XIX is a gorgeous restaurant and bar with a unique view of Center City. The bar is located on the 19th floor of the Hyatt Hotel, and offers an elegant fine dining experience, complete with chandeliers and a crackling fireplace… so cozy. While dinner is apparently incredible, I’ve never been, because the happy hour prices can’t be beat. $ 12 hand crafted cocktails are now $ 6, making this pricey restaurant a lot more wallet friendly after work.
The crowd skews professional and well dressed. Happy Hour runs from 17:00 to 19:00 on weekdays. While large, with plenty of room to move around in, I prefer going closer to 17:00, when there are fewer people and it’s not as busy. Towards the end of happy hour it can be difficult to find a table. I say try to plan your visit just before sunset, so you can walk around the 19th floor and admire the panorama view. My favorite drink is the Pear Car, a Sidecar with pear vodka. It is… very strong. This is a great bar to visit during the colder months, when you can really enjoy the fireplace and cozy atmosphere, but is also a lot of fun during warmer weather as well.
Nearby: Shopping on Walnut St, bars and restaurants on South and Broad, Merriam Theater, the Kimmel Center, Walnut Street Theatre, City Hall.