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The city where George and Martha Washington did the minuet, where “American Bandstand” was born and — much more to the point — where Questlove DJs to packed floors has long gotten up to the get-down.
Philly’s dance scene includes dedicated nightclubs, bars that clear out tables to make dance floor space and laid-back lounges that are a mix of the two.
Below is our list of the best places to go dancing in Philadelphia.
This half diner, half disco embraces the best of both worlds. The diner side serves comfort fare until 2 a.m. nightly; the nightclub part welcomes Philly DJs for laidback nights featuring cheap drinks. There is no dress code.
Where: Silk City, 435 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located in what was once a legendary Philly gentlemen’s club, The Trestle Inn channels its vintage roots with go-go dancers and DJs with hearts full of soul. Bonus points for a serious whiskey and bourbon list. There is no dress code.
Where: The Trestle Inn, 339 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Aiming to bring Vegas glam to Philly, this ambitious nightlife spot — one of the largest dance clubs in the city — promises a “not of the ordinary” experience featuring book-ahead VIP ticketing, light sticks and bottle service. The music here: eclectic, spanning EDM to hip-hop. Dress code: upscale and trendy.
Where: NOTO, 1209 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
This Arch Street lounge recently underwent a makeover, outfitting the club with warm wood panels and a serious new sound system. In addition to bottle service, Reserve offers a menu of fruity concoctions that go down almost too easily. Dress code is stylish attire.
Where: Reserve Lounge, 724 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
A storied South Philly dive has been transformed into an intimate and always-packed dance destination. The Dolphin’s changing party schedule includes early 2000s hip-hop, indie dance nights and plenty of visiting talent in the booth. There is no dress code.
Where: Dolphin Tavern, 1539 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
This hip-yet-unassuming spot is known for its Tigerbeats dance parties on Monday night, when Fishtown-famous DJs spin throwback indie tunes. On other nights, the cash-only hangout hosts live bands, some of the city’s only Goth parties, plus punk and emo. There is no dress code.
Where: The Barbary, 951 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Better known as “The Saint,” this chill find on the edge of Northern Liberties dedicates Mondays to hip-hop and Tuesdays to laid-back drinking and dancing. Guests come as they are.
Where: Saint Lazarus Bar, 102 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A North Philly destination for decades, Tierra’s first floor serves guests authentic Colombian empanadas — and its upstairs serves the party. Weekends heat up with Latin rhythms and Top 40 on Fridays and bachata on Saturdays. Dress code: No hoodies, hats or sneakers.
Where: Tierra Nightclub, 4535 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Practically hidden on a small street off of Midtown Village’s main 13th Street corridor, this historic Gayborhood restaurant opens up its second floor for dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Local talent keeps things lively with a mix of funk and soul tracks. There is no dress code.
Where: Franky Bradley's, 1320 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA
With a piano bar downstairs and a nightclub on the second level, this cozy bar located in the Gayborhood offers everything from karaoke and cabaret to Sunday nights specializing in Broadway standards. There is no dress code.
Where: Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA
Smooth dinnertime jazz makes way for weekend dance nights at this well-stocked whiskey bar. Regulars know to check the schedule to find out whether the second act is a DJ or an open-mic emcee. There is no dress code.
Where: Time, 1315 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
This three-level club recently underwent a basement-to-balcony makeover, breathing new life into a long-standing Gayborhood go-to. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are dedicated to house classics, while weekends pack the dance floor with Top 40 hits until way past last call. There is no dress code.
Where: Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street, Philadelphia, PA
With more than 35 years under its belt, this 13th Street rainbow flag-flying institution is as big, popular and vibrant as ever. Tuesdays are all about throwback ’90s jams — and the videos that come with them; Thursdays offer Latin jams and weekends get jam-packed when DJs roll in to spin hits from across the board. There is no dress code.
Where: Woody's, 202 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
For those looking to replicate the glory days of late ’90s, this Old City club is the place to do it. The cocktail menu boasts 30-plus fruity martinis, all perfectly suited to get bodies on the dance floor. Dress code is at the discretion of management.
Where: Bleu Martini, 24 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Salsa-dance instructors and a resident DJ know how to get hips shaking at this second-floor hotspot. Fridays welcomes guests with salsa lessons for beginners; Saturday nights are a full-fledged party. There is no dress code.
Where: Brasil's Nightclub, 112 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
After dinner service, the floor clears out at this Cuban restaurant for weekend nights dedicated to tropical rhythms and refreshing rum drinks. The soundtrack here ranges from Latino standards to new-school fusion. No sneakers, work boots, baseball caps, shorts or athletic wear allowed.
Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This 500-seat beer garden over the Delaware River welcomes crowds from spring through mid-fall. A variety of DJs spin Thursday through Saturday nights, when regulars arrive early to grab a bite before getting down to the eclectic party sounds. There is no dress code.
Where: Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
A perfunctory members-only policy allows this underground spot to keep the party going until well after 2 a.m. The parking-garage-adjacent entrance adds an air of illicit intrigue. Dress code is fashion-forward.
Where: Recess Lounge, 125 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The rooftop bar of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia lights up at night with weekend DJs, a solid champagne list, an extensive bottle service menu and the occasional celebrity host. Dress code is sophisticated.
Where: Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The second floor of a crêperie is an unlikely location for a club, but this multi-use space packs its calendar with a diverse lineup, including risqué cabaret, racy parties and weekend DJ nights with a penchant for drag. There is no dress code.
Where: L'Etage, 624 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
On Saturday nights, this South Street bar and restaurant heads to the Caribbean for an evening of island-inspired sounds matched with a menu of rum-heavy tropical cocktails. Dress code: No athletic apparel.
Where: Reef Restaurant & Lounge, 605 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
For those looking to let loose on the dance floor, this conveniently located club is the place to do it. No dress code, no cover and a less-than-strict door policy make for a laid-back night on the town.
Where: Pulse Night Club, 1526 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Whether it’s Latin Monday or Hip-Hop Wednesday, there’s always a party at this indoor-outdoor Center City spot. Thursday champagne and birthday-cake packages ensure plenty of midweek revelry. Dress code: no athletic apparel.
Where: Vango Sky Bar & Lounge, 116 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Concourse is an underground dance bar that prides itself on a retro aesthetic and quirky features like a giant ball pit that make the dance spot an oddly exciting experience. Concourse is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, and the occasional Thursday. There is no dress code, but shoes and high heels are not allowed in the ball pit.
Where: Concourse Dance Bar, 1635 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Graffiti-splashed walls and other industrial elements lend this underground dance club in Midtown Village a decidedly edgy vibe. A host of retro arcade games on site like “Ms. Pac-Man” and “Street Fighter 2” give wallflowers a chance to blow off steam before hitting the dance floor. There is no dress code.
Where: U-Bahn, 1320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
With local DJs on deck Friday through Sunday and a laid-back neighborhood vibe, there’s a reason this Northern Liberties favorite is going 20 years strong. The crowd here favors vintage vinyl over flash drives. There is no dress code.
Where: The 700, 700 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia) and overnight hotel accommodations.
Awesome restaurants and bars serving food until 1 a.m. or later...
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