Rooftop bars are a great way to watch those summer sunsets and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. See the beauty of Philly’s skyline at these local bars, and stick around for their special programming that keeps the party going through the evening.
El Techo
1830 Ludlow St.
Located at the Motto Hotel, El Techo is your source for rooftop tacos and cocktails. For National Tequila Day tomorrow, enjoy tequila tastings and a special cocktail menu. Throughout the season, El Techo hosts its “Summer Sessions” series with monthly music programming. Upcoming dates are July 26, Aug. 16, and Sept. 27. General admission tickets are $25, with light bites available for pre-purchase. The fun doesn’t end after the summer. El Techo has a retractable roof, keeping it open year-round.
Bok Bar
800 Mifflin St.
The top level of this former South Philly high school has become a summer staple with programs like line dancing, rooftop fitness, and sunset drag. If you’re hungry, Bok Bar rotates its menu each month. For July, Gabriella’s Vietnam is serving dishes such as crispy catfish and fries, meat skewers with bao buns, and Vietnamese banana ice cream. For drinks, sip on “Tami-Miami,” “Time After Thyme,” or “Bird’s Eye View” — appropriate for the venue.
Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
You may be thinking “that’s not a bar, that’s a theater.” While you’re not necessarily wrong, that means you’re missing out on one of this venue’s unique features. The Balcony Bar at Curtain Call is a summer-only pop-up at the Kimmel Center. Admission is free with food and drinks between $6 and $9. Guests also have a chance to win tickets for performances through Ensemble Arts. The pop-up runs through Aug. 26.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
For an upscale experience, head to The Logan. On the hotel’s ninth floor, Assembly provides guests with views of Logan Square and Philly’s great cultural institutions. The bar has a happy hour special Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with deals on a rose gold margarita, frosé, and select dishes.
Liberty Point
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
If you’re looking for waterfront views, you can find it on all three levels of Liberty Point. Forget the flight to Hawaii; this summer you can visit Liberty Point’s pop-up bar, River Tiki. The restaurant and bar regularly hosts live music and community events. On Aug. 1, the venue is hosting its third annual La Placita Fest, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with salsa lessons, cultural performances, and food.
Want more opportunities to drink outside? Check out our guide to outdoor dining in the city.
