Considering how big Philadelphia is, you’d think there’d be a ton of rooftops to hang out on—especially on hot days when the sun bakes the sidewalks.
Not to say Philly doesn’t have rooftop bars—you just have to know where to look for them. You’ll find upmarket, sleek rooftops fitting for a special night out. Then, you’ve got the polar opposite – the ones super laid-back, ideal for grabbing a beer with a side of tacos. And a few spots are right in the middle: nice enough for a date but still casual enough for a hang with friends.
That’s why I put this guide together. I dug into real reviews from people who actually went, sorted through what they loved (and what they hated), and laid it all out here for you.
So let’s get into it—here’s the full rundown of rooftop bars in Philly: what they’re like, what to expect, and whether they’re a good time or simply overhyped.
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 is one of the rooftop bars in Philly that people talk about when they want city views and a more upscale setting. You’re mostly here for the atmosphere, but the food has a few favorites—like roasted bone marrow and four-cheese fondue.
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 “Beet You to the Slopes,” along with local beers and sparkling wine.
Visitors love the ambiance, especially around sunset, with a fire pit nearby. On the downside, some reviews call out slow service or steep cover fees that aren’t credited toward your bill. Still, the view and setting keep people coming back—for birthdays, date nights, or just a relaxed evening above the city noise.
2. Attico Rooftop
Next up is Attico, which sits on the top floor of the Cambria Hotel at 219 S Broad Street, one of the more stylish settings among rooftop bars in Philly. Open from 4 PM, it’s a go-to for after-work drinks, weekend brunch, and nightlife 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. You’ll find cocktails like Blood Orange Marg and Aftercare for around $8, with wine and beer in the $5–$7 range. On the full menu, the Short Rib Ragu ($28) and Pan Roasted NY Strip ($36) are standout entrées. For small plates, people love the Cacio e Pepe Arancini ($14) and Crab Melt ($21), which comes with melted fontina and preserved lemon.
The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming in the slightest—guests rave about the upbeat music, city views, and aesthetic design. Many reviews call out friendly service and strong drinks, though a few note inconsistency during peak hours and waitlist frustrations when it’s busy. Nonetheless, it’s a favorite for brunch groups, birthdays, and bachelorette nights.
3. Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Stratus is up on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco at 433 Chestnut Street. It opens at 5 PM and is known for its lounge atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. While it’s a rooftop, it does not offer wide city views because of the high walls around the patio. But it’s still used often for private events and group gatherings.
Food and drinks lean into the lounge style. The Spicy Crab + Artichoke Dip and Wings seem to be a local favorite, and the burgers are pricey but filling. For drinks, the menu includes staples like Old Fashioneds and Negronis alongside more creative options like “Run for the Hills” and “A Little Bit Funkier.”
Reviews often highlight the friendly staff and quick service during busy hours. A few guests note the music volume could be improved, whereas others praise the space for 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 rooftop bars in Philly. 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 and offers nightlife and dining that draws both locals and visitors looking for an energetic night out.
The rooftop isn’t the highest in the city, but you still get skyline views while sipping a cocktail or sharing a hookah. The crowd picks up around 9 PM, and by 10, the DJ has people up and moving.
Food-wise, the menu is bigger than expected for a lounge-style spot. Small bites like Lemon Pepper Wings ($10) and Fried Calamari ($12) are popular picks to share. For dinner, Shrimp Alfredo ($22) and Sweet & Sour Salmon ($24) often appear in reviews for flavor and portion size. Their Baklava ($8), served with vanilla ice cream, seems to be a surprise standout, even for those who don’t normally go for dessert.
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). 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 was all business.
5. Sunset Social at Cira Green
Sunset Social flips the script. It’s not the 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. It sits on top of 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 ($13) and Donna’s Chicken Sandwich ($9) are popular picks. There are vegetarian options, too, like veggie burgers and cheese tots. Drinks include frozen daiquiris, beers, and a few cocktails. Just don’t order the burrito—more than one review says it’s a regret.
Prices are reasonable ($10–$20 range), and 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 offers where you can actually stretch out on the grass.
Saying that, 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 prepare 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
Now, Bok Bar is probably the most unique rooftop bar in Philadelphia on this list, sitting high above South Philly on the roof of an old vocational school. Getting there feels like a small adventure—you walk through a former school hallway and ride the elevator up. But when you step out onto that massive open rooftop, it’s worth it.
The vibe is casual and creative. There is 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 10 oz 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. Just bear in mind 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, and on chillier nights, there aren’t many heaters. But the good news is the atmosphere stays easygoing. DJs sometimes spin sets, and there’s a good chance you’ll catch an event or food collab.
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, and you ride a glass elevator to get there, which is half the experience. Once you’re in, it’s all windows and reflections, with a sleek setup that feels 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. Reviews say 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 most still felt like the drinks 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 gets great feedback—attentive, friendly, and quick to fix issues. There are occasional complaints about slow seating or mix-ups at the host stand, but most say it’s 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 the food, the cheesesteak, smash burger, Brussels sprouts, and calamari get the most love from regulars. 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.
The drink list covers the basics, and while nothing blew anyone away, cocktails like the espresso martini and margaritas were solid. One guest even called the martini “beautifully chilled,” which says enough.
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)
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 is the view—open air, water on one side, skyline on the other. During DJ nights or weekend events, it leans 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 the menu covers everything from sangria jugs to mojitos and themed cocktails. The Weekend Warrior and Mango Mojito are mentioned often. Prices, though, are on the high side—several reviews called out small portions for big tabs, including a $45 plate with only a quarter piece of fish. So, set 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 a rooftop 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. You’re up high with the city skyline in full view—great for sunsets or just people-watching.
Food is hit or miss. People really seem to like the tacos, though—especially the barbacoa and cauliflower—but on the other hand, a fair few thought the portions were 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. People mention everything from 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. Aside from a few downsides, this place has arguably the best views out of every rooftop in Philly on this list, so it’s worth heading on down.
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.
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.
