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Philadelphia is home to a historic LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, renowned LGBTQ+ events like the Pride March & Festival and OURfest, and the Gayborhood, Philly’s center of LGBTQ+ life and culture since the 1950s.
So is it any surprise that Philly’s late-night scene extends storied queer celebration?
Underground bars and nightclubs once designated as queer spaces have become mainstream cool — and not just in the Gayborhood or during Pride Month. And while there’s still more work ahead for diverse representation in Philly’s nightlife, many bars across the city support and employ LGBTQ+ workers and welcome LGBTQ+ guests.
So whether you’re a dive bar kind of person, want a drink while watching a drag show or have a romantic date night, there’s a bar in Philly for you.
Below, find a guide to just some of Philly’s LGBTQ+-owned, -staffed and -friendly bars throughout Philadelphia.
Don’t fret about the name change at 254 South 12th Street. The former Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar still offers the same LGBTQ+ packed calendar — just under new management.
The venue has three floors of entertainment: a sports bar downstairs complete with pool tables, an upstairs dance club, and a cabaret with a rotating cast of performers and a year-round roof deck.
Where: 254, 254 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Taking up residence in the corner spot that once housed the historic Venture Inn (formerly one of the Gayborhood’s oldest and most well-known LGBTQ+ bars ), Bar X pours up all the standard cocktails in an affirming space.
During the week, the double-decker dive bar offers drink specials and an unpretentious place to chill, but the weekends rev up with dancing on the basement-level dance floor.
The spot also sports a solid lineup of LGBTQ+ events like TV watch parties, party-parties and mid-week drag karaoke.
Where: Bar X, 255 S. Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA
This four-story building on an alley just off Spruce Street is Philadelphia’s oldest leather bar. Opened after World War II, it was previously a lesbian bar, a drag club, a restaurant and a private after-hours club.
For over 40 years, The Bike Stop has been frequented for its punk sex-positive atmosphere alongside cheap beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller High Life and New Trail Crip Lager.
Where: The Bike Stop, 206 Quince Street, Philadelphia, PA
Formerly a South Philly go-go bar, the Dolphin Tavern carries on its longtime legacy as dance party central.
Boasting a neon dance floor, an endless lineup of rotating DJs and alt-cool vibes, the beloved hotspot bills itself as a cross between a dive bar and nightclub.
Stop by Thursdays through Sundays for drinks and dancing, but definitely keep an eye on the bar’s events calendar and social media for fun events and parties highlighting Philly’s LGBTQ+ community.
Where: Dolphin Tavern, 1539 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Opened in 1933, Franky Bradley’s was named after a former newspaper boy and boxer of South Philly who then became a restaurateur. Today, it’s owned by the same team behind Silk City (see below) and continues to set the bar for LGBTQ+ establishments.
A majority of staff identify as LGBTQ+ and are involved in beloved programming like drag competitions and burlesque shows inside their newly expanded space, B.West. The rotating drink list changes by season, and drink specials raise money for LGBTQ+ causes.
Where: Franky Bradley's, 1320 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA
Owned by living Philly Gayborhood legend Bill Wood — aka the Woody originally behind Woody’s (see below) — Knock prides itself on serving up good food in a friendly environment for everyone.
Wood’s stylish restaurant and bar serves up an awesome menu of craft cocktails and New American fare, as well as a packed schedule of LGBTQ+ events and entertainment, including weekly drag karaoke with Iris Spectre, trivia nights and drag brunches.
Where: Knock, 225 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stir remains one of Philadelphia’s last lesbian-owned bars, garnering a loyal following.
WNBA games play on the televisions, friends linger over martinis, and DJs bump sapphic and disco hits late into the night.
Where: Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA
TMoms has been a queer-owned business for more than two decades. LGBTQ+ creatives, comedians, performers and activists all are regulars here, visiting for everyday hangs, Slayher (Philadelphia’s only heavy metal drag show), and the annual WEGAY Pride Month cocktail special (which includes free drink koozies and queer artist coloring pages).
Real ones know a “Mom’s Chip” gets you 50 cents off every item — and it’s good for life.
Where: Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s oldest operating LGBTQ+ bar is a restaurant, a piano bar and a nightclub where singalongs and dance parties are a nightly affair.
Showtunes, DJs, and line dancing are offered alongside $2 happy hour deals on a charming brick-paved street right in the heart of the Gayborhood.
If you’ve never been to Tavern On Camac, it’s three floors of fun. The bottom floor (currently closed for renovations) is a restaurant, but the second floor is a chill piano bar with karaoke. But not your average karaoke: Think everything from classic Broadway showtunes to throwback pop hits performed by some seriously talented performers. And the pianists — incredible musicians themselves — put on a great show.
The top floor is the club, Ascend. It’s intimate but feels bigger thanks to mirrored walls and a well-managed crowd. The music varies depending on the day, and they have some of the strongest drinks in the city. The best part: There’s no cover — ever.
Pro tip: Sundays are for showtunes at Ascend, too. Everyone hits the club’s dance floor (maybe a little tipsily), singing along to Hairspray or RENT. It’s the best of both worlds.
Where: Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA
Looking for a strong drink and a laid-back vibe?
U Bar leaves the partying, dancing and events to its sibling spot, Tavern on Camac (above). Instead, the Gayborhood gem has long solidified its place as a no-nonsense neighborhood bar for its LGBTQ+ regulars to catch up with friends and people-watch passers-by through its incredible floor-to-ceiling windows — themselves a sign of progress compared to the windowless gay bars of the past.
Open seven days a week, U Bar keeps a great selection of craft and European beers on tap and snacks on standby, plus brunch is available all day.
Where: U Bar, 1220 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
Bob & Barbara’s is celebrated for many firsts, and rightfully so: The South Street O.G. gay-friendly bar has been “serving cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment since 1969.”
Free live music, the longest-running weekly drag show, karaoke and Citywides (aka a shot of Jim Beam and a Pabst Blue Ribbon) bring people from all walks of life to this bar, making it a quintessential Philadelphia experience.
Where: Bob and Barbara's Lounge, 1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of Philadelphia’s best rooftop bars, Bok Bar excels at cool vibes, wine, craft beer, rotating chef partners and, oh yeah, amazing skyline views.
The drink menu changes every season, but mainstays like the Lo-Fi Spritz, Golden Road Mango Cart beer, sparkling rosé and zero-proof options are always a good choice. Philly Drag Mafia shows are a hit here, too.
Where: Bok Bar, 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA
Where else in Philly can you order bottle service while watching the most jaw-dropping performance art theater? Fabrika on Frankford Avenue’s list of themed performances calls for a stiff drink and a swanky dress code.
Consider sipping on a Lavender Blossom with gin, lemon juice, creme de Violette and lavender syrup while enjoying burlesque, a “Fool’s Gold Rush” with ginger honey, ginger beer and lemon juice during a variety show, or a glass of bubbles during drag brunch.
Where: Fabrika, 1108 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This vibey lounge brings its own brand of finesse to Philadelphia’s already stylish Old City neighborhood.
A popular go-to for date nights and brunches with upscale decor and velvet-trimmed couches, Frame PHL’s classy vibes soar to new heights when the city’s current class of incredible queens take over. Some of Philly’s favorite drag queens, like Chakra and Anya Heart, have made appearances in front of adoring fans during performances.
Where: FRAME PHL, 222 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Fringe Bar, like FringeArts, is an inclusive bar with an extensive house cocktail list and ongoing programming designated for LGBTQ+ crowds, from weddings, Sip City Mixers and bottomless mimosa brunch to queer-centric bands on Thursday nights and Wednesday night Quizzo.
One of the spot’s most popular beers is Gay Beer Golden Lager; its sales proceeds and other charitable initiatives go toward helping LGBTQ+ groups and spaces like Savage Sisters Recovery.
Where: Fringe Bar, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
This woman-owned Callowhill taproom has played a big role in Philly’s modern craft beer movement through seasonal limited releases in collaboration with local partners. See: the Sisterly Love Hazy IPA with Pink Boots Society, which celebrates women and nonbinary folks in the beverage industry.
Love City also hosts Drag Queen and DJ Quizzo and “Drink and Draw” sessions. In the warm-weather months, beer lovers (and pets) flock to Love City Gardens under The Rail Park across the street.
Where: Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia, PA
This neighborhood wine bar, bottle shop and event space welcomes novice and expert wine drinkers alike. Mural City Cellars sources grapes from vineyards and farmers within a 300-mile radius to create a singular lineup of wines on-site in Fishtown.
Take advantage of their cellar tastings and wine classes featuring small-batch regional wines by the glass or bottle at a community table, on vintage couches or outside during warm-weather months. Return for monthly Bear Trap Burlesque shows.
Where: Mural City Cellars, 1831 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
R&D Cocktail Bar is one of the most well-respected cocktail bars in the city. It also happens to be queer-led.
This neighborhood bar is known just as much for its tropical-forward and non-intimidating classic cocktails as its Friday night DJs and monthly R&Diva drag shows.
The drinks may be serious, but the vibe is fun and casual, so guests feel welcome to stop in for date night, a shot and beer combo, or a cozy corner-booth hang.
Where: R&D, 1206 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This woman-owned brewery is also a Certified B. Corp organization actively supporting “Crafted for All” equality and justice advocacy work. That means drinking here is for a good cause — and there are over two-dozen beverages to enjoy.
Seasonal and special releases — such as the Shirley Temple-inspired seltzer, the Hitchbot sour and the Pumpkin Porter — highlight different styles to suit different taste preferences. Aside from good brews, the brewery hosts Drag King brunch, beer club happy hour and many other events.
Where: Triple Bottom Brewing, 915 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
When it’s last call at nearly every bar in the city, the party at Voyeur Nightclub is only getting started.
Open Thursdays through Sundays, Voyeur is one of Philly’s premier LGBTQ+ nightlife venues with an abundance of special events, lively and diverse crowds, and multiple dance floors that stay alive well past 2 a.m. With three levels of vibes to choose from and DJs spinning the best in Top 40, EDM, hip-hop and Latin, there’s a vibe for every taste.
Where: Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street, Philadelphia, PA
This uber-popular nightclub — with two floors and rotating DJs playing in five different rooms — first opened in 1980 and has remained gay- and straight ally-owned.
Dance theme nights are all the rage here, as are the 30-plus beers on tap and adjacent cocktail lounges. Even better: Woody’s donates proceeds to LGBTQ+ nonprofits locally and nationally.
Where: Woody's, 202 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s kind of a drag, and we’re okay with that.
Head on over to our comprehensive guide for more about the top drag venues, drag brunches and other can’t-miss performances in Philly.
Where: City Hall Visitor Center, John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Center City is lucky to have two of the best Mexican bars and restaurants under the same roof. Both Condesa and El Techo are helmed by an LGBTQ+ majority front-of-house and management team that employs Defined Hospitality’s people-first ethos. Whether you’re partying on the rooftop for Radio Fresca, on a date, celebrating your birthday or enjoying a drink at the bar, there’s no judgment.
Enjoy mezcal deals every Monday and taco deals on Tuesdays, and take advantage of daily happy hour featuring natural wine, margaritas, premium agave selections and more.
Where: Condesa & El Techo, 1830 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
For a taste of Europe, head to the Italian Market, where Grace & Proper transports guests to a walk-in-only Portuguese corner bar.
There’s typically an international soccer match playing, Superbock on draft and early evenings fueled by porto tonico aperitifs. And while the space tends to get packed, the hospitality remains warm and inviting.
The back bar is a great conversation starter with a marvel of amari, sherry and vermouth selections, too.
Where: Grace & Proper, 941 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
At Jet Wine Bar, under-appreciated organic, natural and Ancient World wines from around the globe take center stage. This distinct wine list is unlike any other in the city — see the bar’s rainbow wine flight, which features six wines reflecting the colors of the rainbow flag for Pride Month.
Monthly gatherings centered around wine producers, varietals and festive themes become especially enjoyable amid the vibrant painted murals both inside and outside the wine garden.
Where: Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
MilkBoy has been welcoming nearby third-shift workers and Gayborhood regulars since 2011.
This lively bar meets live music venue also has a fun sports bar atmosphere downstairs with two bars that offer drafts for less than $10, mocktails, ciders and more. Best of all, MilkBoy is open 7 a.m. to midnight most days.
Head upstairs to check out the latest lineup of local and nationally recognized indie and punk rock musicians.
Where: MilkBoy Philadelphia, 1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Queer-owned since 2016, Mission Taqueria boasts an extensive drink list filled with refreshing housemade juices, mixes, agua frescas (everything from pineapple to jicama to kale for their Green Juice Margarita), cocktails (many are available as non-alcoholic versions like the Marga-free-ta and Miche-nada) and beers.
Dressed up or down, this sunlit spot is fun no matter the time of day, especially during drag brunch with Latine Royalty and New Year’s Eve with Iris Spectre (Miss Bob & Barbara’s 2024).
Where: Mission Taqueria, 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
A queer hangout for years, Mixto is the go-to spot for Latin American and Caribbean fare on Pine Street.
Expect classic rum and mezcal-based drinks like mojitos, margaritas (there are nine to choose from!), caipirinhas and sangrias here.
Outdoor dining on warm-weather days feels like hanging out in Miami, while inside, the multi-level building is perfect for large group gatherings.
Where: Mixto, 1141 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
This dark and mysterious bar is a chic space with queer-friendly staff and regulars serving up sleeper-hit natural wines and inventive cocktails like Chartreuse hot chocolate and house “No More Pain” painkiller.
The menu is short and sweet, a perfect spot to drop in for a pre- or post-concert drink. (Popular venues like Union Transfer and Franklin Music Hall are nearby.)
Where: Poison Heart, 931 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
Since 2007, Silk City has remained a one-of-a-kind nightlife hot spot. Part diner, part bar and part dance club, there’s always something exciting to look forward to here.
For starters, check out the spot’s specialty cocktails and happy hour, Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m., at the bar.
Where: Silk City, 435 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
For a laid-back night out, step inside this casual wine bar and lounge underneath the iconic cowboy Boot & Saddle sign on South Broad Street.
Solar Myth carries a dynamic wine list curated by its Fountain Porter partners. It also boasts a listening room filled with vinyl records and a live music space in the rear that draws in experimental jazz enthusiasts and followers of Ars Nova programming.
Where: Solar Myth, 1131 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
This neighborhood sports bar near Marconi Plaza is where Greater Philadelphia Flag Football players (LGBTQ+ and straight-ally co-ed adult recreational flag football league) gather post-games for rounds of draft beers.
SouthHouse also hosts queer-friendly Dungeons n Drafts nights, make-your-own cocktail garnish bars with featured spirits, and trivia games. Stop by on Fridays during extended happy hour (4 to 8 p.m.) to see what’s new on the drink list.
Where: SouthHouse, 2535 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The W Philadelphia stands out for its two hotel bars: The Living Room, located downstairs, and the WET Deck — with a wrap-around patio and indoor/outdoor bar space — located upstairs. Playfulness and creativity behind the bar are tasted in unexpected flavor combinations and techniques (think: super foam for texture, housemade bitters and syrups, aromatic citrus oils) that round out seasonally inspired libations.
LGBTQ+ trailblazers also host pop ups and performances year-round here like Porkroll, an underground queer dance party from DJs Redevil and The Nightowl, and SOUVENIR, a travel-inspired shop founded by Richmond Tan.
Where: W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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