The Best Cocktails in Philadelphia
From speakeasy-style joints nestled inside historic hotels to American craft cocktail lounges with rotating menus, this article below guides you through The Best Cocktails in Philadelphia past and present while also bringing new and innovative drinks to the city’s ever-growing thirsty masses.
The Ranstead Room
211 W. Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia 19103
(215) 563-3330
The Ranstead Room, located inside the historic Belmont Mansion, was voted one of Zagat’s 30 Hottest Bars in America. This opulent cocktail lounge contains a rotating menu of classic and original drinks that are sure to please any palate. If you want something different pair your drink with their cheese or charcuterie platters for a perfect evening out! Bartenders can be spotted shaking egg whites into creamy froth before dropping them into glasses filled with liquid nitrogen, which is quickly stirred with long spoons to create an ethereal cloud-like effect on top of your cocktail.
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
118 S 16th Street Philadelphia 19102
The Franklin is a speakeasy-style bar hidden inside the lobby of a historic hotel. Created by a group of friends and bartenders who were inspired by their love of Prohibition era cocktails and the Manhattan neighborhood of the same name. Head here for some expertly prepared drinks that will transport you back to another era. If you’re not sure what drink to get ask your bartender, they’ll know exactly which spirit to highlight from their impressive selection!
McCrossen’s Tavern
529 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 854-0923
Located off South Street in Old City is where you’ll find McCrossen’s Tavern, named after an original owner of the historic building where it resides. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a slice of serenity in the middle of one of Philly’s busiest nightlife hubs. It’s also home to some delicious craft cocktails that are sure to delight your palate!
Cuba Libre
10 S 2nd Street Philadelphia 19106
(215) 627-0666
The Latin-inspired Cuba Libre joins La Calle Doce in their dedication to bringing true Latin flavor to Philadelphia. Indeed, the bar is named after the Spanish phrase for “Free Cuba…” which was established upon Cuban independence from Spain in 1902. This South Street spot channels Havana as you sip on some of their famous mojitos and enjoy a classic Cuban cigar!
Barbuzzo
10 S Main Street Philadelphia 19106
Located across the street from Cuba Libre is Barbuzzo, an Italian-inspired eatery with one of Philly’s best cocktail lists! The menu changes seasonally and only features fresh ingredients and house-made syrups and tinctures. You can sit at a table inside or outside along their sidewalk seating area during warmer months. If you go here try their signature drink, the Granita-it’s deliciously refreshing!
Townsend
118 S 17th Street Philadelphia 19103
(267) 639-3203
Located right in the heart of Rittenhouse Square is Townsend. This prohibition-themed spot has plenty of craft cocktails to choose from along with small plates for snacking. Their drink menu changes seasonally, but it’s always guaranteed to be delicious. Be sure to stop by during warmer months so you can sip on one after dinner at their sidewalk seating area!
Buddakan
325 Chestnut Street Philadelphia 19106
(215) 574-9440
On the outskirts of Philly’s historic district, you’ll find the award winning Buddakan restaurant, Penn’s Landing – where they serve some incredible Asian-inspired dishes and creative cocktails! Their hip atmosphere is ideal for date night, but the prix fixe menu might be a better option for those on a budget as one drink usually comes with an appetizer or dessert.
Mixto
1141 Pine Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-0363
In Old City you’ll find Mixto, a Latin restaurant with some of the best cocktails in town! The menu changes seasonally and features a variety of house-made ingredients. If you like tequila, be sure to try their delectable margaritas made with homegrown Mexican agave plants.
In the Valley (ITV Philly)
1300 N 18th Street Philadelphia 19122
In Northern Liberties you’ll find a fun outdoor space with plenty of picnic tables and a stage for live local bands to perform on. ITV has a huge selection of craft beer, but even non-beer drinkers will enjoy one of their signature cocktails from their list of over 40 signatures. This is the perfect place to sip outdoors during the summertime or even indoors at their massive bar!
Silk City
435 Spring Garden St Phila., PA
(215) 592-8838
Silk City features two bars: one inside and another outside – all conveniently located directly across from each other at The Piazza in Northern Liberties. This Italian restaurant offers up some incredible handmade pasta dishes along with a vast selection of classic cocktails to order! Be sure to check out their extensive list of craft beers (over 40) and delicious wine selection.
A.bar
127 S 18th St Philadelphia 19103
(215) 825-7035
Head out to Rittenhouse Square and you’ll find a.bar, located inside the Hotel Palomar – the only rooftop bar in Philly! This place has no shortage of great cocktails including traditional favorites like Manhattans and Negronis, along with more modern libations like their “Cherry Blossom Highball” with Bulleit Bourbon, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, cherry syrup, lemon juice and club soda.
R&D Cocktail Bar
1923 E Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 639-4528
Head over to Rittenhouse Square and you’ll find this contemporary-style bar which is located inside of Southwark. The regular list of craft cocktails changes frequently here but it always includes a delicious concoction for everyone. Stop by on Monday nights for half off drafts (including local favorites like Yards and Victory), or check out their brand new Sunday brunch menu!
Zahav
237 St James Place Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-1522
Praised by Bon Appetit as “One of the 10 Best New Restaurants in America” is Philadelphia’s Israeli gem – Zahav. This authentic restaurant features a full bar which specializes in new-age takes on classic cocktails. There are over 20 different variations of gin and tonics on offer, as well as a variety of cocktails with ingredients from around the world. Be sure to check out their full food and drink menu for more!
Varga Bar
941 Spruce St Philadelphia, PA 19107
Located inside Hotel Monaco is Varga Bar – part lounge, part cocktail bar. At first glance you’ll notice this place has an old school speakeasy vibe, but the cocktails are anything but old fashioned. This unique space is known for their excellent service and detail to presentation when it comes to their drinks – you won’t be disappointed!
Featured Blog Posts
17 Top Rooftop Restaurants in Philly With Breathtaking Views
The sky’s the limit at these Philadelphia rooftop restaurants and bars offering both stunning views and fabulous food. Here are some great places around town to social distance from the ground!
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Philadelphia, PA
Is there anything better than the holiday season in one of the great American cities? While city sidewalks bustling with holiday shoppers, streetlights pinned with wreaths, and retail window displays full of wholesome scenes all make Christmastime in Philadelphia a magical experience, the magic doesn’t end there. Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas pop-up bars start popping up throughout the city. Many of Philly’s best bars transform into winter wonderlands full of festive cocktails. Check out the eight best Christmas pop-up bars in Philadelphia happening this year!
Best Hot Dog Spots in Philadelphia, PA
The delicious, simple, often maligned hot dog is an American classic. Hot dogs can be as simple or as fancy as you want them to be. Philadelphia has developed quite the food scene where chefs go the extra mile to make their dogs delicious! We’ve found some of the best hot dog spots in Philly so you can be sure to have an amazing lunch, dinner, or late-night snack.
Bottomless Brunches in Philadelphia, PA
One of the best ways to celebrate the weekend in Philadelphia is with brunch. And when it’s bottomless, it’s even more fun! Rally up your friends for a Saturday or Sunday brunch and get your fill on all the mimosas and bloodies you can drink. Check out this article for some of our favorite bottomless brunch spots in Philadelphia, PA.