Northern Liberties is a small up and coming neighborhood located north of Old City, Philadelphia, with plenty of fun bars to visit to make the perfect end of a long day. Read ahead for a list of our 10 favorite bars in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia.
The Standard Tap is a multi-level sports bar that prides itself in supplying wholesome food and great beer. All of the beer here is locally produced, and The Standard provides up to 20 selections which are changed daily to create variety. For food, the bar offers American classics such as chicken pot pie or pulled pork sandwich.
Jerry's Bar
Bar, Gastropub, Restaurant, Pub Grub, American
Courtesy of Jerry's Bar
This bi-level pub has a fascinating interior filled with all kinds of salvaged artifacts from different periods in time. The bar is whiskey focused, but offers a list of beers and wines to go with any of the items on their food menu. For food, Jerry’s Bar as an extensive selection of different cuisine, ranging from sushi to moules frites to juicy brined wings. Jerry’s has been named Philadelphia’s Best City Brunch for their fun, mellow brunch with live jazz.
North Bowl
Bowling Alley
A retro-chic bowling alley that looks like it came straight out of the ‘80s, North Bowl is located in a renovated mechanic garage and features 17 lanes to play at. They also feature pool tables and arcade games in their upstairs lounge. The menu offers a range of snacks to pick from, like the salmon burger or 11 different types of tater tots, as well as an extensive list of fruity cocktails.
The Abbaye is the type of bar where patrons go to grab a drink at the end of the day, casually meet up with friends, and simply unwind. The food is made from the freshest, in season, local ingredients, with options like a classic burger, a veggie burger or a seitan cheesesteak, making this place a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional bar. Their drink menu features popular domestic and international brews, as well as a small list of wines.
A popular hangout spot for younger crowds, the Blind Pig gives off a rustic vibe that makes it a fun place to grab a bite and drink. The bar provides darts and pool tables for guests to use and play against each other, creating a casual and friendly environment. The menu has items such as poutine, cubanos and falafels, so there is something for everyone, and it can all be washed down with any of their selection of canned beers.
A Spanish tapas bar decorated with murals of bull fights takes guests to Spain without ever having to leave Philadelphia. The menu is a mix of traditional and modern interpretations of Spanish tapas that makes mouths water just by looking at the menu. Guests can find cheeseboards full of various Spanish cheeses, pancetta flatbreads and salty Marcona almonds, and for those who are in a big group, or are very hungry, there is always paella.
Bourbon and Branch
Restaurant, American
Bourbon and Branch is a bar dedicated to whiskey and features an extensive list of American Bourbons and Ryes, single malt Scotches, Irish whiskeys, Canadian whiskeys and several cocktails and infusions. The bar itself is made out of an altar from an old church, while the second floor has live music regularly. For whiskey and music lovers, this is the place to be.
The King's Oak
Restaurant, American
The King’s Oak is a bar that has a wide range of different types of alcoholic drinks with a patio and weekend DJs to enjoy them with. There are 14 beers on tap, as well as a choice of IPAs, ciders, red or white wines and specialty cocktails. For food, King’s Oak provides savory and sweet parmesan truffle fries, sliders, and spicy fried chicken.
North Third
Bar, Diner, Restaurant, Pub Grub, American
A corner bar with charmingly mismatched decor, North Third is a casual and relaxing bar. They feature an extensive list of domestic beers and international wines for guests to pair with their meal. Their food menu offers a varied assortment of options, such as spring rolls, fresh clams and satisfying pierogies.
Emmanuelle
Located behind a burger joint, Emmanuelle is a modern speakeasy with an extensive list of cocktails. The drinks are prepared by skilled and friendly bartenders, who are passionate about what they do and will not hesitate to answer any questions about the drinks. The craft cocktails include options such as the Lord Mandrake (bonded bourbon, egg white, Bénédictine, Cynar) or the Morning Glory Fizz (scotch whiskey, sugar, lemon, lime, dash of absinthe, topped with sparkling water). For large groups, they offer homemade punch in crystal bowls.
Riley is a recent graduate from the George Washington University with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Communication, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. An aspiring travel writer and editor, she has a passion for learning about cultures and loves food, rock climbing and cycling.
