The Library Bar At The Rittenhouse

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.

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.

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.

One of my favorite bars in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood; it has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that feels more speakeasy-like. To maintain that balance, I ordered some food along with the beverages. You may be able to secure some of the desirable seats with the backdrop of the library volumes if you arrive early enough.

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!

Overall, really cool spot for a date or just to unwind with some pretty damn good drinks. I overall enjoy the atmosphere and how the bar spawls into the hallway. It can feel intimate even with a bunch of other people hanging out. The live music is also really good. I really liked the experience overall. Just fair warning, it is extremely--perhaps prohibitively--expensive.