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Like a freshly poured, almost-overflowing beer, Philadelphia’s Historic District is brimming with options for adult refreshment.
Whether you prefer an open-air spot with games, snacks and 40 taps (Independence Beer Garden), a waterfront view with late-night dancing (Morgan’s Pier) or a cozy tavern with stellar craft beer (Khyber Pass Pub), Philly’s Old City has you covered when it comes to drinks.
Establishments specializing in wine, whiskey and beer are all options, too, as is a quaint tavern owned by two leading members from the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, all just steps away from the main attractions in the area.
So whether you need a spot for a midday break after checking out The Liberty Bell Center or a bar or two for an evening out on the town, check out where to grab a drink in the Historic District below.
Open spring through fall
Overlooking Independence National Historical Park and The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Beer Garden offers a 20,000-square-foot outdoor retreat to grab a drink right in the heart of the Historic District. Cozy up in a colorful Adirondack chair or snag a picnic table, then get a game of Jenga going with friends. Hit up the Ping-Pong table after choosing from a list of over 40 local and domestic drafts as well as a smart selection of canned craft beers, watermelon salads, mufaletta, avocado toast and pickle chips.
Where: Independence Beer Garden, 100 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA
Facing the Delaware River waterfront and the beautiful Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Morgan’s Pier is among Philadelphia’s most popular summer hot spots. Craft beer, a selection of seasonal cocktails and delicious food from a seasonally rotating selection of highly lauded local chefs fill the menu, and a lively music scene takes over once the sun sets. International and local DJs, along with various upbeat bands, keep dancers moving into the wee hours of the morning.
Where: Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The creative cocktails and imaginative décor at this diner and martini bar create an atmosphere all its own, making it one of the hottest night spots in Old City. The martini list offers interesting combinations (with even more interesting names, like Respect Your Elderflower) that satisfy any taste.
Where: The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, 138 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Jose Garces’ Olde Bar revives the Old Original Bookbinder’s, a landmark mid-20th-century Philadelphia restaurant. With an extensive drink menu that covers classic cocktails and Fish House Punch, it’s easy to find something interesting to sip.
Where: The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dating back to the 19th century, the Khyber Pass Pub offers a classic dark-wood tavern setting to enjoy a craft beer on draft. Cocktails, wine, bourbon and scotch also line the drink menu, along with hearty barbeque and New Orleans-style fare, including gumbo and mufuletta. Note: Non-meat eaters score here, too, as the menu also specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Where: Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Chef Nick Elmi’s Old City debut features a French-accented selection of raw bar, charcuterie and small plates. A thoughtful beer and cocktail program complements the menu with drinks like The French 52 (sparkling rosé, Bluecoat gin, lemon, rose water and sugar) and the Therapeutic Massage (Wild Turkey 101, orange juice, ginger, mint and iced tea). The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list.
Where: Royal Boucherie, 52 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Jose Garces’ first restaurant is widely considered responsible for starting Philadelphia’s tapas trend, but it’s also got a killer drink list. Sangria is obviously a highlight here, but don’t overlook the restaurant’s specialty cocktails (some named after Pedro Almodóvar films) and Spanish wines.
Where: Amada, 217-219 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Known for its mojitos, Cuba Libre serves up the rum drink in all forms, adding infusions like grilled pineapple, passion fruit and watermelon juice. The bar has dozens of rums to choose from and several recipes that feature them, alongside multiple sangria options and a solid beer and wine list.
Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The bar at Revolution House pours cocktails, boutique wines and eight rotating beers on tap. On warmer nights, patrons take advantage of the lively roof deck, one of the few in the neighborhood.
Where: Revolution House, 200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
A local farmer teamed up with her beer-brewing son-in-law to open this working brewery, restaurant and bar. Grab a flight to taste a number of the brewery’s tasty creations side by side.
Where: 2nd Story Brewing Company, 117 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Set 11 stories above street level and just steps from Independence Hall, Stratus Lounge draws a chic crowd of patrons who come to dance the night away to DJ-spun music every Friday and Saturday. Five days a week, the posh rooftop spot serves up craft cocktails as well as a curated selection of wine and beer.
Where: Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
This tavern attached to the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia serves up handcrafted cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and has a curated wine list. Plus, the views of Independence Hall — from both inside and outside the restaurant — are stellar.
Where: Red Owl Tavern, 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stop by the food hall at The Bourse for plenty of drink options, including spirits and craft cocktails from The Bar by Bluebird Distilling and beer, cider and wine from TAPS Fill Station. Don’t miss out on the Bourse Bites Ultimate Happy Hour each Wednesday, featuring food and drink deals for as low as $3.
Where: The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Bourbon? Rye? Canadian? Irish? Scotch? It’s easy to be dazzled by the whiskey selection at Cooperage, which stocks more than 190 different whiskeys of all varietals and origins. A solid wine list, an array of signature cocktails and draft beer deals during happy hour make the place for kicking back with a drink.
Where: Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar, 123 S. 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Savor signature margaritas, sangria and more than 40 varieties of tequila any night of the week at Lucha Cartel. Bonus: On Tuesday evenings, the contemporary Mexican spot hosts salsa dancing sessions.
Where: Lucha Cartel, 207 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
A veteran of beloved Eulogy Belgian Tavern, a chef with 20 years’ experience in local kitchens and a food-loving MBA have joined forces to offer a hearty menu for lunch, dinner, late night and weekend brunch. The bar has 36 beers on tap, including international, local and seasonal brews, as well as a solid wine and specialty cocktail list.
Where: Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen, 126 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
While it’s not the fictional Paddy’s Pub, Mac’s Tavern counts Rob McElhenney (Mac) and Kaitlin Olson (Sweet Dee) from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia among its owners. The bar features more than a dozen beers on tap and gastropub fare. Savor a drink while catching a sports game on the tavern’s TVs.
Where: Mac's Tavern, 226 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
National Mechanics sits in a stoic structure that has been holding court on 3rd Street since 1837. The architecturally exquisite building has housed banks, churches, clubs and bars over the years. Today, it’s a restaurant (that transforms into a dance spot at night) with over 25 draft and bottled beer options and a fully stocked bar.
Where: National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located in the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing (Philadelphia’s only waterfront hotel), Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar + Kitchen offers ten beers on tap, an extensive wine list and hand-crafted cocktails accompanied by views of the Delaware River and the Battleship New Jersey.
Where: Keating's Rope and Anchor, Bar + Kitchen, 201 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Modeled after a British pub, The Victoria Freehouse keeps an impressive list of $50 wines by the bottle, international meads, single malt scotch and other interesting spirits. Be sure to check out the extensive beer list, featuring a variety of brews from both the United Kingdom and the United States. Paired with classic fish-and-chip-style fare and pub snacks like deviled eggs, the menu and the cozy setting invite guests to settle in and stay awhile.
Where: The Victoria Freehouse, 10 S. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
The historic Penn’s View Hotel is home to Panorama, a romantic trattoria-style restaurant with more than 150 wines available by the glass. Panorama also happens to be home to the largest wine preservation and dispensing system in the world. Can’t choose just one? Try one of the many options of five-wine flights.
Where: Panorama, 14 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
Serving Philadelphians for more than 35 years, Sassafras Bar offers a small but eclectic food menu along with a serious selection of whiskey, gin and brandy. Old-school charm, bartenders proficient in classic cocktails and a speakeasy vibe make for a perfect all-night hangout.
Where: Sassafras Bar, 48 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This restaurant, bar and club bathed in cobalt blue offers a VIP scene and a DJ soundtrack. Daily happy hour specials include deliciously unique martinis, including a Pina Colada Martini and a Poison Apple Martini.
Where: Bleu Martini, 24 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Bourbon juke joint The Twisted Tail serves up an impressive array of whiskeys and features live blues music most nights of the week. Pair that shot of Kentucky Straight with a menu of international and Southern-inspired comfort food served into the late hours of the night.
Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This friendly spot serves American and Irish fare and features a bustling bar that draws a young weekend crowd and hosts live traditional Irish music on Sundays. When the weather’s nice, patrons gravitate to the outdoor tables lining the sidewalk, the perfect place for people-watching.
Where: The Plough & the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Freshly minted drinkers slug 40-ounce bottles and dance to basement DJs in a loud and always-lively scene. When hunger strikes, they chow down on inexpensive and classic pub grub, such as tacos, hot dogs and nachos.
Where: Drinker's Tavern, 124 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Settle into Race Street Cafe’s low-key rustic bistro, warmed in the winter by a wood stove and cooled in the summer by the breeze blowing through the open barn doors. Choose from a dozen or so different drafts and an array of wines. If hunger strikes, enjoy seasonal and local options on the casual cafe menu.
Where: Race Street Cafe, 208 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
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