Editorial
The 8 best live music bars in Philadelphia stretch from a Fishtown indie room to the city's longest running jazz club, the rooms that keep a town built on soul and rock playing every night. We read each for the stage first and the bar second: who is on the bill, what the room pours and the night to show up. From Johnny Brenda's to a basement go-go bar, these are the Philadelphia music rooms our editors send you to.
Three rooms carry the city's rock and indie bills, from a Fishtown institution to a Callowhill black box.
The rest of the list leans to jazz and soul, from an independent music bar in Northern Liberties to a Chestnut Hill supper club.
For live music in Philadelphia, Johnny Brenda's books the best bills in the city while Chris' Jazz Cafe keeps the longest running jazz room. Bob and Barbara's carries the Hammond B3 history, Underground Arts runs the widest range, and Ortlieb's keeps it independent. Start at Johnny Brenda's and let Fishtown lead the night.
Priya Nair is barsforKings' senior cocktail editor and a former Punch contributor. She reads a bar by its menu first: how the list is built, the house spirits, and the one drink worth ordering.