Top Bars In Philadelphia For People Over 30
The Franklin Bar
112 South 18th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 467-3277
www.thefranklinbar.com
A staff of craft bartenders mix up expertly made drinks with unique ingredients at this upscale speakeasy, which originally got its name from the famous Prohibition ring, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company. The dark underbelly environment takes visitors back to another era (circa 1920), with a doorman to greet guests and lighting and music levels that allow for a relaxing time. Bon Appétit, GQ and Philadelphia magazine have already taken notice of this Rittenhouse gem, and the clientele is far from the frat house type. Drinks are pricey (upwards of $12), but worth every drop. Besides, where else can you get a bourbon drink with peanut butter in it?
Farmicia
15 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215)-627-6274
www.farmiciarestaurant.com
A rustic vibe and a drink menu full of unique tonics set this Old City bar and restaurant apart. With an eclectic menu of interesting drinks, you won't see many youngsters from the just-turned 21 crowd here (unless they're eating brunch, that is), but the bar does fill up quickly because it's not a huge venue. Standard cocktails, Prosecco-based "tonics" and biodynamic wines are all available, and half-price happy hours just seem to go better with farm fresh, organic food.
National Mechanics
22 S 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 701-4883
www.nationalmechanics.com
Up front, National Mechanics is housed in a really cool 1837 bank building. That alone makes this place worth a visit. But the historical factor is secondary once you sample the killer Bloody Marys made with the house's signature bacon vodka. Featuring an old world charm and gothic vibe, this Old City staple attracts a mixed crowd from all walks of Philly life, but the thirty-somethings tend to outweigh the college crowd. With 34 kinds of beer (18 on tap, 16 in bottles) and pub quiz nights, there's also plenty of ice breakers.
1 Tippling Place
2006 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-0456
www.1tpl.com
This Chestnut Street cocktail lounge features vintage decor with overstuffed love seats and mismatched chairs alongside coffee tables. With a menu that boasts classic gin cocktails, craft beers and wines and seasonal punches (try the Fish House), this relative newcomer is known for attracting a crowd of a certain age. The food is decidedly retro, with a small "bites" menu that includes artisan grilled cheese and pate champagne. For those who want to get away from the loud bar scene, Tippling offers quieter music. And the cozy fireplace ambiance doesn't hurt either.
Ashton Cigar Bar
1522 Walnut St., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(267) 350-0000
www.ashtoncigarbar.com
Located in the heart of Center City, this premier bar is housed over a cigar shop and features more than 340 types of whiskeys, but it's much more than a whiskey bar. Known as one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, Ashton's features a specialty drink menu geared for sophisticated tastes. Its location in the business district, coupled with a swanky ambience, makes this place a magnet for the over 30 crowd. Specialty drinks include the Ashton Martini, which has vodka and scotch in it, garnished with provolone stuffed olives.
Related: The Top Bottomless Mimosas for Brunch in Philadelphia
Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
