Where to Sit at the Bar and Be Social

Small talk gets a bad reputation, but sometimes it’s the end of a long day, and all you want is to get out of your house, turn off your screen and gab with a stranger who doesn’t know your neuroses. Head to one of these bars (or restaurants with great bar areas) for an evening where you might just strike up a conversation with someone who seems nice enough to spend 30 minutes with. You won’t feel awkward sitting alone; the patrons are usually down to hang, and the bars are busy, but not overwhelmingly so. Go forth and make a friend.

Meetinghouse, Kensington

The name says it all: Meetinghouse. This place was born under the philosophy that a good neighborhood bar is common ground to meet old friends and make new ones. It’s why the menu is simple, with a few options executed perfectly, like the roast beef sandwich and the green salad. Same goes for the beer list: a small selection of three easy-drinking beers brewed by Meetinghouse, a Guinness, and an Orval. They want to do a few things really well, so the focus is on the people you gather with. 2331 East Cumberland Street.

Tattooed Moms, Queen Village

For over 20 years, Tattooed Moms has been a popular South Street hangout for Philly’s artists and alternative scenes, attracting a fun crowd of open-minded people. With two decades of stickers, wheat paste, and graffiti murals layered on the walls, bumper-car seats, and dollar-store toys scattered on the bars and tables, there are endless opportunities to strike up a conversation with someone. 530 South Street.

Johnny Brenda’s, Fishtown

Stop by Johnny Brenda’s on a Saturday night and you’ll bump into a bunch of new people — literally. It gets pretty crowded. But the music is great; there’s a pool table and plenty of shareable snacks and small plates. Nothing wins over new friends like showing off your bank shot and sharing some smoked wings, spicy crab dip and a side of fries. 1201 Frankford Avenue.

Fountain Porter, East Passyunk

No matter when you go to Fountain Porter, there is almost always at least one person sitting at the bar solo. There’s also one TV, which means you can follow along with whatever sport might be playing if there’s a lull in the conversation, and the bartenders are friendly — not in an overbearing, fake way, but in a more laid-back, genuine way. Get the $6 burger while you’re at it. 601 South 10th Street.

Good King Tavern, Bella Vista

You could sit at the bar and talk about obscure French cocktail ingredients with the bartenders at Good King Tavern while you snack on a charcuterie board, or you could head upstairs to Le Caveau, the wine bar where you’ll forget what day it is as you drink French wine and eat a hot dog in a baguette. Either of those would be a good idea, and either of them will almost certainly lead to a lovely conversation with your neighbors. 614 South 7th Street.

Monk’s, Center City

Monk’s is the city’s original craft beer bar, which means there are Philadelphians who have been holding court here for decades and would be delighted to regale you with stories of the past. This Belgian beer palace also has an enormous selection, so no one will think twice if you ask your neighbor what they’re sipping. The food is also solid, but the mussels stand out. 264 South 16th Street.

Local 44, University City

Away from the crush of college students, Local 44 is a true neighborhood watering hole. Sit at the bar, ask the bartender what they’ve got on draft, and crush a burger — you’ll feel like a regular in no time. 4333 Spruce Street.

48 Record Bar, Old City

Music is the ultimate conversation starter. It’s a universal language that resonates, especially among music lovers. 48 Record Bar pairs awesome vinyl record finds with craft cocktails to create a social atmosphere where you can debate over cryptic lyrics and discus songs beat by beat with fellow enthusiasts. 48 South 2nd Street.  

Human Robot Brewery, Kensington

For great bar-side chatter, you need something to talk about. And there’s always something to talk about at Human Robot. The beers are kind of weird, but in a good way. Ask them about the Milktube, a 10-ounce pour of foam (just try it); that’s the brewery’s variation on a traditional Czech pour. It’s sure to get the conversation going, whether you like it or not. It’s only $3 ($2 on Tuesdays), so if you hate it, that’s just more to talk about. 1710 North 5th Street.

Southwark, Queen Village

If you think of Southwark as being a bit too fancy to go by yourself, you’re incorrect. The bar is indeed softly lit and elegant, but it’s also one of the only spots in the neighborhood to get a great, classic cocktail (or a beer, or a glass of wine, or a nice pour of bourbon — you see our point), so there are always a few solo sippers bellied up to the bar. Mondays are particularly good for hanging out when sommelier Jamie Rubin takes over the bar and pours wines from the restaurant’s cellar. Jamie himself is lovely to chat with, as are the regulars who flock to his bar for some unpretentious wine talk. 701 South 4th Street.

Dirty Franks, Center City

Earlier in the evening, before this place gets taken over by large groups of twenty-somethings, Dirty Franks is a favorite of locals who have been going for decades. It’s cash-only, so bring a few bills and spend a few hours sipping on Tecate and frosé and nibbling on bags of chips. 347 South 13th Street.

American Sardine Bar, Point Breeze

American Sardine Bar has a very long bar, so there’s always at least one seat where you can squeeze in, order a local beer and some snacks, and chat with the person next to you about the Eagles, the Phillies, or whatever team people might be talking about at that moment. 1800 Federal Street.

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