Best Bars in Philadelphia’s Old City

Old City Philadelphia is the home of the historic area of the city. There’s also a great night life scene there, with plenty of bars and restaurants around. The area is home to Penns Landing, Independence Hall, and a ton of other great destinations to visit when you’re in Philadelphia. After you’re done checking those places out, it might be time to throw back a few drinks. Here are some of the best places to do it. But don’t limit yourselves to these. This is the best area of Philadelphia to explore and find your own niche.

The City Tavern

This was the tavern many founding fathers frequented as the country was being born, and it retains every bit of historical charm. The waiters and waitresses are dressed in Colonial garb, and the bar retains a look of an old house. The back has a beautiful courtyard with plenty of seating. Instead of beers like Bud and Miller, you’ll find Thomas Jefferson Porter and other historical themed beers. They’re all really good. There’s also liquor, and a stellar food menu. The prices are higher than a lot of bars, but not too bad. The idea isn’t to stay here and get drunk. It’s to see where Washington, Adams, Franklin and other people met in Philadelphia to help shape the nation we know.

Dark Horse Pub

Located in Headhouse Square (Front and South Street), this is my favorite Irish bar in Philadelphia. There are several different bar rooms, each with a great selection of draft beer. The food is really good and really cheap. There is plenty to do here, from darts to pool to bar games. They also have live acts at times and quizzo once a week. I recommend stopping in here and enjoying one of the many good Irish beers (and other beers) they have on tap. It’s a fun place that never really feels too cramped.

Paddy Whack’s

Also located in Headhouse Square not far from the Dark Horse is one of my favorite sports bars in the city. Paddy Whack’s is a combination Irish Pub and Sports Bar. They have a terrific beer selection, and some great specials during any sporting event, from Phillies to Sixers to soccer. If you’re not there for sports, there’s still a great atmosphere and a friendly staff. There’s good bar food, and the location is excellent, right at the beginning of South Street. They have live band karaoke every Thursday night, which is pretty fun. It’s a great bar to eat and have a few drinks without ever having to spend too much money or feel too rushed or crowded.

Triumph Brewing Company

Triumph is one of the best microbreweries in the Philadelphia area. It’s located between front and 2nd streets on Chestnut, and is a pretty upscale looking place. The prices aren’t bad though, and you get an excellent meal for the price you pay. The bar area itself is really nice, and there is a good selection of their home made beers. I usually get the IPA there, but any one of them is as good as any other microbrew in the area. They have some good specials and happy hours as well. The staff is very friendly, and the place is always clean. You’ll never have to wait in line to use a bathroom here.

Eulogy

This Belgian is noted for two reasons as one of my favorite bars in all of Philadelphia. One is the beer selection, which is incredible. They have hundreds of bottles on a full menu, some of which are beers you never knew existed. If you’re interested in trying new beers, this is the place to go to in Old City. The other great reason is the french fries, which are by far the best in the city. The other food is good too, but the fries are an essential buy on every trip. The drawback to Eulogy is that it gets cramped when the bar fills up. There is better dining areas upstairs as well, but they get busy fast. Still, if you’re in the area you should definitely stop in for a beer. Eulogy is also located on 2nd and Chestnut streets.