Top Gay Bars In Philadelphia
Philly has been a gay-friendly place for a long time. In 2003, the city coined the award-winning marketing phrase, "Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay." The rainbow street signs mark Philly's Gayborhood (between 11th and Broad streets and from Chestnut to Pine) and there are no shortage of places to go for a night out. See below for some of the best gay bars.
Knock Restaurant And Bar
225 S. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-1166
www.knockphilly.com
Knock Restaurant and Bar is a more upscale, professional and classy option in the Gayborhood. It is owned by Bill Wood, the former Woody's owner and founder, but the ambiance is completely different. Knock serves dinner, lunch and Sunday brunch. Every Sunday night, come to Knock for a $20 prime rib dinner, or enjoy a $12 dinner special every Monday through Thursday. Knock also has an extensive list of liquor, wine and after-dinner cocktails.
Stir Lounge
1705 Chancellor St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-2700
www.stirphilly.com
Stir Lounge is located down an alley near Rittenhouse Square and is a small, neighborhood dive bar. It was recognized as Philly Weekly's "Best Bar To Get Unreasonably Drunk On A Week Night" -- no wonder, with some of the specials it offers. Come in on Thursdays for Dollar Stirsdays and enjoy $1 well drinks and PBR. Everyday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all drinks are $2 off. Friday is Ladies Night (which includes men too), where you can down a $2 shot and chase it with a $2 PBR. Stir also has some great classic and ever-changing creative cocktails.
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
200 S. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 964-9675
www.tabuphilly.com
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar is the premier gay sports bar, but is also one of the most philanthropic bars in Philly and was even named 2011's "Best Gay Bars with a Philanthropic Heart" in Philly Weekly. Since its opening three years ago, Tabu has hosted over 200 fundraisers for local non-profits and it supports many local non-profit organizations in the community. Not just known for its philanthropic ways, Tabu also throws many performance art shows, including its popular drag shows and burlesque shows. Tabu has 12 taps of rotating seasonal beer, domestic and craft brews.
Related: Top Nightlife Spots For The Under 21 Crowd In Philadelphia
Tavern On Camac
243 S, Camac St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0900
www.tavernoncamac.com
The Tavern On Camac is a tavern, piano bar and dance club all in one. The Tavern serves fresh and upscale bar food prepared by Chef Mackenzie Hilton. The bar has a large selection of local beer, wine and classic cocktails. Featured pianists perform every night at the piano bar and the music makes for great sing-alongs. The Ascend nightclub sits atop of the T.O.C. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ascend nightclub has different themed nights, including Karaoke Tuesdays, Ladies Night Wednesdays, Disco Thursdays and Showtime Sundays.
Related: Guide To Philadelphia's Gayborhood
Woody's Bar
202 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-1893
www.woodysbar.com
Woody's is one of the most popular gay spots and was even named one of Out Magazine's "200 Best Gay Bars in the World." Woody's has 32 taps and great bar food, including mac n' cheese, chickpea salad and bourbon-marinated filet tip sliders. Stay downstairs to enjoy the bar and food before heading upstairs for dancing, which occurs in two separate rooms and both of them have their own DJ. Woody's is often the host of many special events. Every Friday, learn how to line dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and then from 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., take a lesson in twerking and join the Twerk Team on the dance floor.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
