The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Philly
The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Philly
By Kiley PriceRooftop bars and restaurants have been popping up around Philadelphia over the last few years.
If you missed out on the skyline views last season, don’t make the same mistake this time around.
As warm weather approaches, it’s important to make the most of Philly’s rooftop bars by gathering up some friends and doing some drinking high up in the air. Trust me, it’s more fun than ground drinking, or mildly elevated drinking.
These bars and restaurants are different than those featured in our guide to the Best Places To Eat and Drink Outside in Philly, but they are applicable in that case. Keep in mind that some of them are seasonal, so you can’t hit them in the middle of winter (not that you’d want to anyway).
These are the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Philadelphia:
1. Continental Midtown
1801 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 567-1800
Vibe: Retro
An Old City favorite with a rooftop dining area where you can order a wide variety of creative dishes from Korean fried chicken wings to Baja shrimp tacos. The drink menu is filled with retro-inspired cocktails and delicious martinis, if you couldn’t guess from the giant olive outside.
2. City Tap House
The Radian
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (215) 662-0105
Vibe: Collegiate
Within walking distance of both UPenn and Drexel, City Tap is a University City classic. This place appeals to craft brew lovers with its considerable brew menu. It also offers many fun events like quizzo, workout classes, and outdoor yoga, along with seating around fire pits. Dogs are welcome, which is always a nice plus.
3. Assembly
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 783-4171
Vibe: Chic
Enjoy a view of the Art Museum and City Hall while sipping on fine wine and cocktails. The perfect place to pretend you are sophisticated without having to follow a strict dress code.
4. Standard Tap
901 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
Phone: (215) 238-0630
Vibe: Pub
This is a Northern Liberties gastropub with a rotating craft beer drafts. This spot has a tavern feel with seasonal dishes and homestyle classics like chicken pot pie.
5. Stratus Rooftop Lounge
39.9493396,-75.1488835
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 925-2889
Vibe: Club
Ambiance is everything for Stratus. There is a dress-code that excludes things like shorts, sandals, and sweatshirt, so if you are looking for a more NYC-club, refined night-out, this is the place for you.
6. Revolution House
200 Market St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Phone: (215) 625-4566
Vibe: Vibrant
With a beautiful view of Old City, Revolution House has a really animated energy and eclectic drink specials named after parts of movies, like Godric’s Hollow from Harry Potter. I can personally attest that the tacos are delicious.
7. Positano Coast
212 Walnut St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Phone: (215) 238-0499
Vibe: Upscale
Inspired by the breezy atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, chef Aldo Lamberti created this rooftop restaurant and bar for seafood and italian cuisine-lovers. There is also a wine bar.
8. Tiki
102 S 13th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (215) 309-3435
Vibe: Tropical
Self-described as “Polynesian meets California surfer,” Tiki has tons of funky and fruity drinks, along with Polynesian snacks like dumplings and tacos.
9. Balcony Bar at the Kimmel
1009 Arch St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (215) 922-6888
Vibe: Lively
A popular summer pop-up bar, with food by Garces, this place is typically jam-packed with bubbly people admiring the view of Broad Street. Open Wednesday-Friday.
10. Skygarten
39.955409,-75.169035
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Vibe: Chill
The owners of Brauhaus Schmitz are spreading German culture throughout Philly. This bar has bratwurst platters, mac and cheese balls, and plenty of beer. Great view of Center City, 51 stories up.
11.
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Vibe: Instagram
This bar typically attracts a lot of cell phone photographers because of the beautiful views it offers on top of the BOK Building in South Philly, but it’s actually a great time. Humble Dumpling has taken over the kitchen to provide dumplings for all.
12. Vango Lounge & Skybar
116 S 18th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 568-1020
Vibe: Party
Sushi offered with a side of all-night dancing and music from DJs in the area. Monday night is Salsa Night.
13. R2L Restaurant
39.9517084,-75.1673643
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 564-5337
Vibe: Refined
If you are looking for rooftop dining without having to actually sit outside, R2L offers panoramic views of the city and fancy American fare.
14. Moshulu
319 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Phone: (215) 923-2500
Vibe: Nautical
This one is less of a rooftop and more of a boat deck. Moshulu was transformed from a sailing vessel into an upscale restaurant and is a great place to sit on the water for dinner or Sunday brunch.
15. Graffiti Bar
124 S 13th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (215) 732-3501
Vibe: Urban
The Graffiti Bar is a 30 seat open-air patio that is covered by a clear ceiling, so you can drink here rain or shine. The owners commissioned famous Philly graffiti artists, A Lot, Rune, and Distort, to create custom murals that decorate the bar.
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