50 Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

“This place is an amazingly different vibe. The food is unique. And delicious if you like to try different stuff. On Sunday they have this thing where you pay what you want for your food …not drinks. You still have to pay the tax based on the list price of your food choices as well as a 20% gratuity but that’s a considerable discount. But even with that type of incentive the food is so amazing you’re gonna want to pay something. This restaurant is great for vegetarian vegan dining and seafood dining. Great vibes.“

“The Ranstead Room is cozy bar that feels like it’s from a different era. We didn’t have to wait long but we got there at 6:30 PM on a Saturday night. It’s dim lit and can be a bit loud, so keep that in mind for whoever you’re going with! I loved the service, and they had an option for people like me who never know what to order. They asked me what kind of alcohol I prefer, the flavor profile I like best, and any other specifics I’m looking for and came out with a great drink! It was a fruity and tropical cocktail which was in a tall glass, and pretty strong. You get what you pay for in a good way!“

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

“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! ❤️“

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

“Not child friendly need more option“

“My boyfriend and I were visiting Philly for his birthday and we stumbled (literally) into Next of Kin. The name said it all. We felt like we were part of the action, but even more so, apart of the family. The hospitality was top tier and the crowd was just as welcoming. The drinks were crafted with finesse and whimsy. A favorite of ours was the “Demons in the Dugout”. The crew was incredibly personable and even remembered us when we came back the next night to celebrate some more. Certainly worth a visit, and definitely, a go-to spot for anyone.“

“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.“

“2 people went for happy hour. $10 wine. And it was decent wine. Our 4 drinks and tempura apples with tax and tip were $85, which is $42.50 pp. That’s not really happy hour pricing. But the staff is nice. The place was clean and quiet.

While not strictly vegetarian, the food is vegetable forward.“

“Andra Hem offers something beyond an exceptional cocktail menu: the opportunity to experience mixology as omakase.

Find a seat at the bar, share a little about your palate, and then surrender the decisions to the bartender. The experience becomes less about ordering a drink and more about trusting a skilled professional to create something you might never have chosen for yourself.

The Scandinavian influence, thoughtful ingredients, and intimate atmosphere provide the setting, but the real attraction is the craftsmanship behind the bar.

For those who appreciate the artistry of a great cocktail, my recommendation is simple: put down the menu, trust the bartender, and enjoy the experience.“

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

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Most Incredible Experience at Pearls on the Corner!

I honestly cannot say enough amazing things about Pearls on the Corner in Fishtown! We chose Pearls to host my 30th birthday celebration and surprise proposal, and from start to finish, they went above and beyond in every possible way. What could have simply been a night out turned into one of the most unforgettable and meaningful nights of my life.

From the very beginning, their team was incredibly accommodating, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our celebration special. They didn’t just host our event — they helped bring our vision to life. Every little detail was thoughtfully considered, and you could truly tell how much care and effort went into making the night perfect.

The personalization was absolutely incredible. They went out of their way to make everything feel like it was created specifically for us, from the atmosphere and setup to the drinks and cocktails. The cocktails were AMAZING, and having personalized drinks made the celebration feel even more intimate and special. Every detail felt intentional and elevated.

What impressed me most was how willing they were to go the extra mile. There were so many moving parts between a 30th birthday celebration and a surprise proposal, and they handled everything with such professionalism, flexibility, and enthusiasm. They were there for every little detail and truly did everything and more to make sure the night went smoothly.

And the best part? Our guests were absolutely blown away. Everyone kept talking about how beautiful the space was, how amazing the drinks were, how wonderful the staff was, and how much fun they had. Seeing everyone I love having such an incredible time made the night even more special.

A surprise proposal is something you only get to experience once, and I am so grateful that Pearls on the Corner was part of such an important moment in our lives. They helped create memories that we will genuinely cherish forever.

If you are looking for a place in Fishtown to host a birthday, engagement, private event, or honestly any celebration at all, I cannot recommend Pearls on the Corner enough. Their attention to detail, hospitality, creativity, drinks, atmosphere, and willingness to go above and beyond are unmatched.

Thank you to the entire Pearls on the Corner team for making my 30th birthday and surprise proposal absolutely PERFECT. You exceeded every expectation and made a night that was already incredibly meaningful even more magical. We are so grateful and will be talking about this night for years to come! ❤️✨🥂💍

10/10 — truly an unforgettable experience!“

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

“Killer cocktails! We will be back!“

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

“i am obviously a big fat liar because although i declared myself full from the wonderful omakase downstairs, i could not resist their menu of delectable japanese bites. i mean, just look. look at it.

drinks, impeccable. food, wish i had more room to eat everything else.“

“Our team recently hosted a corporate event at F1 Arcade Philadelphia, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish!

The planning process was seamless, communication was excellent and every detail was handled with professionalism and care. The F1 venue brand new: food, service, and racing experience exceeded expectations, creating a fun and memorable evening for our team. We received fantastic feedback from attendees and could not have asked for a better experience.

A huge thank you to Arielle, Koby, and Travis for their partnership, hospitality, and commitment to delivering a first-class experience. We highly recommend F1 Arcade Philadelphia for team events and corporate gatherings!“

“Fantastic place! Great beer selections and cocktails. The food was fantastic. We had the Coconut Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes to start. Then we had the Brisket Sandwich and my husband had the Buffalo Wings. The Brisket Sandwich was amazing...so incredibly tender, lots of flavor, completely falls apart with each bite. My husband was so happy with his wings. He was so happy that they were actually crispy and full of flavor. The staff is amazing. So incredibly friendly and provide amazing service. Amazing place highly recommend. So happy we tired this place ♡♡♡♡♡“

“Enswell offers something genuinely special: a cocktail program built around Pennsylvania spirits, where a limited selection becomes an opportunity to showcase extraordinary bartending skill.

The magic is in the constraints. Rather than relying on an endless inventory of spirits, the bartenders demonstrate remarkable creativity, technique, and command of flavor. Whatever your preferred profile, they seem capable of delivering.

I started with an excellent menu cocktail, then simply told the bartender, “You pick.” She took the reins without hesitation and delivered something far better than I could have selected myself.

That is the difference between making drinks and practicing a craft. Enswell is a true Pennsylvania experience, and its bartenders are exceptional!“

“The only somewhat negative thing i can think of, the A.C. force was strong in this place 🤣
Seriously, great birthday dinner out with mom tonight. The French onion soup dumpling was a warm and cozy start. The truffle risotto was actually risotto, what a 'mmm' comfort on this comfort food chicken sandwich. I had the Insatiable burger which had that POW! Damn, that's good! first bite. 😋
Banana pudding boozy shake, delicious and really worth a visit all on it's own. Espresso martini, chilled to perfection. Carmel brownie dessert a crowd pleaser. The affogato was the perfect ending, tie this dinner experience up in a bow 😁“

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

“This was our first time dining at Little Water. The menu is very limited with only 3 entrees, one of which is very pricey. My husband had the Wednesday special- fried chicken, which was a very generous portion and seemed to be very popular. We started with the sourdough bread, which was top notch. I had the halibut, which was delicious. We would definitely return but not consistently given the limited menu.“

“This is a fantastic place for a work event! Excellent value and everyone had a great time! Don't worry about if everyone will play darts - they will and it is lots of fun. Flight Club can provide the photos and videos that were taken during the event to share with others, which is a great addition to make the fun last. The only issue was slow service at the beginning, but they were hit with several huge parties at once and recovered.“

“Went here for a couple of cocktails after a comedy show in the area.

The place is so cozy and comfortable. The staff is absolutely accommodating attentive, friendly and fast.

I don't drink alcohol, but my husband does. He loved his drink and I had an amazing mocktail. Sadly, I have no idea what my husband got. All I remember is that it had a stick that was smoking 😂. I got something with berries which was absolutely delicious.“

“Great food- attentive waitstaff.“

“Kind and Handsome server and delicious wine selection!“

“I am a regular at Spin Philadelphia. I usually go and have a very good time. I enjoy the food, drinks, and the atmosphere. I recently had a situation where someone asked security to deal with me. I was upset and started acting up because I was being wrongfully accused. Even though my night was going bad, I felt better because of the way I was treated by some staff. The security guy with the bandana and the front desk ping pong player were very nice to me. They heard me out, showed me respect, and were very understanding of the situation. They assured me that I was welcomed back anytime. I really appreciated that. Thank you.“

“Alice is a wonderful restaurant with incredible food, but with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is really a gem of a restaurant with dishes that are unique but thoughtfully crafted and really well prepared. I highly recommend Alice for great food and a really nice ambience.“

“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. 👍🏻“

“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.“

“I went to Bar Palmina on a Friday night and had a qonderful time! As highighted in the press, it's an NA/zero-proof bar--but the vibes were 100%. The atmosphere was classy and sophisticated; making me feel like I had stepped into the cantina from Star Wars!

The bartender/owner was incredibly attentive and took the time to explain the drinks and what made each flavor so unique. It was a fun, memorable experience from from start to finish. 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone.“

“Classy but casual atmosphere and some of the most inventive and impressive vegan dishes I’ve had anywhere. A mandatory stop whenever I’m in Philly!“

“it was a great place to check out had a great time highly recommend going and seeing for yourself“

“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.“

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

“Great food and drinks At happy hour“

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

“This is such a cute little bar with great drinks and food. They have like 15 different kinds of espresso martinis and great deals for happy hour, trivia, and karaoke nights! Normally nice and quiet on week nights and definitely a vibe on the weekends!“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Awesome food and staff always fresh delicious ingredients!“

“We sat at the bar and got to hang with Paul. He was a fantastic bartender and very attentive - he really made our experience. Ask him what he’s been cooking up recently and he’ll make you something fantastic. Really loved this place and can’t wait to come back.“

“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“

“Amazing drag performers highly recommend“

“Came in on Saturday last week for my birthday and tonight for my girlfriend’s birthday. The atmosphere is chill the views are amazing. Our servers have been engaging and knowledgeable. And the food is outstanding. Last week we did the chef’s tasting with the whole fish as the main course ($90 per person). Tonight we got the fritto misto, the eggplant and eggplant caponata, and the swordfish with green garlic for the apps. The rigatoni, spaghetti, and the trophie for the second course (pasta full plates) and the half chicken for the main course. Everything was delicious but the trophie pistachio pesto stood out as the best dish for my girlfriend and I. We finished the night with two cappuccino’s and tiramisu. It is a little pricey but worth every penny. If you’re looking for excellent food, a great atmosphere and beautiful views Irwin’s is the place. In my opinion Irwin’s and Meetinghouse in Fishtown are the two coolest restaurants in Philly.“

“A rather pleasant weekday afternoon, though the breeze suggested fall was coming. We were surprised to find a comfortable table so easily for our date night. Drinks were good, if a bit pricey. We’ll be back when we want a quiet drink.“

“nice local pub worth a visit“

“STATIC! is such a lovely addition to the Gayborhood. The cocktails are creative and thoughtfully crafted, the space feels cozy and welcoming, and the staff genuinely make you feel at home. Finn was my bartender and really made the experience memorable: friendly, attentive, and passionate! Can't wait to come back. :-)“

“We were just there to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from TJU. Impeccable service, delicious food and cocktails. Our server, Michael was amazing from start to finish! The care and concern for my Dad’s well being did not go unnoticed and was appreciated! Will definitely be in again! Thank you for a great evening!“

“What a literal treasure this place is! Their pizza is delicious. The crust is perfect. The Parmesan with a side of Caesar salad is amazing. Cheesy bread, yum. I have had a few of their pizzas. There are none I've tasted that I don't like. My favorite byfar is the Tikka one. I'll get it every single time. I'd recommend a reservation. I wish the tables were bigger. Sometimes, the service can seem a little rushed. But, this is the home if my favorite expresso martini. The salted caramel option is the most amazing espresso martini I've tasted. I will keep coming back as long as they are open.“