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Top Bars To Spend Your Tax Return/Celebrate End of Tax Day In Philadelphia

You work hard all year, and therefore you should play hard, just for balance. When it's time to receive your tax refund, it might be in your interest to set aside some of it for a little fun, since when you have a bit of extra cash, splurging on more expensive drinks or atmosphere is more doable. If you would like to visit some of the nicest watering holes in the city, here are the top five bars where you can gather your friends to eat, drink and be merry.

1 Tippling Place
2006 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 665-0456
www.1tpl.com

If you are looking for something a bit on the swanky side to spend some of your tax refund, Tippling Place, a newer cocktail bar, might be the right choice. Established in 2014, this now very popular speakeasy has comfortable couches for lounging and discussion. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet laid back. You may wish to reserve a table if you have a large group. Drinks here are taken seriously and are priced on the high end because of the liquor quality. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, from classic to seasonal, and there is an appetizer menu in case you want to enjoy some food with your drinks.

The Continental
138 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 923-6069
www.continentalmartinibar.com

The Continental has been a popular, classy watering hole since the late 90's and is one of the best places to get a fine martini. In fact, the Continental is an actual martini bar, but has an upscale diner feel to it with lovely décor and one of the widest selections of martinis in the city. It can get very crowded in here on popular nights for going out, so you may wish to make this just one stop as part of an epic evening.

Nectar
1091 Lancaster Ave.
Berwyn, PA. 19312
(610)725-9000
www.tastenectar.com

Nectar offers Asian fusion food and one of the best sake menu's in the city. Nectar isn't just a bar, there is also a fine menu of small bites to make for a nice evening out, including a gluten-free menu available for those with the sensitivity or intolerance. One of the most popular non-sake drinks at Nectar is the Apple Cider Martini made of bourbon, sparkling apple cider, caramel and cinnamon. Nectar is also very popular for its sushi and sashimi. Prices are on the high end, but it's an ideal splurge.

Related: Top Martini Bars in Philadelphia

Prohibition Taproom
501 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(215) 238-1818
www.theprohibitiontaproom.com

If you prefer beer as your poison, then consider Prohibition Taproom, which has one of the largest selections of microbrews on tap in the city. Much of the beer available comes from the local Yards Brewery. Not only does the Prohibition Taproom have a huge beer selection, the food is excellent as well. Customers rave about the Chinese Red Neck (crispy duck), which consists of succulent duck meat served with chili sauce over pork fried rice. The coffee glazed donuts are not to be missed either. And if you want a particular beer, chances are they have it.

Related: Top Bars with Pool Tables

Zahav
237 St. James Place
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 625-8800
www.zahavrestaurant.com

Zahav serves some of the best authentic Israeli cuisine in Philly. It is also considered by many as one of the best restaurants in the city. If you want to enjoy an evening of drinks from the bar, you can find many that are delicious and more upscale for a celebration. One of the most popular drinks is the Jerusalem cocktail. This cocktail is made from lychee fruit, pomegranate and sparkling wine for a perfect combination of tart and sweet. Zahav also has one of the largest Israeli wine lists in Philadelphia.

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.

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