The Khyber is one of the oldest bars in Philadelphia. It is the quintessential rock club - all dark and smoky. The chosen bar for old and new rockers alike, most bands go on to hit the jackpot from here (always a good sign). The bar itself, designed with ferocious red eyed gargoyles that have been shipped from London way back in 1876! The club boasts of at least one good live show in a week, and happy hour is between 5p-7p. So stop by to chug some beers from the excellent selection, which has both local and international brews. There's also a good selection of delicious pub-style fare on offer, including many vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.
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.
Adelphia is a restaurant, bar and nightclub all rolled into one. It is a complete package for a fun night with friends. The restaurant offers American cuisine with a dash of Mediterranean influences that adds more variety to the list. It includes dishes like the Chicken Grand Marnier (chicken cooked in an orange sauce) , Veal Zingarella (veal with marinara sauce) and the Seafood Diablo or assorted selections from the sea. The place is visited by the who's who of town, partying throughout the night. Live bands play as also famous DJs. Top 40s and Disco numbers blare through the night. The bar offers happy hours, ladies night and loads of TVs to catch the ongoing game.
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.
Zee bar, is a private club, for which you need to acquire the membership. The elite and the chic crowds frequent the club. No expense is spared in designing this lavish pad, right from the dance floor to the fire-place, it spells class and elegance. The wooden flooring and the plush sofas as well as the tastefully done bar is evident of the VIP guests visiting the place. It is the most sought after venues for corporate events and private parties. Famed artists, sports personalities like Cecil Martin and other celebrities attend the social evenings here. Being voted 'the Best Nightclub With After Hours Club' by the Readers' Choice Awards 2006 is just another feat achieved by the club.
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar offers a unique nightlife experience in Philadelphia. Located on the 12th Street, the sports bar caters to a wide demographic of patrons - gay, straight, men, women, tourists, locals, young, middle-aged, sports fans, jocks and so on. On offer here is a good selection of classic comfort food along with an impressive bar which features several top shelf wines, spirits and over 10 beers on tap. Apart from this and their extended happy hours, Tabu also has a busy calendar of events, best known among these are their burlesque and drag queen shows that bring quite many regulars to this Washington Square haunt. The waitstaff and bartenders are extremely friendly and on the whole, Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar makes for a great experience.
An absolute gem of the Old City, Sassafras has been a landmark since its inception over 35 years ago! "The Grand Dame" of Philly's local watering holes, as it calls itself, is located on 2nd Street, quite close to the US Custom Office. The classic old bar exudes a sophisticated and elegant vibe. With a majority of well-dressed denizens, it welcomes many tourists - there's a lot of friendly banter, interesting conversations, laughter and an all 'round good vibe at this place. Timeless and approachable, Sassafras offers splendid cuisine along with a fantastic selection of draft beers and stellar cocktails. The old-world charm is only heightened during one of their live jazz performances that are hosted thrice a week. Definitely worth a visit.
The Khyber is one of the oldest bars in Philadelphia. It is the quintessential rock club - all dark and smoky. The chosen bar for old and new rockers alike, most bands go on to hit the jackpot from here (always a good sign). The bar itself, designed with ferocious red eyed gargoyles that have been shipped from London way back in 1876! The club boasts of at least one good live show in a week, and happy hour is between 5p-7p. So stop by to chug some beers from the excellent selection, which has both local and international brews. There's also a good selection of delicious pub-style fare on offer, including many vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.
Built in 1837 by William Strickland (famous architect of The Merchants' Exchange Building and The U.S. Mint), the National Mechanics Building is a prized landmark in Philadelphia. The building has been home to a variety of businesses; once the Mechanics National bank, a church, and a club. Now, the historic landmark is one of the city's most popular bars and restaurant. Keeping with the old-world feel, the bar has created a warm but quirky atmosphere filled with off-kilter accents and peculiar decor from home-made light fixtures to strange wall hangings. One thing not reflective of the peculiar history is the food and beer menu, which is brimming with fresh and local cuisine. Featuring gastro pub favorites like grilled flank steak with steak frites and seasonal vegetables, the National veggie burger (house favorite) and nostalgic dishes like home-made tomato soup with grilled cheese make this local pub a must-see. The beer menu is filled with local, national and international brews that will make any beer-lover rejoice in the heart of the Old City. Check out the happy hour on weekdays from 5p-7p for great prices on food and selected beers.
For a fun, laid-back and exciting meal, Heritage restaurant located in Northern Liberties is an excellent choice. With live jazz music and an exciting seasonal menu, this eatery has a rustic and yet modern fell to it. Lush plants hang along the wall behind the long wooden bar, creating a cozy and intimate ambiance. Enjoy their variety of dishes which includes Brisket, Cape Cod Mussels, Pig Head Torchon, Foie Gras, Duck Leg Confit, Whole Trout, Pork & Clam and Rabbit Meatball. Wash down a meal here with a wine or a beer, choosing from their wide range of local craft ales.
Xhale Lounge founders Mike Kellett and Brad Helder have created another gem in the heart of San Francisco's Fishtown. Bottle Bar East is truly a guzzlers' paradise, featuring more than 800 ales housed up in beautiful coolers and growlers, while an exciting gastropub-inspired bill of fare keeps the unexpected hankerings at bay. This lively craft beer spot has emerged as one of the neighborhood's favorite social spots, with foosball tables and dart boards providing unbeatable entertainment along with their chilled libations. Along with their exhaustive craft beers and amusement options, Bottle Bar East also supports the local artists by providing a breezy space to showcase their art works.
The Ranstead Room is a far cry from the usual run-of-the-mill bars. A gorgeous riot of crimson hues, this classy, upscale bar features plush, scarlet booths and stools, retro-inspired wallpaper and gilded chandeliers. The menu here features hand-crafted drinks, garnished with hand-chipped ice. Everything at this bar is delightfully old school, albeit, upscale old school. Classic cocktails are made with an innovative, signature flourish. Apart from cocktails, there's a good selection of wines, draft and bottled beers and to nosh with these gorgeous libations is a limited menu of tapas and small plates.