Philadelphia
Bar Guide

Once an industrial waterfront district, Fishtown has spent the past decade becoming Philadelphia's most exciting bar neighbourhood. Frankford Avenue runs the length of it, and almost every block holds something worth stopping for. The craft beer scene here is genuinely world-class, and the bars stay open late. Start at the north end and work your way south. You will not run out of options.

Philadelphia's downtown core packs everything from hotel rooftop bars to basement speakeasies into a walkable grid. Walnut Street between Broad and 16th is the spine of the cocktail scene. The Ranstead Room, Hop Sing Laundromat, and Barbuzzo all operate within a few blocks of each other. Dress smart and budget for rounds that reflect the quality of the pours.

The historical heart of Philadelphia draws a mixed crowd: tourists during the day, locals after dark. The bars here tend toward the lively end of the spectrum, particularly on weekends along 2nd and 3rd Streets. The Franklin Bar is the standout destination for serious drinkers. Old City works best as an early stop before heading north to Fishtown or south toward the Italian Market.

Directly south of Fishtown, Northern Liberties blends independent bars with a neighbourhood-pub atmosphere that Fishtown occasionally loses to its own popularity. The stretch around 2nd Street and Liberties Walk has a dozen solid options in a single walkable block. This is where Philadelphia locals actually drink, away from the Saturday night crowds.

The west side of Center City built its bar scene around the park and the money that surrounds it. Rooftop bars with skyline views, wine bars for long lunches, and hotel cocktail lounges make Rittenhouse the city's most refined drinking destination. The crowd skews older and more affluent. It is the right choice for a first date or a business dinner drink.

South Philadelphia is the city's neighbourhood bar capital. The Italian Market area has cheap, unpretentious spots where regulars nurse Yards lager and watch the Eagles with genuine intensity. East Passyunk Avenue raised the stakes considerably in recent years, adding wine bars and craft cocktail spots that can hold their own against anything in Fishtown.