I’ve always loved catching a view of Philly from above—but finding the right Philadelphia rooftop bars? That’s a whole adventure. Some spots are sleek and fancy, perfect for a night out. Others are laid-back, tacos-and-beer kind of places. And then there are the sweet spots—casual enough to hang with friends, but still date-night worthy.
That’s why I put together this guide to the best rooftop bars in Philly. I dug through real reviews, used my own experiences, weighed the highs and lows, and rounded up the spots you’ll actually want to check out.
1. Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Let’s start with Assembly. This one’s perched on the 9th floor of The Logan Hotel and overlooks Logan Square and the Parkway. It’s definitely one of the rooftop bars Philly locals and tourists talk about when they want city views and a more upscale setting. I went there mostly for the atmosphere, but the food has a few standouts—like Mushroom Toast, Barolo Braised Beef, and Arka Salmon Cake.
It’s a 21+ spot, and it gets busy. Most nights, you’ll need a reservation, especially on weekends. If you get a table, there’s usually a 90-minute limit. The drink menu rotates with the seasons, offering cocktails like the Rose Gold Margarita or Chalet Have Another?, along with local beers and sparkling wine.
What I loved most about this rooftop in Philadelphia is the sunset, when the sky turns gold, and the fire pit makes everything feel warm and mellow. On the downside, I’ve heard some reviews call out slow service or steep cover fees that aren’t credited toward your bill. Still, the view and setting are enough to make people come back—whether it’s for birthdays, date nights, or just a relaxed evening above the city noise.
2. Attico Rooftop
Next up is Attico, located on the top floor of the Cambria Hotel at 219 S Broad Street, right in one of the top neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It’s one of the more stylish settings among the rooftop bars Philadelphia has on offer.
I love coming here, especially for after-work drinks, weekend brunch, or a night out right in the middle of Center City. The space includes a sleek indoor lounge, open-air rooftop seating, and private tents during colder months or rain.
Happy hour is the main event here, running Wednesday through Friday between 4 and 6 PM. I usually grab a cocktail for around $8 or a beer for around $5. There’s even food on the happy hour menu.
The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming in the slightest. I’ve heard guests rave about the upbeat music, city views, and aesthetic design. Friendly service is a big plus here, though some people mention inconsistency during peak hours and frustrations with the waitlist when it’s busy. It also offers partly covered rooftop sitting. It’s one of my go-to spots for afternoon drinks with friends, birthdays, or bachelorette nights.
3. Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Stratus is up on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco at 433 Chestnut Street. It’s a 5-minute walk from The Museum of Illusions. It opens at 5 PM on a Thursday and Friday, and at 8 PM on a Saturday, offering a laid-back lounge atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. While it’s a rooftop, the views aren’t panoramic due to the high walls around the patio, so you can only see the skyline from some areas.
Food and drinks lean into the lounge style. Lamb Sausage + Roasted Tomato, Fried Eggplant, and Lamb Kofta seem to be a local favorite, and the burgers are pricey but filling. For drinks, the menu covers the classics like Old Fashioneds and Negronis alongside signature cocktails like The Revolver and The Boozey Blues.
What really stands out is the friendly staff and quick service during busy hours. A few guests have mentioned the music volume could be improved, but I’ve seen others praise the space for hosting events like weddings and corporate receptions. Overall, even without full skyline views, Stratus remains one of the popular Philly rooftop bars due to its service, setting, and curated menu.
4. Vango Lounge & Skybar
Vango Lounge & Skybar brings a nightclub vibe to one of the most central Philly rooftop bars. Located at 116 S 18th Street, this three-level venue includes a rooftop deck, indoor lounge, and restaurant area. It opens daily at 6 PM (apart from Tuesdays), and it draws locals and visitors looking for an energetic night out.
The rooftop isn’t the highest in the city, but I still enjoyed the views while sipping a cocktail. The crowd picks up around 9 PM, and by 10, the DJ has people up and moving.
Vango’s menu is bigger and more diverse than many lounge-style spots. Small bites like Lemon Pepper Wings ($12), Buffalo Chicken Wings ($12), and Mozzarella Sticks ($9) are popular for sharing. Options include Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp ($28), Sweet and Sour Salmon ($30), and Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo ($36).
Drinks are strong and not outrageously priced, which helps balance out the occasional weekend cover charge (just be ready for it; it’s not always listed ahead of time). They even offer 30+ flavors of hookah. A bunch of folks on Google called it their go-to for birthdays or weeknight hangouts. A few mentioned rude service over the phone, which I didn’t experience, but the door staff were all business.
5. Sunset Social at Cira Green
Sunset Social flips the script. It’s not your typical rooftop lounge—it’s a grassy public space with food, drinks, and wide-open skyline views. Think less velvet rope and more picnic blankets. I had the chance to check it out at Cira Green, a rooftop Philly park above a parking garage at 129 S 30th Street.
The food is classic comfort stuff: burgers, chicken sandwiches, tots, and fries. The Double Cheeseburger ($12) and Donna’s Homestyle Chicken Sandwich ($11) are popular picks. There are vegetarian options, too, like veggie burgers and cheese tots. Drinks include frozen daiquiris, beers, and a few cocktails. I avoided the burrito after reading some not-so-great reviews.
Prices are reasonable, and the best part is, you don’t need a reservation or a dress code. The vibe is laid-back and casual, with dogs running around, people playing games, and couples catching sunsets. It’s one of the few rooftops Philadelphia has where you can actually stretch out on the grass.
That said, lines for food and drinks can drag, especially on busy weekends. There’s also no guarantee you’ll get a table, so bring a blanket or be prepared to stand. Reviews are mixed on service—it’s counter-style, so don’t expect full table attention. But if the weather’s good and you’re with friends, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff.
6. Bok Bar
Note: Bok Bar is seasonal — the rooftop opens roughly between April and November each year.
Bok Bar is a unique rooftop bar in Philadelphia, sitting high above South Philly on the roof of an old vocational school. Getting there felt like a small adventure—I walked through a former school hallway and rode the elevator up. But when I stepped out onto that massive open rooftop, it was worth it.
The vibe is casual and creative. There’s no table service, no dress code, and no need for reservations. Expect lines on weekends, especially around sunset.
Drinks are mostly cocktails, canned beers, and wine. The cocktails are light—like the Golden Hour with gin and watermelon or the Harvest Rita with tequila and prickly pear. They’re tasty but served in small cups, which some people called out. Beers include local picks like Love City Lager and Two Locals IPA, with a rotating selection of natural wines. There’s also a zero-proof list for non-drinkers.
The food depends on the pop-up vendor of the week. One week, it’s Venezuelan arepas; the next, Korean cheesesteaks or Filipino BBQ wings with garlic rice. Remember that the prices vary, and portions are on the smaller side. Not everyone’s thrilled with the value, but the view is the main attraction.
It can get crowded and noisy, especially on weekends. Finding a seat late in the evening is tough. DJs sometimes spin sets, and there’s a good chance you’ll catch an event.
7. SkyHigh at Four Seasons
SkyHigh is the most upscale rooftop on this list—and also the tallest. It’s 60 floors up in the Four Seasons Hotel at the Comcast Technology Center, and you ride a glass elevator to get there (which is half the experience). Once I got in, it’s all windows and reflections, with a sleek setup that felt like a rooftop version of a luxury car ad.
The food is small and fancy. Truffle pizza, tuna tartare, and cheesesteak eggrolls are crowd favorites, but the portions are tiny. I found out quickly that you’re really paying for the view, the service, and the atmosphere.
Speaking of cocktails, some guests weren’t thrilled with the pour size, but I thought the drinks still matched the vibe: pricey, well-made, and served in a place where the city looks like a postcard.
A factor that makes all the difference is the staff, who get great feedback—attentive, friendly, and quick to fix issues. There were occasional complaints about slow seating or mix-ups at the host stand, but I saw those issues get handled smoothly.
8. Revolution House
Revolution House is a more relaxed spot in Old City, but the rooftop is why people show up. The upstairs patio has city views, overhead heaters, and a chill atmosphere that works for both daytime drinks and low-key nights out. No reservations are needed. Just walk up, grab a drink, and enjoy the city from above.
In terms of food, the cheesesteak, smash burger, Brussels sprouts, and calamari are the standouts, and I’ve always enjoyed them. There’s also positive feedback on their tater tots, margarita pizza, and onion soup.
Oh, and the happy hour is decent, but it’s only at the downstairs bar, which annoyed more than a few people, myself included.
The drink list covers the basics, and while nothing blew me away, cocktails like the espresso martini and margaritas were solid. One guest even called the martini “beautifully chilled,” which pretty much says it all.
The place looks great, too. It’s built inside an old 18th-century building with rustic decor and a relaxed feel. Guests have called it a mix between a diner and a modern bar, with plenty appreciating that it doesn’t try too hard.
Revolution House isn’t perfect, but it delivers where it counts—rooftop seating, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere. It easily earns a spot among Philadelphia rooftop bars worth checking out.
9. The Deck Philly (on the Moshulu Ship)
Note: The Deck Philly (on the Moshulu ship) is a seasonal / weather‑dependent rooftop‑deck/bar.
The Deck is on a boat. Literally, it’s the rooftop of the Moshulu, a docked ship at Penn’s Landing. Without question, the main draw for me is the view—open air, water on one side, skyline on the other. During DJ nights or weekend events, it leans into full-on party mode.
Drinks are what this place does best. The bartenders on the top deck get a lot of love for their service, and I’m always impressed by the menu covering everything from sangria jugs to mojitos and themed cocktails. The Weekend Warrior and Mango Mojito are super popular and I’ve loved both. Prices, though, are on the high side—small portions for big tabs, including a $45 plate with only a quarter piece of fish. So, I definitely set my expectations accordingly.
No reservations are accepted, so it’s first-come, first-served. It can get loud and crowded, but that’s part of the scene. For anyone looking for rooftops in Philly with a party vibe, waterfront views, and strong drinks, this one fits the bill.
10. El Techo
El Techo is a rooftop taqueria on the 11th floor of the Motto by Hilton. It’s got a retractable roof, so it works year-round, but the view is the real draw. I love being up high with the city skyline in full view—great for sunsets or just people-watching. It’s a popular rooftop bar Philly visitors love, the perfect spot to unwind with a drink while enjoying the atmosphere.
The food certainly isn’t Michelin star standard; I found it to be hit or miss for me. People seem to enjoy the tacos, though—especially the barbacoa and cauliflower—but on the other hand, I’ve found the portions a bit small for the price. Drinks are strong, with the mezcal margarita and mango cocktail getting a lot of positive mentions. Chips, guac, and ceviche are common go-to starters.
Service depends on the night, going by what regulars and reviews say. I’ve seen quick, friendly staff and smooth seating, to long waits, confusion at the door, and bartenders who seem checked out.
The vibe, though, stays lively. There’s music, a social crowd, and plenty of people who are there for the energy as much as the menu.
Just a heads up—there’s a kitchen fee, even if you’re only ordering drinks. This place has arguably the best views out of every rooftop in Philly on this list.
Time to Take It to the Roof
Alright, now that you’ve got the full list—where to go, what’s good, what to watch out for—it’s time to actually go check some of these rooftops out. If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia, rooftop bars are one of the easiest ways to see the city from a whole new perspective.
Grab your friends, pick a spot (or three), and go see the city from a better angle. Just remember—check the hours, maybe book ahead if you can, and be cool if there’s a wait. See you up top.
