Sometimes you want to go get a fancy cocktail or try somewhere new for a date night. Other times, you just want a Citywide Special or a night of shooting pool. Whatever your mood, rest assured there’s a Philly bar for it. Read on to see our 12 favorite watering holes in the city that are perfect for dancing the night away or going on a third date.
If you’re single and ready to mingle…
McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Midtown Village
Philly’s oldest continuously-operating tavern is also one of the best hangout spots for singles. McGillin’s draws a crowd any day of the week, so grab some friends, get a pitcher of cheap beer, and start mingling.
If you want a fancy cocktail…
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company, Penn Center
You might walk past the unmarked bar if you’re not careful, but that would be a huge mistake. Named after the front for the country’s largest alcohol ring during Prohibition, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company serves up carefully-crafted cocktails in a speakeasy-style ambiance.
If you’ve had a long week and need a comfy seat…
The Library Bar, Rittenhouse Square
It may *technically* be a hotel bar, but The Library Bar is much more than that. Comfy leather chairs and plush couches await patrons in the “library area” where bookshelves line the walls to create a homey ambiance. This place is for people who just want a nice cocktail and some relaxation at the end of a long week, who cares if it’s in a hotel?
If you’re planning a third date…
Friday Saturday Sunday, Rittenhouse Square
Congrats on making it to the third date! Now’s the time to treat them to a night out at a place that does everything flawlessly. From meticulously-created cocktails to dinner plates that will make you remember this place for years to come, Friday Saturday Sunday will be your new favorite fancy date spot.
If you just want to dance…
Ascend Nightclub, The Gayborhood
Located above Tavern on Camac, Ascend is a popular dance spot in Philly’s Gayborhood. With a different theme almost every night of the week–including a Broadway-esque cabaret night and a karaoke night — you’ll certainly have some entertainment to help kickstart the dancing.
If you don’t like beer…
Barcelona Wine Bar, East Passyunk Crossing
With locations all over the country, it might surprise you that this semi-chain-like wine bar is actually one of the best in Philly. From the charcuterie boards and long list of Spanish, Italian, and Argentinian wines to the outdoor seating and spacious marble top bar, you can’t go wrong here. Plus, they still have beers in case you have some beer lovers with you.
If you love beer…
Garage Passyunk, Passyunk Square
Speaking of beer lovers, this spacious Passyunk outpost features 400+ beers — a few on draft, but mostly bottled in the massive refrigerator section — skee-ball, pool tables, and allows you to BYO food (and Philly certainly has some great spots to grab some grub). Need we say more? Get your “cold beers right there’s”, as they say.
If your parents are in town…
Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, Rittenhouse Square
Nothing says, “my parents are in town” more than sidling up to the bar alone and ordering a Citywide Special. Get your $4 fix at the OG, Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, and head back to the parents before they’ve even noticed you’ve been gone. If have some time to kill, come on a Thursday night and stay for the weekly drag show, the longest-running one in the city. And you wondered why we named Rittenhouse Square one of Philly’s best neighborhoods.
If you want to watch the game…
City Tap House, Logan Square
Behind the bar you’ll find a giant wall of HDTVs that are perfect for watching sports, whether it’s the Big Game or the “Phillies-can-lose-this-one-and-still-make-playoffs” game. There are smaller TVs on the walls scattered throughout the rest of the bar, so even if you don’t have front row seats at or around the bar, you’ll still be able to see.
If you just want to play pool…
Kostas, Fishtown
Kosta’s Greek food pairs perfectly with some sunshine on their large outdoor patio or with a classic game of pool. Although it’s a bit of a dive bar, the food is superior and the pool tables are cheap. We’d call that a win.
If you want to drink on a rooftop…
Bok Bar, Passyunk
They call themselves the “neighborhood bar with a view of the neighborhood,” and we can’t think of a better way to describe it. Bok Bar serves red wine, white wine and rose, bubbly beverages, and beer, plus small bites like falafel sandwiches and pita plates.
If the weather’s perfect…
Independence Beer Garden, Independence Mall
Spending an afternoon at Independence Beer Garden is like hanging out in your friend’s super decked-out backyard. The 20,000-square-foot space is decorated with reclaimed wood, distressed metal, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and plenty of string lights. It also boasts games like life size Jenga and Connect Four, and a full menu with bar bites and 40+ beers on tap.
Need an apartment a little closer to one of these watering holes? Check out thousands of homes and apartments for rent on Zumper and make it happen.
Contenu associé
