There’s nothing like enjoying warm evenings in the late summer with good food and good company, and the best way to do it is by enjoying some of the city’s best rooftop restaurants. With sweater weather creeping up and just a few weeks of warmth left, make your way over to these spots before the forecasts are a lot less sunny.
Located right next to campus on Cira Green, Sunset Social is one of the newest additions to Philly’s rooftop restaurants and bar scene. With comfort food from the people behind the upscale Walnut Street Cafe, their burgers, sandwiches, veggie bowls, and fries are tasty, elevated basics. On top of the food, they offer a wide array of frozen cocktails, beers, wines, and sodas to make that rooftop dinner all the more enjoyable. With a beautiful view of the city over the Schuylkill River, and free '80s and '90s movies playing on the building every Wednesday, it's a must–visit in the area.
Address: 129 S 30th St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With a view over historic Old City, one of the most extensive wine menus in the city, and a menu full of New American classics, you can’t go wrong with Revolution House. In the summer, Revolution House opens up their beautifully manicured rooftop garden for reservations and walk–ins. My favorites? Their authentic Napoletana pizza, which is made in an imported Italian pizza oven, as well as their chicken and pineapple sandwich, which marries two unexpected flavors in culinary harmony. With an expansive drink menu filled with a ridiculous amount of liquor, wine, beer, and soda, you're sure to leave satisfied.
Address: 200 Market St.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday, and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends
Housed above what is now known as a creative hub of South Philly, Bok Bar is located on top of the revered Bok Building. They have an eccentric drinks menu, with twists on classic beer and wine which are best enjoyed while looking at what's widely known as one of the best views of Philly. For food, they serve up a small yet vibrant menu featuring Middle Eastern fusion. Whether you go for the classic doner kebab gyros and hummus or their Middle Eastern empanadas, their appetizer–size bites are sure to be tasty. If you’re just looking to enjoy pre–dinner drinks at Bok Bar, South Philly Smökhaus serves up epic barbecue downstairs.
Address: 800 Mifflin St.
Hours: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays
If you’re looking for a more upscale option, head to the Assembly Rooftop Lounge on top of the Logan Hotel in Center City. Located right on the Parkway, it features spectacular views in an approachable setting. With small bites to accompany their drinks, like short rib tacos and various flatbreads, the food is tasty without overshadowing their robust drink menu. However, their cocktails, beers, and wines don’t come cheap, so save Assembly for a special occasion when you’re looking to pull out all the stops.
Address: 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Hours: 4 p.m. to close on Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to close on weekends
No rooftop roundup is complete without an acknowledgement of Penn’s beloved City Tap House. Whether it’s boozy brunches, trivia nights, or just a beer with friends, City Tap is a convenient campus go–to.
Address: 3925 Walnut St.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays
