Sassafras Bar Philadelphia
My favorite bar to meet friends
The autumn before the pandemic, in search of some new ideas, I asked 10 good friends to send me their favorite Philly spots and three listed Sassafras Bar in Olde City (an area of the city known for its Colonial-era sites, including Elfreth’s Alley, a small residential street inhabited since 1703 which is just a short stroll from the bar). I was a bit miffed, as it’s among my top 3 favorites as well, but then thought: we just have good taste.
A great bar for a romantic date or a night out with friends, Sassafras, which self-describes as “the Grand Dame of old neighborhood bars” is dark and cozy, with a beautiful vintage wooden bar fitted with behind-the-bar mirrors, little seating nooks in the back, and a curvy staircase with a Toulouse Lautrec-like mural leading up to a large bathroom replete with a comfy sofa.
The bartenders are top-notch and make you feel at home as they mix you up a cocktail or pour you a beer from their rotating list. Try a French Snap cocktail with vodka and ginger liquor, a French Dip Absinthe or a local beer from a local brewery. They often have jazz musicians in to play up front and make a great burger with fries. I love to meet friends there before or after a film at the Ritz Five around the corner at 2nd and Walnut.
About this spot
48 S. 2nd Street
- Mon - Tues 16:00 - 02:00, Wed - Fri 12:00 - 02:00, Sat - Sun 15:00 - 02:00
Sidecar (drink):
USD
13
2159252317
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
Vault & Vine
Cafe, greenhouse, handmade gifts
"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...
by
Holly
Miller
The Percy Street Project
An electric light mural
"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
by
Holly
Miller
Nunu
Creative Asian fusion food and cocktails
"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
by
Holly
Miller
Suraya
Exquisite Levant-inspired dining & market
"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...
by
Holly
Miller
Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion
FUN
My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
by
Holly
Miller
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Pop-up summer park
"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup
Food trucks
The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Lloyd
Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare
"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Interstate Draft House
New American/Southern
"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Tuna Bar
Japanese raw bar in Old City
Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!
by
Holly
Miller
Abstract Mural Callowhill
Artist Tim McFarlane
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Long in the Tooth Record Store
High fidelity
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Heading to Philadelphia?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Philadelphia?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Philadelphia
Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia
As featured on:
