Hop Sing Laundromat on Race Street is Chinatown's best kept secret which everyone's raving about. Difficult to locate, the curiously named place, is actually a speakeasy of sorts with a plethora of hand-crafted cocktails on offer. Hop Sing keeps a mysterious, low profile, with a nondescript entrance, which adds to its cult status. Caution - photos are strictly discouraged here, this bar isn't for them selfie-addicts. The dress-code is pretty strict as well, no slip-ons, no shorts, no sneakers. So, dress the part because the experience is quite worth the drill. The menu here keeps changing as per seasonal inspirations, and the libations are stellar every time you visit, made using fresh, top-quality ingredients. The decor is elegant, plush and quite gorgeous, really, too bad you cannot document it. Also, there's no food on the menu, but you can order in from one of the many Asian restaurants in its vicinity. The service is impeccable and on the whole, Hop Sing Laundromat makes for quite an unforgettable night - highly recommended. Cards not accepted, cash only.
The signature drink of Bob & Barbara's Lounge, "The Special", a combo of a Pabst Blue Ribbon can and a Jim Beam shot, is extremely popular in the neighborhood. Their weekly live jazz and drag show are equally crowd pulling. Bob & Barbara's Lounge has thus created its own niche among the city's many dives. The extremely friendly bartenders make your drinking experience all the more pleasing. Check out if you are searching for a place with character to enjoy your weekend evening.
Catering to the neighborhoods of Fitler Square and Rittenhouse Square areas, Doobies is a friendly, neighborhood bar with a lot of character. In business for more than 30 years, the bar revels in its simplicity and takes pride in its craft beers and honestly cooked albeit delicious food. Midst a retro-style ambiance, the bar features uncomplicated, darkwood furniture, vintage chandelier ceiling fans and a classic jukebox and exudes a thoroughly nostalgic charm. The service is friendly and prices are delightfully low; if you're short on cash and high on expectations, Doobies is just the right place for you.
Club Voyeur on Saint James Street is a multi-level nightclub with a gorgeous dedicated VIP area. The three-storied club is home to some of the wildest parties in the city. Open all week, this place is where you should be to experience some of the hippest events and late nights. The club showcases hip DJs and boasts of a busy event calendar with many burlesque and drag queen shows. Featuring plush, vibrant interiors and high-tech acoustics, this club proudly dons a trendy, hipster vibe. Whether you're a guy or a girl, gay or straight, tourist or local, Club Voyeur welcomes all without any discrimination and has something to offer for every one. Check the website for their calendar of events.
This brew pub with a dimly lit interior, dark wood tables, and antique-style collectables hanging on the walls makes for a cozy atmosphere. But if you're looking for a bottle of one of those well-known beers, you'll have to go elsewhere. Standard Tap only serves local microbrews on draft such as the Slyfox Pikeland Pils or the Victory Hope Devil either of which goes perfectly with the Standard Tap Burger. Weekend brunch is popular with entrees such as the ham & cheddar omelet or French Toast with raspberry puree. The first Saturday Brunch of the month features something for the whole family. Parents can relax while children are entertained with the live music of Lara and Joe in the upstairs bar.
Tattooed Mom stands out among the neighborhood bars with its unique decor and flashy color tone. The atmosphere inside is totally laid back and the service is friendly. The beer list has a lot of local flavors and the bar food covers sandwiches and vegan grubs. Pink Puss, their signature cocktail, is worth a try if you are in the mood. Overall, this centrally located joint is ideal for a casual drinking session with a few friends. To go by what regulars say, they play good music too!
Happy hour discounts, good cocktails and scrumptious meals is what to expect on your visit to at Graffiti Bar. Nestled inside Sampan restaurant, the bar is hugely popular among regular patrons for their happy hours on spirits. Serving Asian delicacies, the food here like the dumplings and spring rolls are a must-try. The restaurant has an upbeat social scene and is a great place to hang out with friends while you bar-hop around town.
An intimate Asian fusion restaurant, Sampan specializes in an innovative menu of contemporary Asian delicacies. Edamame dumplings at this Asian tapas eatery are simply divine. Do try its Bulgogi, very succulent and tasty, and so is the Korean BBQ. Popular items at Sampan include Kung Pao Shrimp, Beef Short Rib and Pork Bao Bun.
Overlooking Sansom Street in Philadelphia, Giuseppe & Sons offers a wide range of dishes that are inspired by the Italian and American cuisines. Some of items served here are pastas, antipasti, seafood and salads. They even offer a selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Patrons can book private dining rooms here for business luncheons and small gatherings. The restaurant’s sophisticated decor and dim lights exude a classy vibe. This cozy eatery is a great place to visit with friends and colleagues.
Franky Bradley is a classic American bar located off the busy 13th street corridor in Philadelphia. Engineered in a kitschy decor and bathed in dim lighting, this joint displays all kinds of quirky pieces from Elvis paintings to Tiffany lamps. Come here for a plate of rib-eye, tender chicken wings or some superb gnocchi, before heading to the dance the night away to some epic music.
Good Dog's tag-line of "Come. Sit. Stay." proves no problem for visitors looking for a taste of Philly nightlife without a lot of hype. This casual pub excels in both simple fare and bar service. They may not promote choco-cherry-martinis, but their long list of beers is sure to satiate any thirst. If you want to add some spice to your night, all you have to do is try their Jerk Chicken Empanadas. Just make sure you don't tell the waiter to "fetch."