From the home of the Citywide Special to glitzy hotel bars, you’ll never be thirsty once you have our list of the best bars in Philly in your back pocket!
A tour we think you'll love
1. American Sardine Bar
What’s not to love about a bar that’s open every day from 11am to 2am? Or a Happy Hour every Monday – Friday from 4pm-6pm plus even a late night Happy Hour Sunday-Monday from 11pm-1am? Oh wait, did I also mention that this bar also serves brunch every Sunday – Monday from 11am-3pm? American Sardine Bar is located in Point Breeze, South Philly with a huge selection of beers and delicious food. They also have frequent specials and a beautiful backyard where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your crisp beer. By the way, the bartenders are inviting, personable, and will get to know you much better for the longer you sit (and trust us you will not want to move from this beautiful restaurant and bar).
Address: 1800 Federal Street, Philadelphia PA
Website: www.americansardinebar.com
2. Khyber Pass Pub
An authentic Cajun gastropub located in the heart of Old City, Khyber’s has been on all 7 of Philly’s best bars list. They feature an exquisite bar handcrafted in 1876 and is one of Philadelphia’s oldest bars. The old bricks give the bar quite a rustic and authentic feeling but once you walk inside you will be captivated by the beautiful lights, woodwork and array of drinks. Khyber’s features an extensive list of craft beers and cocktails. They also have a huge selection of foods ranging from scrumptious New Orleans specialties to hickory smoked barbecue and even delectable vegan and vegetarian options. You will not regret your visit to Khyber Pass Pub.
Address: 56 S 2nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
3. Eulogy Belgian Tavern
Now this bar is what you call beer and food heaven. Located in Old City, this bar is a three block walk from Independence Hall towards the riverfront in Philly. Their restaurant includes Philly’s largest beer selection with a huge selection of over 400 international and domestic craft brewed beers. By the way, 30 draught beers are served every day. Needless to say, you will get your beer fix here! Ratebeer.com ranked Eulogy Belgian Tavern the 5th best beer restaurant in the entire United States..woah. Their beers can also be complimented by their award winning Belgian and casual dining American foods, such as a large steaming pot of mussels with specialty sauces or some yummy Belgian-style fries. If you aren’t in the mood for beer though, they do have a stocked up liquor cabinet with bourbon selections, scotch, Irish whiskey, house cocktails and of course wine.
Address: 136 Chestnut Street, Old City, Philadelphia
4. City Tap House
Do you enjoy drinking outside, on a roof, looking over spectacular views? Well then you have come to the right bar. City Tap House is home to a 120 seat dining room and an extensive outdoor seating on two terraces along with five stone fire pits. They have 60 different taps and offers a menu of Elevated American Pub Fare. They also offer party packages and customize them how you want in order to fit your needs. The City Tap house also offers a brunch menu, lunch menu, and dinner menu plus they cater! By the way, they have brick oven pizza that is to die for so when you’re in Philly, this is a must stop destination.
Address: 3925 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104
5. Hop Sing Laundromat
Welcome to the faux speakeasy in Chinatown. The bell must be rung in order for you to enter. It is quite the blast from the past. According to Conde Nest Traveler, it was just named one of the best bars on earth. If you’d like a Hogwarts feel at the bar, this is the place to go. If you’re wanting an overall great experience and amazing atmosphere you must check out the Hop Sing Laundromat. Expect top shelf drinks with fresh ingredients, all fresh fruits and veggies and a huge new selection of drinks that you will not be able to find anywhere else.
Address: 1029 Race Street Philadelphia, PA
6. Monk’s Café
If you’re looking for some of the finest Belgian beers on draught in America then look no further. Monk’s café has tremendous pride in their mass selection of beers culled from breweries around the world. They have their own beer bible specially made for you to find the right beer to fit every one of your tastebuds needs. Ask the owner or any of the knowledgable workers about their accumulation of awards, there’s a lot. Their mussels and pomme frites are absolutely to die for. They have a great selection of Belgian food that will leave you stuffed and satisfied. You will for sure want to go back.
Address: 264 S 16TH Street Philadelphia, PA
7. Morgan’s Pier
Welcome to Philadelphia’s backyard beer garden! This is a hotspot you will regret missing. The views of the Delaware Waterfront and overlooking the Ben Franklin Bridge are absolutely breathtaking. With up to 500 outdoor seating arrangements, you’ll surely be able to relax after a long days work. This bar includes craft beers, wine and delicious cocktails that are to die for. Plus, there are always special events and entertainment going on at Morgan’s Pier; there is never a dull moment. All week you also have the chance to try some of their delicious plates made by highly acclaimed chefs. If you’re looking to host a party of more than 20 to 250 then this is the place for you. Chow down on a slow roasted pig, seafood jubilee, a celebration of poultry and of course vegetarian and pescatarian accommodations.
Address: 221 N. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA, 19123
8. Varga Bar
Do you enjoy old style bars and pin up girls? Come down to Varga for a variety of American craft beers and yummy comfort food. Alberto Vargas was a famous Peruvian painter of pin-up girls and is one of the most famous pin-up artists. The Varga bar is inspired after him with bright, vibrant and beautiful paintings of pin-up girls around the bar. There is also indoor and outdoor seating and is open until 2a.m every day! Don’t miss out on their incredible Happy Hour specials and late-night brunch options!
Address: 941 Spruce Street, Philadelphia PA
9. Bob and Barbara’s
Home of the “Citywide Special,” which is a crisp, cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and shot of Jim Beam. This drink special has become a signature drink at this bar and people loved it so much it’s made the spotlight into several magazines and other bars have acquired the combo. This is a lively, upbeat and always fun bar. On Thursday’s you can catch their drag show hosted by Miss Lisa, which is arguably the best in town. Bob and Barbara’s is a dive bar that has been serving the people of Philadelphia since 1969.
Address: 1509 S Street, Philadelphia PA 19146
10. Barcade
When is the last time you played an arcade game? What about drink an All American Craft Beer and played an arcade game? There are 25 lines on tap and endless amounts of videogames for you to play. Barcade has all your inner child has always wanted. Plus, they obviously know you’ll need both hands to game out so have no fear, this bar has created specially designed stands for you to place your beer down next to each of the arcade games. They also have $1 taco Monday’s… now who says Monday’s aren’t fun?
Address: 1114 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia PA 19125
Had a long day and don’t feel like leaving your hotel to try one of these bars? We’ve got a bonus list of the best hotel bars in Philly you should check out!
1. XIX Bar
This awesome bar is on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue. They have 19 signature cocktails as well as their own craft brews. There is an extremely luxurious yet casual vibe in the XIX Bar. You can lay out in a leather banquette while observing all the local artwork around the bar. Right across the way is the extraordinary XIX Restaurant, which has a New American menu for some delicious food to munch on. They also have a happy hour from 5P.M to 7P.M for you to enjoy reduced prices on their beer, wine, and cocktails.
Address: 200 South Broad Street
2. Library Bar
This cozy, comfortable and intimate bar is located inside The Rittenhouse. If you’re looking for an elegant, sophisticated bar then you’ve found the right place. The Library Bar includes elegant furniture, a beautiful limestone fireplace, a chandelier and a huge array of books within the shelves around the bar. They offer a 17-page drink menu with a fantastic selection of craft beers, fine wines, and artisan cocktails. There is also a small-plates menu from the chef at their Lacroix restaurant.
Address: 210 West Rittenhouse Square
3. Art Bar
Located on the ground floor of the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, this new bar is the epitome of art integrated in food and drinks. Partnered with The Center of Emerging Visual Artists, there is a huge art collection that surrounds the bar. If you like decadent food like Lancaster beef country sliders or lobster mac and cheese with a side of the bar’s signature cocktails then you have found the right bar! If you are a happy hour person, then come down to the Art Bar between 5P.M and 7P.M for a selection of specialty drinks and appetizers.
Address: 1800 Market Street
4. Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Check out this extremely chic brand new addition to Philadelphia’s nightlife. The Assembly Rooftop Lounge is located on the ninth floor of The Logan. If you are looking for more of a club vibe with a hint of modern flare then you’ve came to the right place. Accompanied by cozy seating, a beautiful fireplace, signature cocktails and delicious small plates take a stop by. You won’t regret it.
Address: One Logan Square
5. Panorama
Do you like wine? How about 120 types of wines? Well, this is the bar for you. Located in the heart of Old City in the Penn’s View Hotel, the Panorama is a beautiful classic Italian restaurant and bar. Home to the largest wine preservation and dispensing systems in the world, this bar is renowned for its more than two-dozen themed flights (with 5 different samplings of wines in each). The Panorama also has drink and appetizer specials during their happy hours from 5P.M and 7P.M Sunday-Friday and 3P.M to 5P.M Saturday.
Address: 14 North Front Street
6. Square 1682
Located in the Hotel Palomar, the Square 1682 is a locally sourced bar with New American fare. With creative cocktail names and a phenomenal restaurant you will fall head over heels for this bar. They also have a happy hour from 5P.M to 7P.M every day with food and drink specials you won’t be able to pass up.
Address: 121 South 17th Street
7. Red Owl Tavern & Stratus Rooftop Lounge
With its neighborly feel and modern twist, the Red Owl Tavern can be found in the Hotel Monaco. Locals and visitors love to visit this bar for its American staple menu. That’s not all though. The bar’s craft beers and signature cocktails have drawn crowds in too. The Stratus Rooftop Lounge has a beautiful view of Independence Hall. The Rooftop Lounge is an elegant nightspot that incorporates seasonal plates and specially crafted cocktails. Did we forget to mention that is has moveable walls that make this bar a year round hit destination?
Address: 433 Chestnut Street
Post contributed by: Bonnie Mauro
Photo credit: Abbie McAleer
