The best rooftop bars and restaurants in Philadelphia /

Temperatures are rising — and your happy hour game should be, too. After all, it is rooftop bar season. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the breathtaking view atop the Philadelphia area’s best drinking and dining spots with a snack and drink in hand.

Philadelphia’s heavenly hospitality reaches awe-inspiring heights with panoramic views of places like the Victory Brewing Company taproom on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Bok Bar in South Philadelphia, and El Techo on Rittenhouse Square.

And in the surrounding Greater Philadelphia area, stunning views can easily be paired with craft beers (East Branch Brewing Co.), margaritas (Mas Mexicali Cantina), lawn games (Off the Rail), and more. Below are some great spots to catch a few rays with snacks and drinks during what is arguably the best time for outdoor dining and drinking. Just don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Montage Rooftop Lounge: Al fresco drinks and small plates nine floors up

Modern luxury is what it’s all about at the Assembly Rooftop Lounge at The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel. Sitting nine stories above street level, Assembly is well beyond the average hotel bar and is open year-round and offers plenty of seating areas and fire pits. As if a picturesque view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway wasn’t enough, craft cocktails (frozé, anyone?), charcuterie, fondue, and more add to the appeal.

Where: Assembly Rooftop Lounge, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Attico Rooftop Lounge: A stylish rooftop bar with excellent balcony seating

Located on the 16th floor above the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street, Attico offers dozens of feet of views of the city. The stylish outdoor balcony is the perfect place for epic celebrations year-round, including brunch parties (arguably the best kind of party), as well as happy-hour selections like $2 oysters, $3 shrimp cocktail, and $6 baked ham and cheese, or eggplant toast.

Where: Atletico, 219 S. Broad Street

Bok Bar: A bustling rooftop beer garden in South Philly

Every spring, summer, and fall, the roof of the former Bok High School in South Philadelphia transforms into a spacious beer garden with sweeping skyline views. The seasonal watering hole serves up a variety of drinks (including a list of mostly local cans) alongside appetizers from monthly chefs-in-residence. Even better? Reservations are not necessary, so drop in whenever you want to feel the wind in your hair and a cold drink in your hand.

Where: Bok Bar, 800 Mifflin Street

The Continental Mid-town: retro vibes on the rooftop in Rittenhouse Square

Stephen Starr’s classic eclectic restaurant, just off Rittenhouse Square, features a retro rooftop lounge – the showpiece of the place. With its 1960s vibe (think comfy couches and fire pits), the roof is partially enclosed so it can be maintained year-round. The lavish deck is very popular during the warmer months, especially with the Saturday and Sunday brunch crowd.

Where: The Continental Mid-town 1800 Chestnut Street

East Branch Brewing Co.: Breezy brews and bites in Downingtown

Chester County Brewery East Branch Brewing Co. is one of those neighborhood spots you visit for relaxed craft beer and bar food. On warm days (just check out their direct Instagram account), the rooftop of the brewery is open for diners and drinkers. While there are no skyscrapers to gaze at, there are some great sunsets to watch. The menu features banh mi, burgers, mac and cheese, and, of course, beer and cocktails.

Where: East Branch Brewing Company, 202 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown

El Techo: Dak tacos and tequila in Center City

Queso fundido, tacos, frozen cocktails, oh my! Add to that some downtown skyscrapers and you have the whole package at El Techo. Condesa’s taqueria occupies the 11th floor and offers year-round rooftop dining thanks to a retractable glass roof. Reservations are not required, but it’s smart to have one, especially for brunch.

Where: El Techo, 1826 Ludlow Street

Emmy Squared Rooftop: Rectangular pizza served on the roof

Detroit-style pizza and frozen cocktails on a rooftop? Yes please. In the warmer months, Emmy Squared offers plenty of rooftop seating at its Queen Village spot, where diners can choose from the seasonal cocktails and beer list and, of course, pizza. Seating is first come, first served.

Where: Emmy Squared Pizza: Queen Village – Philly, 632 S. 5th Street

Far East Descendant: Cantonese cuisine on a private rooftop terrace

Chinatown’s Far East Descendant specializes in Cantonese cuisine, with a menu of small plates, claypot rice, Montao sandwiches, family meals and unique cocktails. We recommend sampling everything on their rooftop, a year-round oasis tucked between buildings and removed from the hustle and bustle below.

Where: Descendant of the Far East, 251 N. Clarion Street

The Great American Pub Rooftop: great pub food and drinks are served sky-top

The Great American Pub is a staple of Conshohocken, and guests looking to mix their pub fare with some sunshine can opt for a spot at the rooftop bar. Cocktails, wine and beer pair well with views of Montgomery County. For rooftop seating, it’s first come, first served, so get it while it’s… hot.

Where: The Great American Pub, 123 Fayette Street, Conshohocken

Irwin’s: Sicilian flavors and wine with a view

Bok Bar’s more formal counterpart, chef Michael Vincent Ferreri’s Irwin’s – named one of the best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit – serves Sicilian dishes paired with natural wines – best enjoyed on the eighth-floor rooftop terrace. The outdoor area – open from May to September – is not available for walk-ins, so be sure to make a reservation.

Where: Irwin’s, 800 Mifflin Street

Lark: Romance on the roof at Bala Cynwyd

The roof terrace of this restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Schuylkill River. On the menu: seafood dishes such as ceviche of striped bass or chitarra with squid ink, decked out with mussels, black truffle, tomato confit and chilli.

Where: Lark, 611 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd

Liberty Point: Relax on the waterfront

Billed as the city’s largest restaurant, Liberty Point has enough space for 1,400 people across three indoor and outdoor levels. The Delaware River waterfront establishment features multiple elevated outdoor decks for dining, dancing and live entertainment – perfect for river views as you soak and enjoy.

Where: Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Más Mexicali Cantina: Tacos on the roof, anyone?

Taco over a view. The party takes place outdoors at Más Mexicali Cantina in West Chester. The expansive rooftop can accommodate 150 people eager to catch a glimpse of downtown West Chester from above over a pitcher of margaritas and enchiladas.

Where: Más Mexicali Cantina, 102 E. Market Street, West Chester

Off the Rail: A down-the-shore feel in Delco

With a huge rooftop deck that exudes major coastal vibes – but in Delco – Off The Rail is a spring and summer staple for those seeking warm-weather vibes and imbibing. Live bands and DJs perform on weekends, and for more chill evenings there’s plenty of seating, lawn games, beer, wine, cocktails and pub grub. Sports fans can watch all the outdoor action on an impressively large projector.

Where: Off the Rail – Media, 109 W. State Street, Media

Patchwork at the Hyatt Centric Center City: Locally sourced food in a central location

The New American spot Patchwork is located on the second floor of the Hyatt Centric Center City. In addition to the menu, which focuses on local ingredients, the restaurant has a tight list of cocktails, wine and beer – all available to enjoy on the terrace. Right in the middle of Center City’s high-rises, you’ll feel tiny – in the best way – among all the brick, glass, and steel.

Where: Patchwork, Hyatt Centric Center City, 1620 Chancellor Street

Coast of Positano by Aldo Lamberti: Exalted Italian food

Positano’s coastal Italian food tastes even better from the raised seating on the second floor of the place. While enjoying great views of the old town – and admiring the restaurant’s stylish new renovations – diners can enjoy tasty snacks such as seafood platters and burrata paired with fine wines or signature cocktails from the bar.

Where: Coast of Positano by Aldo Lamberti, 212 Walnut Street

Rams Pint House and Rooftop Lounge: beer and American food in the open air

With its impressive beer list and laid-back atmosphere, Rams Pint House and Rooftop Lounge is a top choice in Perkasie. Guests can find fresh air in the spot’s rooftop lounge, where burgers, beer and frozen cocktails await.

Where: Rams Pint House and Rooftop Lounge, 606 W. Chestnut Street, Perkasie

Revolution House: for comfort food and creative cocktails with a view of the historic district

On warmer nights, the patrons of the Revolution House in the Old Town take advantage of the place’s rooftop terrace, which offers excellent views of Christ Church’s steeplechase. (Christ Church is where Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and many other colonial notables worshiped.) The restaurant’s full menu of comfort foods and creative cocktails are all available from the higher perch.

Where: Revolution House, 200 Market Street

Standard Tap: Widely regarded as one of America’s first gastropubs

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of 2nd Street in Northern Liberties is Standard Tap’s always-inviting, always-relaxed second-floor porch. The neighborhood mainstay serves delicious gastropub fare and a thoughtful stock of craft beer that pairs perfectly with the breezy balcony.

Where: Standard Tap, 901 N. 2nd Street

Stratus Rooftop Lounge: a chic place on top of Hotel Monaco

The trendy Stratus Rooftop Lounge is located on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. A curated cocktail menu pairs perfectly with light bites and shareable snacks. Adding to the atmosphere: leather seats, dim lighting, and a “green wall” that serves as an Instagram-friendly backdrop.

Where: Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street

Sunset Social: A high-altitude hangout in West Philly

High atop West Philly’s Cira Center, Sunset Social offers both drama and relaxation. The fast-casual menu features a selection of bowls, burgers, and fries, plus beer, wine, and frozen and bottled cocktails for customers to enjoy along with the epic view.

Where: Sunset Social, 129 S. 30th Street

Vango Lounge and Skybar: Rendezvous with a view all year round

Drinks, shisha and a view of the roof: that’s all you need in the Vango Lounge and Skybar in Center City. The restaurant and hookah bar keep the third floor deck open year round for food, drink and luxury.

Where: Vango Lounge and Skybar, 116 S. 18th Street

Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia: What’s better than craft brews with a view?

As if the 14,000-square-foot interior wasn’t enough, Victory Brewing Company’s taproom on Benjamin Franklin Parkway features a rooftop deck with panoramic views of the Parkway. In addition to all the Victory beers imaginable, diners can fill up on brisket meatballs, kebab naan, smoked chicken pot pie, and more.

Where: Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia, 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

XIX (Nineteen): French Renaissance vibes on the roof

High above the city streets, this spot on the 19th floor (hence the name) of The Bellevue Hotel features a balcony overlooking Broad Street. Enjoy an aperitif with a view, or let yourself be tempted and grab some friends for a picture-perfect happy hour.

Where: XIX (Nineteen), 200 S. Broad Street