Top Oldies Music Bars In Philadelphia

Sometimes you just want to relax and unwind without too much commotion or flash. Sure, maybe that makes you feel "old" but think of it as wiser for it. Loud with lots of energy is fine sometimes,  however if you want to find a place that attracts an older crowd, where maybe you can just chill and listen to classic rock, jazz or music there are places in Philly that will meet that criteria.  Here are the top 5 picks for Oldies Music Bars which aren't too full of pop.

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

Oldies Music may mean something different to everyone. Some people view it as a classic sound, like one you can find at a piano bar. The Tavern on Camac is this as well as a restaurant. In fact it happens to be the oldest piano bar in the city. It originally opened around 1935 in this location but under a different name.  Tavern on Camac is open every night from 4-2am and is a very clean tavern with a friendly staff.

McGillin's Old Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com

Mc.Gillin's is a great place to visit anytime during the year and they attract a real mixed crowd but still have an older crowd's esthetic. This is probably because the tavern has been here since the mid 1800's. Mc.Gillin's is an Irish pub, restaurant and similar to Philly's own version of Cheers. You can find great food here, plus older music. If you want to live it up a little, visit when they have karaoke.

The Happy Rooster
118 S.16th st
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 963-9311
www.thehappyrooster.com

The Happy Rooster is noted for its older crowd, which may or may not be because of the fact it plays mostly blues and classic rock.  The food here is also good which you may not expect from a corner bar. People love the Lobster Rolls, Veal chops and fish tacos. A good meal is typically something people look forward to when they go out. Eating here, listening to music and enjoying the quirky atmosphere of brass lamps and worn booths is part of the fun of visiting this Rittenhouse Square location.

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Bud & Marilyn's
1234 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)5462220
www.budandmarilyns.com

For a visually interesting time out stop by Bud & Marylyn's for a retro and kitschy evening out. Here you can listen to plenty of classic and oldies type music. Bud and Marilyn's are described by patrons as "looking like your grandma's house from the 50's". As far as food, they have an unusual menu full of different vegan items, peanut butter moose, cheese curds and more. If you are a dessert eater be sure to try the Funfetti cake, it's what represents Bud & Marilyn's best.

Ortlieb's
847 N Third St
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(267)324-3348
www.ortliebslounge.com

Jazz music dates back to a different time, and would fall under the "oldies" category. If you are looking for a smooth, older crowd Ortlieb's may be the ticket for you. It was a Jazzhaus a long time ago, but still retains some of the Jazz from yesteryear.  Ortlieb's also has a full kitchen and people enjoy the snacks here, food such as tacos, wings and bacon cheddar fries. Ortlieb's is not a fancy place, it would be filed under "dive bars" but people love coming here, and you can find lots of live music acts during the week.

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Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.