15 Rooftop Bars with Jaw-Dropping Views of Philadelphia

The elevated outdoor terrace at U-City’s City Tap House is a perfect destination for laid-back ambiance and lots and lots of craft beer. The airy space features fire pits for cooler nights and plenty of seating for group brunches, lazy happy hours, and post-game celebrating. Along with an extensive list of more than 60 beers, you can find solid bar favorites alongside more upscale dishes like mussels prepared three ways and Steak Frites.

Things get extra lofty at XIX, the restaurant that takes up the 19th-floor domed rooftop of the Bellevue Hotel. The interior feels extra luxurious, with gorgeous architectural details that open up to the rooftop terrace. If you can score a spot outdoors, you’ll find a sparkly view from the heart of Center City, the perfect backdrop for digging into oysters, charcuterie, and other shareable small plates.

For a family-friendly option that puts you in the thick of Philly’s sightseeing destinations, the second floor of the Independence Visitor Center comes with a taste of local Philly and an elevated view of some of its most iconic landmarks. Bites from Brulee Catering anchor the menu, which also includes sips from Workhorse Brewing Co. and Wissahickon Brewing Co.

Patchwork Restaurant offers an elevated al fresco patio on the second floor of the Hyatt Centric, positioning itself as the go-to happy hour spot for sophisticated cocktails and food inspired by the “patchwork” nature of Philly’s eclectic neighborhoods. Stop in for dinner for seasonal menus crafted by executive chef Jonathan Dearden with dishes like Cape May Oysters with a pickled ginger mignonette and Crudo with blood orange.

Assembly sits atop the Logan Hotel and looks down at the busy Benjamin Franklin Parkway, open for happy hour and 90-minute seatings Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 pm. If you don’t mind springing for a cover charge and maybe popping some bottles, a cushioned seat on the outdoor terrace by the fire pit makes for a gorgeous ambiance.
How to book: Via Tock

Attico is a perfect stop whether you’re on the hunt for weekend brunch with spritzy cocktails, weekday happy hour, or late-night DJs and bottle service. The indoor-outdoor space is outfitted with trendy decor to make it feel like a hot summer getaway, while discounted happy hour snacks and cocktails make it a more affordable one.
How to book: Via Seven Rooms

This beautiful South Philly rooftop, perched on a former vocational school, is open for a full calendar of drag brunches and yoga. You don’t need a reservation to stop by the Bok Building’s rooftop bar (although a limited number of table-service reservations are also available) and sample a collection of dishes from Samar Lazzari that highlights plant-forward takes on Arab-American cuisine and seasonal drink options. Soak in the sparkling, sprawling views of the city—dusk is always one of the best times to go.

Stephen Starr’s mid-century modern Continental has the vintage-fitted rooftop dreams are made of, complete with a malm fireplace and conversation pit. Go get some Shoestring Fries and Lobster Mac with your martini—the Continental can be as casual or formal as you’d like, but it always delivers an instantly transportive retro vibe that extends to its food and drink menu.

Rooftop seating plus a boat? Seems hard to resist. The Deck at Moshulu offers prime waterfront views on Penn’s Landing, so head over for craft beer cans, seasonal cocktails, sushi, and other seafood-centric small bites, or go all out on the massive Seafood Plateau, complete with shrimp, oysters, tuna tartare, sushi, and crab cocktail.

The upstairs taqueria at Condesa is in full bloom when warm weather hits. A retractable rooftop on the 11th floor means you can dine in any temperature, but it’s especially nice when it’s open and airy among the bistro lights and potted plants. Come to watch the sunset with agave-based spirits and natural wines.

Every corner of Revolution House is warm and inviting, from the big oak bar to the tufted couch lounge areas. The real star, of course, is the rooftop, overlooking Market and Second Streets so you can soak up the sun while feasting upon Za’atar Flatiron Steak, Korean Tacos, and Prosciutto Pizza.

This delectable French-American restaurant features not only a Negroni bar, seafood towers aplenty, and fromage plates, but also a very sweet rooftop garden hideaway on the second floor. It’s the ideal backdrop for catching a breeze and washing down your escargot with a French 52, a take on the classic named after the restaurant’s address that employs sparkling rosé and rose water.

This NoLibs mainstay is known for three things: rotating craft beer drafts, phenomenal pub fare, and a laid-back, all-seasons rooftop deck. Canopied over the corner of Poplar Street, the deck is a perfect place to settle in for a pint and the pub’s deloved Standard Burger.

Stratus offers a chic, airy setting for drinks and bites atop the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, right in the heart of the historic district. The rooftop menus offer light bites, flatbreads, and even French Macarons, as well as bottle service and an elevated beverage program. If you’re looking for high design and to get all dressed up, this is your spot.
LINK: Seven Rooms

An intriguing fixture on the Cira Green rooftop park, Sunset Social always has something good playing on its massive outdoor TV and plenty of frozen cocktails and nibbly bar food to go around. For a low-key outing with your pup, visit for Tuesday Yappy Hour. If you’re there to move, visit on Thursdays for a rooftop DJ block party. Keep an eye out for the 2022 opening date on Instagram.