Ryan F.
We all know that Philly is a great place for food, drinks, and nightlife. Bars and clubs can be the perfect spot from time to time, but occasionally, you just want to grab a couple of drinks in a quiet, relaxed spot. When that’s the case, I recommend going to a cocktail bar. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite cocktail bars in town.
So, no matter what kind of drinks you like or atmosphere you’re in the mood for, you’ll find the perfect place on this list. With some secluded and intimate spots and other bars with more casual or upbeat vibes, there’s a little bit of everything on this list. Keep reading to learn more about each bar!
Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia
- 1 Tippling Place
- a.bar
- Charlie was a sinner.
- R&D Cocktail Bar
- Hop Sing Laundromat
- The Library Bar
- Writer’s Block Rehab
- Lloyd
- Rosewood
- Manatawny Still Works Craft Spirits Shop and Tasting Room
1 Tippling Place
2006 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Looking for a classy spot for a cocktail? Check out 1 Tippling Place. Focusing on innovative cocktails and seasonal drinks, you’ll always have something new to try here. When you want to get away from the craziness of other bars, this is the perfect spot due to its parlor-like setting and laid-back atmosphere.
With classic cocktails all year round and modern twists for each season, you’ll find your new favorite drink here. In addition to cocktails, they serves beer, wine, and a few small plates if you’re feeling hungry!
a.bar
1737 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 825-7035
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If you’re looking for a great cocktail bar but are feeling a bit hungry too? a.bar doubles as a kitchen serving cocktails, beer, wine, and New American cuisine. This spot focuses on seasonal ingredients and is housed in a upscale interior.
Choose from delicious cocktails and other drinks at a.bar. We recommend the total landscaping or it’s tee time somewhere. Be sure to stop by for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for $1 off select cocktails and beer!
Charlie was a sinner.
131 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (267) 758-5372
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Another great cocktail bar with plenty of cuisine options is Charlie was a sinner in Philadelphia. As a cafe and a bar plant-based dishes, this is the perfect spot to try something new. Housed in a sleek and dark interior, you’ll have no problem unwinding here.
Charlie was a sinner offers signature cocktails and classic cocktails as well as some beer and wine. Try out the blue hawaiian, floradora, pisces season, or done and dusted. Don’t forget to head over for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday!
R&D Cocktail Bar
1206 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 515-3452
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Winning best cocktail bar in Philly, you won’t want to miss R&D Cocktail Bar. This local cocktail bar serves drinks as well as a few small dishes. R&D is housed in a chic yet sophisticated interior perfect for enjoying some time with a friend or date.
R&D’s drink menu is quite extensive, so no matter what your taste is like, you’ll be able to find something delicious. Be sure to try the paloma milk punch, hot mulled cosmo, saturn, or lucky denver mint!
Sassafras
48 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 925-2317
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When you’re looking for a romantic spot for drinks in town, swing by Sassafras. This neighborhood bar offers creative cocktails as well as globally-inspired food. They also have live jazz music, perfect for a relaxed night.
Sassafras serves a vast array of cocktails and a modest menu with appetizers and a few larger plates. We recommend the Mexican firing squad, postmodern, pomegranate martini, or lavender champagne. And if you’re hungry, try the tavern grilled cheese or pesto chicken sandwich!
The Library Bar
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 546-9000
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A more unique spot to grab a cocktail in town is The Library Bar. This bar, as you may imagine, is entirely library themed, so you can enjoy a book and a drink in the same spot. Offering beer, wine, and cocktails, you’ll find everything you need here.
With plenty of glowing reviews about the friendly and knowledgeable bar tenders at this place – it’s no wonder the drinks here are such high-quality. Though the drinks here are a bit more expensive than others, locals say they’re worth the extra cash!
Writer’s Block Rehab
1342 Cypress St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (267) 603-6960
Keeping with the theme of books and writing is Writer’s Block Rehab. This bar has more of a lounge atmosphere, so it’s great for blowing off some team after a long day. With couches, chandeliers, drinks, and snacks, you’ll never want to leave this bar.
Writer’s Block Rehab serves an impressive variety of cocktails, so you’ll have plenty to try. Be sure to try the mymosa, when in drag, passion has red lips, or not a night cap. If you’re feeling snacky, don’t forget to order a cheese or charcuterie board!
Lloyd
529 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 425-4600
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If you like whiskey, you’re going to love Lloyd. Though this bar has plenty of drinks, they focus primarily on craft beers and spirits. With retro vibes and a laid-back atmosphere you’ll feel drawn to this spot.
Take a look at Lloyd’s drafts, wines, cocktails, and plenty of whiskey to find your new favorite. Be sure to also check out their whiskey flights, samples of multiple varieties of whiskey, if you can’t decide what to order!
Rosewood
1417 W Shunk St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: (215) 336-1335
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Rosewood, a local bar, is another popular spot for cocktails due to its trendy and chic atmosphere. This spot was actually used to shoot part of the TV show Pretty Little Liars, which has attracted many patrons. With events like bingo nights, music parties, and dancing, you’ll have plenty of fun here.
In addition to the delicious handcrafted cocktails, Rosewood also serves a tex-mex menu with entrees and appetizers. Try out the nachos, steak enchiladas, shrimp tacos, or tinga burrito bowl!
Manatawny Still Works Craft Spirits Shop and Tasting Room
1603 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (267) 687-8772
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Last but not least on our list is Manatawny Still Works Craft Spirits Shop and Tasting Room. This local bar and distillery produces high-quality and small batch spirits used to create delicious cocktails.
Pick from a tasty list of cocktails and some small snacks at Manatawny Still Works. We recommend the Italian market, singing fountain, seasonal pickle bowl, or tinned smoked mussels in olive oil. And for dessert, order the chocolate whiskey pot de creme!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Philadelphia has some amazing options when it comes to bars – especially those that focus on cocktails. And with different atmospheres at each spot, you’ll always have the perfect place to go for drinks, even to celebrate on a holiday like Christmas Eve and New Year’s.
Which bar are you most excited to try? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you mention it below and we’ll check it out!
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