Tired of hearing Top 40 hits in the background when you go out for a drink? Sure, there are a handful of bars that play indie music in Philadelphia, but newly opened Rebel Rock Bar & Bites in Northern Liberties guarantees seven nights a week of straight up rock ‘n’ roll.

Large posters of Guns N’ Roses, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and other rock greats line the exposed brick wall that gives this 2nd and Spring Garden joint a grungy yet cool rugged feel. These same artists can be heard all day long from the bartender-created playlists, controlled through an iPad in the back of the bar. Drop in a request to get favorite bands radiating through the speakers.

Most nights, there’s a live scene going on, featuring local Philly’s stars. Wednesdays are singer/songwriter nights, with each artist hand-selected by Billy Gale from Burnt Sienna, and Thursdays feature Rebel’s house band, which rotates every three months. Nearly every night of the week has some kind of special event, showcasing a variety of rock styles that range from industrial to more of a reggae rock feel.

In addition to spotlighting some of Philly’s local talent, Rebel Rock Bar offers the only fixed tap table system in the state of PA. This means that for customers who choose to grab a seat at any of the red, snakeskin-patterned leather booths, beer can be self-served from the tap attached to the wall. The lines run from the wall to the back where a refrigerator keeps the kegs chilled. Two varieties are offered at a time, usually one darker and one lighter beer.

At the time of writing, the two are Blue Moon and Dogfish’s 60 Minute IPA. Previous duos have included PBR/Samuel Adams Seasonal and Coors Light/Dogfish. A computer system tracks the amount poured on a pint-per-pint basis, and after 12 pints are guzzled down, a waiter will swing by to ask if the table wants to be “re-upped.”

There’s also a draft and bottle/can list as well as a full bar. Additionally, the Rebel Room offers their own Citywide Special, which features a shot of Grand Marnier and a PBR. “We call it the High Class White Trash,” says owner Bryan Exley, adding “Grand Marnier is by far my favorite spirit.”

Exley has decorated the place in various Grand Marnier merchandise and is even about to start promoting his “Grand Marnier Club.” For $125, you can purchase your own bottle to drink during any visit at Rebel . They’ll store it in the locked, handmade case in the upper bar until you drink it dry.

Additionally, Rebel offers a full menu of American pub food, starting with the “Opening Acts” like pork belly sliders and cheesesteak wontons, and going all the way through to the “Encore” (cinnamon buns, funnel cake, and brownie sundaes).

Head in for happy hour between 5–8 PM for the Five-Five-Five deal, ($5 appetizers, $5 Stoli drinks, $5 glasses of wine) and catch a rock show or sports game from one of the six, 40” flat screens, or swing by later for an onstage act. Rebel Rock Bar is open daily from 11:30 AM–1 AM, with brunch served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM–4:30 PM.

100 Spring Garden St.; 215-925-1606

Photos by Grace Dickinson