Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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32 Degrees
Swanky, second-floor lounge frequented by pro athletes and other luminaries. High-energy music, red velvet VIP lounge, and European-style bottle service, with lockers to stow any liquor leftovers. 16 South Second Street; tel. +1 215 627 3132. www.32lounge.com
700 Club
“It’s never too crowded before 12:30 a.m.”—Alexis Simpson, education director, Philadelphia Improv Theater. No frills bar in Northern Liberties, killer deejays and beer selection. Youngish patrons, many sporting horn rims whether they need them or not. 700 North. Second Street.; tel. +1 215 413 3181.
707 Restaurant & Bar
“A hip interior, with lots of chocolate brown and modern furniture.”—Jenice Armstrong, contemporary culture columnist, Philadelphia Daily News. The place to go when you want fun with your funnel cake. 707 Chestnut Street; tel. +1 215 922 7770.
Bar Ferdinand
“Fresh tapas, appealing to adventurous eaters, and an expansive Spanish wine list.”—Keith Wallace, founder, Wine School of Philadelphia. Cheap, imaginative bites include Dátiles Con Tocino—dates, bacon, cream cheese baked in puff pastry. Atmospheric stucco arches, comfy banquette seating. 1030 North Second Street.; tel. +1 215 923 1313. www.barferdinand.com
Denim Private Club
“Funky atmosphere, upscale, well-dressed crowd, not too young.”—Jennifer Ruiz, lifestyle producer, CN-8 Your Morning show. The only jeans here have designer labels. Sip Champagne cocktails and groove to hip-hop at this cavernous but chic Center City über lounge. 1712 Walnut Street; tel. +1 215 735 6700. www.denimlounge.com
Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus
“Sophisticated selection of beers and the best place in the city to hear jazz.”—Keith Wallace. Narrow, well-worn room and stage on site of defunct Northern Liberties brewery. Spicy Cajun fare, hot live music. 847 North Third Street; tel. +1 215 922 1035. www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com
South Street
True to the “South Street” song lyrics by Philly band The Orlons, it’s “the hippest street in town,” buzzing with art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and bars ranging from seedy to sublime. Incomparable people-watching, from preppie to punk. South between Front and Eighth streets. www.southstreet.com
