The 8 best rooftop bars in Philadelphia

Whether you’re looking out over the Delaware, down the Parkway to the Art Museum or gazing west past the Schuylkill, Philadelphia is home to stretches of very scenic skyline. With days getting longer and the sun setting later, bars with a view are in high demand this time of year. Here’s a look at where to unwind with a cocktails and the best views in town.

Assembly Lounge
1875 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Theloganhotel.com

Opening its doors this evening, the rooftop bar at the Logan Hotel looks out to the flag-draped length of the Parkway leading up to the Art Museum. A menu of small plates including house-cured charcuterie and freshly shucked oysters is complimented by a cocktail menu that’s full of sparkling options like Champagne by the glass and bubbly cocktails like French 75s and Aperol Spritzes.

Skygarten
1717 Arch Street
Topofthetower.com

German beer fans will be pleased to hear that the Brauhaus Schmitz crew is taking over the top floor of Philly’s tallest building later this summer. Slated for a June opening this 50th and 51st floor bilevel bar will offer indoor and outdoor seating along with a roster of local and imported beer and cocktails.

Stratus Lounge
433 Chestnut Street
Stratuslounge.com

Old City’s premier roof bar is housed on the eleventh floor of the Monaco Hotel and has lovely views of Old City. Happy hours here begin with chill vibes but a spring and summer calendar of guest DJs like Samantha Ronson and Sasha Grey plus local talent like Royale ensure that thing heat up once the sun goes down.

XIX
200 S. Broad Street
Nineteenrestaurant.com

A quick elevator ride up to the top floor of the Bellevue brings a dining room and bar with views that are downright staggering. The service is professional, the clientele is classy and weekday happy hour encourages afterwork cocktailers to stay until way after sundown.

Vango
116 S. 18th Street
Vangoloungeandskybar.com

This Rittenhouse club has a roof bar gets crazy predictably crazy on the weekends but if your schedule can swing it Mondays and Tuesdays are the winners here. Monday brings free salsa lessons beginning at 8:30 and Tuesday boasts the double threat of karaoke and ladies night.

R2L
50 S. 16th Street
R2lrestaurant.com

Heading up to the 37th floor of Two Liberty Place gets you panoramic vistas of the city and a chance to get an up close and personal look at William Penn’s likeness posted atop City Hall. The bar does cocktails right with seasonally crafted cocktails like a bourbon-spiked sweet tea and a negroni with a hint of Cointreau.

Pyramid Club
1735 Market Street
Pyramidclub.com

Membership is must to get to the 52nd floor of this Center City dining club but with it comes unparalleled skyscraper views, monthly events like wine tastings and a bar menu that boasts surprisingly affordable cocktails, especially considering the wonderful panorama of the city.

City Tap House
3925 Walnut Street
Citytaphouseucity.com

This sunny second floor patio overlooking Walnut Street has a draft list that shows plenty of love for hard to find craft beers and a knowledgable staff. Come summertime the college crowds tend to clear out and the deck heats up with live music, movie nights and plenty of adult-oriented entertainment.

If you’re planning on heading to any of these scenic drinking destinations you might want to go ahead and check what time the sun is going to be setting to ensure that your cocktails are paired with perfect twilight views.