Stir is a great little hole in the wall located in downtown Philadelphia. Very unassuming, located in an ally this makes me think of what older queer spaces where like. A small hole in the wall that was and is a safe space for those of us that needed it. Stir is not a large space, the first room has a bar located in the center with seating all around. A very short ramp to the backroom has gender neutral washrooms, some more seating and a back bar. The night I was there, it appears to be a chill space to have an intimate conversation with a friend or stranger. read more

Stir - a sign that reads please don't flush the following feminine hygiene products old cell phones, goldfish or your hopes & dreams - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Love getting a grey goose cosmopolitan from stir lounge. Bartenders are nice and make sure you're good w drinks and water. read more

Stir - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

BEWARE OF SHADY PRICING ON THE DRINKS! While visiting Philly we dropped in based on the good reviews during what was posted on the sign outside as Happy Hour. There were two sets of couples at the bar. They all knew each other, and the bartender. I ordered a well drink as well drinks are usually best priced during HH, and chatted up the bartender for a few minutes before he went back to his buddies at the other end. I put a 20 down on the bar to let him know we were ready to pay and leave. He grabbed my 20, turned to the register and said "that'll be $20".... FOR ONE COCKTAIL DURING HAPPY HOUR? WTF??? I am quite sure I paid for his buddy's drinks... SO, be sure to ASK UP FRONT what the pricing is, and also there is a sign stating that if you leave your CC open at the bar they charge 18% extra. Better yet, go elsewhere. read more

Always friendly service and STRONG drinks! Conveniently located next Rittenhouse Square. read more

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I came on a Friday night...relatively empty..had 2 drinks.. it's a decent upgraded hole in the wall... love the aesthetic, and the entrance right off of Alley, but I got interesting vibes from the bartender(pictured). Can't call it, maybe he was having a rough night. It was a security guard that was very welcoming, talkative and super cool ! I will definitely come back and try it again, but I would like to see the bartender that seems a little more friendly. read more

Stir - Wine - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Stir Lounge is a pretty cool lesbian-owned, gay-friendly bar that's super welcoming. I went twice, and my experience was very pleasant. Stacey, the owner, is nice, friendly, and very accommodating. All the bartenders and the coatcheck young lady were all kind as well as helpful too. At the moment, Stir offers Happy Hour every day between 5p-7p with $1 off drinks. Even though they do not currently offer any food, the drinks are good, affordable and have a decent amount of alcohol. I had a few cosmopolitans. The bar is clean and has a really nice vibe if you go solo or with a group of people! read more

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We came here for a drink on Sunday night after I read other reviews. We were the only ones in the bar, and the bartender was very sweet and helpful. I just had a white claw but the atmosphere was great. read more

Stir - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I really wanted to like this divey gay bar. I came in because my hotel was a few blocks away. And like many gay bars these days, the only thing that distinguished it from a generic sport bar was the rainbow corporate swag from brands like Stoli. There was even a really loud, drunken hostile straight dude (brought by his gay buddy) with a giant eagles pendant howling whenever he was addressed. But of course, one can't always help the clientele. I was encouraged, against my better judgement to get an old fashioned because the bartender claimed he was an expert and even had a tattoo of the drink. It was headache fuel in a cup- him adding maraschino cherry juice and soda water should have been a giant red flag. The final insult was $28 for that and a beer with tip. And all after the bartender told me it was "dangerous" not to just "give in" to sports fanaticism all around me. Yikes! I can see why I was the only non cis- dude most of the night. Not a welcoming spot. read more

Always feel like family here. The owner, Carlos, and most of the bar staff are stellar!!

Stopped in with three friends. One had enough alcohol so he ordered ginger ale. We all had mixed drinks. The bartender charged us $7.00 for a ginger ale. $4.00 would have been reasonable. Come on, that is extremely high considering we left UBar and a friend that was with four of us doesn't drink ordered a diet coke and the bartender didn't charge for it because all of us were drinking. I used to recommend Stir for its tucked away atmosphere button now. Even their mixed drinks were slightly higher than in the gayborhood. read more

I loved the service here. Eleanor at the front desk was amazing. So helpful and kind 10/10

I just want to give a warning to both MALE and FEMALE patrons of this bar. Keep an eye on your drink! I really dont feel like elaborating but I've had 3 suspicious nights at this bar involving my mind state after consuming the beverages. Please be wary I'm talking to YOU! read more

Small but quaint spot in Philly however it took forever to find because Waze had us all over the place. We sat at bar and watched the World Series. We thought they had pool tables or other games but it's a local bar with a bartender. Cute but probably won't go back. read more

One of my favorite spots to grab a drink, the staff is the best especially Stacy!!!!!

Love this place. When I first came out it was a chill place to relax. Nice queer dive bar. The drinks were good. I think. I mean I prefer cannabis. But they serve you quickly. Even when it's busy. Out the closet I had my first date here. Would've went better if it wasn't hot af that day cuz my makeup was ruined lol read more

Stopped in for an after dinner cocktail and Had a pear tini. Wow was that delicious!!! Terry the bartender introduced himself and then remembered me and remembered I was from NJ. So nice to go to a bar and feel welcome and have a delicious drink! 10 out of 10 !!!! read more

Sunday night. I literally feel like I brought hella boys. Bartender could give no fucks

Great atmosphere always have a good time meeting someone new great girl hangout.friendly good time place .

This place has potential to be a lot of fun on the right night. Semi hidden down a short alley you walk into the square bar area with fun 80s, 90s, and 2000s music playing. The husband and I both had citywides and enjoyed watching the weird but entertaining and captivating (I couldn't look away) slow motion videos on TV. The bartender was great and told us many of those videos were made by other bartenders. He was very friendly and we felt at ease here. A huge but empty dancefloor in the back was waiting for crowds. The crowd didn't show on this night (we were there at 10pm) so we were one and done, but hope to return to this fun spot in the future. We were on a self directed bar hop around the neighborhood and wanted to hit a few more places, or we would have stayed longer to chat and be transfixed by the bar videos. read more

Stir - Citywide! - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We really enjoyed the vibe of this place. Our bartenders were friendly, drinks were strong, prices very affordable. Really don't have any complaints. Wonderful neighborhood gay bar that's outside of the main "gayborhood." It would easily be a choice for a nightcap during a future stay in the Rittenhouse Square area. read more

Be warned! 4 people I know personally at several times have been drugged at this bar. Do not leave anything unattended clearly it's someone who works there. Two woke up in a hospital the next day. Do not recommend this place at all! read more

Walked by on Halloween and saw it had just reopened. It was so much fun! Glad Stir is back. read more

Stir - a couple of chalkboards on a brick wall - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Visited Stir for the first game of the World Series. I am having the best time. The bartender is very attentive and makes a perfect vodka and tonic. This is my first time here and I was a little apprehensive about coming but it was perfect. The bouncer was very welcoming. That set the tone for a fantastic experience. I'm new to Philly so this will be my go to in the future. Cheers. read more

This is a really cool bar in a smaller, closed off street. When my friend and I walked here, we thought we were coming through the back entrance. It's a very small space with two small rooms. We came here a bit early, so the second room which is a dance floor, was pretty empty. Paid $10 for a well. Would really like to see this place when people are packing in, but it had a really nice casual feel before 9pm. read more

Stir - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We recently erroneously arrived to an event almost an hour early (thanks Brian T), and we needed to find a place for a cocktail. We were in Rittenhouse but I did not want to sit at some fancy shmancy bar. Yelp steered us to this place although I didn't expect to walk down some weird side street to get there. It is a very small bar but we loved it! Drinks were stiff, yet well made. I am pretty sure I was a little tipsy off of my one drink. My husband and I were laughing a lot at the artsy gay programming and we were having a good time. We didn't stay long but consider a must stop when in the neighborhood next time. read more

I've been coming to this place for a year now and all you can ask for is, to not have to look at your phone all night, awkward conversation and weird bartenders. EMILIA is amazing and so are all the other bartenders. She makes the perfect cocktail and you should ask for her when you come! However the place is perfectly placed and is an amazing vibe. I work around the corner and I can come here on a Tuesday. This is one of your best bets. read more

Please Read I am in complete shock...I came to this bar on a Friday night and was kicked out. At 26 years old and living in Philly for 8 years I never even came close to being kicked out of a bar. Me and two guy friends came in to meet up with some friends around midnight and asked for a water!! The bartender refused us a water and said we had enough. I told him I was fine and asked again if I could please have a water. He said no and had a bouncer escort us out. This was all over a 15 minute time span. I will never return to this bar, and this is my only Yelp review I've ever left so please read this. read more

This is without a doubt one of the best pieces of food I've ever tried! The tilefish was perfect, the corn soup was amazing and dessert was even better. The decor is warm and inviting as well as the wait staff, who provide awesome service. Has to be one the best restaurants in town. read more

Stir wins for being my favorite overall bar in Rittenhouse, not to mention my favorite gay bar in all of Philly. The crowd is always relatively mixed, but the gay men typically outdo the everything else category. Men, women, gay, straight, bi...they're all there though, so don't worry. Located in an alley coated with restaurant kitchen grease, you'd probably not expect much, but prepare to be impressed, the interior is swank, clean, and respectable. For those of you on the prowl, who think Woody's/Bump/Pure/Sisters is too obvious, check out Stir. Chances are there's someone there just like you who's classier, more city savvy, and less cheesy than the rest of them. I can't promise you won't find the meth-heads gunning for a hotel room orgy, but I can say that by taking the Stir detour, you're on the road less traveled and Robert Frost would be proud. read more

Best place in Philly to get a stiff one. Seriously, super strong but well made cocktails, bartenders are efficient, and the happy hour is never usually crowded. a great place to start up an evening out, lubricate the wheels after a long work day. If you are going to let sexual orientation, affect your ability to get a potent drink at a good price in rittenhouse, you better rethink your priorities Son.* *I never use "Son" and promise to not to again, it just seemed appropriate. read more

A little off-the-beaten-path both for Rittenhouse and for The Gayborhood lies a secret little bar of all things wonderful, it's name is Stir. If you can manage to find it tucked behind the storefronts of Walnut Street and through the back alley of Chancellor you will find a lovely gay bar filled with the strong cocktailed comforts of places like Knock, Woodys, and Tavern but on a far more subdued scale. Sure, the guys are all checking their iPhones feverishly to see who is surfing the Grindr app and sure the bartenders are prettier than even the girliest of girls in the bar, but it is definitely a mixed crowd, not in the least pretentious, and has never managed to feel overcrowded, three qualities hard to find in Rittenhouse. Thursday nights boast a throwback special to the college years with $1 well cocktails from 9-11, worth partaking in once or twice if you want to remind yourself why you now drink top shelf. The music selection was the standard gay bar playlist ranging from old school Whitney and Madge to the Gaga, my only minor complaint was the volume level to patron ratio...too loud to even have a conversation with those within an arms reach. Conveniently located just a hop and a skip from Little Pete's, this is quite possibly the new "closer" in the gay bar hop rotation....check it out, if you can find it. read more

After reading Stephen H's ROTD for Stir last week, I checked out the other reviews and realized I needed to get in on the action as soon as possible. Little did I know how soon I'd be partaking - just days later I found myself walking down Chancellor with a bevy of yelp buds. For some reason, what I pictured Stir to look like and what it actually looked like were two very different things. I had imagined a wall of dark brick and a long chestnut bar with little space to maneuver. What I got was a square bar in the center of a cozy room, plus another bar with more space in the back, and very tasteful décor all around. Added to that was a 'tender who knew how to make a martini just as well as he made every one of us Stir newbs feel welcome. Thanks to Sue for letting me tickle her pickle. I quite liked it, actually. read more

If you can brave a swathe of Chancellor Street frequented by the homeless and (worse) Rittenhouse waitstaff , then you should skip over the rats at murky puddles to Stir. Pure Heaven. There's no giggling gaggle of Gays. The drama remains in Hell, where it belongs. The men are a diverse crew and the bartenders are handsome and competent. And the specials makes my cold drunken heart sing. Imagine a very gay troll who found a crack infested cave in Chancellor street. Appalled and itching for a fashionable home, he eats all the maddened crack heads and makes his gay, troll-like grotto. The place is dark and cave-like, yes, but the decor is fun, tasteful and promotes a quiet feel at Stir. And I have never been to a gay bar in Philly where a guy was promoting an event ( poker night) while not using an unctuous, sex-slathered tone that makes him sound lobotomized. This place is highly recommended, if for an alternative to the Gayborhood. read more

Cute little down the alley bar. Stiff drinks and good bartender with 90's videos. We left when they changed to EDM videos. Seems like they have regulars and daily specials. It's away from the other gay bars and right across from Rittenhouse Square. In town for the weekend and this was close to where we were staying. read more

I'm glad I gave Stir another try before reviewing. I first went to Stir on a Saturday night, and I must have been surrounded by a special party, or something, because it seemed to be an establishment geared towards older individuals. My friends and I had a great time, but we left thinking - ok, well, that was fun, but let's not go back for another 25 years or so. In 25 years, it will be just the place. But then I was talking about Stir with a friend and learned that she had a completely different experience. We decided to go back and give it another look. So, it turns out, that Saturday must have been a special night, because when I went back (on a Tuesday) the crowd was much younger. That said, on both occasions I was very pleased by the seemingly even distribution of men and women, a true gay AND lesbian bar, and to see a variety of ages together. Now about the drinks: they're different, which is fun. At happy hour ($2 off!) I tried something called The Sticky Fingers, which tasted like both Christmas and an appletini at the same time so naturally I was pleased. I ended up getting The Sticky Fingers because when I asked the bartender for The Angry Beaver, he told me I wouldn't like it. I asked him why, he said it's nasty and nobody likes it. So I ordered The Sticky Fingers instead. Hmmmm. If no one likes it then why is it on the menu? Lastly, there were some half naked men making out on the big televisions. Lovely really, but did they have to be on both televisions? The other one could have used something for the ladies. read more

Stir is a hidden gem. It's tucked down an alley, so when you approach you can pretend that you're a spy heading to a clandestine meeting with another secret agent, or sneaking into a top secret fortress. It really is just set up so well! There's a rectangular bar in the middle, around which is plenty of seating and ample space to move behind people even when they're seated without smacking them in the back of the head with your purse, which is pretty important. It's dark so it feels intimate and mysterious, but welcoming at the same time. Then there's another bar in the back that is sometimes open, and a dance floor area. The drinks are strong, the people are friendly, and I highly recommend it! read more

My friend and I wanted to explore the gayborhoods. After an awkward day the night before, we somehow stumbled here. The bartender, Kevin, was awesome! He made us feel completely welcomed. (We are both from Cali and have no idea what goes on around here.) He told us about all the cool places in the area and even gave us a free shot. Nice! Drinks had a decent amount of alcohol, so my friend was very tipsy after one drink. Reasonably priced too. $5 you-call-its. We will definitely wander back here again. read more

The other night was my first visit to Stir. At first I thought we were being taken to a dark alley to be murdered because of its weird location, but then saw that the place actually exists. It's like some secret, little tiny hole in the wall bar with friendly bartenders and a cool crowd. I never felt intimidated or out of place because I'm straight, and had a great time. At one point, the money my friend and I had put on the bar for drinks disappeared (another friend had moved it over) and the bartender pretty much said don't worry about it. How cool is that? Of course as soon as the money was recovered we paid him and left him a good tip. The drinks are really good; my gin and tonic was dynamite. At the close of the evening, a friend of a friend (who was pretty drunk and will remain nameless) accused me and my friend of taking his money on the bar, and he went so far as to say the "big one" did it, meaning me because I'm taller! I have never been called a "big one" in my life and was shocked, but everyone thought it was hysterical and I later laughed it off too. Not that this has any reflection on Stir, I just thought it was a funny side note. The interior is tight but clean looking and the television switched back and forth between male models on a runway and big bootied women stripping on a pole. So there really is something for everyone! read more

I love this place, the staff and vibe. One of Philly's hidden gems! Everyone who goes here is down to earth as well. I've been coming here for over a decade. I highly recommend checking Stir out. read more

So. OK. I really wanted to love this place. For one, it's the closest gay establishment to my house. Beyond that, well, there just needed to be more options. But there's just something about it that, I don't know, fucks with my chi? I've been there a few times. It's too bright. When it gets crowded, I hate the set up--there's just no way to not feel like you're in someone's/everyone's way. The decor is really nice, and the bathrooms are cool, and so on. I actually really like the decor. I think it's just too difficult to navigate. There isn't much space to sit comfortably at the front bar with people walking in and out, and sitting at the back bar is just not really possible. The bartenders are nice (HOT) and the music is alright. I don't know. It's just average. If it weren't a gay bar, I'd never go back. And I give them credit for putting so much effort into it. Drinks are average price. read more