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.
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.
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.
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.
Xochitl
Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, Dessert
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.
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.
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Manny Brown's
Bar, Wine Bar, American, Pub Grub
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
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
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