By: Nina Violi By: Nina Violi | November 12, 2021 | Food & Drink,
There is nothing better at the end of a long work day or week than an amazing cocktail, especially in the City of Brotherly Love. You're all dressed up, ready to have some fun with friends, but there are so many bars to choose from!
Next time you're planning an intimate date, a friendly gathering, or a colleague chat, try one of Philly's top-tier cocktail bars. Our list removes the guess work, so you can pick a few favorites for any occasion and impress your guests in style.
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1206 Frankford Ave. / Website
Located in Fishtown, R&D has long been recognized as one of the best cocktail bars in the city. The cocktail menu changes every few months, which means it's always worth a return visit to try something special. Current favorites include the Wee Purp blue raspberry piña colada, or the Floradora made with spicy ginger, raspberry juice, gin and soda. Of course, you can always enjoy a classic Old Fashioned or a Dirty Martini.
210 W Rittenhouse Square / Website
Located inside The Rittenhouse Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, the Library Bar is another stand-out among critics. The menu includes a wide variety of wines, cocktails, beer and spirits. Specialty cocktails includes the bar’s favorites as well as seasonal recipes. Try the Dark Light with gin, cranberry, apple and lime; or Nine Tails with vodka, espresso and pumpkin.
433 Chestnut St. / Website
Located in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia near Independence Hall, the Stratus Lounge offers rooftop atmosphere with a beautiful view of the city. There's an option of bottle service, and the bar’s drink menu boasts various cocktails as well as wine and beer. We love the Amber Mule with spiced rum, blood orange, allspice dram and ginger beer. Definitely try The Phoenix with Tito’s vodka, spiced pomegranate syrup, lime juice and prosecco. The Scarlet Agave is another standout with hibiscus patron tequila, thyme agave, triple sec and lime juice.
110 S 11th St. / Website
Located a few blocks from City Hall, this restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a cocktail menu with lots of innovative variety. The Rosada blends Libelula blanco tequila with hibiscus tea, lime and grapefruit soda. The humorous Fig Get About It mixes Old Forester bourbon, fig, honey, lemon and smoked rosemary; while the signature “Morea Colada” offers Don Q coconut rum, pineapple infused tequila, agave, lime and aquafaba.
130 S 18th St / Website
Located very close to Rittenhouse Square, The Love features a beverage program inspired by personal travels to regional vineyards, breweries and cideries. The list of cocktails benefits from all this inspiration. Try the Dumb Love; a frozé with vodka, organic strawberry, peach and cane sugar. We also love The Boss with bourbon, apple cider, Sibona Amaro, fresh lemon and bubbles. For more sparkling sips, try the Dreamweaver with champagne, elderflower and grapefruit.
131 S 13th St / Website
Located a few blocks from City Hall, Charlie Was a Sinner is an all-vegan cocktail bar, with vegetable bites and an extensive selection of cocktails. The menu includes the Pink Moon with champagne, vodka, strawberry fennel shrub and lime; the Waiting For The Barbarians with gin, aquavit, pineapple, blueberry, mint and lemon; and the Untold Story with sundew tea-infused gin, passion fruit, lemon, Fresno chili and soda.
Photography by: M.S. Meeuwesen / Unsplash
