Hop Sing Laundromat on Race Street is Chinatown's best kept secret which everyone's raving about. Difficult to locate, the curiously named place, is actually a speakeasy of sorts with a plethora of hand-crafted cocktails on offer. Hop Sing keeps a mysterious, low profile, with a nondescript entrance, which adds to its cult status. Caution - photos are strictly discouraged here, this bar isn't for them selfie-addicts. The dress-code is pretty strict as well, no slip-ons, no shorts, no sneakers. So, dress the part because the experience is quite worth the drill. The menu here keeps changing as per seasonal inspirations, and the libations are stellar every time you visit, made using fresh, top-quality ingredients. The decor is elegant, plush and quite gorgeous, really, too bad you cannot document it. Also, there's no food on the menu, but you can order in from one of the many Asian restaurants in its vicinity. The service is impeccable and on the whole, Hop Sing Laundromat makes for quite an unforgettable night - highly recommended. Cards not accepted, cash only.
The signature drink of Bob & Barbara's Lounge, "The Special", a combo of a Pabst Blue Ribbon can and a Jim Beam shot, is extremely popular in the neighborhood. Their weekly live jazz and drag show are equally crowd pulling. Bob & Barbara's Lounge has thus created its own niche among the city's many dives. The extremely friendly bartenders make your drinking experience all the more pleasing. Check out if you are searching for a place with character to enjoy your weekend evening.
Catering to the neighborhoods of Fitler Square and Rittenhouse Square areas, Doobies is a friendly, neighborhood bar with a lot of character. In business for more than 30 years, the bar revels in its simplicity and takes pride in its craft beers and honestly cooked albeit delicious food. Midst a retro-style ambiance, the bar features uncomplicated, darkwood furniture, vintage chandelier ceiling fans and a classic jukebox and exudes a thoroughly nostalgic charm. The service is friendly and prices are delightfully low; if you're short on cash and high on expectations, Doobies is just the right place for you.
Club Voyeur on Saint James Street is a multi-level nightclub with a gorgeous dedicated VIP area. The three-storied club is home to some of the wildest parties in the city. Open all week, this place is where you should be to experience some of the hippest events and late nights. The club showcases hip DJs and boasts of a busy event calendar with many burlesque and drag queen shows. Featuring plush, vibrant interiors and high-tech acoustics, this club proudly dons a trendy, hipster vibe. Whether you're a guy or a girl, gay or straight, tourist or local, Club Voyeur welcomes all without any discrimination and has something to offer for every one. Check the website for their calendar of events.
This brew pub with a dimly lit interior, dark wood tables, and antique-style collectables hanging on the walls makes for a cozy atmosphere. But if you're looking for a bottle of one of those well-known beers, you'll have to go elsewhere. Standard Tap only serves local microbrews on draft such as the Slyfox Pikeland Pils or the Victory Hope Devil either of which goes perfectly with the Standard Tap Burger. Weekend brunch is popular with entrees such as the ham & cheddar omelet or French Toast with raspberry puree. The first Saturday Brunch of the month features something for the whole family. Parents can relax while children are entertained with the live music of Lara and Joe in the upstairs bar.
Renovated in June 2007, Silk City is actually two places joined together. The diner was originally built by the Silk City company in the 1930s. If you are familiar with the old Silk City menu, expect changes. Instead of the usual diner fare the new menu features more inventive dishes such as Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Crab Cake Sandwiches and more. Average price given below accounts for diner. On the other side of the entrance is the lounge. It opens around 4pm for happy hour, and after 7pm there are DJ parties and the occasional live performance. You can hear anything from Latin, hip-hop, to 80s, disco & psychedelic. The range of music played is incredible. See website for event details.
Fountain Porter keeps it simple with its menu that features meats, pickled dishes, cheeses, and burgers. Burgers are a must-have here and can be enjoyed at just $5. The bar also serves 20 craft beers on draft which you can enjoy while listening to some records.
An intimate Asian fusion restaurant, Sampan specializes in an innovative menu of contemporary Asian delicacies. Edamame dumplings at this Asian tapas eatery are simply divine. Do try its Bulgogi, very succulent and tasty, and so is the Korean BBQ. Popular items at Sampan include Kung Pao Shrimp, Beef Short Rib and Pork Bao Bun.
Frankford Hall is a popular local bar and beer garden. With lively atmosphere, plenty of beer and fun bar games like ping pong, it's a good place to enjoy an evening out with friends. Relax outside at one of the picnic tables or settle in at a fire-pit to enjoy the warmth and the fun of making your own s'mores. The menu features a selection of typical beer garden fare like warm bavarian pretzels, potato pancakes, bratwurst sausages, BBQ burger and roasted chicken. If you're into boozy milkshakes don't miss out on trying one of their specials like the Jack n S'mores. For group reservations or private events, give them a call.
Crime & Punishment Brewing Company is one of the prime, beer hotspots, in bustling Brewerytown. Always buzzing with excitement, this is the go-to place for a round or two of beer with your friends. Expect a glass of pure heavenly beer each time you walk into this brewpub. This brewery manages to conjure a succinct batch of beer, using a blend of traditional and modern brewing techniques, coupled with the finest possible ingredients. From pale ale and stout beer, to the old fashioned craft, whatever your preference of brews, this pub will surely deliver. The brewery also serves a selection of delectable Russian inspired meals to complement your drink.
Built in 1837 by William Strickland (famous architect of The Merchants' Exchange Building and The U.S. Mint), the National Mechanics Building is a prized landmark in Philadelphia. The building has been home to a variety of businesses; once the Mechanics National bank, a church, and a club. Now, the historic landmark is one of the city's most popular bars and restaurant. Keeping with the old-world feel, the bar has created a warm but quirky atmosphere filled with off-kilter accents and peculiar decor from home-made light fixtures to strange wall hangings. One thing not reflective of the peculiar history is the food and beer menu, which is brimming with fresh and local cuisine. Featuring gastro pub favorites like grilled flank steak with steak frites and seasonal vegetables, the National veggie burger (house favorite) and nostalgic dishes like home-made tomato soup with grilled cheese make this local pub a must-see. The beer menu is filled with local, national and international brews that will make any beer-lover rejoice in the heart of the Old City. Check out the happy hour on weekdays from 5p-7p for great prices on food and selected beers.
Franky Bradley is a classic American bar located off the busy 13th street corridor in Philadelphia. Engineered in a kitschy decor and bathed in dim lighting, this joint displays all kinds of quirky pieces from Elvis paintings to Tiffany lamps. Come here for a plate of rib-eye, tender chicken wings or some superb gnocchi, before heading to the dance the night away to some epic music.