What comes to mind when you hear Philadelphia? “The city of brotherly love,” “The land of cheesesteaks” , the movie “Rocky” and other stereotypes. Let me stop you right there.
Being one of the oldest cities of America, Philadelphia is a popular tourist destination, but most tourists fixate on seeing the many museums on the Ben Franklin Parkway, eating a hefty cheesesteak at the wrong places and taking a picture with the famous Rocky statue. Leave your stereotypes behind because the city sure has.
Let’s take a step beyond the facade and indulge in Philly’s intriguing bar culture. A sucker for craft cocktails, I discovered here some of the most underrated craft cocktail bars and speakeasies that effervesce with moody atmospheres and discerning crowds. From candle-lit bars on Rittenhouse to rooftops on the Parkway, dive bars on South Street to secretive speakeasies dotted across the city, let me walk you through the city that stole my heart.
Set in the heart of Rittenhouse Sq., A.bar is an upscale, non-flashy, hole-in-the-wall that makes the perfect setting for great conversations paired with even greater cocktails. With a seating capacity of no more than 25 in a small, low-ceiling space with little nooks and candle lights. Everything about this place screams date night! Innovative seasonal cocktails, well-curated music, moody lighting and the stage is yours. If I were to ever open a cocktail bar, it would feel like this.
Philadelphia meets neighbourhood French bistro. Set in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, Parc is the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon by yourself or with company. The afternoons I’ve spent here people-watching, reading a book, conversing with a friend or penning down my thoughts; it truly brings a slice of that Parisian joie de vivre we all secretly crave. It’s a Philadelphia classic.
I stand by the fact that Philly’s best espresso martini is served here (make sure to ask for a slice of orange in it!). Paired with a mushroom or tomato tart, depending on the season, and you have yourself a lovely mid-afternoon meal.
A modern Puerto Rican-inspired restaurant and rum bar right off Rittenhouse, Bolo is a creation of Chef Yun Fuentes. Bolo is home to a full rum bar with a variety of classic and signature cocktails with flavours of the island of Puerto Rico. Bolo is a space that not only boasts modern Latin cuisine in creative forms but also pays homage to the spirit of Puerto Rico in its carefully crafted design and art pieces.
Sitting on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Philadelphia lies the famous Jean Georges. From the moment you step onto the glass elevator, you are immersed in panoramic views of Philly. The restaurant is a soaring triple-height space, fully glazed on three sides with a unique pyramidal mirrored ceiling. If you make it for sunset, you are sure to immersed in hues of orange, and stay until the sky melts into the twinkling city lights. The design is extraordinary, the cocktails are unmatched and the live performances are dreamy. A romantic evening is guaranteed.
With sweeping views of the beautifully designed Ben Franklin Parkway, Assembly Rooftop is one of the few good rooftop bars that Philadelphia has to offer. Perched atop the historic Logan Hotel, this lounge bar hosts a fashionable crowd and an expansive, delicious cocktail list.
Unlike the Four Seasons JG Skyhigh, Assembly has an outdoor area which makes it the perfect rooftop bar for a summer sundowner.
Okay I will admit the first time I tried this bar, I was a lost little puppy. I did not see a sign or an entrance door. So I waited in this dark alley, confused. Until I saw a big man in an all black blazer come out a door, just like the movies. I ask him if this is the right place and in a hush hush he let me into a sultry space, a testament to the Prohibition days. The quintessential speakeasy experience made for those seeking mystery, imaginative cocktails, and a chic crowd. Featured on fo
