Few things in the world go together better than alcohol and live entertainment. Thankfully Philadelphia’s bars offer plenty of both. From Center City to Northern Liberties, Old City to Manayunk, this city is host to numerous spots to get sloshed and rock out. Whether looking to blow off steam from a hard week at work or just needing to drown your sorrows, there’s a place for you. Our team of reporters (alcoholics) hit the town to track down the best.
By Karl Arney, Ryan Buchanan,
Jessica Marcial & Matt Soniak
Best bar for a low-key night of eclectic music – Tritone (1508 South Street)
What this classic lacks in looks it more than makes up for with atmosphere and variety. Intimate in size and reasonable in price, the Tritone maintains one of the most authentic underground vibes in the city, covering music from jazz to punk to avante garde, sometimes in one night. And hey, dig that jukebox.
Best bar to band together - Khyber (56 S. 2nd Street)
The Khyber is the pretension-free diamond in Old City’s sea of pearls, a raucous two-floor party bar. Between the scrappy live music downstairs and late-night dj sets upstairs, there’s always something to check out. Adding to the mix, the cheap, but diverse, selection of beers is always ready to help you enjoy it all that much more.
Plus, the $10 open bar on Sundays is possibly the best (or worst?) way to start the week.
Best hidden bar – Tír na nog (1600 Arch Street)
This buried gem is worth a second look. If normally driving on Arch, Tír na nÓg isn’t the type of bar to pop out, but once you notice it, it’s worth the stop. Normally crowded from happy hour to last call on Friday nights, the friendly staff and DJ RKO are worth the stay.
Best bar for that New Orleans Spice – Bourbon Blue (2 Rector Street)
Located in the heart of Manayunk, Bourbon Blue has brought the New Orleans experience to Philadelphia, offering a colorful menu inspired by the spirit of the French Quarter. With a truly diverse lineup of musicians on its calendar, this hot spot delivers sizzling entertainment.
Best three-level bar- Finnigan’s Wake (537 N. Third Street)
The second floor of this popular Irish pub features live entertainment to get hearts pulsating with cover bands singing crowd pleasers such as Bon Jovi and Journey. The top floor is a balcony that overlooks the crowd and the bands, allowing you to enjoy the entertainment, but avoid the crowds.
Best bar for crap bands and good wings – North Star Bar (2639 Poplar Street)
Although it ocassionally hosts acts ranging from Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds to face-shredding metal like
Angelcorpse, most of the North Star’s calendar is filled with talentless local emo bands. But, hey! Twenty five cent wings every day!
