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Top Gay Bars In Philadelphia

Philadelphia's own Gayborhood is centrally located in the city (between 11th and Broad streets and from Chestnut to Pine) and is easily identified by its rainbow street signs. There you'll find a surplus of fun bars with great food, drinks and drag performances. See below for some of the best.

The Bike Stop
206 S. Quince St.
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 627-1662
www.thebikestop.com

The Bike Stop is a leather bar that has been a member of the gay community for 30 years. This joint has four floors of dancing, pool playing (for only 50-cents), mingling with both new and old friends and sports-watching. The first floor bar is where most of the action happens throughout the week, but head to the second floor sports bar to watch the game on a big screen TV or the third floor on the weekends for a bit of dancing. Come in on Mondays for its famous "jock strap night."

Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
200 S. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 964-9675
www.tabuphilly.com

Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar is the neighborhood sports bar on 12th Street where everyone is welcome. Enjoy a cold beverage while watching the game or head to Tabu's upstairs lounge for burlesque shows, drag shows, karaoke, quizzo, TV show viewing and more special events.  Food and drink specials are held throughout the week, including $2 and $3 tacos on Tuesday and $5 select whiskeys on Wednesday. Tabu also is consistently involved with supporting local non-profit organizations, making one more drink purchase all the more sweeter.

Tavern on Camac
243 S. Camac St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0900
www.tavernoncamac.com

Tavern on Camac is a three in one spot that combines a tavern, piano bar and nightclub into one happening venue. Enjoy delicious American bar cuisine in the cozy tavern before heading over for a giant sing-along in the piano room, which features a talented pianist every night of the week. The Ascend Nightclub sits atop the Tavern on Camac and, starting at 9 p.m., is the place for dancing and cocktails.

Related: Top Martini Bars In Philadelphia

U Bar
1220 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-6660
www.ubarphilly.com

Formerly known as Uncles, U Bar is a smaller and simpler alternative in the Gayborhood for grabbing a drink and hanging with your pals. The winner of Philly Magazine's 2014 award for Best Gay Bar, U Bar is an unpretentious spot featuring great drink specials and an extended happy hour (from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.), when each drink is $2 off. U Bar doesn't have a dance floor or any art show performances, but it does have a great selection of craft beer and friendly bartenders, making this place perfect for conversations with your friends.

The Venture Inn
255 S. Camac St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6850
www.viphilly.com

The Venture Inn is one of the oldest bars in Gayborhood and is said to still have architecture dating back to the Underground Railroad. The Inn is welcoming to all types of people and serves great gourmet food, like burgers, mussels and smothered pork chops. The Venture Inn also serves flashy cocktails and has a delicious drag show brunch on Sunday. Other fun activities are held throughout the week, including karaoke, drag performances, variety shows, cabaret shows and dance parties.

Related: Top Cocktail Happy Hours In Philadelphia

Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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