Best bars in Philadelphia

31 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most commenters recommend Tattooed Mom's on South Street. A couple describe it as punk-leaning, a couple call it queer-friendly and a couple say the food is good. A few say it isn't a true dive, and one praises the pool table. A couple note that it is usually busy.

South Street

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Dirty Frank's, a dive bar, and a few say it is a good place to meet people, and a few suggest it for going out alone. A couple call it cheap, and a couple call it unpretentious. One commenter says the crowd has declined, with newer patrons not handling busy nights well.

Center City

21 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Bob and Barbara's, and several call it a dive bar. Two call it a classic Philly bar, a few mention live music, and two mention drag. A couple describe the drinks as cheap. One patron says it feels very queer without being strictly a gay bar.

16 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Dawson Street Pub in Manayunk, and a few call it divey. A few mention music there: one says local musicians often come to jam, and another says music is set for particular days of the week. A couple praise the happy hour. A few say the crowd skews older, though one adds that a younger visitor fits in.

Manayunk Roxborough

16 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People recommend 12 Steps Down on Christian Street, including in answers about dive bars and going out alone. One patron enjoyed shooting pool there alone, another suggests it as solo-friendly, and one says its quizzo is a good fit for people who like music. Caveats: one says the music is played too loudly, one says it is nearly always busy except on Mondays, and one finds the drinks overpriced for a dive though the food is good.

Italian Market

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend The Ranstead Room, a cocktail bar. A couple say you can describe what you like and get a drink made to match, and a few suggest it for dates. One patron finds the drinks pricey but says the experience feels worth it, and one found the room too cramped for much public affection.

15 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Oscar's, and a few call it a classic Philly bar. A couple list it among dive bars. Two advise against sending tourists there.

Center City

14 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend The Monkey Club, and a few call it a dive. A couple used its upstairs for group events, one after a wedding and one for a birthday. One lists pool, darts, foosball and an arcade emulator among its games. A couple say it is usually packed, one with regulars.

14 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Triangle Tavern on Passyunk Avenue in East Passyunk. A few mention solo drinkers at its bar or meeting people there, and one says its kitchen stays open until about 1 a.m.

East Passyunk

14 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend New Wave Cafe, and several name it as a Queen Village pick. A few say it works well for going out alone, and one says they met many of their friends there after moving to the area and still see them there.

3rd and Catherine

14 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most people recommend The Dive, a South Philly dive bar. A couple call it approachable, and a couple point to its smoky pool floor. One says a floor there has become a broad queer space, and another misses its earlier lesbian floor. A couple describe the drinks as cheap, though one says the mixed drinks come in small portions. Two are less enthusiastic: one finds it too divey, and one calls it trash that draws an older punk crowd.

South Philly

14 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most people recommend El Bar, and a couple call it a Fishtown dive where you meet new people, though one thinks it may not suit meeting people. One says unfinished song requests get replayed for others later, and one prefers its outdoor spot to another bar's while another says it could suit a group but is cash only. The downsides: a few say it has changed or feels less welcoming than before, and a couple say prices rose.

Fishtown

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many commenters name Ray's Happy Birthday Bar as a pick for drinks. A couple call it a Philly classic, and one praises its cheap drinks and unpretentious feel. Several doubt it would work for a large Saturday-night group: two say a group of 25 wouldn't have much fun there, and one thinks pulling it off would be tricky.

12 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Next of Kin is a Fishtown cocktail bar that many people recommend in answers about high-end cocktail bars. One patron says it suits cocktail-focused conversation on quieter weeknights, and another suggests avoiding the busiest times. The milk punch divides opinion: one patron has ordered it more than once and found it worked better than expected, while another likens it to chocolate milk.

Fishtown

12 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Sassafras is an Old City bar that many people recommend. A couple point to it as a cozy bar, and a couple praise its cocktails, mostly classics. One suggestion ranks it third among their picks and only partly endorses it.

Old City

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Recommended across Carbon Copy's outlets, a brewery that also serves pizza; most who name an outlet mean the West Philly one at 50th and Baltimore, the location shown here, and a few name Port Richmond. One patron calls the Port Richmond spot a new favorite, with an interior much like Lunar Inn's cozy feel. Two raise reservations without naming an outlet: one found the room full of children, and another calls the beer decent but dislikes the interior.

11 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Monk's Cafe, and a couple call it the default or only right answer for Philadelphia beer. A couple point to its beer list, one calls the food excellent, and two single out the back room, one adding that the front feels just as cozy. Several suggestions name it without a reason.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend McGillin's, and a few describe it as a historic pub-style bar. One mentions a cheap Tuesday wing deal and another a long-time wing-night habit, and one says it works well for tourists. One commenter says going at 9 p.m. is a poor way to meet people alone.

11 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most commenters recommend Watkins Drinkery. A few praise the food, one singles out the grilled cheese and one the negroni, and several praise its easygoing neighborhood vibe. One has heard good things about the upstairs pool table. Several say it has declined or changed, one saying the food declined and another that it focuses on local sports now.

South Philly

10 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend The Trestle Inn, and a few point to its dancing: DJs playing disco, soul and R&B on vinyl with go-go dancers. A couple call it fun, and one praises its whiskey sours while saying it isn't fancy. Two reservations: one thinks a 25-person group would overwhelm it, and one says the crowd skews younger.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many commenters recommend the Callowhill location of Doom Bar, a metal-themed bar, and several say it fits horror or metal tastes. A couple single out its bone chandelier, and one says the food is better than expected. Two are less keen: one says it now feels more like costume-goth nights than the concerts it once hosted, and one found it an average bar.

Callowhill

9 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most people recommend Time, and several point to its jazz and live music, with one calling it a real jazz hangout and another describing its bands as top-notch. A couple describe separate rooms for jazz, a quieter bar and dancing. Two note that it gets crowded or cramped.

Center City

9 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Les & Doreen's in Fishtown, and a couple name it a favorite or a dive pick. One finds it cozy, one calls it a go-to for meeting people after work, and one puts it well ahead of other city bars. One visitor enjoyed a Saturday with karaoke and a Thai food pop-up, while another thinks it depends on when you go.

Fishtown

9 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Khyber, and a few point to its music: one says it plays unfamiliar tracks that become favorites, and another notes live music on Sundays can be heard indoors and out. Descriptions differ: one calls it a dive while another says it is more a bar-restaurant than a dive.

9 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Lucky's Last Chance. Lucky's also has a Queen Village branch, and one commenter says that branch does music well; the Manayunk one is the one covered here, which a few recommenders name. One patron calls it the best, and another likes the atmosphere after moving to Roxborough. One lists it among spots with a vibe that works without live music.

Manayunk

9 people recommendvia r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Philadelphia Distilling, a distillery with a bar, and several say the bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to explain drinks and their process. One recommends it for its tours and cocktail program, and one recommends its upper-floor event room.

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philly

People recommend Solar Myth, and one calls it a favorite lowkey bar while another says it is a decent place to read. A couple describe the bartenders playing records from a collection. Two call it pricey, and one was disappointed after hoping it would be like the bar it replaced.

8 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many commenters recommend Charlie Was a Sinner, and several praise its cocktails or mocktails. One describes the atmosphere as stylish but laid-back, and a couple suspect it has a nice vibe. One finds it fairly skippable, and another says it didn't suit what they wanted.

8 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Most people who give an opinion recommend Johnny Brenda's, and a few suggest it for live shows, including one who recommends it for seeing original artists. Three name it among bars near a concert venue. One patron goes only when a strong band or event is on, finding the crowd too bro-y otherwise.

Fishtown

8 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Sacred Vice, a brewery bar at Front and Berks. A couple call it cozy, a couple point to its music or record collection, and one calls the space very nice to spend time in with great beer. One tentatively names it as the spot least likely to have families around.

8 people recommendvia r/philly

Many people recommend National Mechanics, a bar in Old City. A couple recommend its quizzo, and one recommends its Friday new-wave dance night. One says its Members Only and other nights draw an older crowd.

Old City

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many commenters recommend The Lorraine in Francisville, one as a lowkey spot. One says its pitcher deal is a good one, and one says it has TVs but isn't a sports bar. One finds it chill on weeknights but busy on most weekends, and one dismisses it as a phony dive.

Francisville

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Ortlieb's in Northern Liberties. One likes the front bar for its bartender-picked music, and another enjoyed hanging out there before a show. One says it never fully recovered after the pandemic, and another cautions that a large group could struggle to fit in when it is crowded.

Northern Liberties

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Commenters recommend Fergie's on Sansom Street near 13th Street. A couple point to its live music, and a couple mention its live-band karaoke, though one says the upstairs gets cramped. One says it has no TVs and another isn't sure. One advises skipping its quizzo.

Sansom St Near 13th

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Paddy's on Race Street in Old City, and a few call it a dive. Several say it feels more like the bar on the TV show than Mac's Tavern does. One patron finds it too smoky.

Race and 2nd

7 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People recommend Fountain Porter. One loves the cheap beer and burgers, and another says happy hour is great except on Fridays, holidays and weekends, when it is packed. Two say it gets crowded, one adding that it gets loud in the evenings, and a couple say it suits going out alone, though one notes many couples and first dates.

7 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Love City, a brewery recommended across its Callowhill and Manayunk outlets; a few name Manayunk, the location shown on this map, one saying it has a Manayunk branch that is very good and another calling the newer site cool.

Manayunk Roxborough

7 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People name Lucky 13 as a pick, some without a reason. One patron says they spent so much time there it was like earning a degree, and another names its Jager shot as the one they prefer.

7 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Cellar Dog, a bar in Center City, and a few mention its live music, and a couple its jazz. Several name pool among its games, and one likes the vibe. One patron praises its drinks and value.

7 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People recommend Bar Hygge in Fairmount, including in answers about bars without TVs, and one calls it a more local pick. One confirms it has no TVs, and one has read at its bar before. One visitor praises everything there and thinks a room might be reservable, suggesting asking.

Fairmount

7 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Many people recommend Kung Fu Necktie for its music nights. A few point to themed nights, including indie and emo, 80s new wave and pop-punk, one says dance parties follow nearly every show, and one recommends it for seeing original artists.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia

Local 44 is a bar that people recommend, including in answers about West Philly happy hours and favorites. Some mention its happy hour, and one notes a bottle shop attached. One suggests it as a busier bar option. One likes it despite a reservation about its atmosphere, and another says that doesn't bother them.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Commenters recommend Locust Rendezvous, and a few describe it as a dive. Several say it is a good place to go solo, and one says other patrons often strike up conversations. One says the food disappoints, and one says smoke would stick to your clothes if you are dressed up.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Overall, people recommend Frankford Hall, a beer hall in Fishtown. Several say it suits group gatherings, two mention its German food, and two suggest it for watching games, one noting outdoor TVs in the garden.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many commenters recommend Druid's Keep, and a couple point to its outdoor patio. One mentions a pool table, one says renting the upstairs is reasonable, and one lists it among bars usually open until 2 a.m. One says they have never clicked with it and feel excluded there.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Barcade, with a Fishtown outlet that one commenter names, which is the one covered here. One says drinking is optional there, a couple suggest it for a group, and one says it works well on weeknights for an easygoing hangout. One warns that tokens are easy to overbuy.

Fishtown

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Overall people recommend Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street. Several say it is a good soccer bar: one names big tournaments and Union matches, and one points to a rear room with a large TV. One mentions its German beer selection, and a couple say it handles group events. One says it is farther south than they want to go.

700 Block of South

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Fishtown Tavern. One suggests it among nearby bars to a concert venue, one ranks it above Bottle Bar East as a place to drink, and one says it works well for reading though it can be crowded around games and weekends. One says it frequently has nice playlists, one says it stays open late, and one says it is only good occasionally.

6 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People recommend Union Tap House in Manayunk. Three praise its wings or bar food, and a couple like its beer selection, one calling it a favorite local spot. One says its crowd skews older, and one suggests it for trivia nights.

Manayunk

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Many people recommend Grace & Proper, and three point to it for upscale or fancier drinks, one placing it among the city's best for that. One calls it an awesome place, and one calls it a favorite but says it is usually packed and noisy.

6 people recommendvia r/philly

People name Andra Hem, mostly in answers listing high-end cocktail bars and date spots, and say little about it. One says its prices are close to the other bars they name.

6 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

People name Franklin Mortgage in their bar recommendations, in lists of high-end cocktail bars and upscale date spots. One calls it a speakeasy, one says its bartenders are friendly and enjoy talking about drinks, and one says its drink prices are close to the other high-end bars.

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Commenters recommend Misconduct Tavern, a sports bar with two Center City locations (15th and Locust, and 18th and JFK); the commenters who name an outlet for Premier League viewing mean 18th and JFK, which is the one covered here. One says it plays game audio, though that may depend on the game, and one says both locations have private rooms. One says the crowd is friendly and turnouts are big.

18th and Jfk

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Southhouse, a South Philadelphia bar, mostly without much detail. One says it is usually chill with a decent beer selection, another calls it the best match for the kind of place one asker described, and one suggests it as a walkable option near Broad and Oregon.

6 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Yards, and several suggest it for group events, one noting an upstairs event space and another group packages. One says a birthday event there was handled well, and one says its beer has been very good lately.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

Kosta's sits in Fishtown, where two call it a long-time staple and several recommend it. A couple praise the Greek food, and one says the music is usually good though it runs on a jukebox. A few describe the crowd as varying: one calls it hit-or-miss, one says it gets younger after 9 p.m., and one says it swings between empty and rowdy.

Fishtown

5 people recommendvia r/philly

Five commenters recommend Bardot as a bar. Two name its Northern Liberties location, and one lists it among Northern Liberties and Fishtown options for sports. One suggests it as a lowkey bar, and one says it reliably plays solid tunes.

Northern Liberties

5 people recommendvia r/philly

People recommend Cherry Street Tavern. One calls it a great bar though they visit rarely, and one recommends this traditional bar mainly for its roast beef sandwiches. One says it was their regular spot and they recently stopped in again and still enjoyed it, and one says the music there is eclectic.

5 people recommendvia r/philly

People name Almanac, mostly in answers about high-end cocktail bars and date spots; one ranks it first among their suggestions and another approves enthusiastically. One notes it is on the second floor.

5 people recommendvia r/philly

Lloyd is a bar in Fishtown that people recommend. One patron goes often to read with a cocktail, and another calls it their all-time favorite bar. Three others simply name it.

5 people recommendvia r/philadelphia, r/philly

People recommend Scanlon's Saloon in Manayunk, a couple as a good option up the hill. One calls it the top bar along Manayunk Avenue, and one regular says beginners play friendly pool games there and a table is usually easy to get.

5 people recommendvia r/philly

People recommend Tavern on Camac in the Gayborhood. Three say they had a good time or great fun there, and one describes it as a gay bar with a piano, Broadway-style music and dancing. One adds that it draws many men.

5 people recommendvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Five people recommend Twisted Tail. One calls it a blues bar that is usually uncrowded, with shuffleboard as a bonus, and one describes an upstairs area with a fireplace, armchairs and couches that one thinks is relatively quiet during the week. One names it as a popular holiday-evening choice, and one suggests it for a crowd closer to the asker's age.

5 people recommendvia r/philly

Commenters recommend Kelliann's, and one names the Spring Garden location, which is the one covered here. One calls it one of the city's classics, one visited once and found the atmosphere and people friendly, and one picks it over El Bar.

Spring Garden

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia

Overall, people recommend Standard Tap. One praises its upstairs covered porch, and another says it has a second-floor bar with a fire in winter. One suggests it as a close option if a group books a private area, and one lists it among cozy bars. One notes it hides its TVs when no game is on.