Best Live Music Restaurants in University City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Burlington CountyCamdenGloucesterPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Bala CynwydCenter CityCherry HillChestnut HillCity LineDeptford

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

41 restaurants available nearby

1. SkyHigh

4.7

Exceptional(2922)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 61 times today

Philadelphia's SkyHigh restaurant presents a chic and comfortable dining experience specializing in approachable Jean-Georges cuisine. Experience panoramic views and world-class service.

2. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(5040)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 21 times today

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, just off Headhouse Square, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine with an innovative twist and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and house-made pastas. Don't miss the Wine Cellar Experience, a secluded table for two or four guests, rose petal topped table, 5 course Chef Tasting Menu, with limoncellos to finish. Our Wine List has received the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 700 wine selections, including 20 by the glass. Celebrating 37 years on Lombard, we look forward to your arrival.

A photo of Midnight & The Wicked restaurant

3. Midnight & The Wicked

4.4

Awesome(79)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 29 times today

Midnight & The Wicked offers four unique spaces. Experience live music and one-of-a-kind mixology as you lose yourself at the glamor and excitement of the 1920s at Midnight Lounge, The Vault, and The Crimson Theater. Or, Indulge in the forbidden pleasures of a bygone era at The Wicked Nightclub (open Friday & Saturday at 10pm).PERMITTED: Clean jeans, sneakers, non-graphic sweaters.NOT PERMITTED: Sweats, hoodies, sports jerseys, explicit clothing or large graphic t-shirts, crocs, work boots, flip flops, ball caps (Fedoras and other stylish hats are welcome)We hope this update makes it easier for you to enjoy your evenings with us. Thank you for your continued patronage, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! restaurant

4. The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!

4.6

Exceptional(1333)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • South Philly

Booked 18 times today

Prime Rib is a contemporary fine dining restaurant, blending a historic steakhouse and cocktail lounge with distinctive twists. Highly personalized touches include a curated selection of steak knives presented to diners prior to entrees arriving and tableside cocktail creation based on guests’ preferences. White glove service without the white gloves... it’s hip - even a little provocative. The vibe and energy from the lounge is fueled by live vocalists, while the bar and lounge serve crave-worthy cocktails that keeps guests returning to us time and time again.

5. Akwaaba Tea Salon

4.9

Exceptional(79)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • West Philadelphia

Booked 7 times today

Whether you come cute with your girls, make it a date with your mate, visit as a mommy-daughter duo or take time just for you, Akwaaba Tea Salon & Event Space offers 90 minutes of pure indulgence in a sophisticated sanctuary. Here’s where you can take a breath while you take a sip of fine, loose-leaf teas and experience a cultural spin on traditional English High Tea fare. Think deviled eggs with a chunk of Southern-fried chicken instead of egg salad finger sandwiches. And homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding upstage macaroons every time! Oh, and did we mention the live jazz music at our 1 pm Sunday seating?!Akwaaba Tea Salon and Event Space is the latest hospitality experience from Monique Greenwood, the former Essence magazine editor-in-chief who took the lodging industry by storm with the 1995 launch of her award-winning Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns, one of which is in Philadelphia, right down the street from the new tea salon and event space.

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(803)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 62 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

7. The Twisted Tail

4.5

Awesome(1589)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Society Hill

Booked 11 times today

Thank you for choosing The Twisted Tail! High Top tables are only available on the weekends, and are located on the second floor. They are communal style tables, and you will get to enjoy the band after 8:15PM.The Twisted Tail is a bi-level restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring a charcoal-fired grill, a wealth of bourbon selections and the rollicking ambiance of a "juke joint" (or old school Southern music hall). The inventive menu highlights ingredients in their simplest form, flame-broiled over live coals for rich, authentic flavor.Inside a warm, welcoming dining space makes The Twisted Tail South Street’s best place to catch a band - and a bite.

8. Rittenhouse Grill

4.7

Exceptional(4472)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Center City

Booked 20 times today

Rittenhouse Grill is the new name of the long-standing steakhouse operating in the Warwick Hotel since 1997. A neighborhood staple, Rittenhouse Grill features Live Piano and a uniquely elegant atmosphere fit for special occasions.Stepping into Rittenhouse Grill feels like walking into an old-school supper club straight out of the 1940s, there is always live piano, classic cocktails & professional experienced staff to make your nights memorable.

9. Jerry's Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1024)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Northern Liberties

Booked 26 times today

A cozy neighborhood bar with craft beer, specialty cocktails, fine wine and really great food in Philadelphia's northern liberties!

10. Fia Philadelphia

4.4

Awesome(113)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 18 times today

Located in Midtown Village, Libertine is Derek Davis’s contribution to the Philadelphia food scene and celebrates the history and future of our great city. Chic, sophisticated and playful, the indoor dining and bar area with seasonal outdoor seating running along the entire length of the property at Spruce and 13th Streets. The contemporary American menu is planned seasonally around what is available and freshest at the markets and complimented by scratch specialty concoctions, 20 wines by the glass, and a significant handful of local craft beer. “Good Eating, Drinking and Fine Hospitality” is served every night of the week and brunch on the weekends.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
donna
Atlanta •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food and service. Great place for business dinner.
More info
The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!Price: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• South Philly
•
4.6
M
MavenVIP
Philadelphia County •11 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food and service as usual. Always a wonderful and memorable experience.
More info
SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7
B
Bridget
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would! Everything about our experience at Akwaaba was beyond perfect. We were immediately greeted by Joe, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and fun for the entirety of our service. The tea selection is wonderful and there’s definitely something for everyone. The food was absolutely outstanding!! I cannot speak highly enough about how delicious everything was. You can tell the level of thought, detail, and love that goes into every bite. I enjoyed myself immensely and would go again in a heartbeat!
More info
Akwaaba Tea SalonPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• West Philadelphia
•
4.9
M
Mark
Philadelphia County •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food and service were excellent. In addition, there was a piano player who provided a nice musical background
More info
Bistro RomanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Society Hill
•
4.8
M
Melissa
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Lindsay is a rockstar (and very patient with me!). She totally deserves a raise!! If you are looking for a special, unique, gem of a place, where cocktails are rightly elevated and revered, go to Midnight and the Wicked.
More info
Midnight & The WickedPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.4

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