Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Philadelphia Distilling

5.0

5 (270)

$31 to $50

American

Fishtown

About the restaurant

At Philadelphia Distilling, our distilling team combines craftsmanship, science and skill to create a unique portfolio of premium spirits that rely on the agricultural integrity of authentically sourced grains and botanicals and the finest heritage equipment.

Hand-hammered copper pot stills from the fifth-generation Forsyth family and wooden fermentation vessels from Hall-Woodford, an iconic Philadelphia-based family business, are key points of difference for us—both in their construction value as well as the integrity of the spirits they help us to produce. We continue our batch-by-batch process, creating spirits that celebrate big, bold flavor.

Top review

cherlyl

Dined on Aug 4, 2024

We went on the tour with Val who was knowledgeable and made tasting so much fun. We got to try new gins and vodka. Food and service was excellent. Recommend going with a group of friends.

Tuna Bar

4.9

4.9 (930)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Old City

About the restaurant

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW PRIOR TO BOOKING
Outdoor reservations are weather permitting and must be specified upon booking the reservation. Specific table requests are considered but not guaranteed.

Tuna Bar is a Japanese Raw Bar and Grill concept created by Owner and Chef Kenneth Sze. Located in Old City Philadelphia, Tuna Bar boasts a relaxing, upscale atmosphere serving fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The diverse menu offers traditional and specialty sushi rolls, raw oysters, scallops, hand-selected fish, and shareable entrees. Tuna Bar offers a fully stocked bar of wine, sake, and spirits. There are no outside food and beverages allowed. There is a $40 dessert/cake fee for guests that wish to bring in a dessert/cake for their special occasion.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

The food was absolutely incredible. Some of the best sushi I have had in the city. The tuna flatbread was amazing!!

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (1144)

$31 to $50

American

Manayunk

About the restaurant

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar is a classic restaurant featuring New American cuisine for over 35 years. Chef Bruce Cooper and his staff feature a classic approach to cuisine in a comfortable environment.

Top review

Eziovip

Dined 6 days ago

Waiter was awesome. Food was great although one mistake. Been there before and will be there again

SouthGate

4.8

4.8 (416)

$30 and under

Contemporary Korean

Rittenhouse Square

About the restaurant

Located on the edge of Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods of Philadelphia, SouthGate is a twist on the traditional gastropub. Elevating food and drink in a modern but in an approachable way, the menu and the décor of Southgate are heavily influenced by both our Korean roots as well as modern American culture, preferring to be interesting and friendly rather than trendy.

The menu consists of a wide range of options, including several vegetarian meals. Popular dishes include Korean fried chicken, bulgogi burger, dumplings and buns, and assorted banchan. In addition to the delectable cuisine, Southgate offers an extensive drink menu that includes cocktails, wine, spirits and an extensive craft beer list.

Top review

Lauren

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious. Tables are a little too close together.

La Llorona Cantina Mexicana

4.8

4.8 (188)

$30 and under

Mexican

South Philly

About the restaurant

We look forward to having you dine with us and enjoy a memorable time filled with authentic Mexican Cuisine and finely crafted Cocktails. Brunch is served Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 3pm. Happy Hour : Tuesday - Friday 4pm to 7pm

Top review

Manuel

Dined on Oct 1, 2024

Absolutely delighted! Saw a bunch of good reviews for Happy Hour and they greatly exceeded everyone of them.. awesome food.

The Twisted Tail

4.7

4.7 (1536)

$30 and under

American

Society Hill

About the restaurant

Thank you for choosing The Twisted Tail!

High Top tables are only available on the weekends, and are located on the second floor. They are communal style tables, and you will get to enjoy the band after 8:15PM.

The Twisted Tail is a bi-level restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring a charcoal-fired grill, a wealth of bourbon selections and the rollicking ambiance of a "juke joint" (or old school Southern music hall). The inventive menu highlights ingredients in their simplest form, flame-broiled over live coals for rich, authentic flavor.

Inside a warm, welcoming dining space makes The Twisted Tail South Street’s best place to catch a band - and a bite.

Top review

DraperUte

Dined 4 days ago

Really fun experience with great food. The service was amazing, and with the chef’s menu the food just kept coming. The waiters recommendations were spot on and delicious. We were downstairs, but you could still hear the live music upstairs, and the singer was very talented. I would definitely go back.

Chickie's & Pete's - South Philadelphia

4.6

4.6 (668)

$30 and under

Seafood

South Philly

About the restaurant

Opened in 2003, conveniently located within walking distance to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, this 24,000 sq ft location on Packer Avenue features two huge bars and plenty of TVs including an 18’ showpiece that is perfect for watching any great sporting event! South Philly also has three private rooms with the capability to handle any special occasion, small or large. Pre-game, post-game, or during the game…join us for the best in game experience in Philadelphia.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

Seating was quick and easy upon checking in. All of the staff were kind and courteous. Our server was attentive and repeatedly came over to our table to see if we needed anything. The food was good. I ordered the hot shrimp and salmon sandwich and thought both were good. Our table split 2 orders of crab fries because you can’t go to chickies and not get crab fries, they’re always good.

Village Whiskey PHL

4.6

4.6 (581)

$30 and under

American

Rittenhouse Square

About the restaurant

Featuring a comprehensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys alongside what has been called the country’s best burger, Village Whiskey is an instant classic. Envisioned by Chef Garces as a spot where he and his team could enjoy a drink and a snack after a long night in the kitchen, the restaurant’s focal point is the central bar that is home to their near-encyclopedic catalogue of Chef Garces’ favorite spirit, whiskey. Our able bartenders shake and stir classic and contemporary cocktails in a space evocative of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Our Whiskey Menu can be enjoyed with our Award-Winning Village Burger or Tasting Menus offered in our more intimate Dining & Tasting Room

Top review

William

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service and the food was delicious. Well worth a visit.

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Maggiano's - Philadelphia

4.5

4.5 (4954)

$30 and under

Italian

Center City

About the restaurant

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Philadelphia and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our location is at the heart of tourism and community. We are located within walking distance or a short train ride to Philadelphia's top tourist attractions. Visit us at 1201 Filbert St. or book your reservation today!

Top review

Kristi

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

The selection was varied and the portions were huge even though we weren't ordering family style. The branding is new to the menu and flavorful. The wine selection was also good.

Time

4.5

4.5 (841)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Center City

About the restaurant

When seated in the dining room during a performance there will be a $5 charge per person to support our ability to present live local music.

Time offers something for everyone.
The cuisine at Time focuses on seasonal American cuisine. Every palate will be satisfied by the plates that Executive Chef Pat Szoke creates in a cosmopolitan, stylish atmosphere.
The main dining room offers an elegant bar, ample comfortable seating and live music every night.
The Whisky Bar & Tap Room offers twenty beers on draft, over One Hundred single malts, small batch bourbons, whiskeys and Ryes as well as a 3 flat screens with the game on.
The upstairs Lounge dances until 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays. This space is also great for private events throughout the week!

Top review

Patricia

Dined 7 days ago

Time is a wonderful place for dates girls nights and to dine alone. The music is always a vibe.

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