Brian Nagele
Though Philly is known for all of its restaurants and bars, there’s more to explore in this fascinating town. Elevate your night out by visiting a live music venue instead. Believe it or not, there’s plenty of restaurants and bars that also host bands and artists you won’t want to miss. I’ve put together a list of my favorite live music venues in town that will also provide you with delicious food and drinks.
Whether you just want a drink and music or a full meal with jazz, there’s a spot for it all in this town. From club-like spots to classy, sophisticated places, you’ll find the perfect place for every occasion on my list. Keep reading to learn a bit about each location!
Ortlieb’s
847 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (267) 324-3348
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If you like good food, drinks, and live music, you’re going to love Ortlieb’s in Philadelphia. This local music venue hosts funk, jazz, and rock artists. Please note this spot only allows individuals ages 21 and older, so be sure to bring your ID.
Ortlieb’s serves beer, cocktails, and a rotating menu. We recommend the smash burger, Ortlieb’s dog, or tacos. They also offer pasta on Wednesday’s. Be sure to grab a drink like Tony’s tipsy tea or poolside sipper!
MilkBoy Philadelphia
1100 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 925-6455
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Located in Center City, MilkBoy Philadelphia is a restaurant, bar, and music venue, housed in a two-level building. With the restaurant downstairs and the bar and music venue upstairs, there’s plenty to explore at this spot.
MilkBoy Philadelphia serves a weekly changing food and drink menu, so there’s always something delicious to try here. Be sure to try the corn and crab chowder or fried chicken sandwich and for a drink try the terp punch or sojo. Don’t forget to stop by for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday!
Time
1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 985-4800
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For all the whiskey lovers out there, we suggest Time. This local bar boasts three different rooms with a whiskey bar, a dining room, and a Parisian-style club. With everything from DJs, to live bands, to poetry and spoken word, there’s a lot to listen to.
Serving a full menu of delicious plates and drinks, you’ll find everything you need here. Try out the ricotta gnocchi, pan seared duck breast, or buttermilk fried Murray’s chicken. Make sure to check out their draft list and huge whiskey selection!
Chris’ Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 568-3131
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If jazz music is more your thing, head over to Chris’ Jazz Cafe. Founded in 1989, this spot hosts jazz musicians and bands six nights a week. And with drinks and food, you’ll be able to sit back and relax easily.
Chris’ Jazz Cafe serves southern-influenced cuisine you won’t want to miss. We recommend the New Orleans style jambalaya, Ella Fitzgerald, or bayou shrimp and crab cake. Be sure to grab a beer or cocktail, too!
Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 739-9684
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With nearly 1,400 reviews, it’s clear that Johnny Brenda’s is another popular music venue in town. This two-level building contains a music venue as well as restaurant and bar. Locals love the intimate feel of this spot.
This place offers craft beer as well as a seasonal menu of American cuisine. Be sure to try the fried chicken sandwich, pulled pork mac and cheese, spare ribs, or veggie burger. Don’t forget to sip on a draft or cocktail!
The Fire
412 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 923-3477
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Established in 1999, The Fire is another bar and music venue you have to visit. This venue is a female-owned venue and has hosted artists and bands that are now famous like Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.
Most shows at The Fire are 21+, so make sure to bring your ID. With local beer and delicious cocktails, you’ll find something great to sip on here. Make sure to also check out their open mic night on Mondays if you’re hoping to display your own talent!
Raven Lounge
1718 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 840-3577
Looking for a lively spot to listen to music and enjoy a few drinks? Swing by Raven Lounge. This local spot doubles as a bar and a dance club, but also offers other events. Specifically, this place hosts DJs, comedy nights, and quiz nights. They even have games like beer pong and Jenga, as well.
Raven Lounge’s bar is equipped with all of the essentials. With beer, liquor, and cocktails, you’ll find whatever you’re in the mood for here!
The Twisted Tail
509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 558-2471
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If you prefer bands over DJs, we suggest trying The Twisted Tail. Housed in a two-level building, this spot serves food, drinks, and blues music. With over 900 reviews, it’s obvious people really love it here.
The Twisted Tail offers over 120 varieties of whiskey to sip on as well as a menu full of southern American cuisine. Be sure to try the shrimp and grits, Blue Bay mussels, gnocchi, or fried chicken. Don’t forget to try a specialty cocktail, too!
Warmdaddy’s
1400 S.Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 462-2000
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With thousands of reviews raving about the food and music, you won’t want to miss Warmdaddy’s. Home to live blues and R&B music this spot also serves delicious soul food to go along with it. And on Sundays, they serve brunch with a size of jazz.
While you listen to the live music, try out items on the menu like the fried chicken, mac and cheese, shrimp, or cornbread. Make sure to grab some pineapple bread pudding for dessert or a drink like the sweet Georgia peach!
Fergie’s Pub
1214 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 928-8118
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Completing our list of live music spots is Fergie’s Pub. This local pub is actually a traditional Irish pub offering food and drinks. With live music, open mic nights, and no TVs, you’ll be able to focus on the live entertainment.
Fergie’s Pub serves delicious bar food with vegan and vegetarian options. We recommend the all day Irish breakfast, vegan chorizo tacos, apple and brie sandwich, or vegan steak sandwich. Be sure to have some beer or wine!
So, the next time you want a night out that’s a little more exciting than just your regular dinner, you’ll know where to go. Philadelphia is clearly filed with bars and restaurants that offer amazing live music.
Philadelphia also has a lot of shops that serve delicious donuts. If you’re hungry for a donuts, check out these incredible shops that serve fresh donuts everyday.
Which venue 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!
