Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Pub & Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (689)

$30 and under

American

Center City

About the restaurant

Pub & Kitchen is an authentic neighborhood tavern located on the corner of 20th and Lombard in Philadelphia. For over a decade, we’ve served a menu featuring elevated farm to table offerings, alongside an innovative bar program specializing in wine, local beers, and craft cocktails. Our menu is constantly evolving, fluctuating with the seasons and availability of product.

Our lively and comfortable restaurant features a large wood-lined bar, bustling dining room, and charming sidewalk cafe on a tree-lined street. We also have an intimate private dining room upstairs, available for parties of up to 50 guests.

Top review

AidanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

on the pricier side but very high quality food! and cozy christmas atmosphere, always love coming here

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Philadelphia, PA | Logan Square (The Granary)

4.9

4.9 (939)

$30 and under

Japanese

Art Museum

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Susan

Dined 3 days ago

We came here for a work lunch and all my colleagues love this restaurant. They love the food, ambiance, and the idea of cooking your own food. They all love it so much that they want to come back here for our next lunch.

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

Oyster House Philadelphia

4.9

4.9 (85)

$50 and over

Seafood

Center City

About the restaurant

Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.

Top review

kitty boweVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Loud at the bar. Gracious hostess seated us at quietest table. Food was outstanding. Service gracious and let us take our time. Highly recommend.

Philadelphia Distilling

4.8

4.8 (275)

$31 to $50

American

Fishtown

About the restaurant

At Philadelphia Distilling, our distilling team combines craftsmanship, science and skill to create a unique portfolio of premium spirits that rely on the agricultural integrity of authentically sourced grains and botanicals and the finest heritage equipment.

Hand-hammered copper pot stills from the fifth-generation Forsyth family and wooden fermentation vessels from Hall-Woodford, an iconic Philadelphia-based family business, are key points of difference for us—both in their construction value as well as the integrity of the spirits they help us to produce. We continue our batch-by-batch process, creating spirits that celebrate big, bold flavor.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

Incredibly-designed space with a view of the distillery works. Sat at the bar and service was exceptional. Drinks were expertly-crafted. The gougères were delicious. The other two food items we had were ok, so I don’t recommend coming here expecting to eat dinner; this is a cocktail bar first and foremost. I will return.

Tria Wash West

4.8

4.8 (304)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Washington Square

About the restaurant

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.

Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.

We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

Top review

AndreaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Another fantastic dinner at Tria. Once again, the service was impeccable and friendly. Good night was made even better with a wine tasting from various regions in Sicily absolutely looking forward to the next wine event at our beautiful neighborhood gem, Tria

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Experience

Happier Hour at Tria Wash West

Chickie's & Pete's - South Philadelphia

4.7

4.7 (671)

$30 and under

Seafood

South Philly

About the restaurant

Opened in 2003, conveniently located within walking distance to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, this 24,000 sq ft location on Packer Avenue features two huge bars and plenty of TVs including an 18’ showpiece that is perfect for watching any great sporting event! South Philly also has three private rooms with the capability to handle any special occasion, small or large. Pre-game, post-game, or during the game…join us for the best in game experience in Philadelphia.

Top review

CliffVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Reservation and sested on time/great service/good food quick/noise level high

La Llorona Cantina Mexicana

4.7

4.7 (193)

$30 and under

Mexican

South Philly

About the restaurant

We look forward to having you dine with us and enjoy a memorable time filled with authentic Mexican Cuisine and finely crafted Cocktails. Brunch is served Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 3pm. Happy Hour : Tuesday - Friday 4pm to 7pm

Top review

David

Dined 6 days ago

Some of the best and authentic Mexican food in south Philly !

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar

4.6

4.6 (1151)

$31 to $50

American

Manayunk

About the restaurant

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar is a classic restaurant featuring New American cuisine for over 35 years. Chef Bruce Cooper and his staff feature a classic approach to cuisine in a comfortable environment.

Top review

Fran

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

Food and wine were both delicious. Service was excellent. We will be back

Craftsman Row Saloon

4.5

4.5 (1142)

$30 and under

American

Old City

About the restaurant

We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!

Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups.

Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!

Top review

Briana

Dined 2 days ago

So fun and festive!!! Loved the food and drinks. It really puts you in the holiday spirit

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Urban Village Brewing Company

4.5

4.5 (255)

$30 and under

American

Northern Liberties

About the restaurant

For all reservations greater than 5 please call, 267-687-1961, or email, info@urbanvillagebrewing.com, us to book you reservation

KitchenHours:
Sun - Thr 12-10pm
Fri & Sat 12-11pm

Bar Hours:
Sun-Thu 12-11pm
Fri & Sat 12-12pm

Outdoor:
Fall/Winter
In the colder months the space is enclosed with canvas and vinyl walls to keep the eliminates out and heated with our radiant outdoor heaters. Although the space is heated please dress in warm layer during those colder days

Spring/Summer:
In the spring and summer it's an open air space with the awning there to protect from rain.

Walk-In Seating:
Half our tables are set aside for walk-in seating and it's available on as first come; first serve bases.

Large Reservations:
For parties of 6 of more please call to book you reservation

Top review

Geri

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

We had a large gathering of 16 ladies who attended the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour to celebrate the festive season! Our wait staff was attentive, and our cocktails were delicious along with the various foods that were served in a very timely fashion! We will definitely be back again!! Thank you for a wonderful evening!

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