Crafting Community: How Philadelphia's Bars Support Local Artists

A cool evening in one of Philly's packed hip bars, your tastebuds bathing in the unique flavor of a local IPA, your eyes delighting in the view of a new mural on the wall, your ears serenaded by the melodies of an undiscovered local band. Now, isn't that an evening worth experiencing? The beautiful city of Philadelphia, duh! Philly offers you an intoxicating blend of community support and artistic culture - with a generous helping of locally brewed beer and thoughtfully crafted cocktails, for good measure. 

Philadelphia's bustling bar scene does an amazing job of crafting this very community for you - these are sanctuaries where local artists and musicians are given a platform to express their creativity. In this soaked-in-fun, art-tinged exploration, we are going to look into how Philly's bars are turning patrons into patrons of the arts – pooling in their love for craft beer into fostering a thriving local arts scene. Let's kickstart our crafty crawl through Philadelphia!

Via Bob and Barbara’s Google My Business

Philly's beer scene is as diverse and beautiful as the art on its local artists' canvases. Over on the lively South Street, you'll find the Tattooed Mom, a bar that's as quirky as its name. This spot is a port for local artists, with its walls adorned with ever-changing murals and installations. It's not just a feast for the eyes though, the Tattooed Mom also hosts poetry slams, art markets, and even painting workshops. The vibe? Think of it as your cool, artsy aunt's living room, if your aunt served killer cocktails and vegan tacos.

Next up, we have Bob and Barbara's, a dive bar that's as authentic as it gets. This place has been serving up drinks and live music since 1969, and it's not slowing down. In addition to hosting local bands and musicians, the bar also features its famous drag show every Thursday, which offers a platform for local performers. But the real star of the show? That would be the 'Special', a shot of Jim Beam with a Pabst Blue Ribbon chaser. It's a Philadelphia institution, much like the bar itself.

Via The Fire’s Google My Business

Moving on to The Fire, a bar and live music venue that's been a staple of the Philadelphia music scene for over two decades. This place has seen it all, from punk rock to hip hop, and it's a launching pad for many local bands. The Fire is all about community, with its open mic nights, guest speakers, and networking events for creatives. It's a place where you can enjoy a beer, listen to some great music, and maybe even discover the next big thing

Then there's The Trestle Inn, a whiskey and go-go bar that's a nod to Philadelphia's industrial past. With its vintage decor and soulful tunes, stepping into The Trestle Inn feels like stepping back in time. But it's not all about the past. The bar regularly hosts local DJs and go-go dancers, adding a modern twist to its retro vibe. Plus, with a selection of over 70 whiskeys, it's a paradise for whiskey lovers.

Via North Bowl’s Instagram

Another spot worthy of mention is North Bowl, a unique gem nestled in Northern Liberties. It's not just a bowling alley, but a veritable hub of local culture, where the clatter of pins meets the strum of guitar strings and the splash of local brews. North Bowl is a place where local artists and musicians can showcase their talents. The establishment regularly hosts live music events, providing a platform for local bands and solo artists. The walls are adorned with artwork from local creatives, transforming the bowling alley into a vibrant gallery. So knock down some pins and soak up some local - you might just find that North Bowl is right up your alley.

These Philadelphian watering holes are not only places to enjoy some stellar craft beers and cocktails, but they're also inspiring cultural incubators, nurturing and enriching the community through local arts and music. These venues represent the marriage of social enjoyment with artistic inspiration, supporting creativity in their own unique, and frankly, intoxicating ways! So anytime you're in Philly, don't just drop by for a drink. Immerse yourself in the local vibe, and who knows? You might just stumble upon the city's next artistic supernova while sipping on your favorite brew, served with a side of Philadelphia love.

If you loved this list check out our featured article on Philadelphia’s Best Rooftop Bars