50 Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

“Awesome speakeasy style bar. Small (15ish tables plus bar space) and doesnt take reservations. Got lucky that there was a table open when we walked in as it was the last one. Booth was comfty, mood lighting was romantic, music was a bit odd for the setting (latin-ish vibes) but not distracting. Drinks were great, had the bartenders choice which resulted in a good interesting drink. Lots of liquor options too and snacking food looked solid.“

“Great cocktails and food and super fun vibe. Stopped here with friends. Cocktails were delicious and very unique. Starters like the fried pickled asparagus and the pimento cheese were delicious. Awesome hot dogs and boardwalk fries. Friendly staff and bartenders and great music.“

“Great food- attentive waitstaff.“

“I had a great brunch. Loved the atmosphere. Food was excellent. I’ll definitely be back“

“Great drinks and the music allows for good conversation without being quiet. Awesome tiki bar!“

“Killer cocktails! We will be back!“

“Not child friendly need more option“

“We had a good, not great meal here. For the price (which was considerable) we were definitely expecting a bit more. The cocktails were great and the service great, the food was a bit underwhelming. We went with the tasting menu instead of a la carte and found the dishes good, but not anything particularly special. They were very accommodating with an allergy which was very nice. I'd like to try the bar menu but probably don't need another dining room experience.“

“Not kidding. Our table of 4 ordered nearly everything in the menu. Each bite was delicious, balanced, nuanced, worldly, fresh, and inventive. We ordered a second dish of the carrots, and also the cukes. Dessert was outstanding. Interesting wines, including a chilled Croatian wine that paired well with every dish. Definitely returning. Soon! ❤️“

“Pretty atmosphere and good food“

“The food was fabulous!! Atmosphere was spot on! Love, love, loved it!!“

“The Bok building is a magical place, but go to the roof and eat at Irwins. The food, drink, and service was outstanding. The outdoor rooftop seating has a beautiful view of south Philly. Our reservation was outside. During our experience it did rain a bit, but it was worth staying. Our server was a trooper for keeping the patio goin. At night during a Phils/Eagles game you can hear the crowd roar. Electric.

The food and drink was great. There are Mezze, Pasta, Main Entree and Dessert options. I assume the menu is seasonal based on the ingredients, but I am unsure. There is a cocktail menu, wine offerings and full bar. I didnt have time to even take pictures of all the food and cocktails we were enjoying it soo much. We ordered about half the menu and will be returning to order the remaining items.

Dessert is worth it's own mention. At a lot of places, dessert is kinda a throwaway/pass. Not at Irwins. I told my wife we will also be coming back to Irwins solely for drinks and desserts next time we are eating somewhere else close by. We got the Milk and Honey Pistachio Gelato and an Almond Torta Cake that should be nominated for some kind of award.

I would recommend making a reservation. If the weather is nice, eat outside. Tell your spouse you are taking them to a Sicily Roof Jawn for dinner.“

“We stumbled upon Pearl's looking for someplace place to go after we saw our original destination was closed. I am so glad we did. The owner found us a table himself. The service was top notch starting with the owner Shawn and shop out to our awesome waitress Ariana. I ordered the smash burger and it was so delicious I ordered another one. Drinks were good and not overpriced. Highly recommend and we will be returning.“

“The food and service were outstanding and the ambiance was perfect for our Anniversary dinner.“

“Awesome food and staff always fresh delicious ingredients!“

“My husband took me out to Philly for an early Mother’s Day gift. He said we were going to a “speakeasy” type bar in Chinatown but I didn’t believe him. When we got to an iron screen door, he was like this is it and I was like you got to be kidding me. The owner came out, asked my husband if he knew it was a cash bar took our ids then went inside. The owner brought back our ids then took us inside to a foyer where he told us the rules of the bar. Cash only, absolutely, no photography and no phones. If you need to take a phone call, you go back to foyer area or outside to not disturb people. We agreed to rules and went inside. The bar was dimly lit with candles on each table. The decor was amazing with pictures and antiques on the wall. We were sat at a table and given a cocktail menu. The cocktails were unique and separated by whiskey, gin, vodka and rum. If you need a light since it is so dim in the bar, they will bring you a light because they brought one to my husband. There were no beers on the menu so if that is what you’re looking for then this isn’t the place for you. We ordered our cocktails and they were amazing. Since there is no phone usage, you have more of an intimate experience with the person you are with because you aren’t distracted by your phone. We sat and talked while drinking our drinks. The owner came over and asked us about our drinks and how we were doing. We then ordered another round of drinks and continued talking. We enjoyed our time at Hop Sing Laundromat. Service was great, bartenders were great, owner was great, and the ambiance was amazing. This is a great date night spot for anyone who wants to enjoy a intimate setting with a cocktail or two. I would post pictures but again, No Photography so you would have to go in order to see it to believe it. You will enjoy this experience and not be disappointed.“

“This restaurant is a love letter to food. The service was amazing, the ambience was fantastic, and the food was some of the best I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in Philly. My gf and I stopped during a busy Friday service and got seating right away at the bar with full menu available. I hope every employee here is shown gratitude for the excellent restaurant they are running. We will be back many more times!“

“Music on South St. continues thanks to Katie and Tom from Milkboy South St. You know there is a very easy way to su0porrt Philadelphia venues. Show up“

“One of my favorite places to eat! Well-crafted food with a sense of adventure. Always delicious. Incredible margaritas too. Service is attentive (calling you out, Alex- you are wonderful!). Can’t go wrong.“

“Fantastic dining experience our server Sean Martin was amazing.“

“I’ve been to Fishtown Social many times and every experience has been great. Every wine/cocktail I’ve ordered has been very enjoyable. The whites and oranges are among the best I’ve ever had. I know I can try a few different wines here that I wouldn’t normally drink because the menu is always strong.

The service has always been friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I was just here last night catching up with some friends. Even though it was last call and close to closing, the servers were very patient and accommodating. In the past, they’ve also helped me choose from their bottle shop selection in the back.

It also has a great atmosphere - candles, a beautiful bar, and outdoor seating. Stopping by here is always a treat!“

“Seriously incredible. The chicken tortilla soup is my favorite soup east of the Mississippi. Perfect amount of spice, chicken, crispy torts, and avacado. Have tried majority of different entrees all very good, staff is so welcoming. Never change the soup“

“I’ve only managed to make it to this place twice, the first time mid-June after getting off work early from Brooklyn Bowl just down the street, and the second a few hours before writing this review. Even after getting a hair cut between my first and second visit, Kyle and Josiah immediately recognized me just as I walked in. Despite its small size with the only food in the place being available from a vending machine (Primarily chips and a few other snacks.), the range of drinks was wonderful, with my two choices in particular being the pisco sour (a little rich, very juicy, and the chocolate shavings complementing those characteristics pleasantly), and the Smoke And Barrels (A Manhattan combining the classic rye element with mezcal and an amaro, wonderfully balanced with the smoky and spirit-forward aspects, a little tart from the cherry, easily one of my favorite ever riffs on a classic). Apart from the aforementioned cocktails, I also had a couple shots of the rum blend which was phenomenal, straight juicy and bright. I’d be happy to try it again.

The drinks are only part of the fun. As I had already stated, Kyle and Josiah IMMEDIATELY recognized my face as I walked in, despite the massive haircut, and they were just as awesome from my prior visit months ago. Even better, I gifted a tiki bottle opener that my coworker gave me a couple years ago over the holidays, and it is still there, evidently standing strong as ever, if you’re interested in asking them. Moving forward from that, I had some wonderful conversations with some fellow patrons. One of them was particularly buzzed, and even then our conversation wasn’t hampered by that. The compact, intimate feel to this place is wonderful, especially if you’re having a night out with friends or on a date for just drinks.

It’s largely focused on vibes, bringing new faces together, and just overall having a wonderful time without getting messed up. Believe me, this is the type of place you come to for wonderful drinks and splendid vibes, and staff who don’t just know what they’re doing, but know they can, and WILL have fun committing themselves to their craft. That’s what has truly made me come back, and it will remain that way. I’m looking forward to my next stop here, the next drinks, and my next wonderful conversations. Cheers to all who see this, and happy sailing!

A short, final note: Be prepared to drink lots of water. The staff are all in the mindset of hydrating everyone regardless of how busy it is. The second your glass of water is on the verge, it will be refilled before you can say anything. Something I love seeing in bars and restaurants, cheers!“

“Hands down, the best drinks in the city! Each cocktail was like a work of art—thoughtfully crafted with incredible attention to detail and flavor. You can really tell the bartenders put care and creativity into every pour.
This spot is perfect for a date night or if you’re just in the mood to treat yourself to an exceptional cocktail experience. The vibe is relaxed yet stylish, and the staff couldn’t be more friendly or knowledgeable.
Absolutely loved my time here and can’t wait to come back for more. Highly, highly recommend!“

“Absolutely love love love Kiddo - the menu changes based on what's in season, and the chef's thoughtfulness and attention to detail are unsurpassed. Many dishes are veggie-forward, creative and sensational, but my (fussy) husband swears the pork is the best he's ever had. Drinks are perfect, fresh bread heavenly. Can't recommend highly enough!“

“The space is simply gorgeous, so well done, and their menu was very fun. Drinks are really interesting but mine ultimately wasn't very delicious, just different. It was so loud and very cold inside which made it tough to relax and hang out.“

“A group of us went here last night and we loved our experience! The food was excellent. Entrees - steak frites, burgers - were all great. Everyone enjoyed their appetizers too. Also, a really nice selection of cocktails and wine. The service was very friendly and accommodating. We will be back!“

“Very nice establishment I discovered it sadly after howl at the moon closed.... for its size it is close corners at times but still great I personally luv the low key lighting for the chandler's and high top tables around to welcome random goers :) last Saturday I came and the bartender made a great old fashion tonight I stuck with a basic drink ? with in 10 -15 second not making it up I was greeted and served ? absolutely worth coming again ?

Kid-friendliness: Friendly bartenders and front door host“

“Had a few drinks here with the lovely bartender Alyssa(sp?!) looking out for me and showing me the good stuff. Of course fancypants mcgee here had to go for the most expensive cocktail on the list, but The Waldorf is absolutely worth it! (Tobacco Road and Bombay Moon were beautiful too don't get me wrong)
Next time I'm in the area I'll try a few of their enormous assortment of whiskey's, I counted like 170ish on the shelves, lord knows what goodies they have in their secret stash... well worth the trip ?“

“Kind and Handsome server and delicious wine selection!“

“It was a wonderful experience the service was great the food was great !!!!! Highly recommend!!!!!“

“Great food and drinks At happy hour“

“Bar1010 in Philadelphia is an absolute gem that exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived on a bustling evening, we were met with impeccable service. Our server was incredibly attentive, making us feel welcomed and ensuring every detail of our dining experience was perfect. The restaurant’s flexibility in accommodating my vegetarian needs was remarkable, showing a genuine dedication to guest satisfaction.

The cocktail menu is nothing short of exceptional. The espresso martinis are to die for: rich, perfectly balanced, and executed flawlessly and the variety they offer ensures there’s a flavor to match every preference. The food at Bar1010 is equally impressive. As an Indian, my standards for flavor are high, and the Tikka Masala pizza absolutely blew me away. It was perfectly spiced, rich, and indulgent, yet balanced beautifully on a crisp crust. The Indian-style pizza is a unique and unforgettable twist, highlighting the creativity of the kitchen.

The bruschetta was light, refreshing, and simply delicious, a perfect start to our meal. The outdoor seating adds a charming touch, offering a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy both food and drinks while taking in the vibrant Philly energy.

Overall, Bar1010 is a perfect blend of innovative cuisine, exceptional cocktails, and unmatched hospitality. Whether you’re seeking inventive dishes, outstanding drinks, or attentive service in a welcoming environment, this spot delivers on all fronts. Highly recommend for both casual nights out and special occasions, Bar1010 will leave you coming back for more.“

“1st time there and can’t wait to go back! Great atmosphere, customer service and outstanding food! Loved the variety and unique tacos. Highly recommend. 👍🏻“

“Only been there twice, but was enthralled each time. These guys get it. The service is friendly and impeccable, the food is prepared meticulously, the dishes are creative and high quality. Love the mood of the place; the ambience is perfect. Highly recommend their jazz brunch.“

“Amazing place, delicious food, fun atmosphere and reasonable prices“

“Fantastic!! Queso fundido with chorizo served with flour tortillas was amazing. The birria tacos are definitely worth getting again. And the drinks were delicious and delightful. The Sangre de Bruja and the Purgotorio!!!“

“I am giving Tattoed Mom’s all of the stars possible. The vibe is immaculate, food is spectacular, staff are top notch and it’s a super inviting place to hang out. Sunday craft night was amazing as well. Anyone on South St. needs to check out this gem. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Great Place! Great Food! Casual Atmosphere! Recommend!“

“Stopped by Superior yesterday after a hot, dusty day at the Conshohocken Mill! Ran into your tasting rep and loved your product 💯👍“

“Dope spot ....food great 👍🏾 nice vibes“

“I had an amazing meal at this restaurant! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We started off with the ribeye pinwheels appetizer, and they were a real treat—perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. For the main course, I went with the ribeye with mashed potatoes, and it was fantastic. The steak was so tender and juicy, and the mashed potatoes were creamy and flavorful, a great match for the ribeye. My friend had the filet mignon with a house salad, and it was cooked perfectly too. The filet was so tender and full of flavor, and the salad was fresh and crisp.

Everything came out just as we hoped—cooked to perfection and full of flavor. It was a great dining experience, and I can’t wait to come back and try more dishes from the menu!“

“stop by curious of good burgers !! found GREAT burgers and FANTASTIC people! now Wolf Burger is my reg. Friday stop @ 👍🏻😋❤️“

“Mikaela is a superior server. She made the experience so much more enjoyable than it was already! The Korean Fried Chicken portion is huge and it was delicious. The bao buns are the tastiest we've had. The seasonal pumpkin spice cake dessert with cranberry orange sorbet is unforgettable. Great and friendly staff and a fun evening!“

“Great fun! Awesome music, cool crowd. Great place to dance and celebrate life!! Yummy drinks!“

“Great food. The staff was friendly and attentive. Nice place to visit.“

“stopped in to drop off beer and had a cocktail. i asked if they could make a singapore sling & evan delivered a 10/10 sling. thank you once again for going off menu.

beautiful space. very nice staff. had some snacks i can't remember the names of but they were delicious !

can't wait to come back for a full meal.“

“Amazing, delicious. creative food!❤️“

“So happy we stumbled upon this hidden gem after going to an event in the area. The atmosphere is really nice & we sat at the bar. We had amazing bartender, Kem, who was very personable and offered great food and drink suggestions and friendly conversation. The drinks were excellent and the pizza was even better. We have tried many pizza places and this is now up there as one of our favorites. I can’t wait to come back and try more of the pizzas. Highly recommend checking this place out!“

“delicious. exactly what I expected from the sister restaurant of River Twice. they are very consistent with their food. the presentation is beautiful and the food is mouth watering. it is well portioned. I sat at the bar and the bartender was nice, informative, and provided well placed service. I had the octopus with the collards, the hasbrowns with crab and uni, and the sea scallops as my main. the penicillin milk punch was so well balanced. my white wine paired well with my scallops. I was a little sad to not be able to get dessert since they didn't have any gluten free. absolutely a great solo dining experience and will be going again in the future“