UNIQUE Nightlife Spots in Philly
Looking for something beyond your usual bar? Philly is full of places that offer unique twists on your Friday-night classics. Below are eight spots that are worth a visit!
Silk City is situated inside an old diner car, with a fully enclosed back garden with eclectic décor, cool lighting, and an all-around fun and bright vibe. It operates as a classic dinner diner in the evenings and a full brunch diner on weekend mornings, but transitions into a fun nightlife spot after the close of dinner service. The bar area and back garden hosts concerts, DJs, special events and parties, and is a very popular spot. The best part – you can come back the next morning for brunch!
2. Barcade
This Fishtown spot offers classic bar faire, rotating draft selection, and mixed drinks – along with over 60 classic arcade games to play! Purchase tokens from one of the token machines (one token is $0.25) and enjoy playing classics such as Frogger, Dig Dug, PacMan, Mortal Kombat, Crystal Castles, and, of course, a range of awesome pinball games. Most are one token per game!
Chinatown’s only sports bar! Bar-Ly offers classic bar fare along with larger entrees like pizza and burgers, with another full menu from their kitchen Vietnam Express serving Vietnamese appetizers and entrees. Bar-Ly also has an awesome skewer menu, and you can enjoy everything along with drinks from their bar while watching the game on their many TVs. Bar-Ly also has an awesome happy hour everyday from 3-6pm.
4. Tattooed Mom
Vegan and non-vegan friends rejoice! Tattooed Mom on South Street offers vegan versions of most of their food, including vegan hot Nashville chicken sandwich, vegan cheesesteak, vegan cheese fries, and more, along with their regular versions. Tattooed Mom is also known for their perogies (which can come with vegan sour cream) and unique cocktails. Their furniture and decor are very unique – some “tables” are old bumper cars, and all the walls are covered in stickers or graffiti. Come here for great food and drink, poetry readings, parties, drag shows, and art events… they have it all.
Libertee Grounds on Girard Ave is the spot for super local beer, cider and wine – they pride themselves on having their selection feature makers within a 40 mile radius of Philly! They also have a Philly-themed indoor golf course around the bar area, along with games such as Connect Four, giant Jenga, darts, and more. The food menu features pan-Asian cuisine including banh mi’s, Korean barbecue and dandan noodles. Libertee Grounds is a great place to come with friends when you are looking to do something fun and different at night!
6. North Bowl
Looking to go bowling, but you want something beyond your typical “bowling alley food?” North Bowl is here for you. Their menu features delicious options such as Kung Pao Cauliflower, Curried Fried Rice and Vegan Steak Tacos. The trendy space includes an outdoor loft bar, upstairs bar area, and the main bowling floor. The Late Night Wednesdays offer $3 bowling, shoe rentals, Founders IPA and tater tots, with a DJ until 1am.
7. Thirsty Dice
Thirsty Dice is a board game cafe and bar, with a library of over 950 games! Order board game-themed drinks and play games in pairs or in groups. It’s easy to learn new games, as they have a “Gamesmaster” on staff who can explain the rules to all the most popular games, and can give you recommendations based on your current favorites. A menu highlight is the boozy milkshakes!
8. Yakitori Boy
The favorite karaoke and izakaya spot in Philly! Thursdays are free cover day in the karaoke room, with $2 a song ticket or (3) for $5, with Friday and Saturday’s $10 cover including the karaoke, making it a great place to try a song or two, or stay for the night. Private rooms are available for an hourly rate.They also have full bottle service and an excellent late night food menu with outdoor dining!
