If you’re sober, cutting back on your alcohol intake, or just tired of only hanging out at the bar, finding after-hours hangs can be tough. But if you look close enough, Philly has a range of zero-proof options to start your night with.
Grab a Late-Night Snack (or Drink)
You deserve a treat after work. If you’re craving something sweet, visit Chinatown’s A La Mousse Cake & Cafe. Known for its cute pastries in unique shapes like lambs and pandas, customers can opt for just a slice or the whole cake. If you’re feeling thirsty, there’s milkshakes, hot tea, and bubble tea. A La Mouse is open until 11 p.m. every day except Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended until midnight.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Bar Palmina, Fishtown’s non-alcoholic bar 一 and the only one left in the city. With exclusively zero-proof options, its extensive menu changes regularly. Sip on these craft cocktails anytime between 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays.
Watch a Movie
Catch up on the latest releases or watch some niche films with one of Philly’s film clubs. Whether you’re into horror, sci-fi, or genre-bending flicks, movie nights can be a laid-back way to socialize with other movie buffs.
Go Birding
Not everyone is comfortable with solo nighttime outings in nature. Instead, try getting some fresh air at night with groups like Philly Queer Birders and Bird Philly. These birding clubs host meetups in the evening, as both dawn and dusk are optimal to catch avians in flight. And if you want to explore on your own time, these are some of the best birding spots in Philly.
Have a Game Night
If you want to talk (or yell) over something other than a drink, why not a board game? Philly is home to several game cafes, including Queen & Rook, Board and Brew, and BUBS.
Maisy’s Meeting House also has an extensive game library, from card games to video games, available during its regular game nights. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are also available. Be sure to visit Maisy’s on other nights for a Super Smash melee tournament, trading card night, or Mario Kart tournament.
Lace Up Your Skates
Who said skating was just for the kids? Local roller rinks such as Philly Skateplex and Rolling Thunder Skate Center are open every day of the week.
In addition to its regular programming, Philly Skateplex hosts adult skate nights with the schedule as follows:
- Wednesdays, 9 p.m. to midnight with $10 admission
- Thursdays, 9:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. with $14 admission
- Thursdays (R&B Skate), 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with $16 admission
- Saturdays, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. with $13 admission
- Sundays (First of the month), 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. with $17 admission
- Sundays, 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with $15 admission
Rolling Thunder offers specials, including $1 admission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and $2 admission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
🎧 Want even more suggestions? Be sure to listen to today's episode of City Cast Philly for ABV-free clubs to join, places to dance, and comedy clubs to laugh in all night long.
