Top Rooftop Patios In Philadelphia

If you want to be on top of the city, literally, there are a few places where you can enjoy your evening or day from a rooftop patio. The city has several bars and restaurants and even one cool pool that will give you a view above it all. Here are the top five places in Philly to enjoy a relaxing rooftop experience.

North Shore Beach Club & Havana Room
1031 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(215)495-1673
www.northshorebeachclub.com

From May through September you enjoy the city's only rooftop pool and bar (for 21 and over). The North Shore Beach Club is open all week 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and late night on Thursday s until 2 a.m.  Customers describe it as clean with great music, cocktails and food. The clubs also has cabanas available for rent, but many find them to be overpriced. The club is more relaxed early in the day if you want to just unwind and have some quiet, and after 3 p.m. it's more of a party. All week access is $500 for the season, but if you are looking to save some money and want to go just during the week it's $150.

City Tap House
Radian Balcony
3925 Walnut St. Floor 2
Philadelphia, PA.19104
(215)662-0105
www.citytaphouseucity.com

Over in University City, if you want to enjoy a rooftop lounge and craft beer, you may want to check out the City Tap House on the Radian Balcony. Craft Beer lovers will be delighted with over 60 different brews on tap. The Rooftop lounges is enjoyable most of the year, for in the cooler months you can relax by the fire pits. Food is moderate priced  in the $10-$25 price range and includes salads, "craftwiches" (their upscale handmade sandwiches) and fun apps like the Honey goat cheese flat bread. They also serve up plates of Southern favorites like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits.

Continental Mid-Town
1801 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA.19106
(215)567-1800
www.continentalmidtown.com

The Continental is an enjoyable rooftop place to visit all year for folks looking for a few fancy cocktails and some upscale food. They have retro styled fireplaces for the cooler months. They are near famous, however, for their Martinis, and there is no shortage of choices. A popular choice for martini lovers who also love bacon is the infused Wake and Bacon Bloody Mary. Some delicious food choices are their wontons, calamari rings and desserts.

Related: Top Hotels With A View Near Philadelphia

Vango Lounge & Skybar
116 South 18th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
(215)568-1020
www.vangoloungeandskybar.com

The Vango Lounge and Skybar has two levels as well as the rooftop lounge, a.k.a Skybar. They are open late from 5-2 a.m. most days, and this is where you may want to head to enjoy some dancing, drinks and snacks, but also be able to take in some views of the city skyline. The reviews are mixed on the service here, but the views are outstanding. On the top 2 floors of the building you can see the skyline and are near Liberty1&2. On Wednesday nights from 5-7 p.m. during the special event CC Sips (June through September 28) you can get specials on appetizers for half price and discounted drinks.

Sky Brunch At Top Of The Tower
1717 Arch St., 50th Floor
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
(215) 557-1999
www.skybrunch.com

If you want to get up really high, then consider Sky Brunch at the Top of the Tower. The views are nothing short of amazing. The food is as well -- some of the top offerings are crème brulee French toast, and a made to order omelet bar. Since its brunch, you can also enjoy fresh sushi and delicious cocktails (the bar is cash only). This brunch is only served once a week on Sundays, so make your reservations far in advance.

Related: Top Observation Decks 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.