Article published on October 11, 2023
Our 2024 guide to Philly's fantastic bar scene...
It’s time to toast Philly’s bar scene. (Not that we need an excuse for a toast in the first place.)
Along with the chefs at the forefront of the city’s award-winning dining scene, Philly’s bartenders know a thing or two about mixing up a great co*cktail or recommending a tasty beer.
Whatever your desire, Philly has a bar to meet your mood. From the charming dives that locals flock to (like Dirty Franks and Oscar’s Tavern) and the neighborhood spots that serve up craft beers and killer eats (take Local 44 and Standard Tap) to crafty co*cktail joints for spirited spirits (see: R&D and Andra Hem) and singular wine bars (such as Superfolie and Le Caveau), there’s something for every kind of tippler.
One note: It’d be impossible for this list to be comprehensive (especially in a city like Philly, where great bars are easy to come by).
That said, grab a crew (or simply a good book) and snag a barstool at any of the most essential bars in Philadelphia. Cheers!
Note: This article is arranged alphabetically.
Philly's Best Bars
Touting Scandinavian style and nearly a dozen original co*cktails, Andra Hem has caught the attention of the New York Times and Esquire alike. After quietly opening in late 2022, the Rittenhouse Square co*cktail bar has earned a reputation for its peaco*ck blue and yellow walls, as well as their drinks. The Lambhattan is a fun play on the classic Manhattan, instead with lamb-washed bitters, and the Violet! You’re Turning Violet pairs rum, blueberry and black pepper-infused bianco vermouth.
This cozy Rittenhouse Square bar specializes in plant-based authentic Puerto Rican fare (the buffalo cauliflower tacos are a must-try). Grab a seat at the colorful tiled bar and sip on any one of their six varieties of margarita or another classic co*cktail, like the caipirinha or mojito.
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— Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia
The originators of the Citywide — that is, a PBR and a Jim Beam shot — Bob & Barbara’s has been a South Street staple since 1969. They routinely offer live music, weekly drag performances and karaoke and, of course, deliciously cheap drinks. Just remember: They’re cash only.
West Philly’s Booker’s Restaurant & Bar exudes warmth, especially at the bar area with its exposed brick and plenty of natural light. If you’re riding solo early in the day, they serve brunch daily, so grab a seat at the bar for shrimp and grits and a mimosa. You can also get evening drinks, too, from a selection of red and white wines to bottled, canned and draft beers.
— Photo courtesy Dirty Frank's
Essentially an encapsulation of Philadelphia itself, Dirty Frank’s has charm, grit and a whole lot of personality. On the outside, a mural of famous Franks, from Frank Sinatra to Frankenstein’s Monster beckons patrons. Inside, stickers, photos, paper snowflakes and other paraphernalia cover the walls and ceiling. And those beers? Yeah, they’re super cheap (and cash only).
— Photo courtesy Dolphin Tavern
If you’re looking for a place to dance in South Philly, look no further than The Dolphin, where colorful block LED lights surround the dance floor. A one-time go-go bar, The Dolphin now hosts weekly parties ranging from house to hip-hop. Come early for happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m.
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— Photo by C. Potter
You don’t usually expect co*cktail bars to come with a list of rules, but this one does — and it’s well worth following them. The Chinatown speakeasy, praised by Bon Appetit and Condé Nast Traveler, has a dress code (no flip-flops, sandals, shorts, work uniforms, workout clothes or attire with offensive content) and strict no photo policy. But the co*cktails are expertly crafted and a phone-free experience is plenty refreshing. Just be aware: Hop Sing Laundromat is cash only.
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Johnny Brenda’s
— Photo courtesy Johnny Brenda's
Located at the hot Fishtown intersection of Frankford and Girard, Justin Bieber-approved Johnny Brenda’s was at the forefront of Fishtown’s rise. Start your night with a Kenzinger and a burger at the bar downstairs (there’s plenty of seating) and round out the night with a concert upstairs. (You’ll be able to replenish at the upstairs bar.)
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Located above Good King Tavern (the entrance is marked by a neon sign) in Queen Village, this wine bar has an unparalleled selection. The knowledgeable staff will help guide your selection, even (and especially) if that selection includes a French hot dog. (That would be a hot dog in a baguette.)
Where: Le Caveau, 614 S. 7th Street
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Local 44
If it’s beer you want, you’ve come to the right place. With 20 beers on draft, two on cask and a handful of wines available by the glass, Local 44 is a quintessential neighborhood bar. Ask for a beer recommendation from the bartender and chow down on a veggie burger for the perfect evening.
Where: Local 44, 4333 Spruce Street
Sporting a new look (complete with wall art featuring prominent Black figures) fresh renovations and new ownership, Loo & Choo’s Lounge has three full-sized bars, an outdoor area and an always-full events lineup. Ladies can score $5 margaritas and $1 Southern fried shrimp on Tuesdays for Ladies Night.
— Photo courtesy Manayunk Development Corporation
The four-time Burger Brawl winner knows a thing or two about patties and buns. Take the PB & Bacon burger: a meaty sandwich topped with peanut butter, bacon and American cheese and served with a side of jelly. Wash it down with a craft beer at a cozy bar seat. With two locations (one in Manayunk and one in Queen Village), as well as a roadside location in Roxborough, Lucky’s Last Chance has a mighty footprint.
Where: Lucky’s Last Chance - Manayunk, 4421 Main Street
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Martha
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
If an extensive natural wine list and a romantic outdoor patio are on your wishlist, Martha fits the bill. Tucked away from the bustle of Frankford Avenue in Kensington, Martha offers plenty of seating in its “interstellar-inspired” space, plus beer, co*cktails and delicious hoagies.
Where: Martha, 2113 E. York Street
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Welcome to the oldest continuously run bar in Philadelphia. (Seriously, it opened before the Civil War.) McGillin’s is home to green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, tons of decorations during the holiday season and game-day specials during every pro sports game. It won’t take much searching to find the alley where McGillin’s is located — just follow the crowd.
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Monk’s Café
— Photo courtesy Monk's Café
Famous for its massive beer selection (25 beers on tap, over 200 bottles), Monk’s Café is the spot for hard-to-impress beer lovers. Leaf through their Beer Bible and discover a new brew to try over mussels and pomme frites in intimate, Belgian-inspired environs.
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Nestled among the higher-end establishments on Sansom Street is the welcoming red door of Oscar’s Tavern, a delightful dive where you can get a 23-ounce beer for a couple bucks. We’re serious about the dollar bill part — they’re cash only. Because of its central location, the crowd is always interesting. (Bonus: The cheesesteaks are always hot.)
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R&D
— Photo courtesy R&D
The team behind Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia and Condesa craft balanced co*cktails in Fishtown at R&D. One of the more stylish offerings at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Girard Avenue in Fishtown, R&D offers the classics, like martinis and old fashioneds, as well as more creative sips that range from tropical to bitter.
Where: R&D, 1206 Frankford Avenue
There’s only one place to be on your birthday and that’s at Ray’s. The Italian Market dive doles out a free shot to folks on their big day, but it’s worth visiting every other day of the year, too. The oak bar and the blue-tile trough along the bottom of it are original, which is to say they’re over 80 years old. Don’t miss Friday-night karaoke.
Having recently made an appearance on Esquire’s Best Bars in America list, Superfolie lives up to the hype with its wine selection. The team behind Good King Tavern and Le Caveau are at the helm here, meaning there’s lots of French wine and small plates with excellent service.
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Standard Tap
One of the original gastropubs to jumpstart Philly’s craft-beer boom, Standard Tap boasts 21 drafts and two hand pumps of always-changing local beer. The bi-level space is plenty spacious, whether you’re in the mood for a more private upstairs bar experience or want to be in the thick of it downstairs. The food menu also focuses on local ingredients and includes sandwiches, mussels, ribeye and beyond.
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— Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Truly unmistakable and defying imitation, Tattooed Mom is a South Street staple whose walls are covered in street art and stickers from floor to ceiling. There’s two levels of hangout space, an unfussy beer menu and delicious plant-based food options.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s longest-running gay bar offers a distinct experience on each of its three floors: a tavern, a piano lounge and a dance club. Tavern on Camac hosts a ton of events, from cabaret and karaoke to dance parties and improv.
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More Bars in Philadelphia
Looking for more great bars in Philadelphia? You got it:
- Root, root, root for the home team (or else) at these awesome sports bars in Philly.
- Kiss the sky while soaking up big views at these great rooftop bars in Philly.
- Mix it up with some of Philly’s best mixologists at these stellar co*cktail bars.
- Find them if you can: Philly’s cool hidden bars are worth the effort.
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FAQs
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Does Philadelphia have a good bar scene?
You know it! Philly’s bars have been fawned ove by Esquire (Superfolie), Bon Appetit (Hop Sing Laundromat), the New York Times (Andra Hem) and many more.
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Which parts of Philly have the best bars and nightlife?
Take your pick! From uber-walkable Northern Liberties to classy Rittenhouse Square, buzzy East Passyunk to night owl-friendly Midtown Village, hip-and-happening Fishtown to historic Old City, you can’t go wrong knocking back a drink or two in any of these neighborhoods.
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Where are the best streets for bar hopping in Philadelphia?
Lucky for you, Philly has no shortage of great bar hopping streets.
Stroll down 13th Street in the LGBTQ+ mecca of Midtown Village, with faves like Dirty Frank’s, Darling Jack’s Tavern, or Vintage Wine Bar. Get ready to party hard on South Street, including legendary establishments like Tattooed Mom, Brauhaus Schmitz and Bridget Foy’s. Or make your way along Frankford Avenue in Fishtown for inimitable vibes at spots like Johnny Brenda’s, Frankford Hall and R&D.
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Can you walk around Philly with alcohol and openly drink in public?
Nope: In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to carry and drink open alcohol containers in public. However, it’s very much not illegal to enjoy your favorite adult beverage outdoors at one of Philly’s many beer gardens, outdoor festivals and alfresco restaurants.
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What bars can you smoke at in Philly?
Since indoor smoking was banned in Philly in 2008, smoking establishments in Philadelphia have been going the way of the dodo. That said, you can still smoke at a few of Philly’s neighborhood faves and unpretentious dives, like Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar near East Passyunk, Grumpy’s Tavern in Pennsport or McGlinchey’s Bar in Center City. (And don’t worry, it’s legal: Smoking bars either get a ban exception or cough up the fine.)
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What are the oldest bars in Philadelphia?
Opened in 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House takes the crown as the oldest continuously operating drinking establishment in Philly.
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What are the most popular drinks in Philly?
Aside from the Citywide Special (read more on that below), you can find patrons at nearly every Philly bar sipping sudsy mugs filled with Yuengling, Yards and other Pennsylvania beer staples. As for co*cktails, the prohibition-era Clover Club or the tasty-yet-potent Fish House Punch are definitively Philadelphian concoctions that can be found at many bars and restaurants.
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What type of alcohol is Philly best known for?
Philly has a running list of well-known standouts, like Victory Brewing’s hop-tastic HopDevil IPA (named one of the Most Important Craft Beers Ever Brewed by Food & Wine) or the award-winning Bohemian Pilsner by Dock Street Brewing (credited as Philly’s very first microbrewery). And folks looking to sip on Philly’s signature distillations can enjoy a wide range of well-known spirits, from the complex-yet-refreshing Bluecoat Gin to the smooth and subtle Stateside Vodka.
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What is a shot and a beer called in Philly?
Ah, the Citywide Special. A pairing as timeless as PB&J.
Bob & Barbara’s originated the Citywide (a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam whiskey for a hard-to-beat price), but you can find the combo at bars all around the city — with spots like Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, Cantina Dos Segundos and MilkBoy swapping out Pabst and Jim with their own signature beer-and-spirit pairings.
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Where is the Always Sunny bar in Philly?
Paddy’s Pub as depicted in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is, tragically, a fictional place. (And before you Google it, Paddy’s Old City Pub isn’t the Paddy’s Pub). But did you know that the cast of the show owns a real bar in city?
Mac’s Tavern — located at 226 Market Street and owned by Rob and Kaitlin McElhenney — has been sporting big TVs, pub grub and craft brews since 2010. You won’t find rum ham or milk steak, but you will see artwork and plenty of homages to the show.
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Philly's Best Bars
Andra Hem
Bar Bombón
Dirty Frank’s
Dolphin Tavern
Hop Sing Laundromat
Johnny Brenda’s
Le Caveau
Local 44
Lucky’s Last Chance
Martha
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Monk’s Café
Oscar’s Tavern
Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar
Superfolie
Standard Tap
Tattooed Mom
Tavern on Camac
More Bars in Philadelphia
FAQs
Does Philadelphia have a good bar scene?
Which parts of Philly have the best bars and nightlife?
Where are the best streets for bar hopping in Philadelphia?
Can you walk around Philly with alcohol and openly drink in public?
What bars can you smoke at in Philly?
What are the oldest bars in Philadelphia?
What are the most popular drinks in Philly?
What type of alcohol is Philly best known for?
What is a shot and a beer called in Philly?
Where is the Always Sunny bar in Philly?
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