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Top New Bars Of 2013 In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is frequently recognized for having great bars and restaurants, and with each passing year, that reputation continues to grow with the opening of new hot spots all over Philly. From the dive bars to upscale restaurants to live music venues, there is something new that all Philadelphians can enjoy. Here are some of the coolest bars of 2013.

Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 639-4528
www.bootandsaddlephilly.com

Almost 20 years after it closed, Boot & Saddle, the former country and western live music venue, reopened in September. Boot & Saddle now features live music of all genres and dance parties in its 150-capacity back room. Meanwhile, its front room serves as a 60-seat restaurant and full-service bar opened from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. seven days a week. Keeping much of its original interior and history, the bar has 10 local craft beers on tap, as well as seasonal beers from around the country. The menu offers a different take on bar food, with much of it focused on vegetarian and local ingredients.

Bru Craft & Wurst
1318 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 800-1079
www.bruphilly.com

Bru Craft & Wurst is an indoor beer garden located in Midtown Village. It has two entrances, one on Chestnut Street and another on Drury Street, which backs up to McGillin's Olde Ale House. Bru has an extensive draft list that is constantly rotating and serves unique German fare, including a lot of meat and sauerkraut. You can even pour your own draft using one of its iPad-controlled taps (the first of their kind on the East Coast). During nice days and nights, the garage doors open onto Drury Street, allowing for some fresh air.

Related: Top Cocktail Bars In Philadelphia

Pennsylvania 6
114 S. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 639-5606
www.pennsylvania6philly.com

Named after the famous Hotel Pennsylvania's phone number (which is assumed to be the oldest continuing number in New York City), the owners behind City Tap House, the Field House and Public House opened this sophisticated bar and restaurant in April. Pennsylvania 6 is decorated with red plush seats and features a small raw bar (including oysters, clams and lobster) and classy American cuisine. The highlight of its menu is its roasted bone marrow that, after consumed, is used as a luge to down Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Strangelove's
216 S. 11th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 873-0404
www.strangelovesbeerbar.com

The guys who started Memphis Tap Room, Local 44 and Resurrection Ale House opened this midtown village bi-level bar in April. Behind the food is Parc and Catahoula veteran chef Paul Martin, whose kitchen creates superior bar food at a reasonable price point. Half of Strangelove's food is vegetarian, and its draft list includes a good selection of local brews. The first floor of this bar features art work by local artists, and once you make it to the second floor, you'll enjoy a quiet escape from the city streets.

Tria Taproom
2005 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 557-8277
www.triacafe.com

Tria Taproom, which came to Rittenhouse in November, is the third Tria Cafe to open in Philly. It offers a draft-only selection of beer, cider, wine and soda across 40 taps, and the menu is more substantial than its predecessors, offering a range of wood-grilled flatbreads, small snacks, salads and cheese plates. Tria Taproom presents its beverage list through a digital menu. The innovative menu can be accessed online and the bar has tablets that you can peruse before ordering. Not only does the high-tech menu tell you what drafts are on tap, but it also provides information on each drink, shows how much is left in the kegs and tells you what drafts are coming up next.

Related: Top Bars For Tasting Flights 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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