Where are The Best Halloween Bars in Philadelphia?

PENNSYLVANIA - Philadelphia goes all-out for Halloween, and the city's bar scene is no exception. The city is packed with incredibly creative, immersive, and spooky spots to grab a festive drink. If you're looking for the best Halloween vibes—from over-the-top decor to a cozy, gothic atmosphere—here are the must-visit Halloween bars in Philadelphia.

Philly's Best Halloween Bars: Where to Get Spooky Sips This Season

1. Craftsman Row Saloon

The Vibe: An over-the-top, immersive movie-lover's dream. Where: 112 S. 8th St, Jeweler's Row

Craftsman Row Saloon has become a powerhouse of holiday pop-ups, and its Halloween transformation is among the most detailed in the city. This year's theme is the "Nightmare Before Christmas: Spooktacular Movie Mash." The entire restaurant is decked out from floor to ceiling with decor blending Nightmare Before Christmas with other horror classics.

Expect to see a 20-foot Beetlejuice sandworm over the bar, hundreds of floating witches' hats, and nods to Scream, Halloweentown, and The Addams Family. The menu is just as festive, with themed cocktails (like the "Blood Bag") and their legendary, over-the-top milkshakes (like the "Graveyard" shake, complete with a brownie tombstone).

2. McGillin's Olde Ale House

The Vibe: The cozy, classic, and festive harvest celebration. Where: 1310 Drury St, Midtown Village

If "haunted house" isn't your vibe but you still want to celebrate the season, McGillin's is the perfect spot. Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern doesn't do "spooky," it does "festive." The entire historic bar is decorated with hundreds of pumpkins, fall leaves, and orange lights. It's less "haunted" and more "cozy harvest festival," making it the ideal place to grab a pumpkin beer and a warm meal.

3. The Raven Lounge

The Vibe: The year-round gothic literary haunt. Where: 1718 Sansom St, Rittenhouse Square

For those who believe Halloween is a year-round state of mind, The Raven Lounge is your home base. Named for Philadelphia's one-time resident, Edgar Allan Poe, this bar is permanently dark, gothic, and literary-themed. It’s the perfect spot for a "grown-up" Halloween, where you can sip a well-made cocktail in a spooky-yet-sophisticated environment without the pop-up crowds.

4. Halloween Bar Crawls (City-Wide)

The Vibe: A massive, high-energy costume party. Where: Center City & Manayunk

This weekend (October 24-25) and next (Halloween weekend), the entire city becomes a Halloween party. The "Nightmare on Main Street" in Manayunk and the various Center City "Trick or Drink" crawls see thousands of costumed revelers taking over dozens of bars. If your idea of a Halloween bar is less about the decor and more about a massive party with everyone in costume, joining a crawl is your best bet.