Some years back I was in Paris with this chick who was seeking out the city’s best piano bar. Why was she so intrigued? I’ll never know. But there was the promise of copious drinks, countless Gauloise and assured good times, so I went along. Honestly, I don’t even remember a piano in Paris – except for the Hemingway-era antique number in a certain two-star hotel room on Saint Germain des Près a few years later, on a warm April night with the woman who became my wife shortly thereafter. Either way, as it pans out, where there’s a piano – there’s a good time.
All right, enough nostalgia, get out there and find your own story after visiting one of these Philly versions of the legendary – albeit if seldom frequented – piano bar.
Cascamorto Piano Bar
Since the demise of Jolly’s Piano Bar at Center City’s Latham Hotel, there’s been a void for middle-aged Manhattan and martini swillers who are down with getting their drink on and belting out a few tunes around a baby grand. Fear not. Cascamorto Piano Bar is here to pick up the slack. With an array of spirited piano performers and a MySpace page boasting free cabs to the piano bar and a smoke-friendly environment, Cascamorto may have just found a niche in Philly’s nightlife scene. Cascamorto, 1939 Arch St., Philadelphia, 215.633.0228; www.cascamorto.com
Tavern on Camac
One of the country’s oldest gay and lesbian bars is also one of the city’s oldest piano bars. Sure there’s a dance club upstairs, but every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 6pm, and Tuesday to Thursday from 9pm, the Piano Bar here draws a mixed bag of folks who come for an up-tempo atmosphere of laughs and song that’s a good time for all. Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., Philadelphia, 215.545.0900; www.tavernoncamac.com
Bistro Romano
For years and years, since, like 1970-something, this little Italian restaurant has played to a neighborhood audience as well as those in-the-know who travel in for the romantic environs and welcoming hospitality at this Old World-style Italian favorite. And every Friday and Saturday night the piano bar plays witness to a group of regulars and newbies who make requests and belt it out – every once in a little while. Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St., Philadelphia, 215.925.9888; www.bistroromano.com
Swann Lounge
A baby grand dominates the space at Philadelphia’s most posh place for piano bar fun and games. The view of Logan Square at night – especially when the fountains are in full glory – is alone worth the pricey tab. But factor in service fit for kings, queens, and modern-day robber barons, an amazing selection of vintages, and creature comforts that’ll make you want to move in, isn’t the Swann worth whatever they’re charging you for that Ketel One vodka tonic anyhow? Swann Lounge, One Logan Sq., Philadelphia, 215.963.1500; www.fourseasons.com
AroundPhilly Staff
