I wish Jen and I had shown up in matching flapper dresses because Sassafras feels like stepping straight into the 1920s. Huge bar, giant wall of liquor bottles, dim lighting, and a cool old-school vibe. I told the bartender that ordering a beer in a place like this felt like I was insulting him. He laughed and told me not to worry about it. The drink special was called "Naked and Famous," which honestly sounded like the perfect cocktail to order in honor of Jen. But then I spotted a dark beer on the menu that sounded too good to pass up. If you follow me, you know I'm slowly becoming a dark beer guy. I liked it a lot. The sandwich special was a cheesesteak. Sorry, I should've taken a picture of the menu. But I really enjoyed it, and for $18 it came with a mountain of seasoned fries, which feels like a bargain these days. Bomb Shell: the two people working absolutely crushed it. I don't know if they were understaffed or if Monday night got busier than expected, but they were working their tails off the entire time. Even with that, they stayed polite, friendly, helpful, and incredibly accommodating to the guy carrying around a mannequin. Great visit to Sassafras! read more

I had wanted to come here for sooo long and I should have gone sooner! Sassafras bar is soooo good! Since it was Valentine's Day we had about a 10 min wait to get seats at the bar - not bad. We both ordered a special cocktail - pornstar martini - and wowwwww it was so good. We didn't have time to stay for more unfortunately but I can't wait to go back. Great ambiance and our bartender was awesome. read more

Sassafras Bar - Pornstar martini - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cozy. Classic. Came with wifey before dinner and was pleasantly surprised. Our server Nick was polished and helpful and attentive and appreciated. Drinks, a Sazerac and Pomegranate Martini were perfect. Will be back read more

Sassafras Bar - Sazerac - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Sassafras is housed in a historic building from 1870, full of vintage charm. We visited two years ago for drinks and decided to return for a meal. Our bartender, who also served as our waiter, was excellent and made sure we were well taken care of. The pomegranate martini was perfectly balanced and refreshing. The chicken sandwich was packed with flavor, served on a soft roll with slaw, and easily the best dish. The brisket sliders were tender with smoky BBQ sauce, though the portion felt small with only two. The fries were a highlight, perfectly seasoned with herbs and absolutely addictive. Sassafras is a great spot for a cozy meal or drinks. read more

See all

Great spot for creative and/or classic cocktails. The drink menu has so many options no matter what liquor you are looking to have. Food is also very good-I recommend the burger! read more

Sassafras Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What a gem of a cocktail bar. Fantastic ambience with a gorgeous bar and walls in a beautiful tile. Amazing assortment of classic cocktails with great service. Had both a gin fizz and the Sassafras gin gimlet - Amazing! And the double smash burger with tots. Great little space to take a break for the sightseeing of Old Town. read more

See all

Nice bar, friendly service. We came right when they opened and they quickly filled up. Pretty extensive cocktail menu, plenty of options for each liquor of choice. I got the lavender champagne which is what it sounds like, champagne with some lavender flavor and blueberries. It was good, the lavender was subtle. read more

Sassafras Bar - Lavender champagne - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Love sassafras bar! I don't know why I don't go here more often as they have great cocktail and food menu and friendly staff. My friend and I met up for a drink and decided to get their whiskey fries and olives. We devoured them! As for our choice of cocktails, we got the Paloma and Saint Rick and they were perfect! It's a small neighborhood bar in old city neighborhood and offers a great ambiance. read more

Sassafras Bar - Whiskey fries - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Usually I struggle to finish a meal at most places but holy cow, there was no way I couldn't not devour my whole double smash burger. Juicy, saucy, and just overall yummy. My counterpart got the Sassafras Burger and although they would never admit it (out loud) the sentiment stands. It's a pretty small bar in a historic building and some fun things to look at all around. Service was amazing and accommodating seeing as they were willing and able to make a mocktail for us when asked. Really makes me wish this were my local spot. read more

Sassafras Bar - Looking towards the front from the back corner - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Generally great cocktails and decent pub food. Smoking bishop (mulled wine) cocktail was fantastic. The anise in it was a very nice touch, lending a sweet, slightly spicy licorice note to the drink. Summer in Manhattan (whiskey) was strong and good. Penicillin (scotch) was rather too sweet but good for those who like sweet drinks. Tavern grilled cheese sandwich was light and rather plain; I appreciated the tomato in it, which helped add a more contrasting flavor and texture to it. The accompanying fries were nicely crispy, and the roasted garlic aioli was really good, thick and creamy. The homemade ketchup was also great--slightly sweet and addictively salty. It was a busy Thursday night, and we sat at the bar. Service was great and quick. read more

Awesome drinks made by real bartenders that take great pride in their craft. Classic speakeasy or old time craft cocktail bar. read more

Stopped here for drinks before dinner and it had an amazing atmosphere! It has a dark ambiance and is great place to chat with your girls without having to scream over loud music. The drinks were well made! They have a selection of cocktails based on what type of alcohol you like. read more

Sassafras Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pleasant atmosphere. Very good drinks. Looks like it was once a row house, as it is only maybe 20 feet wide. Seating is tight on the first floor and a little better upstairs. The band made it pretty loud downstairs. Upstairs it looks like they have added some sound absorption, which made it better. Nice place to go for drinks and music. read more

Cute space, but a very frustrating experience. As first time guests we knew there were no reservations so we went straight to the bartender, we were sent upstairs without being told it was a separate establishment with no food menu, despite it being 6pm and clearly dinnertime. No one asked if we intended to eat, and we only found out after being seated and ordering drinks. Upstairs staff was fine; downstairs staff was dismissive. This felt like a basic communication failure that could've been easily avoided. Disappointing overall. read more

Tiny cozy jazz bar with fancy cocktails! Dim lighting which adds to the vibe. Only stayed for one drink before a dinner res but would go back! read more

Sassafras Bar - Small table in the back - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We attempted to eat here for a late night meal after arriving in Philadelphia. The place was packed, which seemed like a good thing. I chose the place based off the website menu and the menu on Yelp. Those are both wrong. We ended up not eating here because the food was not what we expected. Be aware that the menus online are wrong and have not been updated in years, per the bartender. Staff wasn't entirely friendly. I will attribute it to being busy and loud. It was another deciding factor in leaving read more

This place has an old world vibe that feels mostly authentic. The wood and stone on the bar alone are worth the trip. Bartenders in vests and bow ties -- old school. How are the drinks you say? Kept us there for a couple of hours on a chilly day. Negroni, martini, espresso martini, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. I didn't even know Oaxaca had an old fashioned but the chocolate note was refreshing and not too sweet. The bartenders have a lot of knowledge, so feel free to delve beyond the drink menu. Or -- order a Paloma or French 75 if you want good but boring. Tater tots great too! (But those are hard to screw up). read more

Sassafras Bar - Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lovely cocktail bar in old city. Jazzy, old timey vibes. Come here for a relaxing night with vintage tv, good service and great food. Highly recommend the portobello sandwich and loaded tater tots. If I wasn't so hungry, I'd have pictures to share. Until next time! read more

Amazing! Such a cool vibe with top notch cocktail menu. Bartender made the best Hemingway Daiquiri ever!!! Excellent Service...Can't wait to go back. read more

Sassafras Bar - Hemingway Daiquiri - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perfect spot for a night out with a touch of old-school charm. The moody ambiance and speakeasy vibes really set the tone for a unique and intimate experience. The dim lighting, cozy atmosphere, and vintage decor make it feel like you're stepping back in time. We ordered an Old Fashioned, and it was fantastic. What really stood out was when I ordered a spicy margarita, the bartender asked how spicy I liked it, which was such a thoughtful touch. When the drink came out, it was perfectly spicy - just the right kick to it. I loved it! The bar staff were super friendly and welcoming, which added to the great experience. If you're looking for a spot with great drinks, a chill vibe, and excellent service, Sassafras Bar is a must-visit. read more

Good service we had a soup of the day excellence. Were there in the afternoon and it was only a couple people at the bar and ourselves and we enjoy talking to the barman and the server very congenial place. read more

The ambiance is a step back in time! Food is delicious and the service is spot on. Worth stopping in when in Philly.

Everything at sassafras is insane; from the drinks to the food to the service to the vibes. It's cute and small and delicious. They bartenders were attentive and kind. The food was soooo yummy and the drinks were strong. Highly recommend. read more

Tasty cocktails. We visited Sassafras Bar on a Thursday night, and it was busy but there were tables available. The bar is dimly lit with genuine candles crackling merrily at each table. I tried the ambibulous and the sazerac. Both cocktails were tasty although the sazerac was a bit sweeter than I prefer. Overall, I had a nice time at Sassafras Bar and would highly recommend them for cocktails in Old City Philadelphia. read more

Sassafras is an Old City establishment that embodies the "know who you are and execute flawlessly" motto. Something magical in the air here, and not just in the sexy bathroom! Walk in to a swanky yet still laid back atmosphere and crack open their menu, which is lovingly designed and clearly presented. I saw PALOMA in big bold face type and said "'nuff said." The ambient lighting and jazz guitar were the cherry on top of a great experience. I was there on a Sunday evening and it wasn't overly crowded. I didn't try any of the food items but the menu looks great. My paloma was spicy (big claps for the jalapeno infused simple) and bold. Serve staff and bartenders are fantastic, and I look forward to making this a regular stop any time I find myself in the neighborhood. read more

Sassafras Bar - Ladies room is - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Horrible horrible bartender last night - rude and just uncalled for - said I yelled at him after I said "excuse me" when trying to get our check (he was about 3 feed from me) - I asked my friend did I yell she said no way- this was after a night of horrible service - not only did he act like it was a big deal to ask for a food menu (after he just took it away from my friend) but we were still eating the french fries and he came and just took everything away from us not even asking if we were done - after he accused me of yelling at him he actually just tossed the electronic check towards us. When we paid the bill I told him I was not yelling - but anyone who has been at Sass knows when it is crowded that the acoustics are those that sometimes one has to use a higher voice even to speak to someone next to them (not complaining at all about that) so the bartender should have realized that was what was happening and in fact I told him that when we paid our check and also I told him he had no right in yelling at me and it was reflected in his tip. He was so busy trying to impress people with acting like Tom Cruise/Michael Caine in Cocktail that he forgot the basics about bartending - my friend and I were both at times in our lives have been in the service industry and bartending so we realize the pros and cons in dealing with the public - but we were in no way being rude or disrespectful to him - read more

Honestly one of my favorite places to end the evening. The drinks are always phenomenal, and so creative. The bar service is amazing and the 'old timey charm' makes for a great atmosphere. I hadn't been back since pre-covid and was happy that all the comforts of the before times, are still just as strong today. I also want to shout out the hostess and bartenders working last night as several groups of people came in already intoxicated and they refused them service, as they should! Thank you for keeping the space safe and the patrons safe as well. I will continue to keep coming back to Sassafras! read more

Sassafras Bar - Lavender champagne - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lots of fun drinks! There's a whole space upstairs as well! Great bar in old city. Amazing service every time I have been. read more

See all

Yelper Timothy W. of Virginia claims Sassafras doesn't have any food-not even appetizers. I wonder where he actually went? While the place isn't going to win a Michelin star for comestibles, they serve appetizers as well as entrees. Many is the afternoon or evening where I have come and enjoyed good, basic food as well as well crafted drinks, served with panache and good humor. The burger is respectable and filling. If pierogies are ever on the menu, go for them as well. Here's the menu, Timothy W., should you ever deign to return to this allegedly foodless business. By the way, the drink prices are on par with other Center City bars and restaurants. Current Menu Appetizers Cheddar Curds Battered Wisconsin Cheddar Curds, Spicy Ranch Sauce $10 Chips & Dip House Made Onion Cheddar Crisps, Freshly Made Onion Dip $8 Soft Pretzel House Made Bavarian Style Soft Pretzel, Maldon Sea Salt & Everything Seasoning, Maple Dijon Mustard Sauce $4.75 Orange Firecracker Shrimp Chili Pepper Orange Glaze, Sesame Seeds On Radish Sprouts $13 Seasonal Salad Mixed Greens, Carrots, Shaved Red Onion, Fennel, Tomatoes, Sunburst Radish, Citronette Dressing - Add Grilled Chicken $7 - - Add Sirloin Patty $7 - $13.75 Large Bowl Of Fries Roasted Garlic Aioli $7.50 Bowl Of Homemade Tomato Bisque Roasted Tomato, Topped with Boursin $7.50 Irish Sausage Rolls House Made Pork Sausage, Baked in Puff Pastry with HP Sauce $11 Vegetable Spring Roll Vietnamese Style Fried Spring Roll Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce $11 Entrees Sassafras Burger Our Famous Sirloin Blend with Special Burger Dry Rub, Aged Cheddar, Thick Cut Bacon, Lettuce, Herb Roasted Tomatoes, Pickled Red Onion, On Brioche Roll Served with Fries or Salad $17 Pesto Chicken Sandwich Pesto Marinated, Melted Provolone, Romaine, Herb Roasted Tomato & Red Onion On Brioche Roll with Fries or Salad Served with Fries or Salad $16 Tavern Grilled Cheese Boursin, Sharp White Cheddar, Gouda, Fresh Tomato Served with Fries or Salad Add Bacon $3 - Add Cup of Bisque $4 $15 Big BLT Crispy Thick Cut Bacon, Romaine Lettuce, Herb Roasted Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise On Toasted Sourdough, Fries or Salad $16 High Steaks Burger Grilled Sirloin Burger, HP Sauce, Caramelized Onions Sautéed Mushrooms & Blue Cheese, Lettuce Herb Roasted Tomato, Shaved Red Onion On A Brioche Roll, Fries or Salad $17 Famous Fried Chicken Buttermilk-Soaked Chicken Breast Deep Fried Ranch Style Coleslaw, Maple Dijon Lettuce, Roasted Tomatoes, Pickled Onion On Brioche, Fries or Salad $16.50 read more

I don't know if my friend and I were just really hungry or what but the burger was genuinely the best I've ever had. 10/10 so freaking good

One of those places you go and can't stop thinking about. Service was quick and attentive. The vibe was so cute and retro. The drinks were to die for. Would recommend to absolutely anyone and have been. read more

Sassafras Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Stopped in for afternoon drink and snack. Great little spot nice craft cocktail, try the Whiskey Fries you won't regret it. read more

Sassafras Bar - We liked the drink so much we asked for the recipe - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sassafras was recommended to me and I got to give it a try on a weeknight while in Philly. I was told it was a very good cocktail bar and it definitely was. The bartenders mixed very nicely made and well presented cocktail. The music was a mix of jazz and other cool vibing music. They have live jazz so that would cool to see another time. Definitely worth checking out. :) read more

what a cute spot!!! the decor was very festive :) romantic and cozy but very lovely with friends too. a group of 6 boys were seated at the table next to us. i walked in with a friend on wednesday around dinner time. our server said to sit "wherever you're comfortable" which i loved. moscow mule is SO good. it is sweeter and the flavor has more depth than other versions of this drink that i've tried. it uses a vanilla vodka! topped with club soda instead of ginger beer but has ginger press. really lovely. makes me want to try their take on other classics. they have fresh flowers on almost every table and a little candle. there are mirrors everywhere and a fake fireplace with a candle set it in. def come by if you're in the area! read more

See all

We stopped in here after a day of walking around downtown Philly. We walked in right at 5pm when they were opening up on a Wednesday. The decor and atmosphere were very cute and chic! You could tell that this bar has been around for many years! You know that saying if these walls could talk? Well that's definitely the feeling that you get from this bar. We only stopped in for a drink or two so I'm not sure if they even offer any food. The drinks that we chose were very good! I had the French 95 first and that was different but very delicious. I then tried their old fashioned which was also delicious. The only reason why I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because the first bartender we had wasn't very helpful for it being our first time there. Plus the place wasn't crowded at all and he was very nonchalant about everything. The second bartender that came in was very attentive and recommended some drinks to try. He also told us some history about the bar. So that was very appreciated!! Overall I would stop by here again for some drinks if I'm in town. read more

See all

Some of the best cocktails in Philly! They have something for everyone and every drink I've tried in the multiple times I've been here has been amazing. The bartenders can also make a custom drink for you depending on your preferences. The quality is amazing for the price. Can't stress enough how tasty, well balanced, and gorgeous the drinks are from Sassafras! I've also had the pleasure of having some snacks here and I'm a big fan of the cheese curds (the best), fries, and the pretzel is good too. The bar is beautiful with a decent amount of seating (but this is overall a small spot). There are also tables in the back and along the side of the bar area. Whenever I've come with a small group we have been able to find seating, even on Friday or Saturday nights. On week nights, you will probably be able to snag a table for a larger group - I think the most I've been with is 6 people including myself. If you're in the area, don't skip grabbing a cocktail at Sassafras! read more

See all

I honestly didn't really like it. There was a wait, fine, but we had to sit by the door with a constant breeze, also okay that happens. The burger was fine, the fries were cold. The drink we got didn't taste right, and they weren't able to fix it, got the same drink at a dive bar the next week for half the price and 2x as good. My salad was entirely the hard centers of the leaf. The dressing was okay, and the chicken was good. The table was very crowded with plates, drinks, water bottle, candle, flowers, menu, utensils, and there's no where to put your stuff, so don't bring a purse I guess. The table was also super high and I felt like my plate was touching my chin. This place was extremely crowded and I saw about 20 people turned down due to wait time, I'm not sure why because I had an extremely subpar experience. read more

Sassafras Bar - Caesar salad - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I love this place! It's been here forever and I've stopped in here more than a time or two over the years. It has very decent bar food but I love to come here to sit at the bar and order beautiful cocktails. The drinks are always on point and very well done and the place feels like a classy, elegant bar one might see in an old movie. It's a special spot. I hope it continues to last for a long, long time. read more

See all

Ambiance, service, and drinks, oh my! Met a girlfriend for a drink before dinner, and we loved the vibes. After running a few minutes late, I quickly picked a drink, overlooking a spicy ingredient. They not only remade my drink, but could not have been kinder about doing so, and truly made me feel like it was a pleasure to get exactly what I wanted. It was quite dark and the acoustics made it loud; we loved this, but want to acknowledge because I know it's not for everyone. This is low lights, candlelight, fireplace, good drinks, good service vibes! We had a great time and look forward to coming back! read more

Had a hot date at Sassafras Bar this past weekend and it did not disappoint in the slightest. The bar and dining area is intimate so be prepared to possibly wait a bit to be seated. Found a spot at the bar and had the coolest bartender ever. The drink menu is SUPERB. I fell in love with the Lavender Champagne and the bartenders were not light handed on the alcohol which is also pretty nice. The food (apps and entrée) was on point. More so bar food but enough for you to leave on a full stomach. read more

Sassafras Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all