The Best Bars On Philadelphia's South Street

Lauren Gruber

Philadelphia’s South Street and its surrounding district are known for its rowdy crowds and vibrant activity. Read ahead for our guide to know where you’ll find the most lively and relaxing atmosphere with great specials.

1. Tattooed Mom

Bar, American

Downstairs in the main bar, you’ll find a room fit for absinthe fan Oscar Wilde’s dreams. Upstairs are graffiti’d walls, a pool table and another bar making Tattooed Mom a must for a fun and casual experience. They have tasty and fun cocktails, such as the pink puss or the David Lynch lemonade. Fantastic food specials include Taco Tuesdays.

2. The Twisted Tail

Bar, South American, BBQ, Pub Grub

Located right off South Street (but still where the action is), The Twisted Tail is a bourbon and whiskey bar with occasional live music upstairs. Their Happy Hour hosts six cocktail specials. Bartenders make expertly crafted cocktails and offer a dinner menu stocked with comfort foods like crawfish mac n’ cheese.

3. Bob & Barbara's Lounge

Bar, American

Anyone is bound to have a great time at Bob & Barbara’s. Home of the $3 PBR Citywide special, Bob & Barbara’s hosts an in-house jazz band and drag shows on Thursdays nights. A great dive bombarded with PBR memorabilia on the walls, the cheap drinks and dancing are popular staples among locals.

4. Xochitl

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, Dessert

Xochitl, Philadelphia
©Ostermayer/Flickr
Xochitl serves fun and tasty Mexican drinks at its bar. During Happy Hour patrons can enjoy reasonably-priced house margaritas. Their guacamole is a great complement to the drinks and dessert is definitely worth trying too.

5. Brauhaus Schmitz

Restaurant, German

Reminiscent of a German beer hall and restaurant, Brauhaus Schmitz serves around 30 taps from German brewers and has many imports from Germany on its 100-bottle list. Barmaids (in traditional outfits during festivals) serve you liters in beer mugs and there’s a traditional German menu of soft pretzels and bauernwurst. Brauhaus Schmitz themselves have multiple exclusive breweries whilst also serving many German beers that are brewed in its small home town.

6. Manny Brown's

Bar, Wine Bar, American, Pub Grub

Manny Browns, Philadelphia
©Tom Ipri/Flickr
If looking for solid bar food and plenty of draft options, then Manny Brown’s is a perfect spot. Check out Happy Hour on weekdays for half-priced drafts and domestic bottles. Manny’s is also great for groups, who can enjoy their beer towers. Any bar that serves Southern Tier’s Creme Brûlée on tap probably knows what it’s doing.

Jet Wine Bar

With an extensive global wine list and and flavorful appetites, Jet Wine Bar is perfect for a nightcap. The intimate Meditterranean style is great for outings with friends or intimate dates but if you’re looking for some more fun, they also offer quality cocktails. If on a budget, check out the house wine and be sure to keep an eye out for their Tasting Tuesdays and events throughout the year to learn more about wines from the bartenders.
Address & phone number: 1525 South St Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-735-1116

7. Grace Tavern

Bar, Pub, American, Pub Grub

Original and ornate 1930s tin-pressed ceilings and beautiful architecture make this venue sophisticated yet casual. Grace Tavern is located in a quiet area right off South Street and average drink prices are cheap. Their menu includes tasty items like the blackened green beans that you can eat-in or order out. ©Tom Ipri/Flickr

The Good King Tavern

Also featured in our list of best cocktail bars and best restaurants in Queen Village, The Good King Tavern is located just a half block away from South Street. Their cocktails are divine, with two house cocktails and seven classics. It’s one of the best places you’ll find cocktails in the city. The flirty rustic French decor gives this place some serious glamour and the food menu is worth trying too.
Address & phone number: 614 S 7th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-625-3700

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article