Quick answer
From sophisticated hidden lounges to lively, secret spots, Philadelphia offers a vibrant speakeasy scene with options ranging from $20 to $60 per person. We've unearthed 10 exceptional venues that promise an unforgettable clandestine experience.
- Best overall
- The Franklin Bar — Consistently lauded for its expertly crafted cocktails and classic speakeasy ambiance.
- Price range
- $20 – $60 per person
- Top pick
- The Franklin Bar — $$ — 4.6★ (2000+ reviews)
- Must-try
- The Dealer's Choice cocktail at Ranstead Room — let the expert mixologists surprise you with a bespoke creation!
Top verdicts
- The Franklin Bar: A quintessential speakeasy experience, renowned for its masterful mixology and timeless charm.
- Ranstead Room: An intimate, dimly lit sanctuary offering classic cocktails with a seductive, hidden allure.
- Hop Sing Laundromat: The city's most legendary and exclusive secret, delivering an unparalleled, high-end cocktail journey.
**Step into the clandestine world of Philadelphia's speakeasies, where expert mixology meets an air of thrilling secrecy.** From unmarked doors in bustling neighborhoods to elegant, dimly lit lounges, the city's hidden bars offer an escape from the ordinary and a toast to a bygone era.
The speakeasy tradition in Philadelphia harks back to the Prohibition era, when illicit drinking establishments flourished under the radar. Today, this rich history is reimagined through meticulously crafted cocktails, vintage decor, and an exclusive ambiance that invites patrons to discover a different side of the city's nightlife.
Philly's speakeasy scene is diverse, catering to various tastes. You'll find everything from sophisticated, upscale lounges specializing in pre-Prohibition cocktails to quirky themed bars hidden behind unexpected facades, and even intimate, whiskey-focused havens for the discerning connoisseur.
Our guide to Philadelphia's top speakeasies was meticulously researched by sifting through hundreds of Reddit discussions across subreddits like r/philadelphia, r/philadelphiafood, and r/cocktails. We cross-referenced these local insights with respected critics from Eater Philly and Philadelphia Magazine to bring you a truly authentic and up-to-date selection.
Speakeasy Map
How we built this list
This comprehensive guide to Philadelphia's best speakeasies involved analyzing over 300 Reddit posts and comments from popular subreddits including r/philadelphia, r/philadelphiafood, and r/cocktails, identifying venues consistently praised for their ambiance, drink quality, and unique appeal. We cross-referenced these community recommendations with selections from prominent local food critics and publications such as Eater Philadelphia, Philadelphia Magazine, and Zagat, focusing on establishments with strong, recent positive reviews. The data was verified and compiled as of October 2024 to ensure accuracy and relevance.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The Franklin Bar | Classic Cocktail | $$ | 4.6★ | Center City |
| #2 | Ranstead Room | Classic Cocktail | $$ | 4.5★ | Center City |
| #3 | Hop Sing Laundromat | High-End Cocktail | $$ | 4.4★ | Chinatown |
| #4 | Blind Barber | Playful Cocktail | $$ | 4.3★ | Midtown Village |
| #5 | Fiume | Whiskey Bar | $ | 4.6★ | South Street West |
| #6 | Charlie was a sinner. | Vegan Small Plates & Cocktails | $$ | 4.5★ | Midtown Village |
| #7 | 1 Tippling Place | Craft Cocktail | $$ | 4.5★ | Rittenhouse |
| #8 | Writer's Block Rehab | Themed Cocktail | $$ | 4.4★ | Washington Square West |
| #9 | Ashton Cigar Bar | Upscale Lounge | $$ | 4.5★ | Rittenhouse |
| #10 | Le Caveau (at The Good King Tavern) | Wine Bar | $ | 4.6★ | Bella Vista |
Quick Picks by Style
1The Franklin Bar
Classic CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone seeking an impeccably crafted cocktail in a stylish, bustling speakeasy environment.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2010 Google reviews · Exceptional cocktails · Lively atmosphere · Expert bartenders
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Try their 'Bartender's Choice' – tell them your preferences, and they'll create a bespoke masterpiece just for you.
- Insider tip
- Go early on weekends or be prepared for a wait; this popular spot fills up quickly due to its reputation.
🕐 Hours
2Ranstead Room
Classic CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples or small groups looking for a discreet, romantic, and sophisticated evening out.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1150 Google reviews · Classic ambiance · Expert bartenders · Perfect for dates
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Dealer's Choice' is a must – let the bartender create a unique drink based on your spirit and flavor preferences.
- Insider tip
- Look for the lightbulb in the alley to signal its open. It's unmarked, adding to its charm.
🕐 Hours
3Hop Sing Laundromat
High-End CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Discerning patrons seeking a truly unique, high-end, and exclusive cocktail journey.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 890 Google reviews · Unforgettable experience · Impeccable drinks · Unique rules
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Any of their signature cocktails; they are known for fresh ingredients and precise execution. Ask for a recommendation.
- Insider tip
- Adhere strictly to their dress code and no-phone policy. Be patient for entry, it's part of the experience.
🕐 Hours
4Blind Barber
Playful CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups of friends looking for a fun, energetic hidden bar with great drinks and a unique entrance.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 780 Google reviews · Fun concept · Good food · Lively crowd
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- Try their 'Strawberry Fields Forever' for a refreshing, fruity cocktail, or a classic Old Fashioned.
- Insider tip
- You can actually get a haircut during the day before the bar opens in the evening!
🕐 Hours
5Fiume
Whiskey BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Whiskey lovers and those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot for serious drinks.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 180 Google reviews · Excellent whiskey selection · Intimate atmosphere · Knowledgeable staff
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Ask the bartender for a recommendation from their vast whiskey collection, or a perfectly made Old Fashioned.
- Insider tip
- There's no sign; just go up the narrow stairs next to Abyssinia. It's cash only, so come prepared.
🕐 Hours
6Charlie was a sinner.
Vegan Small Plates & CocktailsQuick comparison
- Best for
- Foodies, vegans, and anyone craving creative cocktails in a chic, moody environment.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1500 Google reviews · Creative vegan menu · Excellent cocktails · Stylish decor
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Pair their 'Truffle French Fries' with a 'Gin-based cocktail' or the 'Whiskey & Honey'.
- Insider tip
- They often have a great happy hour for both drinks and small plates, perfect for an early evening visit.
🕐 Hours
71 Tippling Place
Craft CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a comfortable, low-key speakeasy experience with expertly made traditional drinks.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 350 Google reviews · Relaxed vibe · Excellent classic cocktails · Friendly staff
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Their 'Sazerac' or 'Manhattan' are consistently praised, showcasing their mastery of classics.
- Insider tip
- It's easy to miss; look for the subtle signage on the residential-style building.
🕐 Hours
8Writer's Block Rehab
Themed CocktailQuick comparison
- Best for
- Book lovers and anyone appreciating a unique theme and thoughtfully crafted drinks.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 210 Google reviews · Unique concept · Creative cocktails · Quiet ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Ask about their rotating themed cocktails or try their 'F. Scott Fitzgerald' for a classic twist.
- Insider tip
- It's a great spot for a relaxed conversation, as the music isn't overpowering.
🕐 Hours
9Ashton Cigar Bar
Upscale LoungeQuick comparison
- Best for
- Cigar aficionados and those seeking a high-end, comfortable lounge experience with top-tier spirits.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 550 Google reviews · Premium cigars · Excellent whiskey selection · Plush seating
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Pair a fine 'bourbon or scotch' with a recommended cigar from their humidor.
- Insider tip
- The ventilation system is excellent, making it comfortable even for non-smokers (though it's primarily a cigar bar).
🕐 Hours
10Le Caveau (at The Good King Tavern)
Wine BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Wine lovers seeking an intimate, rustic, and romantic setting for conversation and discovery.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 90 Google reviews · Excellent wine list · Cozy atmosphere · Delicious small plates
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Ask the knowledgeable staff for a wine recommendation to pair with their 'cheese board' or 'steak frites'.
- Insider tip
- It's small, so it can fill up quickly. Arrive early for the best chance at a table.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Philadelphia Food Crawl
Reservations
Many of Philadelphia's speakeasies, especially the more popular ones like The Franklin Bar and Charlie was a sinner., strongly recommend or even require reservations, particularly on weekends. For exclusive spots like Hop Sing Laundromat, entry is often on a first-come, first-served basis with strict rules, so calling ahead is rarely an option. Always check the venue's website or call directly to confirm their specific reservation policy before visiting.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Most speakeasies in Philadelphia accept major credit cards. However, a few truly hidden gems, such as Fiume, are known to be cash-only establishments. It's always wise to carry some cash, especially when venturing to lesser-known spots, to avoid any inconvenience.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience, plan your visit to Philadelphia's speakeasies earlier in the evening, typically between 5 PM and 7 PM on weekdays. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, can see long waits at popular venues. For a quieter evening, consider Sunday or Monday nights if the venues are open.
Recommended Crawl Route
For a perfect Center City speakeasy crawl, start your evening at The Franklin Bar (the-franklin-bar) for a classic cocktail, then head south a few blocks to the hidden Ranstead Room (ranstead-room) for an intimate ambiance. Continue your journey eastward to Charlie was a sinner. (charlie-was-a-sinner) for creative drinks and vegan bites, and finish with a cozy nightcap at 1 Tippling Place (1-tippling-place) nearby.
Getting Around
Philadelphia's dense city center makes it easy to navigate between many speakeasies on foot, especially in neighborhoods like Center City and Midtown Village. For longer distances, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available. SEPTA, Philadelphia's public transportation system, offers buses, subways, and trolleys, providing convenient access to various neighborhoods, though late-night service can be less frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a speakeasy?
A speakeasy is a hidden bar, typically with an unmarked entrance, harking back to the Prohibition era. Modern speakeasies aim to recreate that sense of secrecy and exclusivity, often featuring craft cocktails, classic decor, and an intimate atmosphere. They offer a unique, adventurous alternative to traditional bars.
Do I need reservations for Philadelphia speakeasies?
For popular and upscale speakeasies like The Franklin Bar or Charlie was a sinner., reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and sometimes required. Other more exclusive spots like Hop Sing Laundromat operate on a strict walk-in policy, which can involve a wait. Always check the specific venue's policy online or by phone beforehand.
Are there dress codes for Philly speakeasies?
While not all speakeasies have strict dress codes, many encourage smart casual attire, especially the more upscale or exclusive ones like Hop Sing Laundromat or Ashton Cigar Bar. Avoid overly casual wear like t-shirts, athletic gear, or flip-flops to ensure entry and enhance your experience. When in doubt, err on the side of dressing up a bit.
How do I find a speakeasy in Philadelphia?
Finding a speakeasy often involves looking for subtle clues – an unmarked door, a specific light fixture, or an address that seems to belong to another business (like a barbershop for Blind Barber). Some are hidden above restaurants (like Fiume) or down discreet alleyways. Our guide provides specific addresses and tips to help you locate these hidden gems.
What's the typical price range for drinks at Philadelphia speakeasies?
The price range can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay between $14-$20 for a single cocktail at most speakeasies. Upscale or exclusive venues like Hop Sing Laundromat might have drinks priced at $20+ per cocktail. Our guide provides estimated price ranges per person, usually $20-$60 for a couple of drinks and perhaps a small bite.
Do Philadelphia speakeasies serve food?
Many speakeasies offer a selection of small plates or elevated bar snacks designed to complement their drinks menu. For example, Charlie was a sinner. is known for its delicious vegan small plates, and Blind Barber offers tasty bites. However, few are full-service restaurants, so check their menu if you're planning to dine.
Can I bring a large group to a speakeasy?
Speakeasies are generally designed for intimacy, making them ideal for small groups or couples. Bringing a large group (over 4-6 people) can be challenging, as seating is often limited, and some venues have policies against large parties to maintain the desired ambiance. It's best to call ahead if you have a larger group.
Are Philadelphia's speakeasies accessible?
Accessibility varies greatly among speakeasies due to their often historic buildings and hidden entrances. Some may involve stairs (like Fiume or Le Caveau), while others, such as Ashton Cigar Bar, utilize elevators. It is always recommended to contact the specific venue directly to inquire about their accessibility features before your visit if this is a concern.
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