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The Best Hotel Bars in Philadelphia

by Jessie Donofrio on Jul 18, 2016 in Roundups

With the Democratic National Convention coming to Philadelphia July 25 - 28, we are going to experience an influx of visitors to our hotels, bars, and other attractions. This bustling town has never been more ready for 50,000 plus visitors in our city, who are going to need places to stay and enjoy the swankiest accommodations the city has to offer.  Whether you’re a politician, tourist, drink enthusiast, or just looking for an excuse to do something fancy, here is our list of the best hotel bars to get you boozin’ and schmoozin’ during the DNC and beyond! 

Assembly (The Logan Hotel)
This luxurious space on the rooftop of the Logan Hotel offers an extensive selection of booze with a focus on champagne. You can order a bubbly cocktail like the French 75 (Tanqueray, lemon sherbet, orange blossom water, Henriot Blanc De Blancs Champagne), enjoy a bottle of Krug Brut 1998, or even champagnes by the glass such as Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Grand Vintage Rosé Möet & Chandon. Seasonal food accompaniments include fresh oysters, tuna tartare, charcuterie and more. (1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-783-4171)
*Photo via Drink Philly

The Commons (The Logan Hotel)
The Commons is a cozy getaway at the Logan Hotel. Adorned with fireplaces and white leather couches, this is a great bar to come to unwind. All cocktails are priced at $12, and wines by the glass and local draft beers are also available. Snacks include flatbreads, chicken wings, and pretzel bites. (1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.)


Urban Farmer (The Logan Hotel)
Sitting right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Urban Farmer opened in late 2015 with a locally sourced food and drink menu. Their cocktail program includes many spirits from Philly’s own Philadelphia Distilling. Happy hour specials include $5.00 red and white wine, $5.00 specialty cocktails, and $3.00 local draft selections. (1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-963-2788)
*Photo via Drink Philly


Panorama (Penn’s View Hotel)
Panorama is the the place for you if you’re a lover of authentic Italian food and wine. This Old City spot touts their status as the Guinness Record holder for the largest wine preservation and dispensing system in the world. They offer over 160 wines by the glass, 28 wine flights, and during happy hour, you can grab a flight or a glass for just $5. (14 N Front St.; 215-922-7600)
*Photo via Drink Philly


Red Owl Tavern (Hotel Monaco)
Visit this Old City favorite across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell for happy hour specials that include $3-$4 brewer of the month beers, $6 wines, $7 specialty cocktails, and $6 select apps. They also offer one of one of the city’s only bottomless brunches — from 8am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, $18 will get you bottomless bellinis to pair with their delicious 3 meat hash or eggs Benny! (433 Chestnut St.; 215-923-2267)
*Photo via Red Owl


Stratus Lounge (Hotel Monaco)
Stratus is a truly beautiful spot eleven stories above one of Philly’s most historic areas. Stop by Tuesday-Saturday for elegant cocktails and tasty bites, including red snapper ceviche, duck confit flatbread, and waygu beef sliders. Happy hour lasts from 5pm-8pm on Monday-Friday, which includes $5 Prosecco and house wines, $10 specialty cocktails, and ½ priced bottle service. (433 Chestnut St.; 215-925-2889)
*Photo via Laura Kicey


Library Bar (The Rittenhouse Hotel)
The Library Bar, named after its cozy design and collection of books, boasts a cocktail menu fit for both the classic and contemporary tastes. Classics include the Negroni and the Old Fashioned, and contemporary cocktails include the Papi Collins (Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, sparkling wine, lemon juice, lemon bitters, and cucumber nectar). The upscale bar menu also includes wine pairings with each of its dishes. (210 W Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-790-2533)
*Photo via Drink Philly


Lacroix & Bar 210 (The Rittenhouse Hotel)
Lacroix is the main restaurant at the Rittenhouse Hotel, and here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner, dessert or even high tea. Located inside Lacroix, Bar 210 offers handcrafted cocktails made with house-infused liquors. Cocktails include the Lemongrass Sparkler (Grey Goose La Poire, Saint Germain, Lemongrass, candied lemon) and the Blackberry Bourbon (Maker’s Mark, blackberry, Thai basil, lemon, ginger ale) alongside a large bottled beer list and extensive wine list. Bar 210 also has a raw bar and a small menu which includes steak, salads, cheese plates, and desserts. (210 W Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-790-2533)


Square 1682 (Hotel Palomar)
Visit this Rittenhouse spot for unique specialty cocktails, including the The Broadway Gibb (Woodford Reserve, Byrrh, Punt e Mes, mezcal, black walnut bitters) or the Super Electra (Aviation gin, Cedilla Açai, egg white, lemon, raw sugar, Jerry Thomas bitters). They have extensive dinner, brunch, lunch and breakfast menus, including items that range from steakhouse favorites like filet mignon to brunch classics such as fried chicken and biscuits. During happy hour you can get $3 select beers, $5 wines, $7 cocktails, and sliders. They have even recently opened a patio for outdoor seating. (121 S 17th St.; 215-563-5008)
*Photo via Square 1682


Art Bar (Sonesta)
Art Bar is where art and alcohol intersect to make something awesome. Cocktails are inspired by famous artists, such as the Warhol’s “Wild Raspberries” (Absolut vanilla, limoncello, fresh squeezed lemon, raspberries). They also offer an extensive selection of scotches as well as a food menu ranging from small bites to large plates to accompany your spirits. (1800 Market St.; 215-561-7500)
*Photo via Art Bar







Liberté Lounge (Sofitel)
This chic French-inspired bar is the perfect place to sip on a dirty martini or grab a bite. Enjoy seasonally curated cocktails such as the Honey Bud (Gosling’s dark rum, ginger, orange, lime, and all natural honey). Sipping on a cocktail at the Sofitel will truly make you feel as though you’ve made it in life. (120 S 17th St.; 215-569-8300)
*Photo via Liberté Lounge


Bank and Bourbon (Loews Hotel)
Bank and Bourbon is the perfect destination for whiskey lovers, with an in-house barrel-aging program and a list of over 100 bourbons, ryes, and international and American whiskeys. Grab a flight or enjoy a creative cocktail to pair with their full menu of steakhouse fare. Enjoy a deal at Bank & Bourbon’s “Five @ Five” happy hour, where you choose from 2 tapas-style appetizers and 3 cocktails for $5.50 each. (1200 Market St.; 215-627-1200)
*Photo via Bank and Bourbon


Aqimero (The Ritz Carlton)
Located where 10 Arts was once housed, Aqimero brings Latin-American flavors to the Ritz. Their cocktail list is Latin-inspired, containing elegant twists on old favorites like the “Mexican Mule” (el silencio espadin mezcal, Sauza blue silver tequila, rosemary-pineapple shrub, lime, and ginger beer). (10 Ave Of The Arts; 215-523-8000)
*Photo via Aqimero


A.bar (a.k.a. rittenhouse)
A.bar is much more than just a bar — this intimate bar focuses on seafood and seasonally procured cocktails. Happy hour here is a must, with $4 draft beers, $1.50 oysters on the half shell, $10 raw bar sampling, a $9 cheese plate, and $8 punch & house wine. (135 S 18th St.; 215-825-7000)
*Photo via Neal Santos


XIX (The Bellevue)
Sitting atop the 19th floor at the Bellevue, XIX, or Nineteen, delivers not only beautiful views but also divine cocktails.The bar is equipped with a full raw bar, a menu that focuses on seafood, and extensive premium liquor options. They have a variety of specialty cocktails, including the “Bellevue Broad” (13 tequila, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, rhubarb bitters). (200 S Broad St.; 215-893-1234)


Amuse (Le Meridien)
Plan a stop at this French restaurant on the Avenue of the Arts for an comprehensive wine list. Enjoy a variety of roses, sparkling, red, and white wines here while dining on French delights such as pomme frites or their take on the Maine Lobster Roll. (1421 Arch St.; 215-422-8200)
*Photo via Starwood

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