Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

SouthGate

4.9

4.9 (453)

$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

Nick

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious! Fun atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Great meal!

Pizzeria Salvy

4.9

4.9 (31)

$30 and under

Italian

Center City

About the restaurant

“Pizzeria Salvy is my father’s Philadelphia story. It’s a story of persistence and perseverance. It’s a story of my childhood, and all the flavors and experiences I remember.”

The latest from acclaimed Chef Marc Vetri, Pizzeria Salvy borrows its name from Marc’s beloved father, Sal. “My father has been at the center of everything when it comes to my restaurant career,” says Marc. “From the meatballs to the family meals he has made for the last 25 years, it’s only fitting that we dedicate this project to him."

Pizzeria Salvy offers a curated selection of 12-inch pizzas. Salads, seasonal vegetables, and (of course) Sal’s Meatballs round out a menu inspired by heritage and heart, family and Philadelphia.

Reservations 7 or more | Contact us at info@pizzasalvy.com or (267)-324-5764

Interested in a semi-private event, fully private event, or private aperitivo hour? | Contact us at events@pizzeriasalvy.com or (267)-324-5764 to learn more

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined on May 28, 2025

had the zucchini pizza - loved it plus had the cauliflower app along with the meatballs. all delicious! bright cheery space in the comcast building.

Moonshine Philly

4.7

4.7 (533)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Philly

About the restaurant

Moonshine is a craft beer restaurant located in the heart of the Pennsport section of South Philadelphia. We focus on a fresh menu and a friendly atmosphere. With over 10 crafts on draught, a wide variety of bottled and canned beer, multiple selections of wine, and a menu consisting of old classics with a twist and some unique creations, Moonshine is sure to please any palate.

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Celebrating my sons’s college graduation. The food was wonderful and the service outstanding. Thank you for making our day special.

Chickie's & Pete's - Roosevelt Blvd

4.7

4.7 (346)

$30 and under

Seafood

Northeast Philly

About the restaurant

This large Northeast Philadelphia location opened in 1999 and is located at 11000 Roosevelt Boulevard. Indoors it features two big bars, a private dining room, a 14-foot Big Screen, and plenty of TVs to meet every sports enthusiast's needs. Outdoors the Boulevard offers an all-season covered patio and deck where we often conduct large parties and feature live bands amongst the expansive bar and updated TVs.

Top review

Raymond

Dined 3 days ago

Was an overall good experience. We are definitely gonna be coming back soon

Copabanana

4.7

4.7 (575)

$30 and under

Mexican

University City

About the restaurant

Copabanana University City has become a Penn institution with its genuine campus vibe. With ceiling to floor windows and a sidewalk cafe overlooking the campus scene, the Copa is also a popular destination for the nearby Penn hospital complex -- only a block away.

The Copabanana serves legendary margaritas, gourmet burgers and Spanish fries as well as Carribbean and Mexican fare. Copa is a true original and a refreshing oasis in a sea of bland corporate chain restaurants.

Join your friends at the Copabanana today!

Top review

Barbara

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

I had a great experience at Copacabana! The food was delicious, but what really stood out was the outstanding service—attentive, friendly, and welcoming from start to finish. It made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be dining there again soon!

Philadelphia Distilling

4.6

4.6 (285)

$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

Ellen

Dined 4 days ago

Philadelphia Distilling is my favorite place. The drinks, the food and the service are always supreme. They make the best drinks I’ve ever had, every time.

Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia

4.5

4.5 (600)

$30 and under

Japanese

Chinatown

About the restaurant

DINING RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY FOR OUR 1ST FLOOR RESTAURANT, NOT FOR KARAOKE.
• Make an inquiry for a karaoke room/lounge table @ yakitoriboy.com/sing or call our Events Team at (215)-923-8088 ext. 3

WE CAN SEAT UP TO 20 GUESTS AT 1 TABLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)! FOR RESERVATIONS WITH A PARTY OF MORE THAN 5 GUESTS, PLEASE CALL US AT (215)-923-8088 EXT. 1 TO MAKE A RESERVATION!

Yakitori Boy is a premier izakaya destination in Philadelphia! We serve a variety of tapas style dishes (japas), sushi and a variety of yakitori. On our 1st floor, we have restaurant seating and a full bar serving delicious food and cocktails. The 2nd floor features our lounge, bar and private karaoke rooms that can accommodate up to 20 guests for business meetings and private parties. Come eat, drink and sing!

Top review

TimothyVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Always a pleasure eating at Yakitori Boy ! Great quality and great customer service!! All at a reasonable price!

Discover more

Experience

HAPPY HOUR AT YAKI!

Revolution House

4.5

4.5 (144)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old City

About the restaurant

If you would like to make a reservation for a group of 10 or more, please call us at (215) 625-4566 Wed-Sun after 2pm. Thank you.

In the heart of Old City, with historic features tastefully presented throughout our two-level restaurant & bar, Revolution House truly has Philadelphia running through its veins. We are so eager for you to try our completely reimagined menu of elevated yet affordable tapas-style international cuisine crafted with the utmost care. Our signature dishes by Chef Evan Barghout, such as our sesame saku tuna or our Korean rib tacos pair perfectly with new, inspired cocktails, like our Eternal Springtime, as well as our carefully curated fine wines and local craft draught beers.

Make your reservation today to claim your stake in the revolution!

Top review

Todd

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Great experience, fast service, good food and cocktails.

Village Whiskey PHL

4.5

4.5 (650)

$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

Stephanie

Dined 6 days ago

Love this place. The burgers are amazing and they make the best old fashioned's I've had. The entire staff is awesome. Our server last night-Anna-was so sweet and the hostess Ellie is charming. Highly recommend!!

Discover more

Popular dish

Steak Frites

Experience

Celebrate the 4th with Village Whiskey

Experience

Brunch With Us!

Newbolds Food & Libations

4.5

4.5 (170)

$31 to $50

American

Jenkintown

About the restaurant

American-style restaurant located in Jenkintown, PA offering satisfying, flavorful american cuisine. We take pride in our fresh, house-made American staples served alongside handcrafted libations.

Taking it's place among Jenkintown Restaurants, Newbolds Food and Libations is a premiere location in Montgomery County, PA. Newbolds is a retro bar specializing in hand-crafted American cuisine. Many Jenkintown restaurants can start to look and feel alike, but the same can not be said for Newbolds. With a unique and aesthetic interior, outdoor dining areas, and unforgettable cuisine, Newbolds has taken it's place as one of the best restaurants in Montgomery County, PA and in Jenkintown, PA. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Canvas

Dined on May 29, 2025

Very impressive evening overall. Our waiter had several tables so we had to wait for a a few minutes but after he connected with us, it was non stop service. We agreed when we come back, we want him. The food was very good and authentic. Their pizza does not disappoint! We will be back. We had initially made outdoor reservations, but due to the rain, we had to move inside; and guess what? We were not disappointed at all.

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