Rooftop Bar Irwin’s Opens in South Philly This Week

The Bok building in South Philly — the former technical high school turned retail and studio space — gets another tenant this week when Irwin’s opens its doors on Wednesday, July 18. The new cocktail bar is on the eighth floor of the building (1901 S. 9th Street), across from the seasonal Bok Bar, known for its expansive city views. Like Bok Bar, Irwin’s gives Philadelphians a chance to step outside: There’s a rooftop terrace.

The bar, which is kid-free (patrons must be 21 and up), is named for Irwin Thornton Catharine, the building’s architect — he was the chief architect of Philly’s public schools in the 1920s and 1930s. Rohe Creative, the design firm behind eye-catching restaurants like Cheu Fishtown, Bud & Marilyn’s, Harp & Crown, Double Knot and the new Louie Louie, gave the space its funky 2018 look.

Chef-owner is Paul Garberson, formerly of Fitler Dining Room and its revamp into Trattoria Carina. For Irwin’s, he’s doing Mediterranean small plates, reports Philly Mag.

Melissa Romero for Curbed Philly

Reservations are being accepted now, but Irwin’s will have limited seatings as it gets settled in. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m.

Downstairs at Bok is a new coffee shop, Two Persons. The building is also getting barbecue sometime this summer, when South Philly Smokhaus is up and running.

In other rooftop news, Attico at the newly opened Cambria hotel on Broad Street in Center City should also be opening soon. In the meantime, find other rooftop and patio bars and restaurants here.