The Most Beautiful Bars in Philadelphia
As Confucius once said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” This is especially true after you’ve downed a few and are having trouble seeing the barstool you were just sitting on. And because some bars are objectively more beautiful than others, we’re giving you a list of the most prepossessing places to grab a drink in Philly.
La Peg at FringeArts
Penn’s LandingLocated at the site of the former high-pressure fire system building -- a structure erected in 1903 that enabled firefighters to combat fires in Center City’s tallest buildings -- La Peg is a co-owned space with FringeArts that opened in 2014. With a turn-of-the-century, industrial-inspired design, the massive space houses a bar, restaurant, and multipurpose events stage.
Charlie Was a Sinner.
Midtown EastIt’s a little cliche to describe a bar as sexy, but Charlie Was a Sinner. definitely has a vibe that will raise the body temperature a few degrees. The dark-painted walls, intimate lighting, and antique, plush velvet seating in the lounge create an atmosphere that is perfect for a first date (or second, or third... really any date).
Olde Bar
Old CityOutside of Le Bec-Fin (which is closed), there probably isn’t a more historically relevant restaurant in Philadelphia than the Original Bookbinder's. What was once THE place to eat and do business in Philly has long since closed, but thanks to Jose Garces, you can now slurp cocktails and oysters in the new, restored Olde Bar. To really get a feel for the place, order one of the signature cocktails like the Moravian Garden or Fish House Punch.
Ashton Cigar Bar
RittenhouseAt the Ashton Cigar Bar in Rittenhouse, everything is decidedly masculine, from the leather couches to the large glass-faced humidor. The sleek and modern bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail & stogie, and engage in conversations about axes, tie clips, and R/C helicopters.
Sassafras Bar
Old CityWalking down 2nd St in Old City, it’s easy to miss Sassafras among the row of dives, tattoo parlors, and the underrated Khyber Pass. Inside, however, is a reprieve from the blandness that is most of Old City: Victorian tiled floors, tin ceilings, small marble cafe tables, and a large wooded bar. It’s simple but a throwback to what bars used to be (probably before any of us were old enough to drink in one...).
R2L
Penn CenterWith R2L, it’s not the inside of the bar we’re focused on -- it’s the view. Located on the 37th floor of Two Liberty Place, the bar and restaurant offers panoramic views 500ft above the city floor. A spot to impress, R2L also participates in Sips, allowing you to catch those sunsets at a fraction of the cost it would for the regular price.
Library Bar
RittenhouseOdds are, if you're staying at the Rittenhouse -- or have reservations at Lacroix -- you aren’t afraid to open up the checkbook for the night. And if you’re looking to spend like Rich Uncle Pennybags, the intimate Library Bar should more than fit the bill. Designed, as the name implies, to look like a library for the 1%, the 20-seat bar has art-filled walls, a roaring fireplace, and an expansive 17-page cocktail menu. Yep, pretty much exactly how we remember every library growing up.
Spruce Street Harbor
Penn’s LandingPhilly, you had us at “beer garden.” Thanks in part to some clever entrepreneurs, there are dozens of options when looking to grab a drink outside during the summer months. And no option is as pretty as Spruce Street Harbor: the floating barge bar that is part of Spruce Street Harbor Park. Whether sunning during the day or seeing the decorative lighting at night, SSH shows why nature always provides the best views.
Ranstead Room
RittenhouseHead to the back of El Rey and you’ll find the Ranstead Room, Stephen Starr’s take on the speakeasy. At the Ranstead it’s all about atmosphere -- dark and intimate, with plush red seating and walls covered in damask wallpaper and tasteful erotic art. To match the mood, go with the “bartender's choice” and let the Ranstead’s skilled staff mix you up the perfect cocktail. There isn’t a website, so you’ll need to actually head to the place to see what we’re talking about.
Bar Volver
Avenue of the ArtsClearly this Garces man knows what it takes to make a good-looking bar. At Bar Volver, Jose Garces’ companion to pricey, tasting menu-focused Volver, you can grab a pre-Kimmel Center show cocktail and small bites off the newly relaunched menu from the Iron Chef. Or better yet, head there for a Wednesday happy hour that's decidedly more upscale -- but still more reasonably priced -- than anything else in the neighborhood.
Tattooed Mom
South StCovered in graffiti, stickers, and drawings from local artists, the second floor of Tattooed Mom may not be conventionally beautiful by traditional bar standards. But take a deeper look at those walls and you’ll notice the skill and thought that went into every line. Like a lot of art, it’s not for everyone, but if it’s your thing, it’s one of the best around.
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Dan tried really hard to find a clever way to work in a David Beckham reference but realized that no bar could be that good looking. You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram at @dannypageviews.