Okay, let's talk about popular bars in Philadelphia - and I mean the real ones, not just whatever shows up first on those generic lists. Having lived here for eight years and survived more Philly bar crawls than I can count, I'll give you the straight scoop on where to go, when to go, and what you absolutely shouldn't miss. You want to know about those popular bars in Philadelphia everyone talks about? Great, but I'll also tell you which ones are actually worth the hype and which you might skip if you're short on time.
Center City's Heavy Hitters
Center City is where you'll find the most well-known popular bars in Philadelphia, but not all are created equal. Here's what matters:
McGillin's Olde Ale House
Opened in 1860, this place is practically a historical landmark. You'll feel the history in the creaky wooden floors and see it in the vintage photos covering every inch of wall space.
Don't Miss: Their house ale (brewed specially for them) and the shepherd's pie - perfect after a few drinks.
Personal gripe: It gets insanely packed during Phillies games. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder chaos.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 11AM-2AM, Fri-Sat 11AM-2AM, Sun 11AM-12AM |
| Price Range | $ Draft beers $6-8, cocktails $9-12 |
| Atmosphere | Historic pub, lively crowd, sports-friendly |
| Wait Time | 20-40 mins on weekends (pro tip: go before 7PM) |
One Thursday last winter, I dragged three out-of-town friends there during a snowstorm. We ended up staying four hours playing darts and nursing their amazing hot toddies. Magical? Absolutely. Would I go at 9PM on a Saturday? Only if I lost a bet.
Ranstead Room
Hidden behind a plain door next to El Rey restaurant, this speakeasy-style spot takes cocktails seriously. Dark, moody, and perfect for dates.
Must-Try Drink: The "Penicillin" with ginger-honey syrup and peated Scotch. Costs $16 but worth every penny.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2013 Ranstead St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
| Hours | Sun-Thu 6PM-2AM, Fri-Sat 6PM-2AM |
| Dress Code | Smart casual (leave the flip-flops at home) |
| Signature | Craft cocktails with house-made ingredients |
My first date with my now-partner was here. We almost missed the entrance because there's no sign - just look for the red door. The bartender talked us through the menu like a sommelier explaining wine. Pricey? Yeah. Memorable? Definitely.
Fishtown & Northern Liberties Gems
If you want to escape the tourist spots and see where locals actually hang out, head north. These popular bars in Philadelphia might not be as famous but deliver way more character.
Frankford Hall
Stephen Starr's beer garden with long communal tables, ping pong, and those amazing German-style pretzels. Feels like Munich in Philly.
Seriously, order the giant pretzel. It's bigger than your face and comes with beer cheese and mustard. Share it unless you're training for a food challenge.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 4PM-12AM, Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat 12PM-2AM, Sun 12PM-12AM |
| Special Feature | Heated outdoor area for year-round use |
| Parking | Limited street parking (take the El train) |
Last summer, I went with six friends and we spent three hours playing ping pong tournaments while drinking steins of Spaten. The bill wasn't pretty but the memories were. Just remember - it's cashless now, so don't bring bills.
Johnny Brenda's
Ground zero for Fishtown's revival. Music venue upstairs, solid pub downstairs with great local brews on tap.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat-Sun 10AM-2AM |
| Music Cover | $10-20 depending on the act |
| Best Night | Thursday - busy but manageable |
Caught an indie band here last fall and was blown away by the sound quality upstairs. Downstairs felt like a proper neighborhood pub where everyone seemed to know each other. Their burger? Surprisingly awesome for a music venue.
Local's Tip: Fishtown's popular bars get slammed on weekends. Start at Frankford Hall around 5PM, hit Garage North for cheap drinks, then Johnny Brenda's later. Your liver will hate you but your Instagram will pop.
University City's Student Favorites
When you're near Penn or Drexel, these Philadelphia popular bars keep the college crowd happy without being complete dives. Mostly.
City Tap House
Massive beer selection and decent food right near campus. Rooftop seating when weather permits.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3925 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Hours | Mon-Wed 11:30AM-12AM, Thu-Fri 11:30AM-2AM, Sat 10AM-2AM, Sun 10AM-12AM |
| Beer Stats | 60+ taps with rotating locals |
| Happy Hour | Mon-Fri 4-6PM: $1 off drafts |
Went here during Penn's homecoming weekend once. Place was vibrating with energy. Bartenders were pouring drinks like their lives depended on it. The garlic parmesan fries saved me from a hangover the next day.
New Deck Tavern
Irish pub vibes without the plastic leprechauns. Solid pub grub and trivia nights that get competitive.
Their trivia on Tuesdays is no joke - came in fourth once and felt like I'd won the Olympics. Grad students take this way too seriously.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3408 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 11:30AM-2AM, Sat-Sun 10AM-2AM |
| Known For | 40+ whiskeys and proper Guinness pours |
South Philly Neighborhood Joints
Tired of the downtown scene? These popular bars in Philadelphia give you authentic South Philly flavor.
Pub on Passyunk East (POPE)
No frills, just good beer and better vibes. Their rotating tap list focuses on local breweries.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1501 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat-Sun 12PM-2AM |
| Special | Bring your own food (Pizza Shack across street!) |
| Cash Only | Yes - ATM on site |
Found this spot after a particularly rough Eagles loss. The bartender slid me a free shot of Jameson without asking. That's South Philly hospitality.
Parking Hack: Street parking around here sucks after 7PM. Just take the Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris and walk three blocks. Your nerves will thank you.
Philly Bar Scenes Compared
Wondering where to start? This comparison of popular bars in Philadelphia breaks it down:
| Bar Type | Best For | Price Range | Atmosphere | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Pubs | First-time visitors | $$ | Lively, crowded | Go weekday afternoons |
| Speakeasies | Dates/special occasions | $$$ | Intimate, upscale | Reservations essential |
| Beer Gardens | Groups/day drinking | $$ | Casual, social | Check weather first! |
| Music Bars | Entertainment focus | $$ + cover | Energetic, loud | Check set times online |
| Neighborhood Pubs | Authentic local feel | $ | Relaxed, friendly | Cash often required |
Essential Tips for Philly Bar Hopping
- Cash is Still King: Especially at older pubs like McGillin's or neighborhood spots. Withdraw before you start.
- Transit Over Taxis: The Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford El cover most bar areas. Ride shares surge after midnight.
- Check IDs Carefully: Philly bars are strict - don't even try that fake from college.
- Weekday Advantage: Hit popular bars in Philadelphia Tuesday-Thursday for shorter waits and better service.
- Sports = Chaos: Eagles game days? Stick to neighborhood bars unless you love shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Common Questions About Philadelphia Bars
What's the best area for bar hopping in Philly?
Depends what you want: Fishtown/Frankford Ave for eclectic vibes, Old City for historic pubs, East Passyunk for neighborhood feels. Avoid Center City on Saturday nights unless you love waiting.
Are there any popular bars in Philadelphia with rooftop views?
Yes! Assembly Rooftop Lounge (Benjamin Franklin Parkway), Bok Bar (South Philly school building), and Liberty Point (Delaware River views). All get packed though - arrive early.
Which bars should I avoid if I hate crowds?
McGillin's after 8PM, any Center City pub during happy hour, and definitely not Frankford Hall on summer weekends. Try neighborhood spots like POPE or Grace Tavern instead.
What's the dress code at Philadelphia bars?
Most places are jeans-and-t-shirt casual. Exceptions: Upscale cocktail bars like Ranstead Room or a.bar require smart casual (no ballcaps or athletic wear).
Do popular bars in Philadelphia take reservations?
Cocktail bars usually do (book 1-2 weeks ahead). Pubs and beer gardens mostly don't - it's first come, first served. Call ahead if you're with a group larger than six.
Final Thoughts From a Local
Finding the right popular bars in Philadelphia isn't about chasing Instagram trends. It's about matching the vibe you want with the experience you'll actually enjoy. Love craft cocktails and don't mind paying $15 a drink? Head straight to Ranstead Room or The Franklin Bar. Want to scream your head off during an Eagles game with cheap beers? Hit any South Philly pub. Just looking for a chill conversation without shouting? Neighborhood spots like Grace Tavern won't disappoint.
The best Philly nights often start with a plan... and then get beautifully derailed when you discover that tiny corner bar that wasn't on any list. Keep your cash handy, wear comfy shoes, and explore beyond the obvious spots. That's where the real Philly magic happens.
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