Philadelphia Nightlife
Philadelphia's bar scene is alive with a mix of dives, stylish bars and the bohemian hangouts. If live music is your thing, there’s a wealth of options with major bands and indie upstarts lighting up Philly's stages. The city is a haven for great jazz and blues, the famous Philly Sound still a major influence on many contemporary artists. South Street, between Front Street and Seventh Street, is a trendy nightlife area, with comedy clubs, jazz and rock clubs. Other popular nightlife spots can be found on Columbus Boulevard, along the Delaware River, around Penn's Landing.
The main daily newspapers containing nightlife listings are the Philadelphia Inquirer (www.philly.com/philly/entertainment) and the Philadelphia Daily News. Entertainment listings can also be found on Discover PHL (www.discoverphl.com), Philadelphia Weekly (www.philadelphiaweekly.com) and Philadelphia Magazine's Going Out Guide (www.phillymag.com).
The performing arts have deep roots here - the city lays claim to both the country's oldest music hall and oldest theatre. South Broad Street, known as the Avenue of the Arts, is crammed with theatres, concert halls and performing arts schools.
Bars in Philadelphia
2nd Story Brewing
Craft beer fanatics coming to Philly need look no further than this funky, second floor hangout. These guys brew their own ales, which have been rightly lauded as some of the best in the United States. The vibe is chilled and the snacks and pub grub are far more than just fodder.
Address: , 117 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 19106Telephone: +1 267 314 5770.
Website: http://www.2ndstorybrewing.com
Cuba Libre
The name is a bit of a giveaway. Watch Cuban expat pros do their thing and groove to salsa and merengue while sinking a few drinks. Once the show is over, jump on the dance floor and try to emulate their moves. On Friday and Saturday they really kick it up a notch when DJs begin to play Latin fusion music until 2am.
Address: , 10 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, 19106Telephone: +1 215 627 0666.
Website: http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com
The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co.
Philly’s hottest spot for cocktails, the Franklin takes its name from a Prohibition-era alcohol ring. The door’s unmarked, but once you wangle your way in, we promise you’ll want to stay for the whole evening. Make sure you check out the tiki bar upstairs.
Address: , 112 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 19103Telephone: +1 215 467 3277.
Website: http://www.thefranklinbar.com
a.kitchen+bar
Great for small plates and locally brewed beers, the atmosphere in this joint is always lively, but never too hectic. A handpicked array of fine spirits and natural wines add to the propitiator’s precision in crafting a world class drinking spot – just make sure you try the food as well.
Address: , 135 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 19103Telephone: +1 215 825 7030.
Website: http://www.akitchenandbar.com
Clubs in Philadelphia
Silk City
Part-diner, part-dance club, Silk City is now one of the hottest clubs in Philly. Once the chefs have done their thing (the pub grub is really good here), it’s down to national DJs and local acts to rock the dancefloor. Its hippy patio and garden also has the odd sunset set too.
Address: , 435 Spring Garden Street., Philadelphia, 19123Telephone: +1 215 592 8838.
Website: http://www.silkcityphilly.com
The Barbary
This cash-only club is the place to dance your feet off after a day on the tourist trail. It’s billed by many as a hipster joint and is one of the most welcoming clubs in the city, with great DJs and excellent tunes.
Address: , 951 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 19125Telephone: +1 215 634 7400.
Website: http://www.barbarylive.com
Live music in Philadelphia
Boot and Saddle
This hip 150 capacity venue has quickly earned a reputation as one of Philly’s finest hangouts. Come for the latest cutting edge bands, which pass through town, stay for the huge array of beers and the gut busting burger. Happy hour is between 1800 and 2000 every Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: , 1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 19147Telephone: +1 267 639 4528.
Website: https://www.bootandsaddlephilly.com
Union Transfer
Union Transfer is Philly’s best spot for catching the finest new local indie bands and touring acts. Its wraparound balcony means you can kick back with a beer while watching the action. Alternatively, take it down to the pit and mosh with the best of them. Don’t worry about getting drinks from a crowd bar, there are three bars to choose from.
Address: , 1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, 19123Telephone: +1 215 232 2100.
Website: http://www.utphilly.com
World Cafe Live
For an excellent line-up of world music, head across the river to WorldCafé Live, boasting two lovely performance spaces set in an old art deco factory. Downstairs is where the big acts roll up and get the party grooving, while its intimate café is where live radio broadcasts are recorded.
Address: , 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 19104Telephone: +1 215 222 1400.
Website: http://www.worldcafelive.com
