By Emily Pellini By Emily Pellini | December 18, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
An evening on the town beckons—check out our 10 favorite bars in Philly for bevs and revelry.
After answering a few questions, the Ranstead Room’s bartenders will shake up your dream cocktail.
A.BAR
Neighboring its sister concept a.kitchen, this High Street Hospitality Group cocktail bar boasts innovative sips and snacks in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Stop in to peruse their ever-evolving menu, which has featured sips like the Stranger Than Fiction—a mix of mezcal, turmeric, Amaricano bianco, caraway liqueur, honey, lemon and makrut lime leaf. 1737 Walnut St., abarphl.com
RANSTEAD ROOM
One of Philadelphia’s best-kept nightlife secrets is the Ranstead Room, with a cocktail list that pairs well with the bar’s moody aesthetic. Enjoy their seasonal mixtures like the autumnal Stop the Wedding, made with brown butter whiskey, cinnamon, vanilla and lemon. 2013 Ranstead St., ransteadroom.com
Aqimero boasts elegant interiors.
AQIMERO
At The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, indulge in the savory flavors of Aqimero’s vibrant menu from highly acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. As you unwind, enjoy carefully crafted cocktails like the Strawberry Caipirinha—made with Leblon Cachaça, strawberry, lemon and prosecco. 10 Ave. of the Arts, aqimero.com
The Mexican Strawberry cocktail from 1 Tippling Place.
1 TIPPLING PLACE
Delight in 1 Tippling Place, a cocktail bar serving drinks like the Ivy Gimlet crafted with vodka, lime and mint. The lounge has luxurious seating areas, which give guests plenty of options for the vibe of their choice. 2006 Chestnut St., 1tpl.com
HOP SING LAUNDROMAT
Behind an unmarked gate in Philadelphia’s Chinatown lies Hop Sing Laundromat—a secretive bar with a dress code to match the stiff drinks. Sip a meticulously made cocktail like the smokey Esta Tierra Es Tuyawe. 1029 Race St., hopsinglaundromat.com
SkyHigh boasts stunning city views.
SKYHIGH
Philadelphia’s highest-situated bar and lounge, SkyHigh, presents a glamorous space where guests can celebrate life’s special moments. Sip cocktails like a lychee raspberry bellini as you soak in the panoramic city views. 1 N. 19th St., skyhighphiladelphia.com
LIBERTÉ LOUNGE
Indulge in French-inspired fare and handcrafted cocktails at the Liberté Lounge, an urban-chic bar within the Sofitel Philadelphia. Here, mixologists shake, muddle and stir cocktails like the Liberté cocktail with pear-infused vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon and sparkling wine. 120 S. 17th St., liberte-lounge.com
THE LIBRARY BAR AT THE RITTENHOUSE
Located in Center City, The Library Bar is pouring up a range of drinks. We recommend the Viva Picante—a glass of Thai chili-infused Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Juliette, peach, agave, melon and tajin. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, rittenhousehotel.com
A variety of tasty cocktails await at Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company.
THE FRANKLIN MORTGAGE & INVESTMENT COMPANY
Inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company offers some of the city’s finest drinks. Try the Dead Ringer with Cachaça, rum, papaya, lime and amchur for a sour and fruity delight. 1715 Rittenhouse Square, thefranklinbar.com
R&D
Enjoy a nightcap at Fishtown’s R&D, where the bar boasts 1950s elegance with a modern flair. Their seasonal cocktail list features standouts like the Lower Manhattan, made with scotch, vermouth, Amari, blood orange and burnt orange oil. 1206 Frankford Ave., rdphilly.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Brand