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Bars and Nightlife in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood

Get your history straight and your nightlife gay

Gay life (and nightlife) is centered in an area of the city fondly called the Gayborhood, from Chestnut to Pine streets between 11th and Broad streets. The area boasts its own unique architecture with narrow, tree-lined, cobblestone streets, and brick townhouses and apartment buildings peppered among bookshops, coffee shops, restaurants, bar and clubs. To cut to the chase and find bars, lounges and nightclubs in and around the Gayborhood, look no further.

iCandy
If you’re not sure what you want from a night out, it doesn’t matter—you’ll find it at iCandy. These three floors are swarming with gay men every night of the week, and are always packed on the weekend.

Knock
Brothers Bill and Steve Wood sold Woody’s, the city’s venerable gay bar, and opened Knock, which features a New American-meets-global comfort-food menu in a chic setting in the heart of the neighborhood.

Shampoo
Shampoo offers two levels of fun and nooks and crannies in which to you can disappear from the crowd. Shaft Friday is the biggest draw and generally the largest party in the city, drawing a young, fashionable but unpretentious crowd ready to groove to the latest house and hip hop.

Stir
Located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, the lounge style atmosphere, fresh sounds and friendly faces will allow you to feel right at home.

Tabu
Whether you like watching a game in the sports bar or relaxing with friends in the lounge, Tabu has something to make every night the best of the week.

Tavern on Camac
Tonight’s post-dinner plan is Tavern on Camac, a traditional piano bar with a sing-along on the first floor and an intimate cabaret on the second. Ready to dance? DJ Salotta Tee will keep you bumping until close. The Tavern’s varied ambiance makes it a perfect date spot – or a good choice if you’re looking to meet a friendly Philadelphian.

Uncles
This is the bar where gay men sit and watch the world go buy. Just off bustling Locust Street near the heart of the Gayborhood, Uncles occasionally flies under the radar. However, if you’re looking for a small, intimate and slightly smoky spot, don’t pass Uncle’s by. And dress casually for a low-key night.

Voyeur
Voyeur is a special events hotspot and after-hours club where the dancing continues well after 2:00 a.m.

Westbury
The moment you step through the doors of the Westbury, heads may turn, but they’re usually smiling at you. The large oval bar takes up the bulk of the space and cozy, inviting booths make the Westbury a good place for good group conversation.

Woody’s
You’ll know you’ve arrived in the Gayborhood when you see Woody’s gay flags beckoning you to the club and bar. Woody’s is the traditional first stop on any proper first visit to the Gayborhood. This is classic Philadelphia, a genuine spot where gay men and their friends go for a good night out.