Watch the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand. Located at the top of Philadelphia’s Logan Hotel, this swanky open-air rooftop bar overlooks the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Assembly’s plush couches, fire pits, craft cocktails and a view of the museum district make it one of Philly’s most popular hangouts for locals in the know. Their menu offers a lineup of champagne, bubbly cocktails, sparkling wine and a sophisticated list of craft beers.
Situated 50 stories above ground, Sky Garten is an authentic beer garden with views of the parkway. It was Philadelphia’s first beer garden in the sky and has received awards for being the best beer garden in the city. Their menu features a selection of German beers and food, including a bratwurst sandwich, bavarian pretzel and schweineflugel. Check out the views of City Hall while listening to a DJ spin, or opt for a more mellow evening with a game of Connect Four.
In warm weather, the Philadelphia Library opens a rooftop bar. However, it’s not there every day, and visitors will need to check the calendar to keep up with openings. The mini-series is called Brews & Views and allows visitors the unique chance to hang out on the library’s roof terrace and look out at the parkway. The views include fountains, museums and plenty of tourists looking for their next adventure. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun go down and spend time with other Philadelphians who are in the know. The menu features local craft beers and catered snacks like steamed dumplings and pork tacos. The Brews & Views event usually includes a DJ from a local radio station to keep the atmosphere upbeat.
Bok Bar, a school-themed outdoor hangout, is located eight floors up on the roof of a formerly abandoned high school in South Philly. The school was left untouched for years until a developer turned it into art studios, small businesses and boutiques. The bar offers local beers, wine, cocktails and a menu of Mediterranean food and attracts tourists, locals and students who want to watch the sunset before getting into party mode. There are viewfinders along the bar’s edge so that visitors can get an up-close look at the city’s skyline too.
Located in Center City, this authentic tiki bar brings island vibes to Philly’s downtown. Surfboards, totem poles, Hawaiian masks and some bamboo details adorn the space. The roof deck comes complete with South Pacific art, palm trees and views over the Gayborhood. Guests can order classic island cocktails like a pina colada, Singapore sling, mai tai, and a Zombie.
Located 11 stories above Independence Hall, this swanky rooftop lounge is unlike any other place in Philly. Designed by renowned Los Angeles designer Gulla Jonsdottir, the space has movable walls so that the lounge can stay open despite the weather. There’s a dress code, so visitors are expected to look the part in this luxury hangout. The menu focuses on dishes like house-cured salmon, mini crab cakes, house-smoked pork belly, beet tartare and charred cauliflower.
Located in Old City, this restaurant has a rooftop bar that overlooks the city’s most historic district. The atmosphere was intentionally created to be a modern twist on the style of the Revolutionary War days. The inside bar is decorated with antique glass bottles dangling from the ceiling. Tabletops feature inlaid, vintage keys, and an antiquated, American flag adorns the wall. The upstairs roof deck is a more modern twist on the theme and offers incredible views with a minimalist atmosphere. They have a lengthy craft beer list featuring local breweries, a good lineup of wine, and craft cocktails. Choose from drinks with names like Washington’s Crossing, You Say You Want a Revolution, and Shot Heard ‘Round The World.
