Bars and Cafes in Old City (Philadelphia)

Filo's

Enjoy eclectic American cuisine, relax in the intimate setting or linger till the wee hours in the lower music lounge at Filo's in historic Old City. Savor imaginatively prepared favorites including filets, Chilean Sea Bass, Tuna Steaks, Duck, Rack of Lamb, Penne and more in the upper dining room. Retire to the lower music lounge as Philly's faves spin Rap, Funk, Techno, Reggae, House and Hip-Hop tunes.

The Water Works Restaurant & Lounge

Set in a neo-classical building with a spectacular view of the Schuylkill River, the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge succeeds in the looks department. This is an elegantly designed eatery, with a dining area for hundreds, indoors as well as outdoors. The menu offers some truly unique dishes—be sure to try the Grilled Octopus with sliced red onion, cilantro and warm extra virgin olive oil, a popular creation of chef Adan Trinidad. Seafood enthusiasts can go for the Vanilla Butter Poached Lobster. But hey, if you are not really hungry, you have the option of just sipping a cocktail on the breezy terrace...ahhh, true serenity! Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am onwards in the afternoons and 5pm onwards in the evenings.

Five Spot

Since opening in 1996 this Five Spot has remained as one of Philadelphia's most popular venues, featuring live swing music and Cubanismo rhythms, as well as hip hop, R&B and reggae. Originally all-Swing, all the time, the club has evolved with the times and features talented DJ's every night of the week. Call the club to find out which nights have the music that you like to dance to...

Club 27

The epitome of an industrial techno blast, other clubs have been green with Envy since its inception. In the vibrantly colored first floor lounge, tables and seating surround a large bar. However, one floor up puts you in a different universe. Tidal waves of sound tickle even the tiniest hair follicle on your head, as you make your way onto the second floor, where polished steel and aluminum décor out of a post-apocalyptic sci-fi flick make up this story's dance area. A haven for party animals!

Marmont

The Marmont is a lively and intimate lounge in Philadelphia's trendy Old City. The Philadelphia Inquirer calls it "One of the plushest and coolest-looking places in recent memory." This hot spot was also voted one of the "Top 10 Best New Restaurants" for several years by City Paper Readers Choice Awards. This means that it is crowded on weekends, so make reservations. It also features live entertainment every night and around 9pm the dance floor heats up.

Old City Coffee

Old City Coffee is nestled behind Christ Church on the cobblestone streets of the historic district. Quaint charm and a hot cup of java awaits. Only small batches of coffee are roast daily and freshness is guaranteed. The staff will gladly share their wealth of knowledge to help you select from a variety of roasts and advise proper brewing techniques for maximum flavor. In warm weather, customers can sit outside on Church Street. Live music is performed here on First Fridays, the first Friday of each month when many Old City art galleries host new shows.

Ristorante Panorama

Considered to be Philadelphia's only pure wine bar, Il Bar is set alongside its big sister restaurant, Panorama. This place and its customers are serious about their wine. Bartenders even throw out the first glass from new bottles to ensure its intended flavor. Featuring 120 wines by the glass, Il Bar also prides itself on its extensive selection of grappa, port, single malts and its reserve list of prestigious bottles. It's a quiet, warm place, with lavish drapes, plush chairs, an indoor waterfall and striking photographic murals adorn the bar. Live jazz is performed on weekends.

Brownies Pub

Customers come to have a beer and watch a ball game, shoot some darts or play some billiards. Cheap drafts and a genuine good time are the main attractions. Plenty of domestic, imported and micro brews are available on tap and in bottles. Finger foods include nachos and spicy Buffalo wings. Happy Hour is Mon-Fri 5pm-7pm. Various specials are offered. Rock is generally the music of choice on the jukebox, with a few Irish traditional tunes.

Tin Angel

Folk music always sounds best in an intimate room where you can hear everything clearly. (Unless you hate singer-songwriters, in which case it's better to face them in a bar where the music is drowned out by the clack of the pool table.) This room is deceptive: it's long, low and narrow, so it feels small and warm but has enough room to hold about 50 small tables plus a bar in the back. There are live acts four nights a week, two shows a night. Recent acts have included Elias Ochoa (from the Buena Vista Social Club), Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Jill Sobule, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Mick Taylor and Freedy Johnston. Advanced tickets suggested; when you buy your tickets, you can make a dinner reservation at Serrano downstairs for dinner, and they'll hold a seat for you at a table upstairs for the show.

Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar

Restaurant entrepreneur Steven Starr has been offering tapas-style dining in this restaurant and martini bar for over five years. The trendy and hip Continental attracts patrons of a wide range of ages to its neo-diner atmosphere. In fact, it used to be a diner now, giant martini-olive lamps hang over the booths, while Latin and lounge music plays softly. The restaurant's contemporary cuisine includes outstanding sushi-grade pan-seared tuna and miso glazed Chilean sea bass. Follow dinner with a martini, including such exotic variations as chocolate and the Hawaii 5-O.

Fork Restaurant

It has been said that the owner consulted a Feng Shui expert when designing the harmoniously arranged interior of this restaurant. In the belief that superior food must be balanced by not only quality service but an equally balanced environment, there is an intriguing, moody, film-noir quality to the space. The menu has a way of appealing to the senses in a sort of subliminal way, combining an otherwise common ingredient with a surprising twist. See website for full menus and more. Note the extensive lists of both wine and imported and microbrewed beers.

The Franklin Fountain

Homemade ice creams, ice candy, Franklin Fudge, soda and other bakery products are the offerings of this age old ice cream parlor. Get The Franklin Fountain's detailed history by visiting their exhibition Franklin Fountainalia. You may want to try the signature waffle ice cream, Franklin Fountain that comes topped with hot fudge and whipped cream. So any part of the day or night come here for gigantic scoops of your favorite flavors made the way you want it.