Taryn Pire

Whether you were born here or are visiting for the first time, odds are you’re well aware: Philly knows how to have a good time. The City of Brotherly Love offers plenty of history, entertainment, and adventure, but there’s more than museums and monuments to explore. Case in point? A big night out. Spent at a hole-in-the-wall bar or a swanky, glitzy nightclub, an evening on the town is one of the best ways to experience the energy of this largely underrated city.  The best clubs in Philadelphia may vary by design, crowd, vibe, and style, but what they all have in common is that they bring people together with good music, fresh cocktails (which are likely more affordable than you think), and an ever-growing sense of community. Nothing is basic here, from top-tier restaurants to multi-level venues with all sorts of music. But if you ask locals like me, the best part about a night out is that you get all the glamour and fun of a larger metro, like NYC, minus the steep price tag and fussy transportation. When the sun goes down, Philadelphia lets it rip, and the result is a dancing extravaganza like no other. My favorite nightclubs include the cult-favorite Dolphin Tavern, which is perhaps most famous for its ABBA-themed dance nights, the Gayborhood’s eclectic Franky Bradley’s, and Dahlak, an Ethiopian-Eritrean restaurant in West Philly that’s beloved for its lively evening programming. So, put on your favorite outfit and comfy-yet-cozy shoes for a night of beats and bevs—I’ll mee

Philadelphia’s ever-impressive culinary scene is getting major love from gourmands everywhere lately—and it’s about damn time. Publications have declared it one of the top food cities to visit last year, and the 2023 James Beard Awards put a few fan-favorite eateries in the spotlight. So, the City of Brotherly Love’s Michelin-caliber restaurants, timeless mom-and-pop joints, and mouthwatering newcomers alike are no longer a well-kept secret. If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining here before, don’t let the tourists’ generalizations deter you: There’s way more to sink your teeth into than hoagies, cheesesteaks, and water ice, regardless of your budget or tastes. Here, you’ll find 25 of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that every food lover should add to their to-visit list. Some of my picks have been cornerstones of tight-knit neighborhoods for years, while others are newer to the city’s culinary tapestry. What they have in common, though, is that they’re all consistently and memorably delicious. And most importantly, they all have the locals’ stamp of approval. My top choices range from a Korean-French tasting menu in Society Hill to a one-of-a-kind sandwich and brunch spot in Fishtown to a longtime adored Chinatown resto that’s home to what are arguably the tastiest hand-drawn noodles in the city. Whether you’re craving something sophisticated, affordable, cozy, hyper-unique, or just plain scrumptious, these essential Philly establishments are bound to impress every p

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are visiting for the first time, odds are you know some of Philadelphia’s most famous sites, like the Liberty Bell and the Rocky steps. As a semi-recent transplant from North Jersey, I can attest that Philly has so much more to offer tourists and locals alike. Want to stop and smell the roses at an Instagram-worthy garden or arboretum? Check. Craving a James Beard-approved meal? Take your pick—we have tons of restaurants to choose from. Want tickets to a one-of-a-kind live performance? Got you. How about a day spent at a museum…or five? This gritty-yet-gorgeous, famously unpretentious city has it all.  Sports fans, budding gourmands, history buffs, and art nerds alike visit from all over to foster their respective hobbies and interests, while everyone else comes to trek the historic cobblestones for cheesesteaks, street murals, landmarks, microbreweries, and more. Philly strikes a unique balance between the days of yore and the present—it’s not every day that you can see something as antiquated as the Betsy Ross House (where she is said to have sewed the first American flag) or Elfreth’s Alley (one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the U.S., dating back to 1703) and something as modern as the tree-lined Race Street Pier (which was upgraded into a park in 2011), mere minutes apart.  Below are 33 of the best things to do in Philadelphia whenever you’re in the area, as well as a few May-only events worth planning ahead for

Philadelphia may be known as the home of the Citywide, a spoken spell that makes a can of cheap beer and a shot of well whiskey magically appear at most bars in town (more on that later). However, not all Philly watering holes are of the Citywide persuasion. In fact, there are plenty of posh cocktail lounges, reputable craft breweries, and photogenic outdoor beer gardens to explore, not to mention a number of iconic, decades-old dives rich with character and community. The City of Brotherly Love may be a shot–and-beer town at its core, but the bar scene has grown tremendously alongside that of the culinary. Nowadays, Philly offers so much more in the form of rooftop gems, neighborhood gastropubs, and casual corner institutions, not to mention contemporary wine bars and mocktail-heavy locales that make bar spaces more inclusive and less intimidating to residents and tourists alike.  If you ask me, you’re in one of the best drinking cities around. Below, you’ll find 10 of the best bars in Philadelphia. April 2025: Of course, dozens more Philly bars qualify beyond the 10 you'll find below, but I chose these because they run the gamut in terms of ambiance, price, offerings, and legacy. My favorites include a summery outdoor spot in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, a quirky West Philly speakeasy nested above a killer Ethiopian resto, a sticker-bombed South Street staple with punk flourishes and pool tables, and a nearly century-old dive that’s famous for karaoke and free birthday

I love cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches as much as the next Philly resident, but when I’m craving something lighter and more refreshing, I set my sights on Philly restaurants that specialize in sushi. Luckily, the City of Brotherly Love is full of places to get your raw fish on. Mainstays like Morimoto have been dominating the sushi scene for years—and with good reason—but there are plenty of other restaurants to explore at a range of price points. Whether you’re on the hunt for seasonal nigiri in Fishtown or a vegan eel roll in Old City, these Japanese favorites won’t disappoint. Read on, and the next time you have a hankering for sashimi, sake and karaoke, you’ll know where to head to these 10 places for the best sushi in Philadelphia. RECOMMENDED: Full list of best restaurants in Philadelphia This guide was updated by Philadelphia-based writer Taryn Pire. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

This beloved local watering hole is first and foremost an Ethiopian-Eritrean restaurant. But if you live in west, you likely know Dahlak for its nighttime events, where the live music is always bumping and the drinks are flowing. Live performances, DJ sets, dance nights, protest parties, and jam sessions alike grace the venue’s event calendar, as well as open mics, comedy shows, and karaoke for those who are feeling brave enough to get in on the action.  If you’re a Miller High Life kind of bargoer, then you’re in luck—Dahlak offers all the basics and then some. Cocktail drinkers can opt for the fruity Mango Mule, made with white rum, fresh produce, and zingy ginger beer, or an energizing Espresso Mezcaltini, spiked with Kahlúa, coffee, and a touch of simple syrup. If you’re feeling extra adventurous (or indecisive), order a Wildcard Red for $5 and the bartender will hook you up with a delicious surprise. As for the food, there are plenty of inspired spins on authentic Ethiopian fare, like ingudai tibs sliders, crowned with stewed mushrooms, crispy shallots, fresh jalapeño, and cilantro, or asa tibs, aka fried bites of whiting fish with lime aioli. To try a bit of everything, go for the mesob combination, which allows you to mix a few mains (like zigni stewed beef or spicy misir wat lentils) on one plate, atop fresh injera.  The vibe: Casual, lively, communal The food: Ethiopian and Eritrean fare, as well as creative bar bites The drink: Affordable cocktails, wine, and beer T

Ekta has locations in Fishtown, Bryn Mawr, and Manayunk/Roxborough, but the University City brick-and-mortar is perhaps the most popular. Frequented by college students and longtime residents alike, this laid-back Indian spot offers a myriad of no-frills, communal fare that’s designed for sharing with hungry friends or a date. The place itself is booming with lively music and adorned with Indian artwork and tapestries, but all in all, it’s casual and understated. That said, let’s not downplay the menu or service—you’ll need some time to narrow down your perfect meal with so many options in front of you, and your server will have it on the table before you know it.  If you’re a fan of tandoori chicken, try anything from the tandoor section of the menu. (All of those dishes are baked to succulent perfection in a traditional clay oven, called a tandoor.) The tandoori shrimp, marinated in green chiles, chopped ginger, and sour cream, are not to be missed. Douse them in fresh lemon juice and pair them with sweet, thick mango chutney for balance. Tangy raita would be a great side, too.  If it’s red meat you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the lamb chettinad. Tender, juicy morsels of the protein are cooked with fresh coconut, fragrant curry leaves, and pungent mustard seed, South Indian-style. It comes with plenty of basmati rice, but you’ll also want to order additional bread to scoop up every drop of the lamb’s sauce. Might I suggest the Ekta naan, stuffed with black sesame seed

Philadelphia’s Chinatown is robust with next-level food, but Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is easily one of the best options. Its hand-pulled noodles are long, springy, and remarkably comforting (not to knock the stunning, doughy shaved noodles—those are great, too). They’re the base of dishes like the famous beef brisket soup, complete with succulent meat and savory broth, as well as Szechuan cold noodles, lacquered in a tingly, spicy oil. The ambiance contributes to the energizing nature of this mainstay. It’s always packed with residents, college students, and tourists alike, and buzzing with the sounds of chatting and slurping. Better yet, the service is attentive, quick, and warm. It’s the sort of place you’ll want to become a regular at, or one that feels like a well-kept secret, even though Nan Zhou’s reputation precedes it nowadays.  What may wow you the most as a first-timer is the sheer variety of food on the menu. It’s extensive and goes far beyond the usual takeout fare you may be used to, although it still offers both. For instance, you can get General Tso’s chicken, along with cold jellyfish in sauce. Savor the delicacy of spicy pig ears, as well as the familiar earthiness of peanut noodles in chili oil. The basics are significantly tastier than at the average takeout eatery, while the more authentically Chinese dishes are robust with flavor and basically impossible to dislike, so you can’t lose no matter what you order.  The vibe: Laidback, busy, and chatty

Whether you think of the food as Chinese-inspired soul food or Black American-inspired Chinese takeout, one thing is for sure: You’ve never had anything like it. From the outside (and inside), it’s pretty unassuming: basic lighting, a small storefront area, a modest number of stools for dine-in customers. But once you taste the culinary hybrid that Chef Kurt Evans dreamed up for this Cedar Park gem, you’ll understand why it’s so special.  Black Dragon was envisioned as a solution to Chinese-American takeout spots closing down around Philadelphia. “The second-generation Chinese-Americans were no longer taking over these family businesses, leading to a significant gap in food deserts, where residents had relied on these establishments for quick, hot meals for decades,” the Black Dragon website explains. Not only does the resto aim to fill this void in a uniquely delicious way, but it does so with the goal of revitalizing the community and serving locals—without the Plexiglass barrier that most takeout spots in the neighborhood have between the owners and customers.  The food is fusion at its finest. Think collard green egg rolls with mango chili sauce, jerk chicken rangoon with sweet plantain, oxtail lo mein with gravy, sweet potato sour chicken, and Magnolia Project beef in NOLA-style lemon pepper sauce. If chicken wings are your go-to takeout main, get them with sweet-and-spicy General Roscoe’s sauce, inspired by St. Louis-style BBQ sauce.  The vibe: A casual, hole-in-the-wal

Tucked away between bougie retail stores just steps from Rittenhouse Square is this relatively new, seasonal bar. Its location and feel emphasize the compactness of Philadelphia; the city somehow always manages to feel small, almost quaint, and community-oriented, even when you’re taking in Insta-worthy skyline views from one of Walnut Garden’s many communal picnic tables. With string lights and greenery contrasting the urban touches of the lot and surroundings (it’s literally in the center of the city), you’ll get the best of both worlds here. That also goes for the drinks. It’s designed like a beer garden with plenty of outdoor and covered seating, not to mention local craft beers, but the highlight is really the cocktails. They rotate, but since this bar is seasonally operated, they tend to lean summery. Consider the Center City Tropic, a mix of gin, guava, pineapple, and lime, and A Walk in the Park, made with tequila, strawberry, watermelon, and lime. There are more evergreen options as well—take the Flying Melons, a zhuzhed vodka Red Bull with melon liqueur and fruit juice—and classic bevs on draft, like berry sangria and frozen margaritas.  The food is also nothing to sneer at. The cheesesteak, served on a long roll and delicately crowned with fried onions and a long hot pepper, rivals some of the best in the city, despite the absence of Whiz. The cheeseburger, slathered with special sauce, and the hot dog, finished with tomatillo relish and fresh slaw, are also warm-w

This ever-evolving pick was named one of 2024’s Best Bars in America by Esquire, and you’d likely agree after visiting. Wooden tables and brick walls keep the place feeling attainable and cozy, despite its next-level, higher-brow drink menu. Each and every libation is made only with ingredients from the East Coast (read: that’s spirits, mixers, herbs, garnishes, and everything in between); the bar is free of imported goods in an effort to offset the resto’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. The cocktail selection is heavily dependent on seasonality and ingredient availability, so it’s bound to change. But a few you can find right now include the spring-forward Escapism Spritz, made with gin, clementine apertive, thyme vodka, cantaloupe cordial, pea shoot cordial, and sparkling white wine, and the strong Bay Side Snap, made with rye, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, bay leaf syrup, kumquat superjuice, and red wine foam.  The mocktails are just as noteworthy, ranging from the Tea El See, made with black tea, condensed oatmilk with allspice, cardamom leaves, pandan, and a non-alcoholic aperitivo, to the Chillin Chillin, made with spirit-free Kentucky 74, smoked pear juice, ginger honey syrup, yuzu superjuice, and rosemary smoke. The vibe: swanky but not pretentious, chic but comfortable The food: elevated bar fare with international influences and Philly-inspired flourishes The drink: top-notch cocktails made exclusively with liquor, produce, and ingredients from

Formerly known as Fiume, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speakeasy is nestled atop what’s colloquially known as the best Ethiopian restaurant in West, if not the city. It’s frequented mostly by neighbors within walking distance of the quirky, dimly lit establishment, and it’s no wonder why. One visit to this unpretentious spot doling out shockingly elaborate libations will keep newbies coming back for more. The drink menu is lovingly illustrated and routinely updated, but there are a few you can almost always count on ordering. Take the Yuzunaut, a mouth-puckering mix of Japanese gin, yuzu, honey, and lemon. For something more potent and a touch smoky, there’s the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, made with reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, and charred orange peel. There’s also an impressive selection of craft beer, many from local purveyors. It’s not all hazy IPAs either; there’s an emphasis on sours and Belgians here, too. But don’t let the fancy lineup fool you: You can still kick back with a Citywide (that’s Philly’s take on a boilermaker, traditionally a shot of Jim Beam whiskey with a PBR) for $5. To soak up all that alcohol, you may feel peckish. While you technically can’t order from Abyssinia’s food menu at the upstairs bar, there’s a workaround. First, head upstairs to see if there’s a free table. Snag one, then go to the downstairs bar to put in a food order that will be brought to you upstairs. First-timers will want to go for the Abyssinia 1 sampler, complete with spicy lentils

Run by James Beard Award-winning chef Cristina Martinez, South Philly Barbacoa sticks to what it does best: drool-worthy, painstakingly slow-cooked lamb. Whether you order $6 tacos brimming with Capulhuac-style barbacoa, pancita (spicy lamb offal sausage), or steamed root veggies and greens in chile sauce, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more authentic—or delicious—alternative in the city.  You can also indulge in sweet tamales, quesadillas, fresh tortillas, uncooked masa, and consome (aka soup made from barbacoa drippings, plus rice and garbanzos). If you’re feeding a crowd, order meat by the kilo to assemble your own tacos at home. Each set includes tortillas, consome, and all the necessary fixings. P.S.: This spot is cash only, so come with plenty of bills on hand.  The vibe: Cozy, no-frills The food: Three types of tacos, plus tamales, quesadillas, and consome Time Out tip: Order the consome “con pata” for $3 more, meaning with the lamb’s foot. 

This West Philly cornerstone’s sister restaurant won a James Beard Award in 2024, and if you ask locals, it was long overdue. Started by husband and wife Nhu Lai and Thuyen Luu, who fled Vietnam to Malaysia in 1978, the restaurant welcomes you with sunny yellow walls, colorful lanterns, and a friendly staff the moment you enter. It’s nearly always buzzing with diners, creating a noisy-in-a-homey-way atmosphere that reflects the tight-knit community feel West is known for. In terms of food, there’s no shortage of deliciousness to indulge in. Crispy pork spring rolls with chili vinegar dipping sauce are a no-brainer, as are the herby, beef-stuffed grape leaves, and the refreshing shrimp green papaya salad. In the summer, you can’t go wrong with a vermicelli bowl, which can be topped with anything from beef to tofu to squid. In the winter, it’s all about soup. Options range from sweet and sour fish to chicken lemongrass.  The cocktails are also not to be missed, as the glassware is as fun as the drinks are delicious. Treat yourself to classics, like a zombie or mai tai, or brace your tolerance for the Bachelor’s Downfall, a mix of rum, bourbon, and fruit juice.  The vibe: A cozy, warmly lit dining room that’s always busy (but somehow, you can always score a table) The food: Unpretentious-yet-stunning Vietnamese fare The drink: Next-level Polynesian cocktails Time Out tip: Go with a friend and share the Flaming Volcano cocktail, which the menu describes as “the fantastic drink fo

If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy dinner that you’ll remember forever, look no further than Chef Nich Bazik’s latest venture, which opened in summer 2024. With Philly staples like James, Fork, and The Good King Tavern on his resume, he knows a thing or two about the city’s food scene. Provenance, called “Philly’s most ambitious restaurant” by Jason Sheehan of Philadelphia Magazine, aims to serve Michelin-caliber cuisine that’s as innovative and unexpected as it is stunning.  The ever-evolving menu, which is split into four courses that total 20 to 25 dishes, puts an emphasis on seafood. You’ll start with raw bar-inspired canapes and seasonal produce before savoring partially cooked and cooked seafood, an entree, salad, and a series of desserts. Think everything from golden Osetra caviar with sweet potato to prawn with quince vinegar to smoked trout with chili oil.  You’ll also note hybrid dishes that put the resto’s French roots and Korean influence on display—homages to both Bazik’s career and his wife’s Korean heritage—like sweet adzuki soufflé and samgwang rice with lamb belly, truffle, and aged Parmesan.  The vibe: Minimalist French fine dining meets modern Korean, with a focus on seafood—in a 200-year-old row home The food: An unforgettable four-course, 20- to 25-dish tasting menu The drink: A sommelier-curated wine pairing, as well as non-alcoholic pairings and a full bar Time Out tip: With reservation-only seatings at 5:30 and 8:30pm four nights per week, it can b

White Dog Café has been offering an endlessly evolving menu since 1983. It’s one of the first farm-to-table spots in Philly, known for sourcing sustainable, organic and local ingredients from nearby farms.  The house-made breads are an absolute must (they often sell out on the weekends, so get there early if it’s on your to-devour list), as are the White Dog double cheddar burger, slathered with bacon mayo and served with truffle-Parmesan fries, and the goat cheese whipped ricotta, crowned with rotating seasonal accompaniments, like roasted pears and spiced hazelnuts.  For brunch, the pork belly benedict with rosemary-maple cream sauce and pickled onions will blow you away at first bite. You also can’t go wrong with the avocado BLT, piled high with smoked bacon, or any stuffed French toast (previous variations include pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crumbs and s’mores).  The vibe: Elevated neighborhood bar meets tastefully decorated, cozy-yet-chic brownstone The food: Modern American classics made with impeccably sourced, farm-to-table ingredients The drink: Seasonal cocktails that are not to be missed, plus wine and beer Time Out tip: You can often get lucky as a walk-in here for brunch, but it’s safest to make a reservation a few days ahead. Tables can fill up in a flash. 

With locations in University City and Kensington, you can savor delectable Laotian food on either side of Philadelphia. Opened by immigrants Chef Daovy Phanthavong, her husband and their two daughters, this resto started humbly under a blue tarp outside the chef’s home. Once enough residents got a taste of her $3 pad Thai and various curries, word spread of her culinary talents. Nowadays, she’s feeding the community from a cozy brick-and-mortar resto on West Philly’s main drag. You can, of course, still try the famous pad Thai, complete with bean sprouts and ground peanuts, and a rainbow’s worth of curries, each in a soul-warming coconut broth. But the laab, made with a protein of your choice that’s marinated in roasted rice powder, kalanga, fresh herbs, and an electrifying amount of fresh lime juice, is positively life-changing. It comes with a classic side of sticky rice for good measure. The king’s soup, starring a red curry coconut broth over vermicelli noodles, herbs, and fresh produce, is also a stellar choice for first-timers.  The vibe: Unpretentious and warm The food: Traditional Lao-Thai cuisine that’s teeming with vibrant flavors The drink: Bring your own Time Out tip: The Baltimore Avenue location is cash only, but don’t worry if you can’t get money in advance—there’s an ATM on site. 

If you’re always casually trying to live a little more like lifestyle maven and host extraordinaire Martha Stewart, listen up. maman, a café and bakery of NYC fame, has a delicious ongoing collaboration with Stewart in the form of a special menu that changes seasonally. It always features a signature drink, a few savory lunch items and, most importantly, drool-worthy desserts and pastries.  The limited-time winter collection is the third iteration to hit stores, and the vibes are supremely cozy this time around. (Trust me: I reviewed the summer and fall dishes, so I’d know.) To see how the cold-weather bites compared to their predecessors, I headed to the Ardmore, Pennsylvania maman location to sample the new lineup. Sip like Martha Once I settled into a corner window seat in the light-drenched eatery, I whet my appetite with the Pomegranate Punch, a mix of pomegranate and blood orange juices, ginger syrup and sparkling water, garnished with fresh mint, a dehydrated orange wheel and pomegranate seeds. I find it intriguing that Stewart hasn’t opted for a signature latte yet, as past bevs have only included berry-filled iced tea and spiced apple cider. But hey—Martha does what she wants! Photograph: Taryn Pire for Time OutPomegranate Punch Anyway, back to the punch. I loved how fresh the ginger tasted—spicy, sharp and vibrant. The fruit juices offered just enough sweet-tart splendor to cut through the ginger’s intensity. The sparkling water kept the consistency light with its

Dave & Buster’s is most famous for its arcade, but lately, its food has been getting major buzz. In 2024, the chain revamped 20 menu items, but this November, it brought more than 100 new dishes and drinks to the lineup, as well as some formerly discontinued fan favorites. Guests nationwide can taste them by way of the Eat & Play Combo, which starts at $20 for an entrée and $10 Power Card. I’ve only ever gone to Dave & Buster’s for the games, as I always assumed the kitchen was churning out overpriced, frozen bar bites. But as a food writer who believes in first (and second) chances, I figured there was no better time than now to investigate the chain’s fare. The Vibe I headed to the Philadelphia location on a Saturday afternoon. To my surprise—and pleasure—I didn’t need to enter the arcade to grab a bite. Some folks are in on the secret: Dave & Buster’s operates as its own bar and restaurant, and you can dine in or order out without ever setting foot in the gaming area. The bar was unexpectedly serene, surrounded by twinkling blue string lights that reflected the chill energy of the strangely nostalgic liminal space.  The Cocktails I used to be a bartender, and at one point, at a big-name bowling alley. Generally, corporate bars aren’t flexible or generous in terms of pour, unlike local watering holes, where being a regular sometimes comes with drinkable perks. Because of this knowledge, I expected the cocktails at Dave & Buster’s to be on the weak side for the price—but I w