One way to pay homage to Philly’s spirit of independence is by cutting loose in one of the city’s many nightclubs. The city is teeming with after-hours party spots—if you know what you’re looking for, and where to find them. Whether it’s a Saturday night or a mid-week night, Center City and surrounding areas have the nightlife you want.
Below, we list the 10 best night clubs in Philadelphia—some so fun they could even entice Ben Franklin to turn up after setting down his fountain pen for the night.
#1 Barcade
If you’re into vintage arcade games and childhood nostalgia, Barcade brings both the ambiance and the good times to the Philadelphia area.
- Where it is – Fishtown
- What to eat – Shareable bar fare with a kitchen open until midnight.
- Why it’s unique – Exclusive beer collabs, pinball machines, and video games galore—think Donkey Kong, X-Men, and Ms. PacMan.
The best part? Residents of Common Frankford will find Barcade in their backyard—it’s just a quick walk down the street! Time to challenge your roommate to a game of pinball while you kick back with a cold draft beer.
#2 Concourse Dance Bar
Complete with an adult fun zone open on Friday and Saturday nights, this two-story nightclub bumps with throwback tunes, a giant dance floor, and their pièce de résistance—an adult ball pit—for an evening of nonstop fun.
- Where it is – Logan Square
- What to eat – Try an adult popsicle as a sweet snack, but the real menu draw is the craft cocktails.
- Why it’s unique – Apart from the grown-ups-only ball pit, Concourse boasts an ice room with sculptures designed by 20 ice artists.
#3 Dolphin Tavern
Dolphin Tavern is a self-proclaimed cross between a dive bar and a nightclub. Patrons come here for the history, as the club was once frequented by navy sailors and go-go dancers.
- Where it is – South Philly
- What to eat – As many $1 hot dogs as you can handle.
- Why it’s unique – Dolphin hosts themed parties, live bands and DJs, and a weekly happy hour with $4 margaritas.
#4 Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Cuba Libre Nights is the after-hours alter-ego of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that many consider to also be the best nightclub in the city. Grab a coconut mojito, hone your salsa skills, and savor a night of dancing that brings some serious Latin heat.
- Where it is – Old City
- What to eat – Come early and enjoy some of the best on Cuban fare in Philly.
- Why it’s unique – VIP bottle service, plus a DJ lineup that spins Latin and dance jams until 2am.
#5 Franky Bradley’s
Named after the boxer and restaurateur who originally opened the joint, Franky Bradley’s boasts a relaxed, come-one-come-all atmosphere for food and drinks with an upstairs concourse for dancing.
- Where it is – Midtown Village
- What to eat – Grab some vegetarian fare, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, or a good old fashioned burger and fries until 2am on weekends
- Why it’s unique – With décor that makes you feel like you’ve time traveled to the 1930s, come for the top-notch burlesque and stay for the drag shows.
#6 Morgan’s Pier
A salt-of-the-earth spot for food and drinks that ramps up on weekend nights, this seasonal beer garden touts waterfront views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
- Where it is – Old City
- What to eat – Fresh seafood fare like ceviche, mussels, and freshly shucked oysters.
- Why it’s unique – Morgan’s Pier is a godsend when Philly heats up in the summer. Find refreshment with riverside breezes, DJs and dancing, and “yappy hours” where furry friends are welcome.
#7 NOTO
If you’re looking for Vegas nightlife in this city, NOTO Philadelphia club may be calling your name. NOTO, which stands for “Not of the Ordinary,” is one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia. It is one of the most high-energy, high-end clubs, making it the perfect place for those looking to shell out on an all-night dance experience.
- Where it is – Callowhill
- What to eat – We recommend eating before you go—particularly if you plan on indulging in their VIP bottle service.
- Why it’s unique – Big name acts like Deadmau5 and Diplo perform here, and their sound is unmatched thanks to NOTO’s state-of-the-art lighting and sound system.
#8 Saint Lazarus Bar
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Common Frankford, this under-the-radar club blends a divey atmosphere with the thumping soul of a dance club. If you want to impress out-of-towner visitors, Saint Lazarus is too cool to have a website.
- Where it is – Fishtown
- What to eat – Pub food with a Southern flavor.
- Why it’s unique – With street art on the outside and funky décor on the interiors, you’ll find two stories of dancing plus Tuesday Night Hang Outs for a mid-week boost.
#9 Silk City Diner
Silk City Diner, a restaurant-nightclub hybrid, is ideal when you can’t decide between dinner and dancing. Housed in an old dining car, the American-inspired menu is swoon-worthy while the club brings an intimate vibe to live music and DJ sets.
- Where it is – Old City
- What to eat – A full-service menu including buttermilk fried chicken and disco fries, served until midnight on weekends.
- Why it’s unique – The quirky, vintage-inspired ambiance plus a sprawling outdoor beer garden.
#10 Voyeur Nightclub
A multilevel gayborhood staple and (some would say) the best night club in Philadelphia all-around, Voyeur Nightclub has it all: DJs, cold drinks, and a dance floor that gets packed on weekends.
- Where it is – Washington Square West
- What to eat – Eat before you go—we recommend Sampan off Walnut Street for late-night noshing on Asian-inspired plates.
- Why it’s unique – Voyeur offers endless activities for partygoers—trivia, karaoke, drag shows, you name it!
Discover Philly After Dark With Common
Whatever your night club for Philadelphia area fun consists of, you can find the perfect place from the array of options. There are dozens of Philadelphia nightclubs just a stone’s throw away from your home neighborhood, whether you’re residing at Common Frankford in Fishtown, Common at Broadridge in Fairmount, or Mily on Green in Spring Garden.
Common coliving spaces are furnished with every amenity like outdoor decks and lounges (to turn up) and full furnishing, weekly cleanings, and high-speed WiFi (to dial down). Access Philly’s best, connect with Common, and schedule a tour to find the perfect home base for you.
Sources:
- Discover Philadelphia. Nightlife in PHL. https://www.discoverphl.com/visit/explore/entertainment/
- Fodors. Philadelphia Nightlife. https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia/things-to-do/nightlife