Lounge Bars (hotel, restaurant, price)

[familyphilly]

What are some good lounge bars in downtown Philly?

[kidphilly]

What age group or scene are you looking for?

[familyphilly]

25+, I'm bringing a date, so I guess somewhere with a nice atmosphere/vibe...I'm also looking for some places with good dinner options not too far from the bar. I know Parking is probably tricky downtown, so want to minimize driving if I can!

Just moved out here, and haven't been downtown yet, so I really don't know anything!

Thank You!

[kidphilly]

Well there are probably two main areas to go, Either the Rittenhouse Square area (maybe a bit older) or Old City (A little Younger)

Depends on the price range but in Rittenhouse Rouge and Parc have the seen and be seen crowd

In Old city a combination of bars and restarants, Budakan is also a good scene

Maybe checking out opentable for restarants would be a good idea too

Parking will be a challenge and you may likely have to pay probably close to 20 bucks in either location

Both have a ton of options within walking distance so you could virtually walk down the street to find a multitude of options

reservations also might be suggested especially for weekends as many will be booked

[john_starks]

chifa - but not sure if you like the style of food. i think its mandarin/spanish? its eclectic..and i think a dj spins every thursday night

CHIFA - Comidas Latinas

then you always have buddakan in old city

Buddakan

[familyphilly]

Thanks for the options! I'm reading a lot of great reviews on Continential Midtown & Tria which sounds like a nice wine bar. How are these places?

[kidphilly]

Both are interesting, Tria has two locations, One in Rittenhouse, a block from Continental Midtown, smaller but somewhat hip, only serve wine, specialty beers, cheese, and limited snacks. Continental Midtown may be better in the summer with their roof deck but definately has a lounge vide. There is also a second tria at 12th and Spruce I believe a little larger and slightly more laid back but further from other options; though nothing in CC is very far (esp by cab).

Another impressive option for drinks (maybe not dinner overpriced and underwhelming) is Del Friscos (15th and Chestnut) great vibrant bar and space to start an evening with drinks. Or if you would choose Chifa (the New Iron Chef on the Food network), Union Trust (same block as Chifa) also has a great bar. Just some thoughts. They would definately be the 25+ (maybe even 30+) crowds.

[john_starks]

kidphilly said it all. Tria is a wine/specialty beer bar primarily with tables and a bar. i go there at least once a week. they have great small plates and quite the variety of wine and cheese. its a small, but hip spot.

and Continental Mid-town definitely has what you are looking for with 3 levels. the lounge is upstairs.

another good place is El Vez

Time is cool too. its got 3 different spaces. one for dining, another is a whisky bar and an absinthe lounge upstairs

[kidphilly]

Well Starks got me thinking too, if you like absinthe, there is also Apothecary close to El vez, but as you see there are many options, sometimes it is best to just explore with a bit of a game plan. Hope you enjoy

[solibs]

You can get food at any of these places so if you're just looking for a few drinks and some tapas then you're in luck.

Keep in mind that if you're planning on a weekend all of these places are going to be really crowded after 9pm (and probably before that too):

apothecary
Loie
XIX
Tria (the one at 12th & Spruce is more comfortable)
rumbar
Time
Monk's (there's a lounge in the very back)
Continental
Caribou
Varga
l'Etage (upstairs from Beau Monde creperie)
Shouk
Society Hill Hotel
Beneluxxx

During the week I don't mind going to most of those places. On the weekend, though, I either stay south or head up to Northern Liberties -
Standard Tap
North 3rd
PYT
Dos Segundos
El Camino Real
Bar Ferdinand
Swift Half