There’s just something about a cold drink on a warm day amidst a beautiful setting that makes all your cares float away. Luckily, Philly is full of plenty such places. Around the city, dazzling views, craft cocktails, and a fun atmosphere combine at the best rooftop bars in Philadelphia.
From a unique park 12 stories up to a prime spot along the Delaware River, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy food and drinks with a premium view. Here’s a look at some of our favorite rooftop bars and restaurants around the city.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
High above Logan Circle, the Assembly Rooftop Lounge has some of the best views in Philadelphia. You can see everything from Sister Cities Park to the Philadelphia Museum of Art all while sipping bubbly nine stories up.
Located at The Logan Hotel, Assembly is open-year round and has covered and uncovered spaces so guests can find just the right spot no matter the season. In the winter, the space transforms with an alpine ski theme that includes blankets, fire pits, and other cozy elements. Cocktails and wine are the focus here, but there are a few beers available plus a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and small plates.
Pro tip: Assembly has a great view of Ben Franklin Parkway, so it’s an ideal spot to watch the annual Thanksgiving parade. It’s reservation-only for the event, so plan ahead.
Sunset Social
As soon as there’s a hint of warmth in the air, Sunset Social opens its doors to visitors at one of the coolest places to visit in the city—Cira Green, a sprawling rooftop park. Cira Green offers views of the skyline at practically eye level, 12 stories above University City. In season, the park hosts lots of special events, often projecting movies and sports on its massive screen. We’ve been here for Phillies games and even to see the Kentucky Derby.
Every day of the week, visitors can enjoy the offerings of Sunset Social while they hang out at the park. The fast-casual menu at the rooftop restaurant includes salads and a broad selection of burgers and sandwiches. There are also plenty of adult beverages, including cocktails and frozen drinks plus beer and wine. Seating is limited, so it’s a good idea to bring a picnic blanket if you plan to hang out for awhile. If you’re driving, it’s worth noting that Cira Green is on top of a parking garage.
Attico
Attico is right in the middle of the action downtown. High above the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street, this year-round restaurant and bar serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday and weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Even if you sit inside, the wrap-around windows ensure an atmospheric experience. Attico is always only 21+.
The brunch menu features salads, lots of egg dishes, and French toast. At dinner, you’ll find everything from tuna carpaccio to meatballs and truffle short rib ragu. While it’s eclectic in terms of cuisine, everything we’ve had here is good, although the vibe is sometimes less than welcoming.
Liberty Point
Riverfront views, great drinks, and tons of seating are the main draws at Liberty Point. The largest outdoor restaurant in Philadelphia, Liberty Point has three levels of seating, a circular rooftop, and five bars, so you’re never too far from a cold drink.
Crabcake sandwiches, cheeseburgers, soft pretzels, and similar fare make up the menu here, but it’s really all about the atmosphere—an energetic vibe with incredible views anywhere you look. There is frequent live music and DJ performances.
We have visited Liberty Point on several occasions, and they have added tarps and umbrellas over time. Still, there are some spaces that remain uncovered, so it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen on a hot day because it can get toasty in the mid-day sun.
Bok Bar
Located in South Philly, Bok Bar offers an unparalleled view of the city skyline alongside good food and drinks. This unusual space is at the top of the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. The building retains many of the features you’d expect in such a setting—from lockers to school restrooms—which makes it even more fun to explore. It’s a great spot for a date night or chill afternoon.
The food menu rotates monthly as different chefs and restaurants pop up here, often featuring some of the best in the city like Kalaya, Fiore, and Tabachoy. You’ll find several cocktails and a larger selection of beer, seltzer, and wine to choose from.
Bok often hosts special events ranging from yoga classes and salsa dancing to ice cream tastings and drag brunches. The bar is entirely outside and is open for about six months of the year. About one-third of the space is covered.
El Techo
For all the tequila and mezcal you could want alongside gorgeous views of Center City, El Techo is the place to go. A retractable roof ensures that this standout in Rittenhouse is comfortable no matter the weather. The Mexican menu has a selection of tacos, salsas, guacamole, and a seasonal ceviche.
El Techo is at the top of the Motto by Hilton hotel and Condesa restaurant. It is popular and does not accept reservations, so plan ahead if you’re visiting at a peak time.
The Continental Mid-Town
The Continental Mid-town is a classic Philadelphia spot at the corner of 18th and Chestnut. Its third level rooftop features indoor and outdoor areas with a retro bar at the center of it all.
Try the notable cheesesteak eggrolls and lobster mac and cheese or head straight for the Korean fried chicken (our personal favorite). Drink choices here are endless, but The Astronaut cocktail (which includes Tang) is a memorable choice.
Irwin’s
With modern Sicilian fare, natural wines, and amaro-scented cocktails, Irwin’s is one of the best restaurants in the city. Its deck with a sweeping view of South Philly—all the way to Lincoln Financial Field—means that it has one of the best settings, too.
Located eight stories up at the Bok Building, Irwin’s is opposite Bok Bar and has a very different view and vibe. The walls have a bit of graffiti and echo days when it was a nursing classroom decades ago.
Visit Irwin’s for handmade pastas, perfectly crispy frito misto, and an assortment of on-point drinks to enjoy inside or on the rooftop deck under twinkling lights. The chef also runs a special chef’s counter called Salvatore’s Counter, which features a unique 10-course pre fixe menu for four guests. Reservations for that exclusive experience open on the first of the month for the following month.
Lark
Chef Nicholas Elmi’s Lark is really something special. The rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the Schuylkill River features a sizeable deck with tables and lounge-style seating. The comfortable area is a great place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset or enjoying the warmth of the fire pit.
The menu at this romantic spot is coastal Mediterranean with a focus on seafood and impeccable handmade pasta. We loved the grilled prawns with citrus pesto and the roasted beet mezzalune in brown butter. The menu changes frequently, but if the gnocco fritto with ricotta is available, don’t miss it. This delicious dish and other bites are on the happy hour menu, which is available Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday.
Victory Brewing Taproom
For over 25 years, Victory Brewing Company has been known as one of the best breweries in the area. Their addition of a taproom in Philadelphia brings that great beer from the suburbs to the city. Even better news: the taproom comes with a view of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the greenery of Race Street, which gives it a park-like feel.
Victory’s multi-level space has a wraparound rooftop deck with a large bar and plenty of seating. Grab a seat and sample one of the 30+ beers on tap along with Bavarian pretzels, Buffalo wings, and a double smash burger with two kinds of cheese.
Revolution House
Overlooking Market and Second Streets, Revolution House is a rooftop restaurant serving an eclectic menu ranging from Korean tacos and buttermilk fried chicken to a selection of wood fired pizzas. It’s a great place to take a break after visiting the attractions in historic Philadelphia thanks to its proximity to some of the city’s main sites.
Revolution House—set in a building that dates to the 1700s—has a retractable roof covering, which makes it an attractive destination year-round. While it doesn’t have the jaw-dropping views of some of the other spots, the environment is cozy, and the people watching on the surrounding streets can be fun. It can be particularly busy for weekend brunch, so make reservations, if you can.