The Best Bars for Foodies in Philadelphia

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 29 January 2021

The bars in Philly always seem to be on point. Full of craft beer, delicious cocktails, and hearty bites, they promise a great time for visitors and residents alike. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable’s most expert, seasoned diners. Here’s a list of the best bars to go to in Philadelphia when looking for a fun night out.

Pub & Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (697)

$30 and under

American

Center City

About the restaurant

Pub & Kitchen is upscale meets neighborhood bar and pub. Stop in for brunch on the weekends, they have a bloody mary that is rightfully famous, or try a weeknight evening for dinner and a few beers. There's a fantastic burger on the menu and the Old Fashioned is always a great libation option.

Top review

FredericVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Pub & Kitchen is a treat. It is reasonably priced, has good drinks, and good food. On this occasion we both enjoyed the shrimp cocktail and the breast of chicken. The shrimp are large, fresh, and tasty. For the price, they should offer 4 of these gems, not 3. The roasted breast of chicken was perfectly prepared. Crispy on the outside and tender and moist inside. The accompanying vegetables were ok--homemade gnocchi were good, the beans too mushy. My martini was perfectly prepared but they should have blue cheese olives! The Old Speckled Hen is the English bitters on offer and it is a good one! The service was excellent.

Bud & Marilyn's

4.6

4.6 (5110)

$30 and under

American

Center City

About the restaurant

This Locust St. local cocktail bar has one of the neatest vibes in the entire city of Philadelphia, it's like scene from the 1950's—just imagine Sinatra singing in a corner and you'll get what it's all about. Try their special fried chicken, grab the Great Gatsby cocktail, or get in on a Friday for their popular Friday Night Fish Fry.

Top review

LeeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food was delicious & creatively prepared with tasty combinations of flavors. Service was excellent. The ambiance Is upbeat & fun. The restaurant is decorated with dim lighting & stylish decor.

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Marilyn's Fried Chicken

Parc

4.8

4.8 (17618)

$31 to $50

French

Rittenhouse Square

About the restaurant

A taste of France in Philadelphia. The look and feel of Parc is straight out of a Parisian bistro, and the wine list is tres magnifique. An absolute must-visit for any wine connoisseurs in Philly. The food menu is just as welcoming, with classic French dishes and plenty of special fish offerings. Stop in for brunch for even more delights—the crab and avocado dish is a delight.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 1 day ago

The food was very fresh and tasty! Loved the lobster cocktail and the steak frites! Also great mimosas!

El Vez

4.8

4.8 (7094)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Center City

About the restaurant

One of the best Mexican places in all of Philadelphia, El Vez is bright with a traditional Latin feel. It's the spot in the city for tequila. Try the Gran Jefe, which mixes tequila, orange liquor, limes, oranges, and cinnamon. As for the food, it doesn't get much better than a traditional Mexican feast. Choose from one of five different guacamoles to start with, then dine on tacos, enchiladas, carne asada and much, much more.

Top review

Jasmine

Dined 1 day ago

One of my favorite spots. Took my mom here for her birthday we even tried new apps and entrees. If you love guac get the crab or mango or both I promise it won’t disappoint!

Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

4.6

4.6 (3991)

$30 and under

Italian

Old City

About the restaurant

Capturing the feel and the flavors of Italy's Amalfi Coast, this Italian favorite on Walnut Street offers a tremendous selection of Italian wines and traditional Italian dishes. The Aldo's Seafood Harvest is a fresh-from-the-sea treat for the table and the crab meat tacos definitely make a trip to Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti a must.

Top review

Kevena

Dined 4 days ago

everything was wonderful, romantic. The food was done to perfection. The bathrooms were clean. The place is extravagant

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4.9

4.9 (2619)

$50 and over

Italian

South Philly

About the restaurant

As old school as it gets, this traditional Italian chophouse and wine bar is great for a dinner and a drink. It has a fine selection of wines, some delicious vintage cocktails, and classic dinner dishes. A great place for a meat-and-potatoes meal.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 1 day ago

Always a great experience! Highly attentive and accommodating staff!

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Serpico - Philadelphia

4.7

4.7 (1523)

$50 and over

American

Center City

About the restaurant

From the James Beard award-winning chef Peter Serpico, Serpico is a distinctly modern dining spot with an Asian-fusion twist. Go for the sirloin tatami, fried duck legs, or enoki mushrooms. Stay for the incredible cocktails, the mezcal-driven Herbal is a particular favorite.

Top review

Jan1

Dined on 4 Jan 2020

Our server, Elena, was exceptional in her timing and attention, as were other staff members. I think the pricing is rather steep. The noise level was quite acceptable as the restaurant was at capacity and we marveled how the cook staff quietly went about their business with an occasional laugh at one another.

Amada PHL

4.7

4.7 (8760)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Old City

About the restaurant

Amada PHL, from chef Jose Garces, is arguably the premier tapas spot in all of Philly. They offer delicious $5 happy hour dishes, like olives, ham croquettes, and spicy potatoes. Plus. there’s an amazing selection of cocktails named after the films of legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodovar—the "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" is superb.

Top review

CaraVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a wonderful time at Amada as a group - amazing food and wonderful service.

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Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.8

4.8 (11440)

$31 to $50

Asian

Old City

About the restaurant

Enjoy a fine modern Asian cuisine dinner or a few rounds of sake all in the shadow of a warm, welcoming 10-foot-tall Buddha statue at this wonderful Chestnut Street destination. The ambiance makes it as a top spot in Philly, but the food is what keeps the people coming back.

Top review

Jocelyn

Dined 4 days ago

Food, drinks, ambiance, service, valet, everything was AMAZING

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Experience

Lunar New Year Celebration

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia

4.6

4.6 (9557)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Center City

About the restaurant

Located in a historic landmark, Del Frisco's offers classic steakhouse elegance with a great selection of cocktails. Its rich steak, seafood, and poultry dishes have made this place not only popular in Philadelphia, but also in its eighteen other locations across the US.

Top review

Brenden

Dined 3 days ago

We visited for our Valentine's Day and the dinner was excellent. Our server Ben was especially pleasant.

The Love

4.8

4.8 (7483)

$31 to $50

American

Rittenhouse Square

About the restaurant

This warm and welcoming spot, from Philadelphia dining giant Aimee Olexy, has one of the nicest bars in the entire city. It’s a great place to relax and drink from a list that prizes fine beer, wine, and creative cocktails. The food menu is just as delectable and consists of seasonal pastas and hearty dishes.

Top review

Tonya

Dined today

The Love was awesome. The food was delicious. Highly recommend the Lovebirds and the pork chop! The Caesar salad starter was also so delicious and our waiter Nash was second to none! Thank you Nash for making our experience exceptional!

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Scallop Cacio e Pepe

Popular dish

Crispy Branzino

Popular dish

Salmon & Sticky Rice Bowl

Talula’s Garden

4.9

4.9 (13320)

$50 and over

American

Washington Square

About the restaurant

Looking for a farm-to-table experience? This unique indoor-outdoor spot specializes in just that. Grab a beer or glass of wine and peruse the cheese bar, the lush vegetation creates a calming atmosphere that is perfect for a quaint evening out.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Perfect Valentine’s dinner. Service was incredible, always there when needed yet had plenty of privacy. We had a table outside which was beautiful and felt magical. The heaters made it feel cozy and they also provided blankets for our laps. Started with the cheese board which was delicious. A wide variety of cheeses all that were balanced in flavor and texture. I then had the salmon that was perfectly cooked, crispy skin with tender meat underneath. My husband had the pork belly which he thoroughly enjoyed. The cocktail (I had the Sicilian with vodka) was expertly prepare and my glass of Chardonnay at dinner was also very good. We have been to Talula’s Garden many times and have also had wonderful meals and service. One of my favorite restaurants in the city.

Alma De Cuba

4.5

4.5 (4665)

$30 and under

Cuban

Center City

About the restaurant

A culinary trip to Havana, complete with fine rum, daiquiris, and mojitos, right in the heart of Philadelphia. There’s a lush Latin ambiance and structure to the dining experience, and the Cuban dishes are delightful. Try the churrasco or sea scallops with serrano ham, both are delicious.

Top review

RafaelinaP

Dined on 6 Jan 2020

Place is perfect for a romantic dates.. went for my birthday and got free desert and the service was perfect

Continental Midtown

4.7

4.7 (2714)

$30 and under

American

Center City

About the restaurant

So many options at this three-floor after-work rooftop bar destination, a favorite for the young professional crowd. Down one of the cocktails in the lower lounge floors or head up to the roof deck for a martini and take in the views of the city.

Top review

Alex

Dined 5 days ago

The environment was spectacular which set a perfect, peaceful energy for me and my date!

Pod

$31 to $50

Asian

University City

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of University City, Pod has a modern and hip vibe that verges on futuristic. Have a few Sapporo beers or try something from their sake flight and sit in one of their "cocoon" booths, or pick out a meal from the conveyor belt system. And yes, it's as cool as it sounds.

Top review

Lefty

Dined on 11 Mar 2020

Always reliable and good for folks with dietary restrictions. That said, it is pricey for what you get and the interior really needs refurbishing.

Marathon - 19th & Spruce

4.6

4.6 (806)

$30 and under

American

Rittenhouse Square

About the restaurant

The 19th and Spruce location of this Philly favorite is the spot to go for some neighborhood vibes, a beer or two, and a burger. There's a nice, local feel to the place, with shakes on the menu and all-natural smoothies, perfect for powering up an afternoon or morning.

Top review

BobbieVIP

Dined on 5 Feb 2025

Great as always. Crab cake was delicious. Rainbow trout was also excellent.

Redstone American Grill - Marlton

4.6

4.6 (5717)

$30 and under

American

Marlton

About the restaurant

Just outside Philadelphia in the Promenade at Sagemore, the local outpost of the Redstone American Grill is a great place for a fine glass of wine or a cocktail with a classic steak or chicken dinner. If there's a game on, head over to the bar for some apps and beers.

Top review

Kyle

Dined 4 days ago

Redstone is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. It’s also the most frequented of my favorites. From the staff to ambience to food , I have zero complaints. I always enjoy my food and time there !

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4.9

4.9 (8897)

$50 and over

Steak

Center City

About the restaurant

This acclaimed spot is a throwback to the golden era of Hollywood—classic martinis and cocktails, steaks, and a raw bar on the menu. It’s straight out of mid-century Los Angeles, just transplanted to Philadelphia.

Top review

Tanae

Dined today

Nice ambiance for date night. Excellent service, delicious food. The Porterhouse for two was a great choice, cooked to perfection. We enjoyed the new crab cake, Brussel sprouts, and hash browns. The cocktails were lovely.