Chic, cozy, library-themed bar serving beer, wine & craft cocktails in the Rittenhouse hotel.
At a glance
#19 of 53 Bars in PhiladelphiaLocalGuideWorld score: 4.50
Rating breakdown
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5 ★73%
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4 ★14%
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3 ★6%
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2 ★3%
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1 ★4%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of The Library Bar?
- The Library Bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 194 reviews.
- How does The Library Bar rank in Philadelphia?
- The Library Bar is #19 of 53 Bars in Philadelphia by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is The Library Bar located?
- 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103 — 0.6 km from the center of Philadelphia.
- How can I contact The Library Bar?
- Phone: (215) 546-9000 · Website: rittenhousehotel.com
I love the ambiance, food and of course the drinks here! I’m not a huge drinker but I love their cocktails and the menu themes. The complimentary nut mix is really tasty and I love to get the cheese board. Jazz nights are really nice and I always feel comfortable here going solo and sitting at the bar.
A must visit stop if you value your date working out lol.seriously,the food was great and the atmosphere was inviting,comfortable,clean,and even took my service dog in with no hesitation which I appreciated.
This is my one of favorite bar in Philadelphia, it has live music, nice cocktail. I like dark knight a lot, I was a little bit unsure about the color, and the glass they poured in, but it taste very sweet and easy to drink.
Atmosphere: 1/1: If you have ever wanted to feel classy and sophisticated, this bar is the place! However, it’s a small space so not great for large groups.
Service: 0.5/1: staff was nice and professional, but service was slow for such a small bar (we waited like 20-25 mins after we ordered to get 2 drinks and that was after we waited 15-20 mins for the waitress)
Price: 0.5/1: it’s Expensive. Drinks are $22-$25!
Food: 2/2: We had the RH and the Lantern’s light. Both were amazingly well-balanced delicious cocktails! We also had the crème brûlée, which was just ok. But let’s face it you go to this place for drinks!
Overall: 4/5: If you want to have a well made cocktail in a classy atmosphere, then you have to come here! Just be prepared to pay extra.
Service: 0.5/1: staff was nice and professional, but service was slow for such a small bar (we waited like 20-25 mins after we ordered to get 2 drinks and that was after we waited 15-20 mins for the waitress)
Price: 0.5/1: it’s Expensive. Drinks are $22-$25!
Food: 2/2: We had the RH and the Lantern’s light. Both were amazingly well-balanced delicious cocktails! We also had the crème brûlée, which was just ok. But let’s face it you go to this place for drinks!
Overall: 4/5: If you want to have a well made cocktail in a classy atmosphere, then you have to come here! Just be prepared to pay extra.
A somewhat low-key spot tucked behind the grand facade of The Rittenhouse Hotel. I came on a quiet Sunday afternoon towards the last hour of their 'happy hour' times- more on this later. The drinks were great, and the space was comfortable. It was a very dive / speakeasy environment, and the bartenders kept that mood throughout my time there. It really does give a sense of being in a library with grand bookshelves and polished wooden accents everywhere. I ordered two of their seasonal drinks, which came with complimentary bar snacks. Both drinks had a nice balance and a good spectrum of flavors and textures. The drinks themselves were at a higher price point, but that was expected for the quality of the space and hotel. I didn't realize until after I left, but they did charge me full price instead of their previously advertised happy hour prices. However, even at full price, I'd give it a chance for a spot on my bar rotation. I will definitely come by again for their signature old fashioned before the final say on this spot.
Update: came back a few more times, definitely on my regular spot for a pick me up at the end of a long week.
Update: came back a few more times, definitely on my regular spot for a pick me up at the end of a long week.
One of my favorite bars in the Rittenhouse area in Philly, very cozy chilled vibes, more of that speakeasy feel. Ordered some food along with the drinks to keep that balance 😂If you get there early enough you can score some of the good seats with the library books backdrop.
This is one of my favorite high-end bars in Philadelphia. The atmosphere is dark and intimate. The menu is light and curated. The service is excellent. The drinks are great as well -- I particularly stick to the whisky based recipes. There is room for improvement though. I'd expect an Old Fashioned that costs over $20 to come with one solid, clear cube of ice -- not bar ice. I'd also like it if the glasses were chilled. Those are the fine details that make the premium price tag for a cocktail well worth it.
Still, this is a reliable bar to have a nice nightcap -- whether you're on a date, with friends or family, or just want to drop in for a drink and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Still, this is a reliable bar to have a nice nightcap -- whether you're on a date, with friends or family, or just want to drop in for a drink and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Great place! Ambiance is as close to perfect as you can get. This is a perfect location for meeting friends with a really nice cocktail in your hand or for sitting quietly and enjoying a book with a really nice cocktail in your hand. In fact, it's the first place I've ever felt comfortable just sitting quietly and reading a book by myself, and the cocktails were delicious. The bartenders are pleasant and accommodating. It's expensive (I forgot how expensive it was. I spent $30 on one drink. It was absolutely delicious though!), but the whole experience is worth it. Can't wait to go back!
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