The Coziest Bars and Restaurants in Philly
Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night will keep us from going out and having a good time. Here are the best spots to get cozy in Philly.
Enjoy a cocktail by the fireplace at 48 Record Bar. / Photograph by Gab Bonghi
It’s cold. It gets dark too early, you’ve been stuck in the house for too long, and you’re starting to go a little stir-crazy. It’s time for a change of scenery!
Times like this call for a spot that feels like an extension of your home — one where there are plenty of comfort foods on the menu, drinks that will make you feel toasty (and get you toasty), and an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. Here are the bars and restaurants you’ll find us getting cozy in.
48 Record Bar, Old City
What could be more chill than listening to records and sitting by the fireplace with a cocktail in hand? The Industry Negroni with Fernet-Branca, green chartreuse, Campari, and orange bitters paired with an eclectic mix of vinyl sounds like the best way to spend a cold night.
Sassafras, Old City
It’s all about the ambient lighting at Sassafras, located directly below 48 Record Bar. The warm glow of lamps and candles that illuminate the space makes sipping cocktails and chatting with friends an intimate experience. From the soft pretzel with maple dijon mustard sauce to the tavern grilled cheese, the menu is loaded with upscale takes on homey comfort foods.
Bloomsday, Society Hill
With its quaint cobblestone street and brick sidewalk, Headhouse Square is oozing with charm. And the coziest spot on the block is at Bloomsday, in the casual lounge spot by the front window. Imagine sitting here with a glass of wine, snacking on cheese, tinned fish, and chips with caviar while watching the snow cover the shambles outside — it’s a scene plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Good King Tavern, Bella Vista
There’s a different kind of comfort that comes from Good King Tavern. It’s not the snuggle-up-with-your-beau-and-a-beer kind of cozy (though it could be if you’re one of those couples that like to sit on the same side of the booth). Rather, it’s the sense of ease that comes from consistency. You can always trust that the tavern burger topped with raclette is a solid choice, that the friendly staff will recommend the exact wine you’re in the mood for, and that, chances are, you’ll run into someone you know from the neighborhood, as if you were living out a real-life episode of Cheers.
Le Caveau bar / Photograph by Neal Santos, courtesy of Le Caveau
Le Caveau, Bella Vista
We can’t talk about Good King Tavern without mentioning Le Caveau, the super chill wine bar upstairs. The dim lights, exposed brick walls, and the steady stream of story-driven wines make the outside world fade away. Grab a French hot dog stuffed into a baguette and a glass of sparkling wine, and you’ll forget it’s freezing outside.
Grace & Proper, Bella Vista
The constant hum of chatter reverberating off the exposed brick walls brings Grace & Proper to life. The long bar and small tables create a social environment where you can swap tasting notes with the person sitting next to you or discuss your favorite cocktail and snack pairings with the bartenders. But the vibe is mellow enough that, if you’re in the mood for solitude, you can fade into the crowd with a mortadella sandwich or a plate of chips and salami.
Alpen Rose, Midtown Village
The booths at Alpen Rose are prime real estate. They’re the most tucked-away seats in the most tucked-away restaurant in Philadelphia. Best of all, they’re the U-shaped booths that, once you slide in, you melt into their dark leather embrace, like a slab of honey butter on one of their clover rolls. Spit a dry-aged porterhouse with your special someone for an intimate night out, followed by the restaurant’s — and possibly Philly’s — most opulent sundae. (It’s never too cold for ice cream!)
Library Bar, Rittenhouse
There is not a single corner of this bar you’re not going to want to curl up in. Lounge in a chair by the bookcase, snuggle up on the couch in front of the limestone fireplace, or hang out on the yellow leather booth in the bar with a glass of Gamay and let go of all your worries.
The Dandelion, Rittenhouse
Considering England is known for its chilly, damp, and foggy weather, you can trust that a British-inspired spot will have a cozy vibe. The dark wood tones, fabric window drapes, and antique aesthetics make the Dandelion feel like you’re visiting your worldly, eccentric aunt — the aunt you love visiting because she can weave a hell of a tale over a pint of beer, a plate of bangers and mash, or afternoon tea in front of a crackling fireplace.
Photograph courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City
During the colder winter months, Assembly transforms its rooftop into a modern ski lodge pop-up with fire pits, blankets, comfort food, and warm cocktails. Nothing evokes après-ski vibes like getting toasty under a blanket by the fire pit and getting toasted with a hot toddy, a spiked white hot chocolate, and their decadent dark chocolate fondue.
My Loup, Rittenhouse
Unpretentious fine dining, our favorite. Alex Kemp is serving up casual comforts with elevated interpretations in one of the most stylish dining rooms in Rittenhouse. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect raw bar luxuries, hearty entrees (if braised rabbit is on offer, get it), and a classy cocktail while sitting in a booth by the bookcase warms the soul on a cold, gray day.
The Jim, East Passyunk
We go to dive bars because of their come-as-you-are style of comfort. They’re the dim, windowless, no-frills venues where we can confidently order one too many beers. The Jim offers up a no-judgment vibe with the added bonus of a menu full of Asian American comfort foods. This is the spot when you need a kimchi-bacon grilled cheese and a beer after a hard day.
Townsend East Passyunk, East Passyunk
Townsend has a refined menu featuring dishes that are familiar yet elevated. Things like the roasted chicken have a homey appeal, but with experimental flourishes like apricot jam, pistachio, speck, and cippolini, it brings the dish to a whole new level. And it’s all served in a dining room that feels like you’re in someone’s house. Who said elegance can’t be cozy?
Bar Hygge, Fairmount
Bar Hygge is all about cultivating a cozy vibe – literally. The Danish word “hygge” became part of the international lexicon in 2017 when the Instagram vibe was showing off the places that gave us the warm fuzzies. And what has more hygge energy than a grazing board of locally made bread slathered in chicken liver mousse, cherry jam, and pickles with a house-brewed beer?
Little Walter’s, Kensington
Eating at Little Walter’s feels like eating at your Babcia’s house, with a modern twist. Expect a table full of hearty, belly-warming dishes, from seasonal pickled veggies to pierogies (a must) to the delectable rotisserie pork atop the Polish cabbage dish kapusta. Want to really warm up and ball out? Opt for the Golonka Dinner, a family-style tasting menu held every Saturday night that includes Polish lager, a bottle of vodka, house-made rye bread, seasonal salads and small plates, pierogi, pork shank with accouterments, and dessert.
Caletta, an intimate cocktail bar inside Hotel Anna & Bel / Photograph by Suzannah Zee
Caletta, Fishtown
The cocktail bar inside Fishtown’s new boutique hotel, Anna & Bel, presents a different take on cozy with its sexy, moody, sophisticated vibe. Sip on a creative cocktail while you snack on small plates like arancini, sardines with grilled focaccia, or a juicy burger with fontina cheese and caramelized onions.
Suraya, Fishtown
Suraya gets a lot of hype for its dinner service (rightfully so), but if you need to warm up in the morning or early afternoon, a pastry and coffee or tea at brunch is where it’s at. Grab a chocolate halva croissant and a Lebanese chai latte or go big with the entire pastry basket. Pro tip: Book the private fireplace room if you want to have a cozy oasis for you and your closest friends.
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, Fishtown
Pasta, pizza, and craft cocktails all served in a lofty space with natural light coming through large windows, a chill playlist, and a roaring fireplace: need I say more?
Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar, Fishtown
Nothing staves off the icy chill of a cold Philly day like a saucy bowl of pasta. What can I say? Carbs are cozy. Order the savory mushroom pappardelle or radiatori in lamb with turnip ragu with a glass of wine and you’ll feel toasty in no time.
