22 Best Nightlife in Center City, Philadelphia
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Center City - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Black Sheep
This handsome pub is just off Rittenhouse Square, in a refurbished town house with a fireplace on the main floor and a quiet dining space on the upper level. Beer lovers can choose from a solid selection of draft, bottled, and canned beers; the food, including U.K.-style entrées like shepherd's pie and bangers and mash, is straightforward and satisfying.
Chris' Jazz Café
An intimate hangout off the Avenue of the Arts (aka Broad Street), Chris' showcases top talent Monday through Saturday. The jazz club stays accessible by doing the simple things right—friendly service, fair prices, great performers. The lunch and dinner menus feature some light New Orleans–style touches.
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Comedy Sportz
Anything goes during this once-a-week night of improvisational comedy, formatted as a high-energy competitive sport. The troupe hosts two shows every Saturday at the Adrienne Theater, and audience participation is essential to the experience.
Continental Mid-Town
A more elaborate offshoot of Stephen Starr's Old City martini lounge, the Mid-Town spreads the cocktail and global small-plate concept across two whimsically appointed floors. The additional room accommodates crowds that swell on weekend evenings.
Dirty Frank's
Its outside walls decorated with famous Franks throughout history (Frankenstein's monster, FDR, Sinatra, Zappa, etc.), Dirty Frank's is a Philadelphia classic. An glorious mixture of students, artists, journalists, and resident characters crowds around the horseshoe-shaped bar and engages in friendly, beer-soaked mayhem.
Fergie's Pub
Fergus "Fergie" Carey is the jovial proprietor of this casual, cozy, and beloved bar, which has been around longer than most establishments of its ilk in Philly. The taproom, which serves solid craft beer and comfort food, hosts regular entertainment, including music, poetry, Quizzo, and even live theater. There are no televisions on the premises, as Carey believes in the lost art of conversation.
Franky Bradley's
A former supper club that attracted movers and shakers of yesteryear, the updated Franky's is now under the watch of Mark Bee, architect of N. 3rd and Silk City. A kitschy dining room decorated with Bee's Technicolor flea market finds gives way to an upstairs performance space used by DJs and live acts. They serve food until 1 am nightly.
Helium Comedy Club
Hop Sing Laundromat
McGillin's Olde Ale House
For longevity alone, McGillin's stands proud. Open since 1860, it's the oldest continually operating pub in the city, as well as one of the oldest in the country. But though there are nostalgic touches, it's a modern watering hole, featuring a bevy of TVs for sports and hugely popular karaoke nights. The beer list, featuring 30 choices on draft, tends toward the local, including a series of signature house ales brewed by Adamstown, Pa.'s Stoudts.
MilkBoy
The city outpost of the coffee house and recording studio in Ardmore, MilkBoy Philly features a down-to-earth café and bar on the street level, with a narrow, intimate performance space up top. It attracts mostly indie rock acts, both locals and touring outfits.
Stir Lounge
Tavern on Camac
The Bike Stop
A multifloored space, down a side alley, the Bike Stop caters specifically to those seeking leather-clad adventures.
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Time
A rocking big-city club from the same owners of the nearby Vintage Wine Bar, Time features three concepts in one—a whiskey-heavy cocktail bar; a dining room with a bar and live music seven nights a week; and an upstairs lounge and music venue. Downstairs acts tend toward the jazz persuasion, while DJs tend to dominate up top.
Tria
Wine, beer, and cheese is the celebrated trio at this branch of the well-loved collection of tasting-friendly bar-restaurants, which also features a lineup of clever small plates. The menu is packed with interesting info, as are the well-versed servers and bartenders.
Vango Lounge & Skybar
Upstairs from sister joint Byblos, this luxe club and restaurant conjures up a Tokyo vibe, from its Japanese-themed menu to its emphasis on mod design. The real star, however, is the third-floor Skybar, offering panoramic views of the city.
Voyeur
This gay-friendly after-hours joint offers late-night thrills, courtesy of diverse DJ booking and a potent light-and-sound system. Two massive dance floors are filled with gyrating bodies, and a third-level catwalk gives those wanting a rest (or further libations) an excellent vantage point.
Woody's
Philadelphia's most popular gay nightlife destination is spread over two levels, offering several bars—with monitors playing music videos and campy moments from TV shows and movies—and a large dance floor upstairs. Themed nights include Latin music on Thursdays and house, EDM, and hip-hop on Fridays.
XIX (Nineteen)
Perched on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue, this high-end lounge bestows beautiful vistas of the city, solid cocktails, a seafood-centric menu, a roaring fireplace, and elegant decorative accents. It's certainly pricey, but the views make up for it.