One area of Philadelphia that never seems to go to sleep is Old City. Where tourists come to visit historic sites during the day, the young and young at heart come out to play in the evening. I hope you enjoy our guide to some of the best bars, clubs and entertainment venues in Old City Philadelphia.
32 Degrees
16 S. 2nd Street9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Wednesday - Saturday
(215) 627-3132
This luxe lounge was the first to offer European bottle service in Philly. A state of the art sound system adds vibe and flavor to the lounge while Philadelphia's most popular DJs spin an eclectic mix of lounge style music, including house, R&B, Hip Hop, and Disco. Like attending a private club, guests enter through an inconspicuous doorway on South Second Street and walk up a darkened flight of stairs to reach the lavish 32º. Only the most stylish are invited to chill out in the VIP lounge or mingle around the two bars.
Bleu Martini
24 S. 2nd Street(215) 940-7900
4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. daily
This late night lounge, bathed in cobalt blue, offers eclectic Asian, American, and Fusion cuisine specializing in classic American dishes with a twist, Asian influenced appetizers, and a full fresh sushi menu. Their drink menu has more than 30 different types of martinis. It's no surprise that Bleu Martini has been named one of the best martini bars in the city. Their VIP lounge and waitress only table service gives you the comfort of sitting back and enjoying the lively atmosphere. They also offer a variety of options for private parties, happy hours, and corporate events.
Buffalo Billiards & Metropolitan Lounge
118 Chestnut Street(215) 574-7665
5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Monday - Friday
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday
This downtown pool hall features flat screens, dartboards and a menu of casual fare. It has been chosen as the best bar in Old City by Philadelphia Magazine. They have 10 pool tables, 3 dart boards, large screen TVs, 2 full bars and a large private party room called the The Metropolitan Lounge which is located on the second floor overlooking Chestnut Street. The 1940’s Art Deco lounge has a full bar, seven pool tables, and three luxurious couch areas with velvet sofas and overstuffed armchairs.
Eulogy Belgian Tavern
136 Chestnut Street(215) 413-1918
5:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Monday - Wednesday
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Thursday - Sunday
This tavern is spread over two floors in a historic building where jeweler Bailey, Banks and Biddle was founded in 1832. The restaurant features Philadelphia's largest beer selection with a menu of over 300 international and domestic craft brewed bottled beers and 21 draught beers are served every day. It has been ranked as the fifth best beer restaurant in the United States by ratebeer.com. The Belgian owned restaurant features a full menu of award winning Belgian and casual dining American foods. Upstairs bar is open for the weekend only Thursday through Sunday evening while the downstairs bar is open every day.
Glam
52 South 2nd Street(267) 671-0840
5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Monday - Sunday
Glam offers a sleek and sophisticated departure from the ordinary neighborhood bar. Adorned with pink and plush, this luxe lounge serves up distinctly sweet cocktails and classic American cuisine, prepared for the upscale crowd. Their second floor VIP lounge, available for special occasions and private parties, offers European bottle service as well as fresh fruits, spreads, and cheeses. Their signature martini, the GlaMartini, is a peach-flavored pink concoction that blends right in with the décor.
The Khyber
56 S. 2nd Street(215) 238-5888
3:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Monday - Friday
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Saturday - Sunday
A live music venue known for alternative and rock performed by national and local talent such as Blue Cheer, Busdriver, Electric Six, Fiction Plane, Jack Penate, Ra Ra Riot and Weedeater. The Khyber offers an intimate experience in a friendly no-frills setting. In addition to great music the bar has been called "laid back, unassumingly hip and inexpensive." Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with $2 yards pints, $1 domestic bottles and $1 off everything else.
Lucy's Hat Shop Restaurant & Lounge
247 Market Street(215) 413-1433
5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. daily
Lucy's calls itself "the neighborhood living room," and does feature a warm wood decor with a working fireplace, comfortable wing-back chairs and red plush couches, making it easy to relax with friends. Lucy's includes two large bars which can accommodate up to 400 people. Outside seating is available when weather permits. Pool tables and pin ball machines are located in the front room where the DJ plays rock and roll. The DJ in the rear room plays hip hop. $1 tacos, $1 hot dogs and 25 cent wings are offered everyday till 10:00 p.m.
Red Sky Restaurant & Lounge
224 Market Street(215) 925-8080
5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. daily (lounge)
Outside cafe opens 3:30 p.m. daily
Restaurant closes 10:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday, 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Featuring the signature 50-foot-long, glowing-red ceiling that floats overhead, lime green tiled floors and a glowing blue aluminum staircase, Red Sky resembles an upscale club in Miami's South Beach. Chef Michael Salvitti offers a fusion menu that features "Asian American comfort foods" such as Hong Kong Calamari, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Sesame Ahi Tuna, and Wok Stir Fry Chicken. The lounge features a variety of specialty cocktails. Most evenings feature a DJ. VIP and bottle service is offered upstairs.
Tin Angel Acoustic Cafe
20 S. 2nd Street(215) 928-0770
days and hours vary
Tin Angel is a unique music venue featuring a wide variety of top flight national and local attractions in an intimate cafe style setting. In addition to excellent acoustic and other "unplugged" entertainment, Tin Angel offers candle lit table seating, great coffees, cappuccinos, teas and desserts, as well as a complete selection of liquors, wines, beers and mineral waters. Fine dining is also only a flight of stairs away at Serrano, renowned for its "International Home Cooking."
Triumph Brew Pub
117-121 Chestnut Street(215) 625-0855
open for lunch & dinner daily
The third location of this regional brew pub (also in New Hope and Princeton, NJ) offers boutique beer and pub fare. Staple offerings such as Honey Wheat, Amber and IPA are backed up by five rotating seasonals. Live acoustic music is offered on select Wednesdays.
