There was a time when cocktails were not trying to be mysterious. People were out here ordering Melon Balls like they had stock in melon liqueur. French Martinis made everybody feel impossibly sophisticated, and bars served shots with names nobody questioned. Then somewhere along the way, cocktails got… serious. Bartenders started describing cocktails using words like washed, clarified, and expressive.

But what do you think, we kind of secretly miss having fun, don’t we? 

Step off Walnut Street and head upstairs to Celine, a dimly lit, music-driven cocktail lounge tucked above 1224 Walnut St. in Philadelphia. Here, plush seating invites you to sink in while carefully curated soundscapes set the mood without drowning out conversation.

Philadelphia’s cocktail scene is having a moment, and we’re here for it. With so many inventive takes on classics to bold, unexpected flavor combinations, these are the drinks you need to sip on ASAP.