From upscale cocktail bars and Latin dance clubs to sticky-floored dive bars and punk music venues, you’re sure to find your niche in Philadelphia’s thriving nightlife scene.
Breweries
Cedar Park
Open until 1:00 AM, Dock Street Brewing Co. is the perfect spot for daytime sidewalk beer tastings or late night get-togethers with friends over the brewery’s award-winning, creatively topped pizzas.
What you should order: Man of Trouble Porter, Rye IPA, Fig Jam pizza
Old City
This laid-back rustic brewery in the heart of Old City serves up craft beer that’s brewed on the open second floor and a rotating tap selection from other brewers. Updated classic pub food grub is the perfect complement to a tasting flight.
What you should order: Fritzie’s Lager, Adult Grilled Cheese, Tasting Flight
Kensington
Though the Philadelphia Brewing Company closes at five or six PM, the mid-Saturday brewery tour and free (that’s right, zero dollars) tasting samples makes starting your night early totally worth it.
What you should order: Kenzinger, Walt Wit, the rotating seasonal beer
Cocktails
Source: Flickr user jesswebb
Northern Liberties
This French-craft cocktail parlor in the Northern Liberties Piazza offers an intimate, sexy setting and a creative (and potent) cocktail menu. The unique Gothic décor and ambiance are as much of a draw as the delicious drinks.
What you should order: Madame de Pompadour, El Diablo, Lord Mandrake
Rittenhouse Square
Chef Garces’ Village Whiskey is a cocktail bar reminiscent of a Prohibition-era speakeasy with a unique modern twist. If the selection of over eighty carefully selected whiskeys wasn’t enough to draw you in, then the buzzed about burgers should be.
What you should order: Commodore, Erin Go Bragh flight, Village Burger with duck fat fries
Center City/Market East
Charlie Was A Sinner is an all-Vegan cocktail bar that serves up strong drinks and small plates that are so delicious that even your carnivorous friends will be converted. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service might convince you to hang around until closing time.
What you should order: Dr. Zhivago, Maryland style “crab cakes", roasted Brussels sprouts
Dive Bars
Source: Source: Flickr user jive667
Queen Village
Stickers, posters, and graffiti cover the walls at this lively Queen Village bar. Tattooed Mom’s weekly food specials, like dollar Taco Tuesdays, are as much of a draw as the punk atmosphere and cheap, potent drinks.
What you should order: Pink Puss, Pickled Punk, Honey Sriracha “Chicken" Wrap
Fishtown
This no-frills local dive bar is a local favorite for the cheap drinks, old rock, punk, and alternative music selection, and attentive, personable bartenders. If you’re not into battling crowds at nearby Johnny Brenda’s, it’s time to join the Fishtown Tavern regulars.
What you should order: Blackberry Gin Fizz, Lobster Grilled Cheese, a rotating draft beer
Washington Square West
Though new Philadelphia laws might soon change the atmosphere at Locust Bar, it is, for now, a smoker’s paradise. If you want cheap pitchers, an indoor smoking spot, and a solid jukebox, Locust Bar is your next haunt. Sensitive noses need not apply.
What you should order: Domestic or Premium pitchers, hot wings, steak fries
University City/Spruce Hill
Fiume is known for giving patrons a world tour of beers and whiskeys, featuring 130 delicious brews on tap and 80 kinds of distilled deliciousness. Plus, their cocktails are some of the best in town, so come thirsty to this University City mainstay- you'll be a regular after one visit.
What you should order: Oberon, ginger beer, Scrimshaw Pilsner
Dance Clubs
Source: Flickr user maladjusted
Northern Liberties
Sundays through Wednesdays The 700 offers an eclectic mix of DJs who spin everything from American pop to Euro-sounds, and there’s never a cover charge. The intimate, casual atmosphere and heavy regular crowd make a night at The 700 feel like the best house party ever.
What you should order: Magic Hat Brewing Company #9, Philadelphia Brewing Company Walt Wit, Victory Hop Devil
Fishtown
Though The Barbary is slowly transitioning to more live music events, it’s still best known as Philadelphia’s hipster dance bar. With a rotating lineup of the city’s best DJs, theme nights, and a 200-person capacity, The Barbary’s two dance floors are always packed.
What you should order: Lions Club beer and shot special, Fireball shots, dollar PBR
Old City
If you’re past your college clubbing days and are looking for a more sophisticated and intimate option, Brasil’s Nightclub is it. Brasil’s offers free salsa lessons for beginners, so you know how to tear up the floor later in the night.
What you should order: Whiskey Sour, Negra Modelo, VIP Bottle Services
Late Night Grub
Source: Khyber Pass Pub via Facebook
Chinatown
You might miss David’s Mai Lai Wah if you aren’t a local or wandering around Chinatown in the middle of the night in desperate need of something to eat. That would be a shame, because there’s nothing better than the ability to order salt and pepper wings and wonton soup until 4AM.
What you should order: Salt and pepper wings, duck lo mein, pan fried dumplings
Queen Village/South Philly
This 24/7 South Philly diner keeps it simple with classic American greasy spoon fare. They know exactly what you want out of your grub when late night bleeds into early morning, and it’s not tiny portions or fancy kale quiche.
What you should order: Hungry Lady Special, a hot cup of coffee, New York Style Cheesecake
Old City
Sometimes you just need a big old plate of Southern comfort food and plate-licking good barbeque at one in the morning. When that time strikes, Khyber Pass Pub is at your service.
What you should order: Pulled pork sandwiches with a side of mac ‘n cheese, Benton’s Bacon Grease Popcorn, Champion Killer Kolsch
Rittenhouse Square
Big heaping servings of flavorful Indian food at affordable prices until 3AM? Yes please. If that wasn’t enough to sell you on Rittenhouse Square’s Spice End, then the fact that they deliver until midnight should be.
What you should order: Spice End Chicken Platter, Lamb Kebab Roll, Mango Lassi
East Passyunk
Upscale Mexican food at midnight is a rare and beautiful thing that Cantina Los Caballitos does absolutely right. If the night isn’t quite over yet, this popular restaurant also serves some of the best margaritas and sangria in the city.
What you should order: Chicken tacos, nachos, blood orange margaritas
Live Music
Source: Flickr user jakemohan
Fishtown
The landmark Johnny Brenda’s is set apart from other dive bars by their second floor live music venue. If you’re looking to see the best from independent labels, Johnny Brenda’s books them. It’s the place to go if you want to brag about how you knew that band before everyone else thought they were cool.
What you should order: Local brews on tap, fresh oysters, fried haddock sandwich
University City
This unique University City music venue is known for their indie acts and laid-back acoustic sets. The intimate venue has been featured on NPR, so don’t expect a squished, sweaty crowd or poor acoustics at World Café Live.
What you should order: Eggplant fries, hummus, $2 Yuengling Lager
Spring Garden
Union Transfer is the best place in Philadelphia to see big acts. The vintage-style theater may seem small on the inside, but the talent that comes through definitely isn’t. With decent food and drink prices and fantastic acoustics, it’s easy to see why Union Transfer is a local favorite.
What you should order: Baby’s earl grey ice cream, rotating craft beer, soft pretzel
Sports Bars
Source: McGillin’s Olde Ale House Facebook
Center City
McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest bar in Philly, if the way “Olde" is spelled didn’t give it away. This bustling Irish pub is one of the most popular spots in the city to watch both European sporting events and local Philadelphia teams.
What you should order: Shepherd’s Pie, Mixed-Up Grill, McGillin’s 1860 IPA
Fishtown
In Fishtown, where bars are rapidly changing to appeal to the influx of hipsters, Murph’s Bar has stayed true to its roots and held on to its regulars. With friendly bartenders, cheap beer and food, and plenty of TVs, Murph’s is an oasis for Fishtown’s Philly sports fans.
What you should order: Brisket sandwich, wings, beer-mosa (Blue Moon and OJ)
Society Hill
Cavanaugh’s is the perfect laid-back spot for a game of darts or lounging and watching the Flyers. The outdoor seating and fire pit area is a great place to kick back after work on a cool spring night.
What you should order: 3rd Degree Wings, Nachos Grande, Dogfish 60 Minute IPA
Featured image source: Flickr user maladjusted
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