The temps are rising — and your happy hour game should be, too. It is rooftop bar season, after all. There’s nothing quite like taking in the stunning views atop the Philadelphia region’s best drinking and dining establishments with a bite to eat and a drink in hand.
Philadelphia’s skyward hospitality reaches impressive heights with the bird’s-eye views at places like Victory Brewing Company’s taproom on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Bok Bar in South Philadelphia and El Techo in Rittenhouse Square. Below are some great spots to catch a few rays over bites and brews during what is arguably the best time for alfresco eating and drinking. Just don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
Alfresco drinks and small plates nine floors up.
Where: 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Modern luxury is what it’s all about at Assembly Rooftop Lounge at The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel. Far beyond your average hotel bar, Assembly is situated nine floors above street level, is open year-round, and offers plenty of seating nests and firepits. As if picturesque views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway aren’t enough, craft cocktails (frozé, anyone?), charcuterie, fondue and more add to the appeal.
A stylish rooftop bar with prime balcony seating.
Where: 219 S. Broad Street
Perched on the 16th floor above the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street, Attico offers Center City views from dozens of feet over the street. The stylish year-round outdoor balcony is the perfect spot for epic parties, including brunch parties (arguably the best kind of party), as well as happy-hour selections like $2 oysters, $3 shrimp cocktail, and $6 baked ham and cheese, or eggplant toasts.
A bustling rooftop beer garden in South Philly.
Where: 800 Mifflin Street
Each spring, summer and fall, the rooftop of South Philadelphia’s former Bok High School turns into a spacious beer garden with stellar skyline views. The seasonal watering hole serves a variety of drinks (including a mostly local can list) alongside bites from monthly chefs in residence. Even better? No reservations are required, so drop in whenever you’d like to feel the wind in your hair and a cold drink in your hand.
Retro rooftop vibes in Rittenhouse Square.
Where: 1800 Chestnut Street
Just off Rittenhouse Square, Stephen Starr’s classic eclectic restaurant features a retro rooftop lounge — the spot’s pièce de résistance. With its 1960s vibe (think comfy sofas and firepits), the rooftop is partially enclosed so that it’s serviceable year-round. The lush deck area is uber popular during warmer months, particularly with the Saturday and Sunday brunch crowd.
Rooftop tacos and tequila in Center City.
Where: 1826 Ludlow Street
Queso fundido, tacos, frozen cocktails, oh my! Add in the smattering of downtown skyscrapers peering overhead and you’ve got yourself the whole package at El Techo. Condesa’s taqueria spans the 11th floor and offers rooftop dining all year long thanks to a retractable glass roof. Reservations aren’t mandatory, but it’s smart to have one — especially for brunch.
Sicilian tastes and vino with a view.
Where: 800 Mifflin Street
Bok Bar’s more formal counterpart, chef Michael Vincent Ferreri’s Irwin’s — named one of the best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit — serves Sicilian cuisine paired with natural wines — that are best enjoyed on its eighth-floor rooftop terrace. The outside space — open May through September — isn’t available to walk-ins, so be sure to make a reservation.
Rooftop romance in Bala Cynwyd.
Where: 611 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd
The rooftop terrace at this restaurant offers stunning views of the Schuylkill River. On the menu: seafood-forward cuisine such as striped bass ceviche or squid ink chitarra decked out with mussels, black truffle, preserved tomato and chili.
Wind down on the waterfront.
Where: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Billed as the city’s largest restaurant, Liberty Point has enough space to seat 1,400 people across three indoor-outdoor levels. The Delaware River waterfront-located establishment boasts multiple elevated outdoor deck areas for dining, dancing and live entertainment — perfect for views of the river while vibing and sipping.
Elevated Italian eats.
Where: 212 Walnut Street
Positano Coast‘s Italian eats taste even better from the elevated seating on the spot’s second floor. While taking in great views of Old City — and admiring the restaurant’s stylish new renovations — diners can enjoy tasty snacks such as seafood boards and burrata paired with fine wines or signature cocktails from the bar.
For comfort food and creative cocktails overlooking the Historic District.
Where: 200 Market Street
On warmer nights, patrons of Old City’s Revolution House take advantage of the spot’s roof deck, offering a prime view of Christ Church’s steeple. (Christ Church is where Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and many other colonial notables worshiped.) The restaurant’s full menu of comfort food and creative cocktails are all available from the higher perch.
A posh spot atop the Hotel Monaco.
Where: 433 Chestnut Street
The trendy Stratus Rooftop Lounge sits on the 11th story of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. A curated cocktail menu pairs perfectly with light bites and shareable snacks. Adding to the ambiance: leather seating, low lighting and a “green wall” that serves as an Instagram-friendly backdrop.
A high-altitude hangout in West Philly.
Where: 129 S. 30th Street
High atop West Philly’s Cira Center, Sunset Social offers drama and relaxation in equal measure. The fast-casual menu includes a selection of bowls, burgers and fries, plus beer, wine, and frozen and bottled cocktails that patrons can enjoy along with the epic view.
Rendezvous with a view all year long.
Where: 116 S. 18th Street
Drinks, hookah and rooftop views: There’s little else you need at Center City’s Vango Lounge and Skybar. The restaurant and hookah bar keeps its third-story deck open all year round for eats, drinks and high style.
What’s better than craft brews with a view?
Where: 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
As if its 14,000-square-foot interior wasn’t enough, Victory Brewing Company taproom on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway boasts a rooftop patio with panoramic views of the Parkway. In addition to all the Victory beers you could ever imagine, guests can fill up on brisket meatballs, kebab naan, smoked chicken pot pie and more.
French Renaissance rooftop vibes.
Where: 200 S. Broad Street
High above the city streets, this spot on the 19th floor (hence the name) of The Bellevue Hotel features a balcony overlooking Broad Street. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at XIX (Nineteen) with a view, or get gussied up and grab a few friends for a picture-perfect happy hour.