The Cocktail Heatmap is Philly's guide to the latest and greatest drinking opportunities in the city, from happy hour through last call. The list focuses on new bars and restaurants, along with older spots that have recently overhauled their cocktail menus or added something noteworthy. Looking for Philly’s tried-and-true essential bars, from dives to swank lounges? Those are here. Searching for an established cocktail bar? Find it here.
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The Newest Bars in Philly, March 2020
Swank lounges, laid-back neighborhood spots, and more new places to get a cocktail in Philly

Townsend Wine Bar
On East Passyunk Avenue, Townsend has been reborn as Townsend Wine Bar, a more casual version of the elegant French restaurant, which relocated to Rittenhouse. Stop here for French wine, balanced cocktails, and small plates.
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Royal Tavern
Popular Bella Vista bar Royal Tavern is back after a renovation with a shinier look and some tweaks to the menu of gastropub fare, including several standout vegan options, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
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Wine Dive
On South Street, bar and bottle shop Wine Dive is open with quirky decor and a long list of libations, including wines by the glass and in “wowlers” to go (like growlers), beer, cider, hard seltzer, and plenty of cocktails. It’s right next to Cambridge, from the same owners.
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Mei Mei
In Old City, chic lounge Mei Mei serves a modern Taiwanese menu to go with tiki-style drinks and cocktails that make use of ingredients like yuzu and wasabi. There’s a bar and restaurant on street level; make a reservation if you want to head to the more intimate bar below ground.
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Bodega Bar & Kitchen
Red lighting, patterned tiles, and wrought iron light fixtures casting intricate shadows set the scene at Bodega, a new bar and restaurant on Walnut Street that’s going for a Latin theme. Head here for a tequila-based drink, like the house margarita with lavender honey syrup.
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Leda and the Swan
Cocktail lounge Leda and the Swan is open in Center City with a velvet-curtained entrance, DJs and live music on weekends, and drinks named for mythological figures. It’s from the owners of Vesper, nearby, and Northern Liberties’ Vesper Day Club and Germantown Beer Garden.
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The Goat
Fergus Carey and Jim McNamara of Fergie’s Pub head to Rittenhouse for the Goat, set in the former Oh Shea’s. The newly refreshed space has two bars, two fireplaces, and 118 seats. Chef Adrian Geronimo — his brother is Fergie’s Pub chef Geraldo Geronimo — is making gastropub fare like short rib poutine, pork belly mac and cheese, and a vegan barbecue jackfruit sandwich.
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The Fairview
Fergus Carey of Philly mainstay Fergie’s Pub turned the Belgian Cafe in Fairmount into the Fairview, a bright corner spot with beer, wine, cocktails, and a gastropub menu from chef Beth Fox that includes several vegan options.
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St. Oner's
Tired Hands Brewing Company lands in Fishtown with this snug spot where neighbors pack in for beer, of course, plus wine, kombucha, and cocktails made with local spirits. It’s not a bad idea to make a reservation if you want to sit at a table.