.7
14. Bar Hygge – Best Bar for Small Plates in Philly
Imagine having a drink in a chill coffee house and that’s Bar Hygge in a nutshell. A brewpub with a great, spacy layout, you can enjoy excellent food and drink without feeling crowded. Their brunch and dinner menus are just the right size for you to easily choose from a superb selection of cocktails and stunning dishes from chef Chris Reed.
The quality of everything they serve here is worth the price. You can thank us later.
Drinks
- Cinn-A-Minute – Stateside vodka, highpoint cold brew, cinnamon syrup, chocolate Aztec bitters, and chocolate pecan rum
- Grace and a Plum – Bulleit Bourbon, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, plums, apple cider, and lemon (served hot)
- Pie’o Mai Thai – cocoa nib infused Vizcaya & Goslings rum, Amaro Averna, housemade pecan orgeat, pecan bitters, lime, and chocolate pecan salt sugar rim
- Dance Yrself Clean – Union Mezcal, housemade blackberry brandy, basil, and lime
Food
- Crab Fries – beer cheese, blue crab, old bay, pickled peppers, and scallions
- Jacked Up Hygge Home Fries – Hygge homefries, poached egg, bacon bits, beer cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole
- Pork Schnitzel – bone-in pork chop, mushroom gravy, and shaved apple salad
- Glazed Pretzel Donuts – fried donuts with tahini caramel icing
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.7
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.8
Overall score 4.8
15. American Sardine Bar – Quirkiest Bar in Philly
American Sardine Bar just sounds right, doesn’t it? Hip and affordable, this bar has something for everyone whether it’s food, cheap drinks, or that awesome half-off Happy Hour that everyone can get behind. Unlike a lot of other bars in Philly, the Sardine Bar’s menu has delicious sardine options like the sardine sandwich and the Swiss sardine melt.
Part of the Sardine Bar’s attraction is its simplicity from the menu to the easy layout. It’s a bar to come chill, eat, and have a great beer without the frills.
Drinks
- Tahini Hot Chocolate – El Dorado 5-year rum, Meletti amaro, and house-made tahini hot chocolate served warm in a 12 oz cup. Vegan!
- Tamale Old Fashioned – Banhez joven mezcal, Giffard Banane du Bresil liqueur, Bittermen’s Mole Xocolatl bitters, and orange peel
- Tamarind Mezcal Margarita – Banhez Joven mezcal, organic tamarind, and fresh lime
- Maple Spiced Toddy – Old Grand Dad Bonded Bourbon, Pennsylvania maple syrup, lemon, and warm turmeric spiced tea. Served warm.
Food
- Pecorino Pistachio Brussels Sprouts – flash-fried Brussels sprouts, pecorino pistachio romesco, honey crisp apples, fennel, roasted Anaheim chiles, and shaved pecorino
- Swiss Sardine Melt – Galician sardine pâté on parmesan multigrain with melted Swiss cheese, Aleppo pickled fennel, spinach, and pickled green tomato
- Mushroom Mac and Cheese – Gigli pasta, three cheese béchamel, mushroom breadcrumb gratin, and black truffle-infused olive oil
- Tahini Apple Cake – Spiced tahini apple cake with maple crema, crushed hazelnuts, and powdered sugar. Contains tree nuts. Vegan
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
16. The Olde Bar – The Best Seafood Bar in Philly
We haven’t touched on seafood a whole lot on this list because there are not a lot of places with a lot of it on the menu. The Olde Bar is one delightful exception as you can have your choice from several seafood options like lobster, mussels, clams, and crab.
An ode to Philadelphia’s past, this noteworthy joint takes place in the Old Original Bookbinder’s, once a seafood restaurant, plus the menu has food envisioned by Chef Jose Garces, a James Beard Award winner. Kudos to the Olde Bar for one of the best menu pages of any bar website as well.
Drinks
- Penicillin – Monkey Shoulder Scotch, ginger, honey syrup, and Laphroaig float
- Fish House Punch – Myers’s dark rum, Cruzan light rum, peach, Christian Bros. brandy, lemon, and black tea
- Cherry T – Tito’s vodka, black cherry, orange, honey, lemon, and citrus bitters
- Big Mistake, Huge – Gin, Cocchi Americano, and lemon coriander shrub
Food
- Shrimp ‘n’ Grits – Soft-shell shrimp, vanilla grits, pork andouille, garlic kale, and a sunny egg
- Frito Misto – Calamari, jumbo shrimp, artichoke Hearts, shishito peppers, and lemon artichoke aioli
- Lobster Pot Pie – Smoked mussels, bay scallops, sherry cream, and root vegetables, in a puff pastry
- Mushroom ‘n Gravy – Chicken-fried Maitake mushrooms, cheddar biscuits, charred broccolini, and mushroom gravy
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.9
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
17. Xfinity Live! Philadelphia – Best Bar to Watch a Big Game in Philly
It can feel like enjoying a game at Lincoln Financial Center inside Xfinity Live!’s massive sports bar/entertainment venue. It’s a bit unfair to list this here because it has a huge edge with its 80,000 square-foot space equipped with a 24-foot LED screen outside and another 32-foot one inside for fans to marvel at.
The NBC Sports Arena has a great bar menu with fantastic takes on pub food, but if you’re wanting an ale or stout, head into the Victory Beer Hall for some amazing pints.
Food
- Brisket Quesadilla Stack – Mini quesadillas stacked high & filled with chopped brisket, cheddar cheese, pickles, and Texas BBQ sauce
- Korean Bowl – Grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, julienne carrots, romaine lettuce, charred broccoli, diced cucumbers, sesame seeds, green onions, gochujang sauce, citrus soy sauce, and steamed rice
- Avocado Jalapeno Chicken Sandwich – Grilled chicken breast marinated in zesty jalapeño-avocado sauce, fresh tomato, arugula, mayonnaise, bacon, and avocado on a ciabatta bun
- Skillet-Baked Salted Caramel Cookie – Fresh, skillet-baked salted caramel cookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream and salted caramel sauce
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.5
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 4.6
Overall score 4.6
18. Chickie’s and Pete’s – Best Sports Bar in Philly
With several locations in and around Philadelphia, Chickie’s and Pete’s has become the go-to place to watch an Eagles game (or any other Philly sports team). Chickie’s is the kind of sports bar you’d see in a movie, a classic no-frills establishment that caters to the everyday Philly sports fan.
Even better, Chickie’s food menu delivers mindblowing deep-fried bar food that will have you slurping on your fingers afterward. When you take a trip to this joint, make sure to start with the Chickie’s and Pete’s Famous Crab Fries. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Drinks
- Stateside Mint Chocotini – Stateside vodka, dark crème de cacao, green crème de menthe, cream, and chocolate syrup
- Peanut Butter Cup Martini – Skrewball PB whiskey, dark crème de cacao, light crème de cacao, cream, and chocolate syrup
- Flyin’ Hawaiian – Malibu coconut rum, Blue Curacao, melon liqueur, sour and pineapple juice garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry
- Smoked Apple Cider Margarita – Fosforo Mezcal, Cointreau, apple cider, fresh lime juice, and cinnamon maple sauce
Food
- B Dawk Impact Nachos – Charred lobster, shrimp, and pineapple, topped with corn crema, sliced jalapeños, fresh salsa, chives, our famous cheese sauce, and cilantro
- Ultimate Tailgate Burger – Jumbo lump crab cake on a seared burger, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, our aioli
- Crab feast – One pound of snow crabs, one Dungeness crab, three blue claw hard shells, and corn
- Chickie’s Riverboat – Bacon, bell peppers, onions, seasoned breadcrumbs baked on top neck clams, lemon, and drawn butter
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.8
Overall score 4.7
19. Good Dog Bar – Center City’s Best Neighborhood Bar
A friendly, personal neighborhood bar with upscale food, drinks, and even games, the Good Dog Bar has it all. Great for groups and with friends, Good Dog is a three-story gastropub serving excellent American fare in a building that’s over one hundred years old. Good Dog opened in 2003 and was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
This joint feels like an old-school diner but it serves some of the best burgers in all of Philadelphia on a menu featuring fantastic eats and a solid selection of cocktails and beer. Good Dog could make it onto our list of best bars in Philly for their aesthetic alone, with whimsical black and white dog photos littering their walls.
Drinks
- Dickel Round – George Dickel rye, maple syrup, fresh lemon, and soda water
- Smokey Batman – Apaluz mezcal, hibiscus tea, lemongrass syrup, and fresh lime
- Jawny Appleseed – Old Grand Dad, cinnamon-apple syrup, fresh lemon, and angostura bitters
- Gin Glizzy – Rusted Revolver gin, ginger syrup, fresh lime, and soda water
Food
- Tuna Tartare Tostadas – Pickled sea beans, mango, sesame, micro cilantro, green onions, sambal, and miso mayo
- Lamb Meatball Sandwich – with farmer’s cheese, pickled vegetables, and garlic yogurt on a long roll
- Short Rib Grilled Cheese – Braised short rib and Swiss on sourdough
- Semolina Gnocchi – Portobello mushrooms, peas, shallots, pecorino, and black pepper
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.6
- Food 4.8
- Atmosphere 4.8
Overall score 4.7
20. South Philly Tap Room – Best Bar in South Philly
That may be a lofty claim, but South Philly Tap Room is a neighborhood favorite and a place that people from all over the city come to enjoy. Great beer, phenomenal food, and a casual bar atmosphere make this an easy place for brunch, Happy Hour, or late-night festivities.
While this spot gives you that warm, neighborhood sensation, you’re getting knockout food and wonderful beer, and a menu with great variety.
Drinks
- Rye Me A River – Old Overholt rye whiskey, Carpano Classico, cynar, and orange bitters
- Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong – El Jimador Blanco, Giffard Espelette liqueur, Thai chiles, passion fruit, peach, and lime
- Mezcal Me By My Name – El Jimador Blanco, Banhez mezcal, lime juice, peach, and orange juice
- A Deeper Shade of Purple – Stateside Vodka, dragon fruit puree, and lemon
Food
- Morning After Mac – Mac & cheese, pork roll, bacon, sunny egg, and crispy onions
- Four-cheese Grilled Cheese – American, cheddar, jack, and parmesan on toasted country white bread, with a cup of tomato lager soup. Choice of fries or salad
- Fried PB & J – Classic PB& J with Rineer Farms seasonal jam
- Truffle Parm Fries – Crispy coated fries, truffle oil, parmesan, and garlic aioli
Online Ratings (out of 5)
- Drink 4.7
- Food 4.7
- Atmosphere 4.7
Overall score 4.7
30 More Fun Bars in Philly
21. Cherry Street Tavern
Best roast beef sandwich in Philly.
22. Dirty Frank’s
Feels like having a drink in an old study surrounded by books and art.
23. Murph’s Bar
Comfortable, quirky Irish pub with fantastic Italian food.
24. Locust Rendevouz
Great hole in the wall serving excellent food and drinks at incredibly affordable prices.
25. R&D Cocktail
Provides some of the most creative and tasty cocktails in Philadelphia.
26. Trestle Inn
Happening bar with live DJs, great drinks, and go-go dancers!
27. Cook and Shaker
Wonderful Fishtown gastropub with incredible craft beer and bar food.
28. 12 Steps Down
An underground pub with an enormous beer menu, karaoke, and trivia nights.
29. Dock Street Brewery
Philly’s first microbrewery is known for its incredible award-winning beers.
30. Tria Taproom
One of the best glasses of wine you can have in Philly.
31. McCusker’s Tavern
The perfect neighborhood tavern with friendly, personable service and great drinks.
32. Standard Tap
Wonderfully laid out tap room with a great assortment of draft beers.
33. Lorraine
Easygoing neighborhood bar with a great Happy Hour.
34. 1 Tippling Place
A must for anyone that wants a superb cocktail.
35. SPIN Philadelphia
Big, cozy spot for good drinks, food, and ping pong!
36. Lloyd Whiskey Bar
Retro gastropub with an awesome brunch.
37. Sassafras
Warm, romantic bar in Olde City.
38. In the Valley
French-inspired Passyunk bar with high-quality food.
39. Martha
Serene neighborhood bar with a lovely garden patio that uses only local produce.
40. Green Rock Tavern
The quintessential family-owned neighborhood tavern.
41. Jerry’s Bar
Go to Jerry’s if you want some mind-blowing whiskey to have with great food.
42. Ray’s “Happy Birthday” Bar
As friendly as it gets, grab a free drink on your birthday here with a valid ID.
43. Fountain Porter
A place to go for those looking exclusively for great beer.
44. New Wave Cafe
Casual sports bar with delectable American fare.
45. The Plough and the Stars
An Olde City favorite set inside an old bank.
46. Fergie’s Pub
Authentic Center City Irish pub with live music and open mic comedy shows.
47. Brauhaus Schmitz
Hands down, the best German bears in Philly.
48. McGlinchey’s Bar
A favorite of locals, it’s one of the best dive bars in town.
49. Tired Hands Brewing Company
Brick-walled joint with phenomenal housemade beer and pizza.
50. 2nd Story Brewing Co.
A spot where you can actually watch beer being brewed on the second floor.
That’s 50 amazing bars in Philadelphia for you to check out! What are you going first? Will you grab a cocktail from Hop Sing Laundromat or perhaps watch an Eagles game at Chickie’s and Pete’s? Have another bar in mind? Please comment and share your favorite bar in Philly!
