Philadelphia is home to some amazing venues to see your favorite band and have a beer (or three). Now, unlike big cities like New Orleans who are renowned for their jazz or Nashville for their country, Philadelphia has a great blend of all music styles. Here’s our list of best places to catch a live act:
- Johnny Brenda’s
- MilkBoy
- Chris’ Jazz Cafe
- Fergie’s Pub
- Time
- Ortlieb’s
- World Cafe Live
- Union Transfer
- Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
- Heritage
- The Raven Lounge
- The Twisted Tail
As with most music venues these days, most places are playing a blend, so going on the right night is just as important as picking the right venue. If you want a comprehensive view of all the live music events going on in Philly, we recommend using philly-shows.org, as they have compiled a great resource for music lovers.
We would also recommend jumping on the venue’s Instagram page to see the latest details. A lot of our most treasured venues are slow to update their websites, but almost everyone is active on social media. Jump on Instagram and view their stories to see what the venue looks like that night.
1. Johnny Brenda’s
Johnny Brenda’s, situated at the intersection of Frankford and Girard Avenues in Fishtown, serves as the neighborhood’s catalyst, champion, living room, kitchen, dining room, and concert hall. This bustling gastropub, often filled to capacity, boasts a beautifully restored 250-person live music venue upstairs. Demonstrating pride in its location, Johnny Brenda’s offers a menu emphasizing locally grown produce and a craft beer selection exclusively featuring the region’s finest breweries. The live music venue showcases Philadelphia’s thriving indie rock scene, making Johnny Brenda’s a true hometown gem.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnybrendas/
Website: https://johnnybrendas.com/
Calendar: https://johnnybrendas.com/events/
Neighborhood: Fishtown
Address: 1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Closes: 2am
2. MilkBoy
MilkBoy is a versatile establishment that combines a restaurant, bar, cafe, and live-music venue, created by Tommy Joyner and Jamie Lokoff of MilkBoy Recording Studio. The upstairs music venue showcases local and national musicians, while patrons can enjoy two full bars and an extensive food and beverage program. Catering to early morning, happy hour, and late-night crowds, MilkBoy Philly opens on weekdays at 7 a.m. and offers a diverse menu for all meals and snacks. The drink menu boasts an impressive canned beer selection, rotating craft beers on draft, and a variety of craft cocktails curated by Bar Manager Evan Maffiore.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MilkBoyPhilly/
Website: https://milkboyphilly.com/
Calendar: https://milkboyphilly.com/calendar/
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Closes: 2am
3. Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Chris’ Jazz Café, established in 1989, is an iconic venue in Philadelphia. As the longest-running jazz club in Philadelphia’s history, it has attracted visitors from over 160 countries and all 50 states. This premier jazz hotspot has hosted numerous international and national stars, including the Count Basie Orchestra, Junior Mance, Pat Martino, Joey DeFrancesco, and Kevin Eubanks, among others.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisjazzcafe/
Website: https://www.chrisjazzcafe.com/
Calendar: https://www.chrisjazzcafe.com/events
Neighborhood: Center City West
Address: 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Closes: 12am Weeknights, 2am Weekends
4. Fergie’s Pub
Meet Fergie’s Pub, an old-school Irish pub. You’ll find delicious pub grub, live music, and comedy shows all in one great location. Fergie’s is known for their friendly, tv-free atmosphere. Make your party a great one! Fergie’s Pub offers party packages with a full bar and bartenders, sound system for live music, a private bathroom, and so much more.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fergiespub/
Website: https://www.fergies.com/
Calendar: https://www.fergies.com/events
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1214 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Closes: 2am
5. Time
Established in 2008, Time is a versatile venue offering seasonal new-American cuisine, 20 rotating draft beers, and a selection of over 200 whiskies. With three distinct spaces, Time caters to a variety of tastes and features live music every night. The establishment is known for its seasonally inspired dishes, diverse whiskey offerings, and DJs and dancing upstairs, providing a lively atmosphere for patrons.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timerestaurant/
Website: https://www.timerestaurant.net/
Calendar: https://www.timerestaurant.net/copy-of-music-events
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Closes: 2am
6. Ortlieb’s
Ortlieb’s, once the “company store” for the Henry F. Ortlieb Brewing Company, has become a mainstay in the Philadelphia music scene, featuring local funk, jazz, and rock performers alongside burgers, burritos, and beer. The bar originally served “The Big O,” with a pipe filtering beer directly from the brewery. Known for hosting musicians like Bootsie Barns, Shirley Scott, Duane Eubanks, Farrid Barron, and Cecil Payne, Ortlieb’s also offered open jam sessions on Tuesdays, where budding artists could play alongside legends. Throughout the 1990s and the next decade, Ortlieb’s thrived as one of the few venues in the region presenting jazz seven nights a week.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ortliebsphilly/
Website: https://ortliebsphilly.com/
Calendar: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ortliebs-lounge-19833288947
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Address: 847 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Closes: 2am
7. World Cafe Live
World Cafe Live, a nonprofit independent venue established in 2004, is dedicated to live music, education, and community engagement in Philadelphia. It serves as a vibrant hub supporting both emerging and established artists while offering innovative educational programs for youth and people with disabilities, and welcoming audiences of all ages. This inclusive space promotes artistic collaboration, creativity, and inspiration through music, fostering a sense of community where diversity strengthens and equity expands opportunities. World Cafe Live believes in the power of music to connect people in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldcafelive/
Website: https://worldcafelive.com/
Calendar: https://worldcafelive.com/events/
Neighborhood: University City
Address: 3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Closes: 10pm
8. Union Transfer
Union Transfer is a beautifully renovated former luggage transfer station that offers a unique event space. Boasting excellent sound and light quality, a wide selection of microbrews at three full bars, and a menu that includes vegan fare, this venue caters to diverse tastes. Hosting all-ages shows featuring indie, hip-hop, punk, and dance acts, Union Transfer is booked by R5 Productions and was recognized by Rolling Stone magazine in 2013 as one of “The Best Clubs in America,” celebrating the most outstanding small rooms in the country.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UnionTransfer/
Website: https://utphilly.com/
Calendar: https://utphilly.com/events/
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1026 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Closes: 2am
9. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
Since 1969, Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, founded by Robert Porter and Barbara Carter, has been a South Street staple offering cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment. Renowned for its free live music, Philadelphia’s longest-running drag show, and “The Special,” the venue continues the lively tradition established by the original owners. Remember to bring cash, as they are a cash-only establishment.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobandbarbs/
Website: https://www.bobandbarbaras.com/
Calendar: https://www.bobandbarbaras.com/events
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Closes: 2am
10. Heritage
Heritage, located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood, is a hip and homey spot with cedar paneling, offering American fare, draft beer, and live jazz/funk. As Jason Evenchik’s sixth restaurant venture in Philadelphia, he partners with Terrance Leach, General Manager Joe Fogerty, and Executive Chef Mackenzie Hilton to present a modern rustic restaurant featuring a seasonal, locally-sourced menu, an extensive bar program, live music, and an urban garden. With over 30 rotating craft beers on draft, draft cocktails, and monthly events showcasing breweries nationwide, Heritage has become a neighborhood favorite.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritagephilly/
Website: https://www.heritage.life/
Calendar: https://www.heritage.life/
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Address: 914 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Closes: 11pm
11. The Raven Lounge
Raven Lounge, a relaxed bar and dance club, offers diverse events ranging from comedy shows to DJ sets and quiz nights. With most shows occurring on Friday and Saturday nights and open mic on Tuesdays, this multi-purpose venue caters to hip-hop enthusiasts and also hosts burlesque shows, film screenings, and performance art events. Equipped with board games and sketchbooks, every table ensures a relaxing experience. The two-floor space features bars and stages on both levels for live performances. Serving a variety of drinks in an Edgar Allen Poe-themed setting with colorful lights and a top-notch sound system, Raven Lounge creates a fun atmosphere for patrons.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenlounge/
Website: N/A – use Facebook
Calendar: N/A
Neighborhood: Center City West
Address: 1718 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Closes: 2am
12. The Twisted Tail
Located in Philadelphia’s historic Society Hill, The Twisted Tail is a bi-level venue offering an eclectic mix of American Whiskey and gastronomic delights from its charcoal grill. Owned by Master Craftsman George Reilly, who began his hospitality career in English pubs at age 18, the establishment reflects his passion for the industry with a standout bar program. Patrons can enjoy cocktails, barbecue, Southern American fare, and live blues music on most nights in this unique setting.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedtailphl/
Website: https://thetwistedtail.com/
Calendar: https://thetwistedtail.com/upcoming-events/
Neighborhood: Society Hill
Address: 509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Closes: 12am