The best bars & nightlife in Philadelphia

“Unfussy haunt offering American grub such as burgers & avocado fries, plus spirits & artisanal beer.”

“Elegant gathering place for clever cocktails, all with zero alcohol content.”

“Cool cocktail bar featuring Japanese-inspired classics, plus wine, beer and spirits.”

“This week, skip the syrupy stuff and try Commonwealth Ciders, a Kensington-born maker fermenting all-natural, gluten-free ciders bone-dry with no back sweeteners. Go for Traditional Dry, Black Cherry, Gregarious Ginger, or Razzberet Tart, from the crew behind USA’s #1 Best Cider 2024.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Freedom Mortgage Pavilion keeps Camden buzzing with headline acts and 30+ years of music and memories. This week and beyond, the lineup is stacked... think 5 Seconds of Summer, Chris Stapleton, Lil Wayne, TLC & Salt-N-Pepa, even Gorillaz, so text the group and pick a night.”

From the Camden County newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Since 1978, Byrne's Tavern has kept Philly fed with famous crabs and chicken wings, a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, and those dangerously snackable Potato Logs. Slide in for neighborhood prices and a warm, friendly atmosphere that hits just right with a pint and a platter of Bobby Chez crab cakes.”

“Beer garden serving craft cocktails, food, and hookah in an urban space that hosts live music.”

“Extensive array of Spanish-centric small plates & wine with an outdoor patio.”

“Trendy tapas lounge featuring creative cocktails, beer, and wine, plus regular live music.”

“This renovated diner with an outdoor beer garden serves classics like fried chicken & meatloaf.”

“24/7 casino offers table games, slots, live entertainment, 4 restaurants/bars & free shuttle bus.”

“Urban winery and intimate venue featuring nationally touring performers, plus a wine-focused menu.”

“Spacious, relaxed, welcoming destination specializing in ciders and meads, plus a laid-back vibe and friendly staff.”

“Creative New American bar fare, including wings, in a dimly lit space with mismatched decor.”

“Renovated historic property with mahogany bar & TV sports, plus craft beers & pub food classics.”

“A sleek bar with world-wide wines by the glass or bottle, plus cocktails, small plates & brunch.”

“Unfiltered, low-intervention cidery producing dry beverages from locally sourced ingredients.”

“Pub grub made with local ingredients plus beer served in a Reading Terminal Market tavern.”

“Brick-lined place offering pub fare & a patio, plus a neon-lit lounge with live entertainment.”

“Cozy tasting room featuring hand-crafted hard cider, including gluten-free options, plus food.”

“Old-school neighborhood tavern specializing in craft beers & a limited menu of burgers & snacks.”

“A rotating selection of reds, whites & sparklers, plus cocktails, beer & sharable small plates.”

“Throwback crab bar with casual menu of nachos, sandwiches & more, plus craft & seasonal beers.”

“Trendy wine bar with a dimly lit ambiance and candlelight serving snacks plus hot dogs.”

“Snug cafe with an ever-changing wine, cheese & beer selection plus a varied small-plates menu.”

“Wings, beers & burgers anchor a varied menu of bar bites in a flair-filled Irish pub atmosphere.”

“Wines by the bottle or glass plus cocktails & bistro plates both big & small, all in an airy venue.”

“American-style food served in an informal waterfront restaurant boasting skyline views.”

“Cozy bar with Southern BBQ as well as a variety of vegan options backed by a vast beer selection.”

“Cozy 2-story tavern with multiple rooms offering pub grub, sports on TV & a festive crowd.”