Photo of the Dandelion by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

We here at Guild House love nothing more than a cozy night in, especially when you’re talking about a cozy night inside our historic boutique hotel. Our gorgeous, intimate lounge; our stocked fridges, our snacks and coffee set-up; our luxe, enveloping rooms and suites … it’s all designed to make everyone who visits feel warm, comfortable, and restful.

Even so, we also understand that sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a little drink—a beer and a bite, a cocktail, a nightcap, a glass of wine, or what have you—off premises, and for that, we’ve compiled this little list of our favorite cozy bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of our boutique hotel, here in the heart of Philly. Here, eight truly great, cozy spots to settle in, belly up and enjoy a drink this winter.

 

Photo of The Library Bar courtesy of The Library Bar, The Rittenhouse Hotel


The Bar: Library Bar
The Location: 210 W. Rittenhouse Square
The Scoop: This small, sexy little bar tucked away inside Rittenhouse Hotel feels like a secret. Loveseats, leather, a fireplace, gorgeous cocktails (many named for Alice in Wonderland) and an elegant food menu (think: lobster rolls, caviar) … it’s a whole mood.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.7 miles (15-minute walk)

 

Photo of Harp & Crown by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®


The Bar: Harp & Crown
The Location: 1525 Sansom Street
The Scoop: At first glance, you wouldn’t necessarily call this massive, high-ceilinged restaurant and bar “cozy,” but the many intimate seating areas—a gorgeous polished bar; plush booths; loads of golden lighting; and the truly snug little Elbow Bar (and petite bowling alley) on the lower level—really do make for a cozy, comfortable drinking spot. Also? Harp & Crown was designed by the very same brilliant interior design team that brought our historic boutique hotel to life: the amazing ROHE Creative.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.4 miles (8-minute walk)

 

Photo of Monk’s Cafe by Jason Smith for GPTMC


The Bar: Monks Cafe
The Location: 264 S. 16th Street
The Scoop: This Belgian-inspired tavern has plenty of room but still feels pleasantly snug—and it features the type of beer list (extensive! Intriguing!) that encourages whiling away a few (dozen) hours. Bonus: Here you’ll find one of the city’s best burgers and also a mean moules frites.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.3 miles (8-minute walk)

 

Photo of The Dandelion by J. Fusco for GPTMC


The Bar: The Dandelion
The Location: 124 S. 18th Street
The Scoop: The Dandelion is restaurateur Stephen Starr’s tribute to the classic British pub—a glowing, gorgeous multi-level melange of overstuffed chairs, fireplaces and loads of nooks and crannies in which to tuck away. The place offers a great menu of craft beers, fun cocktails, and a seasonal menu of pubby British fare—fish and chips, cheese boards, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and more.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.6 miles (12-minute walk)

 


The Bar: Black Sheep Pub
The Location: 247 S. 17th Street
The Scoop: This three-story Irish pub is a beloved Philly institution, with a bar on each floor, a big antique fireplace, and all sorts of seating (booths, bar seats, tables, hightops, you name it) scattered around the place. Loads of beers and a menu full of both Irish and not-so-Irish comfort food—wings, burgers, crab cakes, shepherd’s pie, Irish breakfast and more—make Black Sheep an easy, cozy, crowd-pleasing hang.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.4 miles (8-minute walk)

 

Photo of The Ranstead Room by Neal Santos, courtesy of The Ranstead Room


The Bar: Ranstead Room
The Location: 2013 Ranstead Street
The Scoop: This dark little hideaway is truly hidden—it’s easy to miss the plain-Jane door located on one of the teenier side streets between Market and Chestnut. It’s also one of the sexiest little cocktail bars in the city with gorgeous, inventive drinks and a speakeasy vibe. Small, sophisticated but not overly self-serious—Ranstead Room is a perfect stop on a date night. (Or date afternoon.)
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.8 miles (17-minute walk)

 

Photo of McGillin’s Old Ale House by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®


The Bar: McGillin’s Old Ale House
The Location: 1310 Drury Street
The Scoop: McGillin’s is a true-blue Philly institution—the oldest continually operating pub in the city (est. 1860!)—and a beloved hang-out for generations of Philadelphians. Heavy on character (and characters—the place is loaded with regulars), with dark woods, exposed brick, a fireplace and loads of places to grab a seat, McGillin’s is comfortable, homey and especially great for its selection of regional beers on tap.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.2 miles (4-minute walk)

 

Photo of Brauhaus Schmitz by A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®


The Bar: Brauhaus Schmitz
The Location: 718 South Street
The Scoop: This excellent restaurant/bar offers too many German beers on tap to name (the largest German beer list in the country!), plus pretzels with beer cheese, schnitzels, sausages and more, all served up in a warm, fun, collegial atmosphere that fits a crowd and still feels cozy.
Distance from Guild House Hotel: 0.8 miles (17-minute walk)