We’ve got a new cocktail bar up on the docket for you, Philadelphia. Known Associates has opened in Washington Square West, bringing together creative cocktails and one of the city's most respected culinary teams under one roof. 

Known Associates isn't trying to transport you back to Prohibition. There are no secret passwords, hidden entrances, or over-the-top themes. Instead, the city's newest cocktail destination lets the drinks, food, and atmosphere do the talking, proving that creativity doesn't need to be gimmicky, and, because of that, Known Associates is already shaping up to be one of the openings cocktail lovers will be talking about all year.

Philadelphia's nightlife scene has had a bit of an explosiveness to it over the last decade, and now you've got two solid paths to choose from on a night out: the hoppy world of craft beer, or the polished world of craft cocktails. Both scenes are thriving in this city, but they attract very different crowds and price points. So how do you pick?

We don't need plane tickets or beach vacations to try cocktails inspired by destinations across the globe.

Just head down beneath Philadelphia's historic Divine Lorraine, and you’ll find Philly Surf Club, one of the city's newest cocktail bars that feels quite unlike anywhere else in the city.

Created by beverage director Nico Diaz and culinary director Natalie Maronski, Philly Surf Club blends flavors and cocktail techniques in such a way that Philadelphia has been lacking.

Philadelphia has plenty of places to grab a cocktail, but what it doesn’t have enough of are bars with a story.Recently opened at the corner of 19th and Mifflin Streets in Point Breeze, Lillian’s is a cozy new South Philly bar and bistro built around inventive drinks and a food program that isn’t meant to stay the same forever. Instead of locking itself into one permanent restaurant identity, the new neighborhood spot plans to regularly welcome chefs for residencies and special dinners, giving Philadelphians a reason to keep coming back to see what’s happening next.

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? 

When you don’t want to leave dinner behind but aren’t quite ready for just a coffee, Philadelphia’s cocktail and dessert culture collide in some amazing and indulgent ways. Open your mind to creamy sips, chocolate drizzles, sweet liqueurs, and presentation moments that feel like dessert on their own. Here are bars and restaurants where after-dinner drinks straddle the line between cocktail and dessert perfectly.

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.

This Friday night, sneak a peek at what life at sea during Prohibition felt like! Philadelphia’s waterfront is inviting you to step straight into the Roaring Twenties aboard the historic Cruiser Olympia.

When you think of Old City, iconic cobblestone streets and historic landmarks may come to mind—but did you know it’s also home to some of Philly’s best nightlife? Beyond the well-known bars, Old City offers unique, under-the-radar spots that mix live music, themed cocktails, and dance floors that come alive at night. If you’re ready to shake up your usual plans, here’s where you need to go:

It’s January, and you’ve probably hit that point where it’s so cold outside that all you want is a night out without  freezing your face off. It’s time to hit a spot with a cozy fireplace! Philadelphia’s got some incredible spots where you can sip on a cocktail, warm up by the fire, and pretend it’s not miserable outside. Here are 5 fireside bars to stop into when you want your drink with a big side of warmth.

Whiskey was basically invented for cold nights, and there’s nothing better than warming up with a solid whiskey flight. A well-curated flight lets you sample a variety of bold bourbons, spicy ryes, and smooth single malts, making it easy to find a new favorite.

First dates can be nerve-wracking. You’re putting yourself out there, hoping to make a great impression while trying to figure out if there’s a connection. There’s the pressure of choosing the right place, making interesting conversation, and navigating potential awkward moments. We’re gonna take at least one of those things off your plate – we’ve rounded up the best bars in Philadelphia for a first date, so you can focus on getting to know each other without stressing about the venue. We’ve got the logistics—you bring the charm.

If you love a good cocktail and have an affinity for unique experiences, pull up a bar stool because we've got some insights into a one-of-a-kind kinda night out. Each spot welcomes you into its own distinct world – a hidden speakeasy, a wizarding world, or a go-go bar are all on the table and within a mile (if that!) of each other here.