The Upstairs Bar

Comments about The Upstairs Bar

ssieburth

December 17, 2019, 8:33 AM

True! This sole representation of an active Tiki bar has been changed and is no longer a Tiki bar. The downstairs Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company remains an excellent speakeasy with the occasional Polynesian beverage.

TikiBird224

TikiBird224 is a semi-regular at The Upstairs Bar.

July 14, 2019, 6:19 PM

Bad news: As of July 2019, this bar changed its menu and decor and is now a tequila and mezcal bar.

The Nerdy Monkey

The Nerdy Monkey has visited The Upstairs Bar.

July 1, 2019, 9:33 PM

Unfortunately due to people stealing mugs, and killing their overhead, this place will be closing soon :(
Sad that some people can’t act like adults and have killed someone’s dream and business.

Magicscientist

Magicscientist has visited The Upstairs Bar.

December 4, 2018, 10:50 PM

I wasn’t impressed at all. It felt very clubby, the patrons were not typical tiki people, and the drinks were nothing to write home about. We had one drink and then got out of there. The bartender serving us was nice though :)

JRCX

JRCX has visited The Upstairs Bar.

September 15, 2018, 7:34 PM

This place was really cool. They are really doing it right here. However, they don't serve food so definitely eat first. Also, they are playing Alt 90s music which does not fit the mood. It does not always need to be surf/hawaiian music but thank goodness it was not 80s music. Very reasonable prices for the drinks considering, friendly knowledgeable staff as well.

The Nerdy Monkey

The Nerdy Monkey has visited The Upstairs Bar.

August 18, 2018, 6:46 PM

This place was a more “conservative” tiki, it wasn’t over the top tiki we all know and love. But the place was still really nice, clean and the bartenders really cared and talked to you like an old friend. The drinks were strong, were good and served in awesome tiki glassware. We took a few home of course lol $10 a piece wasn’t half bad either for the mugs. I would definitely still recommend this place if you’re in the area. I look forward to visiting again.

C-Monkey

C-Monkey has visited The Upstairs Bar.

May 23, 2018, 1:17 PM

Nice little place! I visited while on a business trip to Philly, and it was a quiet weeknight, so I can't speak to what it's normally like. But, when I was there it was dark, inviting, and pleasantly quiet. The service was friendly, and the drinks (of which there was a good selection) were definitely above average. In particular, the Zombie was excellent, and they also had a few interesting house takes on the classic tiki drink. And, while the place is pretty small, they did a nice job with the decor, which is nicely tikified. The only significant hit I give this place is the music. They were playing 80s rock, which I like, but which clashes with everything else about this place.

Angelina Sofia

Angelina Sofia is a semi-regular at The Upstairs Bar.

April 28, 2018, 9:37 AM

This place is a gem. It's got a dark, but welcoming vibe. You are immediately greeted by bartenders who treat you like an old friend, even if it's your first time. They truly care about what they do, and there's all kinds of cocktail science put into their drinks. It's a little pricey but the drinks are super strong so you get your money's worth. People circulate in & out so sometimes it's empty and sometimes it's packed. The music is usually pretty good (last night was more dancehall/reggae for a special event but it was still better than Top 40). The only downside is that it's in a very yuppie area of Philly, so there are a lot of "basics". The bar downstairs is more mainstream and more crowded, so sometimes the overflow comes upstairs. BUT, no one is ever problematic or ruins my good time.

fun4robots

fun4robots has visited The Upstairs Bar.

March 10, 2018, 3:47 PM

I've read a lot of the reviews saying the music here was a lot of loud rap/trap but we arrived just as Upstairs Bar opened and it was all exotica. Maybe it's a late night thing? The drinks were tasty and strong and the bartenders were knowledgeable and fun. All syrups and juices are house made. Definitely has a "Philly" vibe, which is great.

ChicagoTiki

ChicagoTiki has visited The Upstairs Bar.

September 7, 2017, 9:30 PM

We checked this spot out before heading to Wildwood. The volume was really loud between a large group and pounding rap music, which didn't create much atmosphere. The decor is ok, but not much. The drinks were good, but the service was in the weeds. The bartender proceeded to have enough shots to knock over someone's drink, topple a bottle, and break a big glass skull mug. Another bartender was in on his night off and jumped in to help. What we saw of him looked much better. Obviously didn't catch them on their best night.

Regulars and Visitors of The Upstairs Bar

Semi-Regulars

People who go to The Upstairs Bar at least a few times a year.

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  exquisitecorpse
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  funkentelechy
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  Cannibal Ehd
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  Bamboozler
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  Angelina Sofia
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  Jayy Beach
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  peggy_pineapple
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  RikiRude
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  TikiBird224

Visitors

People who have been to The Upstairs Bar at least once.

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  JRCX
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  bongoboy
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  Tiki-D
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  chansuck
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  Lindsaylou13
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  Trader Trace
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  Riddick
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  Lknatcal
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  rigormorty
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  C-Monkey
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  ChicagoTiki
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  fun4robots
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  Raqi
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  Evie Apple
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  timeinhell
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  VintageVixen
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  Kahiki Guy
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  joshuamathias
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  turbogod
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  Witty_Pseudonym
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  Skycam
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  Ogopogotiki
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  Shaker of Rum
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  bowlofpretzels
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  Leadlash
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  felescotidie
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  The Mortal Remains
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  Yacaboo
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  brucelightyear
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  Graydon
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  The Nerdy Monkey
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  JustMonkeyingAround
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  Famine
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  jshazar
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  Magicscientist
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  Bonnegan