Mike Morrow
Although it’s always tempting to get out of the hotel in a new city, sometimes it’s better to stay where you are and enjoy the ambiance of a hotel lobby bar. Most hotel lobby bars have a great selection of drinks, excellent food, and unique people worldwide.
Don’t write the local lobby bars off, even if you’re a Philly resident. Instead, check out my list of the best Philadelphia hotel lobby bars below!
Living Room at W Hotel
1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-709-8000
Next to Dilworth Park, Living Room at W Hotel is a streamlined, beautiful, bright hotel lobby bar with regular music and a robust menu of bar favorites. Put this on your list if you want a classic drink and soak in some sophisticated atmosphere.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-783-4171
Assembly Rooftop Lounge is near the Swann Memorial Fountain and is easily one of the best spots in Philadelphia for wine. The pinot noir is to die for, the view is spectacular, and the food is elegant and flavorful. It’s a dressier place, so wear your best clothes when you visit.
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-2889
Is there anything finer and classier than a rooftop lounge? Stratus Rooftop Lounge, across the street from the National Liberty Museum, is an exceptional place for camaraderie and drinks. Enjoy individual cocktails or bottle service with a fantastic view of downtown Philadelphia. It’s also a great single’s bar.
XIX at The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street (19th Floor) Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-790-1919
Just a few blocks from Philadelphia City Hall, XIX at The Bellevue is the epitome of your classic cocktail bar with a handsome interior, plenty of great seating, and fabulous views. Plan to spend at least a few hours in XIX at The Bellevue. It’s got a boutique bar charm with high-end service.
Patchwork
1620 Chancellor Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-985-1234
Patchwork is two blocks from Rittenhouse Square and is a casual alternative to your higher-end hotel lobby bar experiences. It’s one of the best places in Philadelphia for gigantic burgers and offers craft beers, a vast wine list, and a cozy atmosphere to relax with family and friends.
Liberte Lounge at Sofitel
120 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-569-8300
In the heart of the French Quarter, Liberte Lounge at Sofitel is a lovely brunch spot with excellent Bloody Marys, mimosas, and brunch classics like benedicts. Their crab cakes are exceptional, and you can’t go wrong with anything on the beer or wine list. Liberte Lounge at Sofitel is perfect for a relaxing weekend.
Library Bar at Rittenhouse Hotel
210 W Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-546-9000
Overlooking Rittenhouse Square, Liberty Bar at Rittenhouse Hotel is as central as you can get in Philadelphia. It is also a fantastic cocktail bar serving fusion and classic-style drinks and high-end food. Although it’s not inexpensive, it is an experience that you should have next time you’re in the city.
Panorama
14 N Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-7800
Panorama is conveniently situated right off the 95 Highway, specializing in mouth watering Italian fare and exceptional wines. You can order wine by the glass or bottle or try a tasting flight from their massive selection. If you’re hungry, try the pasta, homemade cheese, or seafood entrees to accompany your glass of vino.
The Wayward
1170 Ludlow Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-258-9430
Three blocks from Philadelphia City Hall, The Wayward is a classic and chic bar with comfort-food favorites like French onion soup. It also specializes in innovative cocktails. The bar staff is highly knowledgeable and can help you find a new favorite drink if you need help deciding what to order.
Bank and Bourbon at The Loews
1200 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-231-7300
Bank and Bourbon at The Loews is close to Dilworth Park and perfect for a delicious meal with a potent, perfectly prepared cocktail. Whiskey and bourbon lovers will find a large selection of spirits and a quiet, sophisticated place to enjoy them at this hotel lobby bar.
Aqimero at The Ritz
10 Ave Of The Arts Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-523-8200
Right next to Philadelphia City Hall, Aqimero at The Ritz has some of the best architecture in the entire city. You’ll feel instantly classier the second you walk in, and things will only get better once you sample the extensive menu of creative brunch fare, steaks, desserts, and seafood. The drinks are out of this world too.
a.Bar | a.k.a Hotel at Rittenhouse
1737 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-825-7035
Near Rittenhouse Square, a.Bar is one of the top Philadelphia hotel lobby bars and a very good place for singles to meet each other. The ambiance is classic, romantic, and comfortable, the drinks are excellent, and there are plenty of bar nibbles to snack on. Since it’s centrally located, a.Br is a great place to pop in for a quick drink.
ARTBAR
16 S 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-825-6724
ARTBAR is just half a mile from the City Hall Visitor Center, with a hip, artistic atmosphere, custom drinks, and plenty of small plates to snack on. The avocado hummus is a particularly delicious favorite. If you appreciate an artisan cocktail, you’ll really like the hotel lobby bar.
Condesa
1830 Ludlow Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-930-5600
Near 19th Street Trolley Station, Condesa has a great drinks and comfort food selection. The tacos, guacamole, and salsa verde are all fan favorites, and you can wash them down with any number of tasty beers or cocktails. So if you want a fun night out with friends, Condesa is the spot to be.
Red Owl Tavern
433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-923-2267
Red Owl Tavern is next to Independence National Historical Park, featuring stick-to-your-ribs food like pork chops and burgers. It’s unpretentious and downright tasty, and the portions are certainly sizable. The beer selection is exceptional, too, with a good rotation of drafts that changes every so often.
Final Thoughts
Some of Philadelphia’s best watering holes also happen to be in the best hotels in the city. These bars hit the sweet spot, from gorgeous, high-end cocktail bars with artisan nibbles and incredible views to excellent pub grub and local beers.
Did we list your favorite Philadelphia hotel lobby bars? Let us know in the comments below.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings