The 15 Best Rooftop Bars In Philly
Every major city in the United States has some sort of nightlife. Bars and clubs bring out legions of people who enjoy dancing, drinks, and food. Philadelphia, perhaps best known as the home of the cheesesteak, has its own list of venues ready for your enjoyment, and we're here to take a look at them. Specifically, we're exploring the fabulous array of rooftop bars that can be found throughout Philadelphia, available to both locals and out-of-towners interested in an enjoyable night out in the city.
If you're looking for a perfect date night location, this list includes an option for you. Those interested in a more light-hearted affair will find places that are much more low-key as well. If you're traveling into town and looking for a hotel that includes a rooftop bar to relax in, we've also got you covered. From laid-back lounges to glamorous hot spots, we're rounding up the best rooftop bars in Philadelphia.
Attico
Up first on this list is Attico. Located atop the Cambria Hotel on Broad and Locust Streets, this location is one of the best in the city if you're looking for a great date-night option. It has a beautiful aesthetic full of flowers and tropical plants, with traditional table seats and couches for more low-key lounging. Notably, Attico has both an outside section full of seating and an indoor section that is completely covered.
Attico's drink menu features a mix of staples and unique options; drinks such as the Dames, Booze, and Chains, About Damn Time, and Guns & Roses are three such selections from the latter category. If you're looking for food, there are menus available based on the time of day, including happy hour, brunch, and dinner menus, plus a lounge menu if you're looking for smaller bites. These menus feature a mix of seafood, steak, and poultry meals, with some standard bar options like chicken wings, cheese boards, and more also available.
Attico has fantastic views overlooking a popular section of Philadelphia. This is a great spot for those looking to fill up their social media feed with pictures of good meals and flattering selfies. The prices are'nt too expensive, with drinks coming in at less than $20, while meals are $36 or less. This is a must-visit for those who enjoy laid-back rooftop bars and restaurants.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Assembly Rooftop Lounge is a great option if you're looking to take a date out for a glamorous night on the town. Located on the top level of the Logan Hotel on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this is a can't-miss venue.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge boasts a tropical theme, which inspires their aesthetic, food options, and cocktails. Dozens of bright flowers and plants adorn the tables, bar, and other areas. The menu features small bites, focusing mainly on seafood dishes such as oysters, lobster rolls, halibut, and more. If you're looking for snack foods, you can purchase cheese boards, olives, and other quick bites.
The drink menu is comprised of cocktails, wine, and beer. Unique cocktail options include drinks such as the Coastal Clear, Walking in Sicily, and Pep Talk. Assembly Rooftop Lounge also offers frozen cocktails to help you cool off on hot days. Their wine and beer lists include several imported drinks, such as Sol Mexican Lager. These can be ordered by the glass or by the bottle if you're looking to celebrate something important.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge is open until 1 a.m., making it a particularly good option if you're looking for a late-night venue for drinks instead of a dinner date.
El Techo
If you're looking for a Philadelphia rooftop with some Mexican flair, then El Techo is the place to go. Located at 1830 Ludlow Street, this venue is not only known for its views, but for its authentic cuisine and drinks.
El Techo's menu features food and drinks for dinner and brunch, along with multiple cocktail options. For brunch, you can enjoy delights like steak and egg tacos and enchiladas. The dinner menu expands to include many other types of tacos, ceviche, nachos, and lots of small plate offerings. You can also get Mexican popsicles if you're just looking for a snack. Their drink menu features many Mexican staples, such as tequila, mezcal, and rum. There are also plenty of Mexican beers like Modelo, Corona, and Tecate on offer.
El Techo's décor makes it one of the most visually appealing rooftop bars in all of Philadelphia. It's also recognized as being one of the city's best taco purveyors. Moreover, the roof is retractable, which means you can still enjoy the views, even if the weather isn't cooperating.
Stratus Lounge
If you're in Philadelphia and you're looking for an upscale spot, then Stratus Lounge is the perfect place for you. Located on Chestnut Street, this venue presents itself as having more of a party atmosphere.
In terms of food, Stratus offers small, shareable items meant for groups of people. This includes sliders, chicken wings, brisket bao, chips, and more. These items are not the large entrees found at other locations, but take heart: Customers can also order a pepperoni or margherita pizza to share.
The drink menu features several unique drinks that play off popular phrases and songs. Some examples include the 99 Problems, Beach Please, Trunk Texts, and No Comp-rum-ise. You can purchase mixed drinks from the bar or your waiter. Stratus also offers mocktails, wines, and bottle service for those who are hosting a larger group or an outright party.
Stratus has both a covered and uncovered section to enjoy the weather as you wish. There are several couches around coffee tables that can accommodate large parties as well. Take note, however: Stratus has a strict dress code that begins at 9 p.m. every evening, with restrictions on items like sports apparel, flip-flops, boots, sweatshirts, and more.
Bok Bar
Bok Bar is a popular spot frequented by international visitors and Philly locals alike. Located at 800 Mifflin Street, Bok Bar is such a happening venue, they don't accept reservations. Instead, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
One thing that immediately differentiates Bok Bar from many other venues on this list is that its food is available through partnerships with other restaurants. For example, Argentinean spot Jezabel's Café will supply their menu in September. These food collaborations are called "kitchen takeovers." Bok Bar's drink menu operates more conventionally, but is no less exciting. Customers can buy mixed cocktails, canned beers, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Their specialized cocktails list includes the All-Nighter, Mufflin St. Rita, Golden Hour, and others.
Bok Bar is a venue you can enjoy either alone, or with a group of friends. If you're looking for a surprisingly low-key outing at a popular Philadelphia attraction, it's your best bet.
The Continental Mid-town
The Continental Mid-town is a pleasantly laid-back spot. Located at 1801 Chestnut Street, it's in a popular area of the city other venues on this list also call home. The. Continental Mid-town sets itself apart through its lunch, brunch, dinner, happy hour, and dessert menus, along with an expansive beverage list.
Said menus feature a wide span of different types of meals. Customers can enjoy pork tacos during lunch or dinner, chicken parm as an entrée, and Belgian waffles for brunch. If you're there for happy hour only, their menu is much smaller, offering cheaper — but no less tasty — items like Brussels sprouts and cheesesteak egg rolls.
The beverage menu at the Continental Mid-town includes the standard mixed drinks, along with unique options like the Perfect Pear, Northern Lights, Smoking Section, and War of the Roses. Customers can also purchase a variety of local beers and more well-known options like Bud Light. Red, white, and sparkling wines are also on the menu.
The Continental Mid-town is a covered venue with large windows that make it possible to catch a glimpse of the streets below. Much of the seating is a standard table set-up, with a few couches around coffee tables for more intimate hang-outs. There are also two additional floors in this venue for those looking to stay indoors.
Emmy Squared Rooftop
Located at 632 South 5th Street, Emmy Squared is a chain restaurant with locations in other states along the East Coast. This location offers Detroit-style pizza for takeout, delivery, or enjoying on the roof.
Emmy Squared features a robust menu that goes far beyond pizza. It includes items such as meatballs, cheesy garlic sticks, and crispy chicken crunchers. You can also order salads and sandwiches. Pizza is the main attraction here, however, and it comes in forms you probably recognize as well as some seriously different takes. The Colony pizza, for example, includes pepperoni, pickled jalapenos, and honey, while the Seoul Mate is made with vegan spicy kimchi, sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. Simpler options like the vodka pizza — distinguished by house-made vodka sauce, basil, and pecorino — are also on offer, for those who like to keep things classic. You can also make your own pizza from a selection of ingredients.
Emmy Squared's rooftop offers views of South Philly and its many attractions. As it doesn't have any sort of cover, the roof is only available during the warmer months of the year, when the weather permits. This is a great location if you're looking for a venue for lunch, or even a spot to take the children for pizza.
Far East Descendant
Located in Philadelphia's Chinatown, Far East Descendant is a Cantonese restaurant that offers many different meals and drinks. It has two levels, including a rooftop deck.
Their menu features options for dinner, brunch, cocktails, and tea. This fully introduces customers to Cantonese dining, complete with options like shrimp toast, montao sandwiches, and more. The little pot rice bowls come in a variety of forms, encompassing duck, vegetables, pork belly, steak, and more. The brunch menu is a truncated version of the dinner menu.
Far East Descendant's drink menu features plenty of house-made ingredients. Each drink is based on one of the classical elements: metal, wood, fire, water, or earth. Said drinks include the Bai, Bai, Bai, Facing Heaven Margarita, Hong Kong Yinyong, the Jujube, and others. They range from $13 to $15. Far East Descendant also has other mixed drinks available if you're looking for something more familiar.
The rooftop is available year-round, making it a great spot to visit if you're looking to dine outdoors in the sort of weather other people can't handle.
Irwin's
Irwin's is located at 800 Mifflin Street and sits on the roof of the Bok Building. It boasts a Sicilian-style menu brimming with memorable dishes and drinks.
Customers can purchase a variety of pasta dishes, including rigatoni, trofie, and orecchiette. The entrée menu is much smaller, with only a whole fish, lamb chop, and half chicken available. While this brevity might surprise you, you can bet every single entrée is of top-tier quality. The dessert menu includes classics like tiramisu, panna cotta, chocolate mousse, and migliaccio. When it comes to drinks, red and white wines are available, along with unique cocktails like the Wharton, Essex Girl, Majora's Mask, Sherry Sherry Baby, and more.
In 2021, Esquire Magazine listed Irwin's as one of the best new restaurants in the United States. Part of this is due to its gorgeous rooftop view, which allows diners to take in much of South Philly. Take note, though: The roof is not covered, so it's only available in favorable weather.
Sunset Social
Sunset Social gives away its main theme in its name: This is a rooftop venue meant to bring people together in many different ways, chief among them food and drink. Located at 129 South 30th Street, this spot is meant for anyone looking to get to know their friends — or strangers — a little better.
The food menu at Sunset Social is very basic, featuring typical bar fare like burgers, fries, chicken tenders, and the like. You can also get strawberry daiquiri and mocha latte ice cream if you're looking for a sweet snack. The drink menu includes some unique options, like the Rise and Shine, Whiskey Hibiscus Smash, and mixed drinks as well. Frozen cocktails like the Casamigos margarita are also available. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drink options are also on the menu.
Sunset Social boasts 1.2 acres of space, which allows patrons to take part in many different activities and events. The venue offers weekly programming, including live music Tuesdays, movies on Wednesdays, rooftop block parties on Fridays, and Saturday morning cartoon matinees. There are also special events on the calendar, such as Dog Days, which occurs the first Tuesday of every month.
Patchwork Restaurant & Bar
Patchwork Restaurant & Bar sits atop the Hyatt Centric Hotel in the Rittenhouse Square area. This is a good venue to visit if you're looking for a dinner date option, or a place to spend a quiet night with a drink on your own.
Patchwork Restaurant & Bar features menus for breakfast, brunch, happy hour, and dinner, along with a cocktail menu of drinks and smaller eats. They offer American cuisine, including many items that most customers will recognize — we're talking steak frites, blackened salmon, roast chicken, lobster mac and cheese, and other sorts of beloved dishes. Their breakfast menu contains other classic meals, like avocado toast, muffins, and croissant sandwiches.
Mixed drinks are available at the bar. Patchwork has some unique drinks available, like the Local Old Fashioned, Tommy's Margarita, and the Philadelphia Sidecar. In fact, this venue's drink menu is large, including a wide variety of vodkas, tequilas, bourbons, scotches, and much more. Drinks start from $10 and range up to $17 for individual servings.
The rooftop at Patchwork is covered with large windows, which let in some seriously stunning views. This also means that the top level is available throughout the year, regardless of weather.
Revolution House
Located at 200 Market Street, Revolution House boasts a garden-style rooftop. Furthermore, it overlooks the Old City neighborhood, and is covered, making it available throughout the entire year.
The menu at Revolution House features a mix of small plates, shareable dishes, and entrees. This includes items like chicken kebab, Philly cheesesteak, pepperoni pizza, and flat iron steak. Desserts tend to be classic, including strawberry cream cake and s'mores. Though their happy hour menu is relatively brief, its offerings are available at half price. Their brunch menu is similarly short, consisting of only three items: pancakes, the weekly brunch special, and a breakfast sandwich. But when the food and drink is this tasty, you don't need to offer a hundred different things.
Revolution House is distinguished by its signature cocktails, such as their Berry Blossom Lemonade, Night Café, 76' Spritz, and Market Street Mojito. There are also some local beers available, such as the Hazy Bones Hazy IPA and the Allagash White Witbier, along with mainstream options like Miller Lite. Drinks start at $6 and go as high as $15.
XIX Restaurant
If you're looking to impress someone with a fancy meal on a Philadelphia rooftop, then XIX Restaurant at the Bellevue Hotel is the spot you need. This venue is all about décor, and is well known for its massive chandelier, enormous windows, and stunning central dome, which houses the main dining room.
XIX offers breakfast and brunch, with a smaller menu available in the evening. The breakfast menu includes options such as Belgian waffles, French toast, oatmeal, and breakfast sandwiches. The brunch menu includes small plates, shareable options, and classic entrees like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, steak frites, and more. The lounge menu is available in the evening, and boasts unique options including pork belly bao and cheesesteak spring rolls, alongside classics like chicken wings and Parmesan fries. There are also a number of sandwiches and salads available on the menu.
XIX sets itself apart with unique cocktails like the Cat's Meow, Stratford Sour, and Lychee Pearl. There are also standard mixed drinks available.
Vango Lounge and Skybar
Of all the locations on this list, Vango Lounge and Skybar has the strongest party atmosphere. Located at 116 South 18th Street, this spot is popular for those looking to enjoy food, drinks, and hookah. The menu features several small dishes like chicken wings, which come in flavors including buffalo, barbeque, lemon pepper, and others. Other small dishes, like mussels, fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, and more, are available as snacks or appetizers. Vango Lounge's entrees are both staple bar foods like shrimp scampi, filet mignon, and fettuccine alfredo, as well as hearty meals like lamb.
Vango Lounge boasts some tasty specialty drinks, such as the Casamigos Reposado lemon drop, Hennessy sidecar, the Incredible Hulk, and others. Mixed drinks are also on the menu, with a full bar available to make anything you could ask for. Drinks start at $12 and max out at $16.
The Vango Lounge rooftop does not boast the same type of views as others on this list. However, it does offer hookah for those who enjoy smoking alongside a delicious meal and drink. The flavors are plentiful, with options like watermelon, mint, strawberry, and more on offer.
Liberty Point
Located on the Philadelphia waterfront, Liberty Point is an open-air venue featuring a restaurant and bar. It's more than just an option for food and drinks — it also offers a variety of events for the public to enjoy.
The menu at Liberty Point features several shareable and small plate options, such as jalapeno poppers, nachos, fried shrimp baskets, and tacos. If you're looking for something to eat on your own, there are also burgers and salads available. The drink menu includes classic cocktails like sangria, margaritas, and the American mule. There are also specialty drinks availble, like the Tropical Pinata, Island Sunrise, Cape Delaware, and others. Local beers like the Yards Philly Standard can also be found at Liberty Point, along with popular domestic beers like Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Corona, and others.
During the on-season, Liberty Point features many different musical acts each week. Jazz events, dance parties from the '80s and other decades, and a wide variety of similar events also take place. Since Liberty Point is an open-air venue, it's only open during the spring, summer, and early fall months. But you can bet it'll make the absolute most of that limited calendar.