Philadelphia’s Signature Hotel Bars
July 13, 2022
Best Philadelphia Hotel Bars
Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s JG SkyHigh lounge features mirrored ceilings and 40-foot-high glass walls with panoramic views from the 60th floor of the tallest building in the city, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, which was awarded its first AAA Five Diamond Hotel Designation.
An ultra-chic spot on the ninth floor of The Logan, Assembly Rooftop Lounge affords Insta-worthy views of Logan Square and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The locale features seasonal cocktails, modern small plates, comfy seating and cozy fire pits.
For a posh vibe, grab a drink at XIX bar on the 19th floor of The Bellevue Hotel — one of Philadelphia’s historic hotels. Sip one of the bar’s 19 signature cocktails — including the Clover Club, named in honor of the men’s club that met in the hotel pre-Prohibition — or a craft brew while lounging in a leather banquette admiring the local artwork on the walls of this stately space. The bar, which is adjacent to XIX restaurant, offers a New American menu, charcuterie plates and raw bar. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace for sweeping city views.
For a more intimate experience, head to the cozy cocktail den nestled inside The Rittenhouse, named one of the best hotels in the world in 2020 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The Library Bar’s décor reflects its name with elegant furniture, dark-wood accents, a limestone fireplace—and a selection of books lining the built-in shelves. In addition to a small-plate menu from the chef at Lacroix restaurant, the bar also offers a 17-page drink menu with a nice selection of fine wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails.
Philadelphia’s first micro-hotel, Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, offers several distinct food and drink experiences. Condesa, on the ground floor, features mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails. Condesa’s taqueria, El Techo, spans the 11th floor with a retractable glass roof offering amazing skyline views year-round.
Head to Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar and Kitchen for unmatched Delaware waterfront views. Located in the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, the outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a handcrafted cocktail on a sunny day. Specializing in sustainable seafood dishes, Keating’s also offers an ample beer and wine list in a maritime-inspired setting.
For picture-perfect views of Center City, grab a balcony table at Attico on the top floor of the Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City. The large indoor/outdoor space serves contemporary Mediterranean and American fare and features a robust menu of class and modern craft cocktails. Be sure to check out Treble & Bass on the second floor, as well. This musically themed bar has instruments for lights and furniture.
The art of food and drink is at the heart of this hangout on the ground floor of the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia. Stylish digs are complemented by a standout art collection curated in partnership with The Center for Emerging Visual Artists. Enjoy an extensive list of local and domestic brews, fine wines, and spirits. ARTBAR’s signature art-infused, hand-crafted cocktails include “Warhol’s Wild Raspberries.” Dine alfresco with outdoor seating along 18th street – a great place for people watching.
An urbane yet neighborly bar, Red Owl Tavern in the Hotel Monaco attracts locals and visitors with its smart menu that features American staples with a modern twist. The bar has also built a fan base thanks to its signature cocktail and craft beer selections. Venture up to the hotel’s Stratus Rooftop Lounge, a sophisticated night spot that shakes up craft cocktails and dishes out seasonal plates to a stylish crowd.
Panorama, located inside the Penn’s View Hotel in Old City, offers over 150 wines by the glass and is the largest WineKeeper in the world – as certified by Guinness World Records. The restaurant infuses old world charm with modern and contemporary elements just steps away from the historic attractions like the Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House and Christ Church.
Grab some friends and enjoy a locally inspired menu at Patchwork, a full service bar and restaurant offering breakfast, brunch, and dinner inside of the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia. Enjoy cocktails, beer and a diverse wine list, along with creative riffs on classic dishes and shareable appetizers made with seasonal ingredients. Visitors will find design elements throughout the space that give a nod to the Philadelphia region’s Quaker roots.
The Wayward, an American Brasserie located within the Canopy by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City, partnered with local small-batch distillery Manatawny Still Works to create an exclusive signature blended gin called, The Wayward American Gin. With hints of lavender and citrus-forward flavor, the unique blend is limited to 100 bottles and not available for retail purchasing, other than a few smaller bottles available for purchase for guests at the Canopy by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City. To get a taste of the special spirit, sip on craft cocktails at The Wayward in Center City or at Manatawny Still Works’ tasting rooms located in Pottstown and Passyunk while supplies last.
Chosen as Best Hotel Bar in Philadelphia Style Magazine’s Best of Style awards for 2022, the Living Room at W Philadelphia offers guests private and social seating options where they can sip on coffee or handcrafted cocktails, enjoy small plates, and listen to upbeat music.
Many of the hotels listed here also serve as excellent venue options for meetings and events. For resources to help you find a hotel for your next gathering, click here.
Cover photo: Assembly Rooftop Lounge. Photo by S. Spitzer for PHLCVB.
