Traveling in Ireland over the last week and searching for speakeasies & cocktail bars reminded me about the secret and unique bars of Philadelphia.
Speakeasies first became prominent during the prohibition era as secret drinking establishments that supplied customers with great music, fine company, and most importantly, a drink. I was reminded while visiting Irish Distilleries that prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 helped with the Irish Whiskies downfall. Today, Philadelphia is home to dozens of under-the-radar bars known as speakeasies.
So, where can you find these places? And how do you get in? I’ve rounded up some information for Philadelphia’s secret nightlife scene. Here is what I think in no particular order for the Speakeasies:
- Hop Sing Laundromat – Located in Chinatown and has a few rules. No talking on cell phones and No use of photography, video, or recording devices of any kind. If you ignore either of these rules, you will be added to the list of banned patrons.
- The Ranstead Room – You can get their two ways…. Head down the alleyway and look for a door that says RR or have a meal at El Rey’s and ask to be escorted through the kitchen to reach the speakeasy.
- The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company – Located on the lobby floor of The Franklin on Rittenhouse Hotel
- 1 Tippling Place – Just have to know where to look.
- Midnight & The Wicked – Just have to know where to look.
- Library Bar – Not really hidden, but lobby floor of Rittenhouse Hotel. Love the live music on Fridays and Saturdays while enjoying a few cocktails.
- Andra Hem – No descript black building with a golden plaque
Cocktail Bars include the following:
