Philadelphia knows world-class dining and entertainment. We also like to combine the two, with venues serving dinner while hosting jazz nights, cabaret, piano shows, and even opera performances.
Need a unique idea for a night out? This is our guide to see jazz, cabaret, and DJs while dining.
Jazz
Rex at the Royal | 1524 South St. (South Street)
Philadelphia’s first and largest Black-run theater, with a history spanning over 100 years, has been revived and now hosts free live music on South Street every Sunday. Reserve a table in the main dining room where blues and jazz performers share the stage under a grand mezzanine from 6 to 9 p.m. Rex offers a full menu of coastal Southern cuisine during performances. Don’t miss their fried green tomatoes, catfish and waffles, or signature shrimp and grits.
The Library Bar inside The Rittenhouse Hotel | 210 W. Rittenhouse Square (Rittenhouse)
Sultry music, leather chairs, and vintage books make for an intimate evening at The Library Bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Here, vocalists and solo musicians perform jazz renditions from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Order a classic cocktail inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” like the Hemingway daiquiri, to learn why this bar is consistently ranked among the best in the city.
Sassafras Bar | 48 S. Second St. (Old City)
This 50-seat candlelit bar is known for creative cocktails, comforting tavern fare, and jazz trios who perform here every Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (and sometimes on Monday nights). No tickets or reservations are required. The good vibes continue upstairs in their sister bar, 48 Record Bar, a listening room that welcomes vinyl lovers and live musicians.
dancerobot | 1710 Sansom St. (Rittenhouse)
This lively Japanese izakaya, a sister restaurant of Queen Village’s Royal Izakaya, now hosts a live jazz series inspired by New York’s Tomi Jazz on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m., featuring rotating food and drink specials under $20. No reservations, and first-come, first-served. Come here after work to watch from a table or the bar rail as jazz duos perform in front of the Sansom Street-facing window in the side dining room.
The Lodge by Two Robbers | 738 S 11th St. (Bella Vista)
One of our favorite places to grab a burger also hosts free jazz performances on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A roaring fireplace, wood-paneled walls, a stiff martini, and a plate of fries hit different here.
Cabaret
Rittenhouse Grill | 1701 Locust St. (Rittenhouse)
This art deco steakhouse is the only Philadelphia restaurant where you can watch Broadway stars perform cabaret numbers up close. Dinner begins between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and includes a three-course meal followed by an intimate musical experience featuring award-winning actresses, singers, composers, and jazz pianists. Ticket prices start at $200.
DJs
Percy | 1700 N. Front St. (Fishtown)
If late-night vinyl sets in a beautifully designed ‘70s-sound lounge are more your vibe, Percy has you covered. DJs spin records here several times a week, typically starting at 6 p.m. on weeknights and 9 p.m. on weekends. Tickets range from free to $10 per person, depending on the event. Eat dinner from the diner-inspired menu in the main restaurant beforehand, then enjoy a post-dinner drink inside the lounge.
