Philadelphia, PA
- Hangout bars are both fun and trendy places to get together with a friend and meet new ones, and Philadelphia is known for its fair share of great hangout bars and taverns. From trendy speakeasies to upbeat Irish pubs, below are a few cities' great bars and taverns to chill out in Philly.
Philadelphia is a city of great neighborhoods, and at the heart of each one is a collection of fantastic hangout spots where locals gather to relax, socialize, and enjoy a great drink. The city's bar scene is as diverse as its history, offering everything from the oldest continuously operating tavern in the city to trendy speakeasies and quirky neighborhood haunts. Whether you're looking for a craft cocktail, a cold beer, or just a friendly atmosphere, here is a guide to some of the best hangout bars and taverns in Philly.
Historic Institutions & City Icons
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McGillin's Olde Ale House (Midtown Village): A true Philadelphia landmark, McGillin's is the city's oldest continuously operating tavern, serving since 1860. With a massive beer selection, a classic pub menu, and lively karaoke nights, a visit to this historic ale house is a rite of passage.
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Tattooed Mom (South Street): An icon of South Street's eclectic and artistic spirit, Tattooed Mom is a comfortable and quirky bar with great food and drink deals. The space is filled with unique art and features billiards tables and games, making it a fun and creative place to hang out.
Craft Cocktail Destinations
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Hop Sing Laundromat (Chinatown): For a truly unique and upscale experience, Hop Sing Laundromat is a legendary, unmarked speakeasy. Known for its strict rules (no photos, no sneakers) and its incredible, expertly crafted cocktails, getting past the front door is part of the adventure.
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The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (Rittenhouse): This subterranean spot, often just called The Franklin Bar, is a pioneer of Philadelphia's craft cocktail scene. It's a trendy, intimate, and sophisticated destination for inventive and classic cocktails made with precision and care.
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Friday Saturday Sunday (Rittenhouse): While the upstairs is a world-class tasting menu restaurant, the intimate, first-floor bar at Friday Saturday Sunday is a destination in its own right, consistently ranked as one of the best in America for its award-winning, perfectly balanced cocktails.
Ultimate Neighborhood Haunts
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Murph's Bar (Fishtown): Murph's Bar is the definition of a beloved and unique neighborhood gem. It's a cozy, classic Irish pub—complete with coins covering the counter—that happens to serve some of the best and most authentic Italian food in the entire city.
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Garage Passyunk (East Passyunk): Decked out like an old auto shop, Garage is a fun and casual dive bar with an incredible selection of canned craft beers. A key feature is their BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) policy, allowing you to bring a cheesesteak or other bites from the surrounding East Passyunk restaurants.
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SouthHouse (South Philadelphia): A laid-back neighborhood pub, SouthHouse is a perfect spot to catch a game on one of their many TVs. It offers one of the best bar menus in the area, a great craft beer selection, and a popular weekend brunch.
Modern & Lively Spots
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Barcelona Wine Bar (East Passyunk): This vibrant spot on East Passyunk Avenue is a go-to for its extensive selection of Spanish tapas and wines. With a fantastic outdoor patio and a lively, social atmosphere, Barcelona Wine Bar is always buzzing.
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Con Murphy's Irish Pub (Logan Square): Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Con Murphy's is a modern Irish pub perfect for a meal or a pint after visiting the nearby museums. They offer traditional Irish dishes and, of course, perfectly poured Guinness pints.
From historic taverns that have been serving for over a century to modern speakeasies and quirky neighborhood gems, Philadelphia's bar scene is diverse, welcoming, and full of character. These spots offer more than just a drink; they provide a true taste of the city's unique and friendly spirit.
