Philadelphia is known for its vibrant LGBTQ scene, and the city’s Gayborhood is home to some of the best gay bars in the country.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best gay bars in Philadelphia, including some of the most popular spots in the Gayborhood.
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Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these bars are sure to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all members of the LGBTQ community.
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the local LGBTQ scene and the Gayborhood itself.
Top 16 Best Gay Bars In Philadelphia
Woody’s
Woody’s is an LGBTQ+ bar and dance club located in the heart of Midtown Village in Philadelphia. It has been serving the gay community in Philadelphia for over 40 years.
– Location: Woody’s is located at 202 S 13th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
– Hours: Woody’s is open Thursday to Sunday from 7 PM to 2 AM, and Monday to Wednesday from 9 PM to 2 AM.
– Events: Woody’s hosts an annual PRIDE event every June, which celebrates Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community.
– Reviews: Woody’s has a rating of 3 out of 5 on Google Maps, with a total of 539 ratings. On Yelp, it has a rating of 4 out of 5, with 381 reviews.
If you’re looking for a LGBTQ+ bar and dance club in Philadelphia, Woody’s is a great option to consider.
Tavern On Camac
Tavern on Camac is a popular gay bar located at 243 S. Camac Street in Philadelphia. It has three floors, each offering a distinctive experience.
The first floor is home to The Tavern Restaurant, which serves fresh American bar fare, classic cocktails, local brews, and reasonable wines.
The second floor is The Piano Bar, which provides nightly entertainment and refreshing drinks.
The third floor is Ascend Nightclub, which offers the best dancing, cocktails, and entertainment.
The Tavern Restaurant is an intimate, modern, and cozy restaurant that can seat up to 40 people.
While parts of the building are hundreds of years old, including the portions of the basement used in the Underground Railroad, there is nothing antiquated about The Tavern’s menu.
The fully renovated kitchen was designed to provide local and regional foodies with an unparalleled culinary experience.
If you are thinking of planning an event at Tavern on Camac, you can click on the Request form on their website and submit details.
Tavern on Camac is open every day from 4 pm to 2 am. You can find their menu on their website.
U Bar
U Bar is a neighborhood bar located at 1220 Locust St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107. It has a lively and fun atmosphere and is known for its good drinks.
The bar has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google with a total of 123 ratings. U Bar is open every day at 11 am and has a $6 drink special until 4 pm.
Happy Hour(s) are from Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm, with $2 off most drinks. The bar serves food daily from 11 am, with seasonal menu items and a daily special.
They have eight draught beers focused on American and European brews. U Bar has a great atmosphere, great music, and friendly bartenders.
The Bike Stop
The Bike Stop is a popular gay bar located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known as the home of the Leather LGBTQ Community in Philadelphia.
The bar has been in operation since 1982 and is a popular destination for those interested in the leather and biker crowds.
– Location: The bar is located at 206 S Quince St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 in the Washington Square West neighborhood.
– Hours: The Bike Stop is open every day from 12 pm to 2 am.
– Events: The bar hosts various events throughout the year, including Folsom East and Philly Queer Flea.
– Atmosphere: The Bike Stop is a four-level leather/Levi’s bar with a dark and intimate atmosphere.
– Social Media: The Bike Stop has an active presence on Instagram and Twitter, where they post updates about events and promotions.
Overall, The Bike Stop is a popular destination for those interested in the leather and biker communities in Philadelphia.
Voyeur Nightclub
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Voyeur Nightclub is a popular LGBTQ+ dance complex located in Philadelphia.
– Location: 1221 Saint James St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
– Hours: Voyeur is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM, and on Thursdays and Sundays from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. The lights come up at 3:20 AM.
– Events: Voyeur hosts special events and is home to the Mayfield Social Club.
– Reviews: Voyeur is considered one of the top dance clubs in Philadelphia, with a versatile multi-level venue and a hip clientele. It is also known as one of the best gay clubs in Philly.
If you are interested in visiting Voyeur Nightclub, you can check out their website or social media pages for more information about upcoming events and membership options.
Writer’s Block Rehab
Writer’s Block Rehab is a social space located at 1342 Cypress St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is situated in the heart of the 13th street district of Philadelphia and is focused on great drinks and light fare.
The space has an aesthetically pleasing wood-paneled library vibe. The menu features subtle twists on classic cocktails and leans on local and organic ingredients.
Writer’s Block Rehab serves pizza and vegetarian cuisine. The cost of food and drinks is very inexpensive. The phone number for Writer’s Block Rehab is (267) 534-3134.
Customers can make reservations through Table Agent. Writer’s Block Rehab has received positive reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Stir Lounge
Stir Lounge is a gay and LGBTQ+ bar located in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. It is open to everyone and offers specialty cocktails, happy hours, revues, and burlesque.
The bar is known for having great bartenders and arguably the best karaoke in the city. The address of Stir Lounge is 1705 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Knock Restaurant and Bar
Knock Restaurant and Bar is located at 225 S. 12th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and has a bar that is open until 2am every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The menu includes a variety of food options, including knocktails (signature cocktails), and a late night menu.
The restaurant has received positive reviews for its convenient location, wonderful food, pleasant atmosphere, attentive and experienced waitstaff, and excellent prices.
Knock Restaurant and Bar also hosts events, although specific details about the events are not provided on their website.
The Dolphin Tavern
The Dolphin Tavern is a popular nightlife destination located at 1539 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It is known for its unique blend of dive bar and nightclub atmospheres. Some key information about The Dolphin Tavern includes:
The Dolphin Tavern is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 PM to 2 AM. Happy Hour is from 8-10 PM.
The Dolphin Tavern hosts dance parties and other events. The Dolphin Tavern has received positive reviews for its atmosphere and dance floor.
The Dolphin Tavern was originally a go-go bar and has since been renovated into its current form.
Bar X
Bar X is a bar/dance venue located at the historically-sanctioned Venture Inn in Philadelphia.
It is located at 255 S Camac St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Washington Square West neighborhood.
The bar is known for its live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 pm. It is open at 4:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and at 6:00 pm on Sunday and Monday.
The bar has a phone number of (267) 639-4100.
Toasted Walnut Bar & Kitchen
Toasted Walnut Bar & Kitchen was a lesbian bar located at 1316 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The bar and nightclub was operated by Denise Cohen, who had a long career in Philadelphia’s lesbian bars, including Hepburn’s and Sisters.
Chopped winner Diana Sabater was the opening chef, and from its inception, Toasted Walnut focused on being open and inviting to all, rather than marketing itself specifically to lesbians, although it simultaneously sought to fill the void left by Sisters’ closure two years prior.
As of November 2023, Toasted Walnut Bar & Kitchen is permanently closed.
Ruba Club
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The Ruba Club is a multi-room venue located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia.
It was founded in 1914 as a social club and has since become a popular event space that hosts a variety of shows and events.
The club has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Google Maps, with a total of 159 ratings.
The Ruba Club hosts a range of events, from live entertainment to life events.
Examples of past events include Marlinspike, an evening to celebrate the art of bondage, which was part ensemble performance, part rope jam, and part social.
The club also has a late-night speakeasy bar that serves from 10 pm to 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The Ruba Club is located at 416 Green St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123. It is known for its bike-friendly location and is easily accessible by public transportation.
L’Etage
L’Etage is a French-inspired club located at 624 S 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
It is known for its dance parties, where DJs spin hip-hop, R&B, and club classics.
L’Etage is also a cabaret that features live performances. The club is closed as of November 2023.
L’Etage is part of Creperie Beau Monde, which is a restaurant that serves crepes. The restaurant was housed in the same building as L’Etage until early 2020.
L’Etage has been featured in various publications, including Philadelphia Magazine, which named it the “Best Dance Party”.
On social media, L’Etage has an Instagram account, @creperiebeaumonde, which features photos and videos of the restaurant and club.
L’Etage also has a Twitter account, @Letage624, which promotes live performances at the cabaret.
Franky Bradley’s
Franky Bradley’s is a restaurant, bar, dance club, and music venue located at 1320 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
It was opened by Frankie Bradley on September 15, 1933, just under two months before the end of prohibition on December 5th.
Frankie Bradley wasn’t his real name; he was born Frank Block in South Philadelphia in 1895. Like many poor boys of Italian, Irish, and Jewish heritage in those days, he started selling newspapers.
He peddled papers on the corner of 15th and Market and had to use his fists to hang on to his territory. That led to a pro boxing match at a local fight club and the decision to change his name to Frankie Bradley.
The restaurant has a stunning dining area, The Cove, and serves American cuisine.
Some of the dishes on the menu include Braised Short Rib & Creamy Polenta, Fish & Chips Platter, Chicken Parmesan, Franky’s Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Shrimp Scampi.
The restaurant also has a bar that serves drinks and cocktails.
Franky Bradley’s is also a dance club and music venue that hosts live performances and events.
It has a lively atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Tabu
Tabu is a multi-level restaurant and bar located in the dynamic Midtown Village neighborhood of Philadelphia. It is known as the “Best Gay Sports Bar in Philly”.
The establishment has three floors of entertainment, including a sports bar, dance floor/show space, cabaret, and roof deck.
Tabu is open from 4 pm to 2 am on weekdays, 2 pm to 2 am on Saturdays, and 12 pm to 2 am on Sundays. They offer daily specials and happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The menu includes food and drink options. Tabu has received positive reviews on Yelp, with customers praising the friendly staff and the bar’s atmosphere. Reservations can be made through Table Agent.
Boxers PHL
Boxers PHL was a sports bar located in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood that served an LGBTQ clientele.
It was owned by Bob Fluet and Robert Hynds, and opened in October 2014 at 13th and Walnut Streets, the first location outside New York City.
The bar closed in February 2020 due to a liquor license dispute with real estate developer David Singer, who had no direct connection with the operations of Boxers PHL.
Singer had raised concerns about health-code violations, but these were deemed “baseless” and “not sufficient grounds for blocking the transfer” of the liquor license.
The closure of Boxers PHL was met with disappointment from the LGBTQ community, who had enjoyed the venue as a laid-back and inclusive space.
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Category: Places
