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Leda and the Swan is open at 1224 Chestnut Street.
Society Hill Films

The Newest Bars in Philly, March 2020

Swank lounges, laid-back neighborhood spots, and more new places to get a cocktail in Philly

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Leda and the Swan is open at 1224 Chestnut Street.
| Society Hill Films

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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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Townsend Wine Bar

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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.

gold colored cocktail Townsend [official photo]

Royal Tavern

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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.

Wine Dive

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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.

A curved bar with red leather stools with backs, black and white tiled floor, and a neon green backsplash with alcohol. Society Hill Films

Mei Mei

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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.

dark restaurant lounge with purple lights Neal Santos

Bodega Bar & Kitchen

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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.

Society Hill Films

Leda and the Swan

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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.

dark, purple-lit bar with flower curtain hanging above Society Hill Films

The Goat

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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.

The Fairview

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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.

Society Hill Films

St. Oner's

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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.

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.

gold colored cocktail Townsend [official photo]

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.

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.

A curved bar with red leather stools with backs, black and white tiled floor, and a neon green backsplash with alcohol. Society Hill Films

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.

dark restaurant lounge with purple lights Neal Santos

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.

Society Hill Films

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.

dark, purple-lit bar with flower curtain hanging above Society Hill Films

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.

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.

Society Hill Films

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.

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