Top Night Clubs in Philadelphia

Finnigan's Wake

Finnigan's Wake is an enormous Northern Liberties facility that boasts of three bars, a huge dance-floor and spectator area. The raucous, unpretentious patrons (generally in their mid-20's to late 30's) come to soak in traditional Irish music and contemporary Rock. For those who would rather enjoy their Guinness in relative peace, the second floor Quiet Man's Pub has one large bar and ample tables for mingling, enjoying the Irish folk music and nibbling on Irish tavern-style appetizers. Take a peek in the gift shop brimming with Irish delights. Special events like birthday parties and bridal showers are accommodated here as well, with the catering and other arrangements taken care of by the management.

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...

Egypt

Covered by hieroglyphs and ankhs, the festively campy exterior of this immense complex Egypt, conceals six separate drinking and dancing environments. Egypt features a host of atmospheres from dimly lit booths, cigar bars, small and large dance floors, live music, as well as a café, all of which are complemented by state-of-the-art sound and visual effects. The different areas are separated by a scheme of designer glass and metal arrangements. Theme nights pop up weekly: Gay nights, live techno performances, and elaborate costume balls. It's always packed. Valet parking makes getting here a breeze.

Bishops Collar

This Art Museum-area bar provides a warm, cozy atmosphere and an inexpensive, creative pub fare menu with original dishes like Turkey London broil sandwiches. You also can't beat the ever-changing selection of microbrews, 20-oz. pints of Guinness & Bass and a great juke box. Relax outside with a drink and your favorite cigar or sip a beer or wines by the glass inside as you enjoy music and a good time. Live music most weekends.

The Bards

The Irish bartenders in town always talked about football and beer. These days they talk more about bandwidth and modem configuration, but they still know their beer. Caffrey's, Murphy's, Harp's and some of the local micro brews are on tap. There's usually six Irish whiskeys waiting. If you'd like something with your beer, there's a great Atlantic Seafood Chowder. The Bards also offers Irish stew, burgers and four kinds of boxty, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes flavored with shrimp, leeks, chicken, etc.

O'Hara's Fishhouse

O'Hara's Fishhouse restaurant has been a favorite landmark in West Philadelphia's University City District for over 20 years. O'Hara's Fishhouse offers a full line of fresh seafood and the popular BBQ baby back ribs, fresh chicken wings and charbroiled steak. Home of the All-You-Can-Eat special ever Sunday (ribs and wings), Monday (crab legs) and Tuesday (shrimp). The Happy Hour is 5-7pm Mon-Fri, featuring complimentary hors d'ouevres. Live entertainment from local jazz musicians Thurs-Sat (Friday music starts at 6pm). Wed, Karaoke. Sunday, DJ.

Brasil's

The sultry sounds of South American music, tanks of tropical fish, and authentic Brazilian cuisine make Brasil's Restaurant a cozy dinner destination. Downstairs: Cool and quiet, an effect of soft lighting and tanks of tropical fish. Before dancing, enjoy a distinctive blend of spices at the traditional rodizio, a Brazilian dinner buffet where you can sample more food than you can eat. Upstairs: A packed and popular Latin dance club. On Friday nights you'll be swept up by the sound of live music and dancing that will thrust you into the heart and soul of Latin America.

Chris' Jazz Café

This finger-snapping hip café is nestled just around the corner from the Bellevue Hotel and just a few blocks walk from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau in Center City. It is a perfect stop for relaxing and enjoying live jazz six nights a week. Winner of two 'Best of Philly' awards, this is a serious jazz club featuring serious talent—the place jazz musicians go to hear jazz. It also serves an outstanding dinner menu which includes crab cakes and grilled ahi tuna.

Plough & The Stars

This converted bank makes you think every bank should have a bar in it. There is an excellent list of Irish beers on tap, including Murphy's Stout, Caffrey's and Harp. A massive stone fireplace at one end of the room is ringed with cozy chairs and side tables. On Sundays, an Irish band sits by the fireside and jams on traditional tunes. It's a good spot for brunch on Sundays or a drink on rainy afternoons. The food is modern Irish fare, a nouvelle cuisine that sheds any old stereotypes of Irish cooking. There's a very light seafood chowder.

Upstage

The locals congregate at the Upstage for its party atmosphere made perfect by the perky live music. The Upstage regularly features up and coming musicians that play on this stage. Come here for a fun night in town.