Ryan F.
Though there are plenty of amazing bars to try in Philadelphia, I think we’re all guilty of visiting the same few night after night, falling into a routine. So, what can you do to break out of this?
I recommend checking out the numerous rooftop bars in town. It can be difficult to find the right bar for your occasion or preferred atmosphere, so I’ve put together a list of my top rooftop bars so you can decide which one is best for you.
Whether you prefer cocktails, wine, or beer, this list is full of spots with amazing drinks, so you’ll be able to find the perfect spot for whatever you like to drink.
With some spots only serving small snacks and others with a full menu, you’ll also be able to choose the right spot for however hungry you are. Keep reading to learn a bit about each bar!
Best Rooftop Bars in Philadelphia
- Assembly Rooftop Lounge
- Bok Bar
- Stratus Rooftop Lounge
- Emmy Squared Pizza
- The Deck Philly
- Revolution House
- Irwin’s
- Standard Tap
- The Continental Mid-town
- Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
- El Techo
- Attico Rooftop
- City Tap House University City
- Vango Lounge and Sky Bar
- XIX (Nineteen) Restaurant
- G Skyhigh
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 783-4171
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Perched on top of The Logan, Assembly Rooftop Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air and a few drinks. This local bar is open to the public despite its association with the hotel, so you can visit at any time. Located nine stories in the air, you’ll have a great view of Philadelphia here.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge primarily serves cocktails, wine, and champagne, but they also offer a few beer selections if it’s your drink of choice. We recommend the frose, sunshine, or bittersweet poetry. Be sure to check out their small plates menu as well!
Bok Bar
800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 918-8688
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As a seasonal bar, it’s no wonder Bok Bar can be pretty busy during its open season. Located on top of the Bok building, this bar is primarily reservation only, so make sure to plan ahead. Featuring musicians, artists, and more, this is the perfect place to visit for some entertainment.
Bok Bar serves alcohol, of course, but this year they are allowing all ages to have fun on the rooftop. As far as food goes, this spot hosts pop-up chefs and restaurants, so the menu changes frequently!
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 925-2889
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Looking for a more refined spot without the kids? Check out Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Located on top of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, this bar is upscale and sophisticated. With open space and fire pits, you can visit this spot even if it’s a bit chilly.
Stratus Rooftop Lounge serves a long list of cocktails as well as wine. Try out the mint to be, for the suits, or rosemary’s baby. Make sure to peruse the snack menu as well if you’re feeling hungry!
Emmy Squared Pizza
632 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (267) 551-3669
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Emmy Squared in Philly is known for having absolutely delicious pizza, among other fantastic menu items, but many people are unaware that there is actually a rooftop deck complete with a bar here, too!
The next time you come down to Emmy Squared Pizza for a fresh pie and a couple of drinks, consider taking the party upstairs for a better view of the city and some fresh air. You won’t regret it!
I highly recommend one of their amazing burgers or a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, if you’re not in the mood for pizza, but that would be my first choice, of course.
The Deck Philly
Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 923-2500
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Another seasonal spot you won’t want to miss is The Deck Philly. Open from May through September, this bar is perched on the restaurant Moshulu. This boat themed lounge features plenty of fresh air as well as spectacular views of the city.
Serving cocktails, beer, and wine, The Deck Philly has a drink for everyone’s taste. We recommend the strawberry mint martini, spicy guavarita, or manogjito. Be sure to take a look at their food menu featuring appetizers, entrees, and desserts!
Revolution House
200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 625-4566
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With a patriotic theme displayed throughout the decor, Revolution House is the perfect place to see more of Philly’s history. This spot doubles as a bar and restaurant, with the bar located on the roof, of course. Featuring plants and herbs in the rooftop garden, you’ll be able to relax and soak up the clean air.
Revolution House offers cocktails, beer, and wine to choose from. Be sure to try the at the barre, the night cafe, or eternal springtime. Don’t forget to visit for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday!
Irwin’s
800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 693-6206
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If you like Italian food, you’re going to love Irwin’s. This spot doubles as a restaurant and bar serving Italian cuisine and delicious drinks. Reservations are recommended for this rooftop bar, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Drinks include a short list of cocktails and several selections of wine at Irwin’s. Try out the snacktime punch, the wharton, or mariotti. Make sure to grab some appetizers or pasta from the menu if you’re in the mood for food!
Standard Tap
901 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (123) 456-7890
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Though this spot isn’t a traditional rooftop bar, Standard Tap is still a great place to experience a different perspective of the city. This local bar is multi-level and features an open-air, second floor seating area.
Standard Tap features a vast area of draft beers, cocktails, and wine, so everything will find something they love here. We recommend the lavender paloma, prickly pear mojito, or night moves. Be sure to share a small plate or order a meal!
The Continental Mid-town
1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 567-1800
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Located in Midtown, The Continental offers a two-level space for eating, drinking, and enjoying company. The rooftop bar is decorated in a chic manner with an inviting and fun atmosphere. This is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends.
Offering cocktails, wine, and beer, you’ll find everything you need at The Continental. Be sure to try the astronaut, double agent, or prosecco punch. Don’t forget to check out the menu with shareable plates and indulgent dishes!
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
212 Walnut St 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 238-0499
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Finishing up our list of rooftop bars is Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. This restaurant and bar will make you feel like you’re right on the coast of Italy. With open-air dining and a second floor bar with views of the city, you’re sure to enjoy yourself here.
Positano Coast serves a long list of wine as well as a few cocktails – even cocktails to-go. Try out the process, amnesia, or how do ya like them apples. Make sure to peruse the all-day menu or visit for brunch another time!
El Techo
1830 Ludlow St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
El Techo is set on the roof of the Pof Hilly hotel, offering delicious Latin American cuisine, much like the Condesa, located on the hotel’s ground floor.
The restaurant sees the most business at night for margaritas, tacos, and other favorites, but you can join them for brunch on the weekends. Plus, the rooftop is retractable, so the restaurant stays open all year round.
Attico Rooftop
219 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 267-536-5725
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Attico Rooftop offers a comfortable but still trendy dining experience, with plenty of natural lighting and potted plants hanging from the ceiling.
They have a diverse menu featuring cocktails, different wines, and brunch drinks. I particularly enjoyed their coco infused Chocolate Martini.
Most days, the restaurant is only open in the late afternoon and evening. However, they do offer brunch and dinner every Saturday and Sunday. They even have live DJs play every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
City Tap House University City
The Radian, 3925 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-662-0105
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City Tap House, located in the University City neighborhood in Philly, has everything you need for a quick evening bite to eat.
With a warm and friendly bar setting, they offer lunch and dinner and a Happy Hour Bites menu if you ever get the munchies.
They have plenty of sandwiches and entrees for larger helpings and an extensive beer list. As a fan of anything tropical, I tried their Mango Wheat beer.
The juicy mango worked wonderfully with wheat ale to deliver a distinct flavor unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before.
Vango Lounge and Sky Bar
116 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-568-1020
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The Vango Lounge and Sky Bar is huge at 8,000 square feet, with massive oak doors and an impressive view of Philly.
The lounge area is the stuff of dreams, with a chandelier and premier DJs playing every night, plus a comfortable sky bar with an open roof.
Bear in mind that you can only access the sky bar if you buy a drink first. I went with their Strawberry Lemonade cocktail as it features some of my favorite flavors, strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
XIX (Nineteen) Restaurant
200 S Broad St 19th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-790-1919
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XIX Restaurant is undoubtedly the fanciest rooftop bar on this list, with beautiful architecture and elegant furniture choices.
You almost feel like a royal sitting in the dining area. The restaurant is one of the highest in Philly, sitting on the 19th floor of the Bellevue Hotel.
The lounge menu also offers some delicious cocktails and flatbreads to enhance the experience. I had their FDR’s Victory cocktail which combines tito’s with black tea and passion fruit syrup for a sweet tropical aroma.
JG Skyhigh
1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-419-5057
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JG Skyhigh has an impressive layout, with a glass ceiling and high windows looking out over the city. Though they have a variety of drinks, light appetizers, and snacks, my favorite is their hot chocolate.
In addition, they always have great live music. I would recommend getting a table at sunset to enjoy the Philadelphia sky in all its glory.
Final Thoughts
After reading this list, you may find yourself day dreaming about a night out with friends. I don’t blame you, there’s so many amazing bars in Philly and these rooftop ones are even more tempting.
Looking for more places to dine in Philadelphia? Check out our ultimate list of the best restaurants in the city.
Which bar will you visit first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
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