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 sultry sounds of South American music, tanks of tropical fish, and authentic Brazilian cuisine make Brasil's Restaurant a cozy dinner destination. Downstairs: Cool and quiet, an effect of soft lighting and tanks of tropical fish. Before dancing, enjoy a distinctive blend of spices at the traditional rodizio, a Brazilian dinner buffet where you can sample more food than you can eat. Upstairs: A packed and popular Latin dance club. On Friday nights you'll be swept up by the sound of live music and dancing that will thrust you into the heart and soul of Latin America.
Good Dog's tag-line of "Come. Sit. Stay." proves no problem for visitors looking for a taste of Philly nightlife without a lot of hype. This casual pub excels in both simple fare and bar service. They may not promote choco-cherry-martinis, but their long list of beers is sure to satiate any thirst. If you want to add some spice to your night, all you have to do is try their Jerk Chicken Empanadas. Just make sure you don't tell the waiter to "fetch."
Portland has a claim to fame in the World Cafe Live on Walnut Street. The Cafe has innumerable world class artists and troupes performing every night. Talent from all over the world is showcased on its stage, varying from belly-dancers to fusion musicians and many, many more. World Cafe Live is the best place in Philly to see and be seen. This is also a great place to host private parties the Upstairs level and the lower Mezzanine are available for use separately. Open Monday to Friday 11am onwards and Saturday to Sunday 5pm onwards.
Brauhaus Schmitz is the brainchild of Doug and Kelly Hager. The creative German fare whipped by Jeremy Nolen is delicious and delightful. Whet your appetites with Sauerkraut Kroketten, Currywurst and Homemade Sausages. Savor their dishes like Schnitzel Sandwich, Sauerbraten, Paprikash and Potato Pancakes. Their beer hall has 30 tap brews of which 29 are from Germany and 77 bottled ones. If you are craving for authentic German fare and beer, then this is the place to be in.
Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge is a hip and happening restaurant in Philadelphia's Midtown Village. This contemporary restaurant and lounge welcomes you with its Japanese lamps floating down from a bamboo ceiling, giving a warm glow on its suede couches and hardwood floors, shades of red, orange and gold walls give a coziness to the dining rooms, while their glass bar perched atop a green tile wall is a sign of the chic lounge area. Every dish showcases creativity and zest of a classical Japanese dish such as the shrimp tempura with almond topping, salmon teriyaki is accompanied with chicken and beef and the Kobe beef carpaccio is flavored with wasabi dressing and Asian pears. The sushi menu has Raw's own creations as well like the salmon hako, consisting of salmon, eel, avocado and plum sauce in a bamboo frame or the kingdom of eel roll – California roll wrapped in eel and drizzled with eel sauce. Their sake bar has an extensive list of exotic sakes to suit the tastes of first timers to sake connoisseurs.