Quick answer
Philadelphia has quietly built one of America's best cocktail scenes, with drinks ranging from $10 to $20. The Franklin Mortgage is the legendary OG, Almanac brings James Beard-winning Japanese-inspired cocktails, and Sassafras offers incredible value at just $13 max per drink.
- Best overall
- The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
- Best budget
- Sassafras ($10–$13 per drink)
- Most inventive
- Almanac (omakase cocktails)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- The Franklin Mortgage — Philly's OG speakeasy, still the gold standard
- Almanac — James Beard Award-winning Japanese-inspired bar
- Sassafras — Haunted mansion vibes, $13 max drinks
- Grace & Proper — Anti-fancy Portuguese corner bar
- Next of Kin — Fishtown's no-pretense late-night go-to
Philadelphia's cocktail scene offers something for everyone, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per cocktail, and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company standing out as a top pick for its Prohibition-era ambiance. Whether you're seeking a classic speakeasy or a modern mixology experience, Philadelphia's bars deliver expertly crafted drinks and unique atmospheres.
Philadelphia's cocktail scene has exploded beyond the classic Prohibition-era speakeasies into a diverse landscape of Japanese omakase bars, Scandinavian lounges, farm-to-glass experiments, and Sardinian-inspired hotel bars. What makes Philly special is the attitude: bartenders here take their craft seriously without taking themselves seriously. You'll find James Beard winners making wagyu hot dogs alongside $16 cocktails, and haunted-mansion bars where the most expensive drink is $13. These 15 bars represent the best of the city's cocktail culture — curated from Reddit discussions, local food blogs, national press (Bon Appétit, Eater, Resy, The Infatuation), and verified with Google Maps data.
Cocktail Bars Map
1The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
Speakeasy Prohibition-era
💰 $14–$18 per cocktail
📍 1715 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
📍 Rittenhouse Square
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company, a speakeasy located at 1715 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, offers cocktails priced between $14 and $18. The menu rotates seasonally, but the spirit-forward stirred cocktails are where this bar shines. Their house Old Fashioned variations are consistently outstanding, and the rum-based cocktails honor the bar's Prohibition-era inspiration.
"Philadelphia distilling, Franklin Mortgage, Ranstead room, Abar — all great options for craft cocktails in Philly."
— r/cocktails · Best Craft Cocktails in Philly thread, 2024
"Franklin Mortgage is the OG. It's been around forever and still holds up. The bartenders there are serious about their craft."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best cocktail bars discussion, 2024
tabiji verdict: Philadelphia's OG craft cocktail bar and still the gold standard. Named after a Prohibition-era front for illegal liquor, it's been setting the bar since 2010. Dark, moody, no-frills — just exceptional drinks.
2Almanac
Japanese-inspired Omakase cocktails
💰 $16–$20 per cocktail
📍 310 Market St Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
📍 Old City
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Almanac, a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar at 310 Market St Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106, serves cocktails priced from $16 to $20. Let the bartender guide you through an omakase-style cocktail experience. The Kasugai Sour (barley shochu, Midori, yuzu, lime, Calpico) and Juban District (a botanical Manhattan riff) are signatures.
"Almanac is incredible. Danny Childs won a James Beard for a reason. The omakase cocktail experience rivals the sushi downstairs."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best boujee cocktail bar thread, 2025
"Almanac above Ogawa is the move for something truly special in Old City. Seasonal Japanese-inspired cocktails that change constantly."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Old City Cocktail Bars thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: James Beard Award-winning bartender Danny Childs created something genuinely special. Upstairs from Ogawa Sushi, Almanac marries Japanese and American drinking cultures with hyper-seasonal, foraged ingredients. Reservations essential.
3Andra Hem
Scandinavian Inventive
What to order: Andra Hem, a Scandinavian cocktail bar located at 218 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, offers cocktails priced between $15 and $19. Try the Gucci Breakfast (yogurt-washed gin, banana liqueur, amaro, strawberry, citrus) or the Spice World (rum, cachaca, mango, ginger, bird's eye chili, sumac).
"Andra Hem in Rittenhouse is doing some of the most inventive cocktails in the city. The Scandinavian angle is unique."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Looking for cocktail bar recommendations, 2024
"The sophisticated interior design and flawless beverage program have attracted national attention."
— Eater Philly · Best Bars in Philadelphia, 2025
tabiji verdict: A sophisticated Rittenhouse cocktail lounge with Scandinavian flair that's earned national attention from Eater and Bon Appétit. The inventive cocktail program pushes boundaries without being gimmicky.
4R&D Cocktail Bar
Date night Mid-century modern
What to order: R&D Cocktail Bar, a date night spot at 1206 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, features cocktails priced from $14 to $18. The rotating specialty cocktails are the main draw — bartenders will create custom drinks on the spot. Try the crème brûlée and black cherry vodka drink or ask for something savory.
"R&D is great while waiting for Beddia or Kalaya next door. Dark, sexy, mid-century vibes and creative cocktails."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best cocktail bars discussion, 2024
"Harp and crown, Wilder, R&D — all solid spots with good cocktail bars."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best bars in Philly thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: Fishtown's go-to cocktail bar doubles as the perfect pre-dinner spot while waiting for Beddia or Kalaya. Dark, candlelit, mid-century modern vibes with velvet everywhere.
🌐 Website
5The Ranstead Room
Speakeasy Hidden gem
What to order: The Ranstead Room, a speakeasy located at 2013 Ranstead St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, offers cocktails priced between $14 and $18. Start with one of their classic cocktail riffs — the bartenders excel at twists on the Manhattan, Negroni, and Old Fashioned. The spirit-forward options are especially strong.
"Philadelphia distilling, Franklin Mortgage, Ranstead room, Abar — all great for craft cocktails."
— r/cocktails · Best Craft Cocktails in Philly thread, 2024
"Ranstead Room is the hidden gem speakeasy everyone should try. Unmarked door, tiny space, incredible drinks."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Center City Cocktail Bar thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: The speakeasy that actually feels like a speakeasy. Tucked behind an unmarked door on Ranstead Street, this tiny, dimly lit bar is all about the drinks. No flashy garnishes — just technically precise cocktails.
6Grace & Proper
Portuguese-inspired Neighborhood bar
What to order: Grace & Proper, a Portuguese-inspired bar at 941 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, serves cocktails priced from $12 to $18. The Good Giving & Game with saffron-infused gin, honey, and 24-karat gold leaf is the showstopper. The cava and wine list is one of the longest in town.
"Grace and Proper is rowdy and fun. Portuguese-ish corner bar with incredible cocktails that are actually affordable."
— The Infatuation · Best Cocktail Bars in Philly, 2025
"Their incredible signature drinks, like the Good Giving & Game with saffron-infused gin, honey, and 24-karat gold leaf set this place apart."
— The Infatuation · Grace & Proper review, 2025
tabiji verdict: The anti-fancy cocktail bar. A Portuguese-ish corner spot with paint-chipped ceilings and chalkboard menus. Rowdy, fun, unpretentious — and cocktails that punch well above their weight.
🌐 Website
7Next of Kin
Late-night No pretense
What to order: Next of Kin, a late-night spot at 1414 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, features cocktails priced from $13 to $16. The banana daiquiri is a crowd favorite, and the penicillin is good enough to chug like water. Keep it simple — perfectly made classics at 1am.
"Next of Kin makes good cocktails without taking itself too seriously. No pyrotechnics, no speakeasy rules. Open late."
— The Infatuation · Best Cocktail Bars in Philly, 2025
"Next of Kin is my late-night go-to in Fishtown. Great banana daiquiri and no attitude."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Cocktails Bars Fishtown thread, 2024
tabiji verdict: The cocktail bar that doesn't take itself too seriously. Velvet skull designs, a disco ball in the bathroom, and drinks that are genuinely excellent without pretension. Fishtown's go-to 1am destination.
8Sassafras
Historic Budget-friendly
What to order: Sassafras, a historic bar located at 48 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, offers cocktails priced between $10 and $13. Try a spirit-forward cocktail with flaming sugar cubes, or a well-made Old Fashioned. With the most expensive drink at $13, experiment freely. Head upstairs to 48 Record Bar for vinyl listening.
"Sassafras is the best value cocktail bar in Philly. Most expensive drink is $13 and the atmosphere is like drinking in a haunted mansion."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Chill Place For a Decent Cocktail thread, 2024
"For a bar where the most expensive drink is $13, it's worth sharing elbow space with a stranger."
— The Infatuation · Sassafras review, 2025
tabiji verdict: A gorgeously haunted-looking bar with dim lighting, candles on all six tables, and cocktails maxing out at $13. The best value cocktail bar in Philadelphia.
9Poison Heart
Neon Punk vibes
💰 $13–$17 per cocktail
📍 931 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
📍 Spring Garden
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Poison Heart, a neon-lit bar at 931 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, serves cocktails priced from $13 to $17. The sweet coffee negroni milk punch is a creative blend you never knew existed. The rum cocktails are a specialty. Free herbs de Provence-spiced popcorn with every visit.
"Poison Heart is like if an '80s pop-punk band filled a dark room with neon lights and rum cocktails. Love it."
— The Infatuation · Poison Heart review, 2025
"Several bars have popped up in Callowhill including Poison Heart — a fun, neon-lit bar with creative cocktails."
— Bon Appétit · Best Bars in Philadelphia, 2025
tabiji verdict: An '80s pop-punk fever dream with neon lights, creative rum cocktails, and free herbed popcorn. Best post-show spot in Spring Garden. Fun, weird, and unapologetically Philly.
🌐 Website
10Charlie Was A Sinner
Vegan Trendy
What to order: Charlie Was A Sinner, a vegan bar at 131 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, features cocktails priced from $14 to $18. Everything on the cocktail menu is well-crafted, but seasonal specials shine. Try the mushroom dumplings or cauliflower wings alongside your cocktail.
"Charlie Was A Sinner has great cocktails and it's fully vegan. Perfect date spot with a trendy, dimly lit atmosphere."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best cocktail bars discussion, 2024
"Getting into Charlie Was A Sinner on a Saturday night is as difficult as finding motivation to work out the morning after."
— The Infatuation · Charlie Was A Sinner review, 2025
tabiji verdict: One of the most popular vegan spots in the city with an excellent cocktail program. Rom-com trendy interior — long bar, velvety booths, wine bottle chandelier. Getting in on Saturday is a genuine challenge.
11Post Haste
Farm-to-glass Eclectic
💰 $14–$18 per cocktail
📍 2519 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
📍 East Kensington
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Post Haste, a farm-to-glass bar at 2519 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, offers cocktails priced from $14 to $18. The boozy blueberry sno cone cocktail (PA rum blend, Laird's Jersey Lightning, West 32 Soju, lemon verbena) is a must-try. Everything uses farm-sourced PA ingredients.
"Post Haste is doing farm-to-glass cocktails with nationally acclaimed bartending. The blueberry sno cone cocktail is wild."
— Eater Philly · Best Bars in Philadelphia, 2025
"Post Haste is one of those bars where the bartender actually cares about sourcing. Everything is local PA ingredients."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Cocktails Bars Fishtown thread, 2024
tabiji verdict: An eclectic bar with nationally acclaimed bartending and genuine passion for farm-sourced ingredients. Every cocktail tells a story about local PA producers.
🌐 Website
12La Jefa
Mexican All-day
What to order: La Jefa, a Mexican bar at 1605 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves cocktails priced from $14 to $18. The Raspado with fermented guava, the Calabaza with butter-washed paranubes añejo, and the Maiz with masa syrup are all exceptional. Come at night for the best experience.
"La Jefa's cocktails are among some of the most interesting and delicious in the city. The Raspado with fermented guava is incredible."
— The Infatuation · La Jefa review, 2025
"La Jefa from the Tequila's team has incredible Mexican-inspired cocktails, especially at night."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best cocktail bars discussion, 2024
tabiji verdict: From the team behind Tequila's, La Jefa is a chic all-day cafe that transforms into one of the city's best cocktail bars at night. Mexican-inspired drinks that are among the most interesting in Philadelphia.
13Southwark
Restaurant bar Cocktail-forward
What to order: Southwark, a restaurant bar at 701 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, features cocktails priced from $14 to $18. The Thank You, Little Roots milk punch (Grappa, mint, Gran Classico, citrus, green tea, lavender) could convert any grappa skeptic.
"Southwark's cocktail program is sneaky good. The bar does things you won't find at dedicated cocktail bars."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Chill Place For a Decent Cocktail thread, 2024
"Bartender Randall Greenleaf is betting Grappa will find its place, especially with his Thank You, Little Roots milk punch."
— Resy · Best Cocktails in Philly, 2025
tabiji verdict: A Queen Village restaurant with a cocktail program that rivals dedicated bars. The bartenders experiment with underappreciated spirits like Grappa and create milk punches that are silky, complex, and genuinely surprising.
14Caletta
Hotel bar Sardinian
What to order: Caletta, a hotel bar at 1401 E Susquehanna Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, offers cocktails priced from $16 to $20. The Saturn Descent — an Italian take on a tiki drink with Pasubio, St. George aged rye gin, yuzu sake, pomegranate, umeboshi cordial, mirto, shiso and BBQ bitters.
"Caletta at Hotel Anna & Bel is the newest must-visit cocktail bar in Fishtown. Sardinian-inspired drinks that require serious prep work."
— Bon Appétit · Best Bars in Philadelphia, 2025
"Beverage director Benjamin Kirk's Sardinian-inspired cocktails require two-day, 10-hour prep shifts each week. Worth it."
— Resy · Best Cocktails in Philly, 2025
tabiji verdict: A dark, cozy 24-seat cocktail bar tucked behind Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown. Sardinian-inspired drinks requiring 10-hour prep shifts twice a week. One of Philly's newest and most ambitious additions.
🌐 Website
15Irwin's
Rooftop Sicilian
💰 $14–$18 per cocktail
📍 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
📍 South Philadelphia
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Irwin's, a rooftop bar at 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, serves cocktails priced from $14 to $18. The Porco Rosso — vodka, melon, poblano, lime, and a crispy prosciutto chip. Imagine prosciutto and melon salad as a cocktail. Order while watching the sunset from the Bok Building.
"Irwin's at the Bok Building is the best sunset cocktail spot in Philly. The Porco Rosso is like prosciutto and melon salad in a glass."
— Resy · Best Cocktails in Philly, 2025
"The views from Irwin's are incredible, and the Sicilian cocktails are surprisingly good. Not just a rooftop gimmick."
— r/PhiladelphiaEats · Best bars in Philly thread, 2024
tabiji verdict: A Sicilian restaurant atop the Bok Building with cocktails that match the sunset views. The Porco Rosso is one of the most creative drinks in the city. Best experienced at golden hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cocktail bars in Philadelphia?
The top cocktail bars include The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (Prohibition-era speakeasy), Almanac (James Beard Award-winning Japanese-inspired bar), Andra Hem (Scandinavian cocktail lounge), R&D Cocktail Bar (Fishtown's mid-century gem), and The Ranstead Room (hidden speakeasy). Each offers a distinct style from farm-to-glass at Post Haste to vegan-forward at Charlie Was A Sinner.
How much do cocktails cost in Philadelphia?
Craft cocktails in Philadelphia typically range from $12 to $20. Sassafras in Old City is the most affordable with drinks maxing out at $13. Mid-range bars like Next of Kin and Poison Heart charge $13–$17, while upscale spots like Almanac and Caletta run $16–$20. Compared to NYC or LA, Philly offers excellent value.
What neighborhoods have the best cocktail bars in Philly?
Fishtown has the highest concentration with R&D, Next of Kin, Caletta, and Post Haste. Rittenhouse Square offers The Franklin Mortgage, Andra Hem, The Ranstead Room, and La Jefa. Old City features Almanac and Sassafras. For something off-beat, try Poison Heart in Spring Garden or Grace & Proper in Bella Vista.
Are there any speakeasy-style bars in Philadelphia?
Yes — The Ranstead Room hides behind an unmarked door on Ranstead Street, and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company is named after an actual Prohibition-era liquor front. Almanac upstairs from Ogawa Sushi also has a hidden, reservation-only feel with just a handful of seats.
What's the best cocktail bar for a date night in Philadelphia?
R&D Cocktail Bar offers dark, candlelit, mid-century modern vibes. Charlie Was A Sinner has trendy, dimly lit atmosphere with velvety booths. Almanac's intimate omakase cocktail experience is ideal for impressing someone special. Caletta's 24-seat Sardinian bar at Hotel Anna & Bel is the most romantic newcomer.
Are there late-night cocktail bars in Philadelphia?
Next of Kin in Fishtown stays open late and is the go-to 1am spot. Sassafras in Old City is open until 2am on weekends. The Franklin Mortgage keeps later hours as well. For post-show drinks, Poison Heart in Spring Garden is ideal.
Which Philadelphia cocktail bars have won awards?
Almanac's Danny Childs is a James Beard Award winner. The Franklin Mortgage has appeared on numerous national best-bars lists since 2010. Post Haste has nationally acclaimed bartending, and Andra Hem has been featured by both Eater and Bon Appétit.
