Every Cocktail Bar That's Mixing Philly's Best, Most Potent Drinks

Philly has no shortage of antic cocktail - first institution that serve as reminders that a well - made swallow can be all-fired near transcendental . So when you ’re quick to swop in your bottom - shelf whiskey and Coca Cola poured at your favoritedivefor something classier , these are the best bars to sample all the rarefied liquors , bitters , and house - made tinctures you never knew you wanted .

Hop Sing Laundromat

It ’s not easy to chance your direction to Hop Sing if you ’re a newcomer , and no matter how regular you are , it ’s not easy to get seated correctly away either . Regardless of the lines scent down the street , you ’ll find Hop spill the beans lives up to its hype and the air of mystery around it – you ca n’t habituate cell phones or tv camera inwardly , and do n’t intend that rule wo n’t be enforce if someone catch you . As Draconian as it may feel at first , it makes a lot more sentiency when you ’ve try about the fiery , oracular possessor , Lê , who likes to say he ’s North Korea ’s spokesman . And you wo n’t even care that your sound is stuffed away thanks to literally C of liquor option , from Johnny Drum Private Stock bourbons to 15 - twelvemonth - elderly El Dorado .

The Ranstead Room

It ’s intemperate to think Stephen Starr ’s taco wonderland that is El Rey could get even better , but turns out , if you walk through the kitchen , you ’ll chance yourself in the secret - ish Ranstead Room , where you’re able to still order bites from El Rey alongside guile cocktails . The menu updates seasonally , but no matter when you head up over , you ’re guarantee an evening of prohibition brilliance in this luxe back room .

Charlie was a sinner.

Who would have thought a romantic little plate vegan restaurant would compact such a punch when it comes to its cocktail program ? Take a seat on one of the tufted bench by candlelit tables and essay the always inscrutable Charlie ’s Punch . You ’ll have a lot of option when it come up to cleverly named concoction , too : the Women in Love ( with Bluecoat and jasmine chamomile ) and the Johnny Walker - found City on Fire , to name a simple span .

Library Bar

The Rittenhouse Hotel is home to the cozy and very scholarly Library Bar where you ’ll find some of the urban center ’s good barkeeper . tuck on the lower floor , complete with stacked bookshelf , it feels like a true hiatus from the city , peculiarly with an Old Fashioned in hand . Seasonal options like the El Presidente ( Bacardi rum , red vino , vermouth , grenadine ) are your monitor of the extraneous creation .

Brick and Mortar

Beside on-going movie night and a satisfying fare of elevated classic American plates , the cocktail bill of fare at BAM would be easy to dismiss out of mitt – but that would be a error . summertime sangaree and Moscow Mule specials are an obvious go - to , but do n’t decamp the try - your - own - adventure cocktail carte , where you simply fill in your pick of spirit into the bar ’s like an expert bias formulas . The Back Stabbin ’ Betty , for representative , includes aperitif vino , stinker affable , pinkish peppercorn tincture , and the heart of your option .

Rex 1516

This is the pure position when you ’re craving a casual seat alfresco while sipping a boozing that tastes anything but casual . With ongoing whisky specials and a sea wolf burger ( and a home run mac & cheese ) , you get the best of both the food and drink worlds . The sparkling Violet Hour is extra wizardly with infusion of crème de violette , and the Prescription Julep gets an excess kick with cognac and angostura .

Bardot Cafe

Dark , intimate nightcaps have a habitation on Poplar St , where Bardot Cafe roil out originative , alternative cocktails , from the Lola ( vodka , cherry tree , and rhubarb plant ) to the Bicycle Thief ( Bluecoat , St.-Germain , and egg white ) . Do n’t forget to go for brunch , too , when your favorite morning - ish drinks go for $ 5 Dominicus .

The Franklin Bar

The prevention formerly known as the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. got a makeover last class , rename itself and retinkering its fare to confront more casual options while still keep the vibe of an exclusive , former - schoolhouse speakeasy . Though do n’t have ' casual ' lead you astray – the drinks are still thoughtfully complex . probability are you ’ll take the air correctly by the first clip you visit ; the only signals you ’ve go far will be a well - dressed host and , specially if you ’re going during the weekend , a line out the door . Inside , you ’ll regain dark-skinned burgundy leather seating and wood furnishings , along with charmingly knowing and entertaining barkeeper .

1 Tippling Place

Decked out in eclectic furniture under faint lighting , 1 Tippling Place has enthrone and bowtied barkeep there to conduct your night of cocktail sipping . Get settled on the tufted couch and peek the menu of beautifully made seasonal and year - round cocktails that you’re able to begin to decipher by your hard drink of choice . You ca n’t go wrong with a Greco-Roman French 75 or Old Fashioned here , but take advantage of the more experimental cocktails , like the Deep Blue Sea ( vodka , Lillet , creme Yvette ) or the Chet Baker ( rum , Carpano , honey).Sign up herefor our casual Philly email and be the first to get all the nutrient / drinking / fun in Ithiel Town .

The Rittenhouse