I'd heard all about Stir for a while, and I finally managed to drag myself blocks and blocks west to pay it a visit. Honestly, I wasn't amazed. My favorite parts were the bathrooms and the eclectic videos they had playing on the TVs. The drinks were standard, but not poured with the notoriously heavy hand characteristic of gay bars. We also attracted a lot of stares, maybe because we weren't regulars and given how dead it was, it seemed like everyone there was a regular customer. But I'm glad I've tried and may give it another go with a different group. read more

Checked out Stir last night with my lady friend and really enjoyed it! While all the other bars seemed to have lines wrapped around the block, Stir was refreshingly not-packed. The bartenders were really friendly and drinks were cheap. I like the lights in the back bar area and I could see myself dancing back there if the mood struck me right. I also like the cozy little middle section between the two bars. It was the perfect place to drink cheap drinks and chat. I will definitely go back! read more

I'm happy to write a review for stir. To open with, the owners of the venue are an absolute gem and delight to associate with. It's wonderful to see people who keep a clean environment, are happy about seeing customers happy, and extend themselves in courteous and professional ways. I dj'd my first event here last friday and was thrilled with the staff and their dealings with my party people...no drama, no issues, all good vibes. The service seems to be quick and hassle free. Drinks are original and have fun names (the big prick...ha! classic) There's 2 sections to the environment...the front bar and the back bar, which are seperated by the loungey area and bathrooms. They have a coat check. dj booth is fun. color scheme of the bar/club is really really nice and makes for great party photos. Stir is a place for everyone from my perspective. Even though it is "gay" club, anyone with an open mind and a willingness to have fun will, without question, enjoy themselves and feel quite comfortable and happy about stopping in. Oh, last thing, stir is located on Chancellor street, which looks like nothing more than an alley way, and has NO sign out front, so mapquest it if you're driving....you'll find it, and yes, it's totally safe. read more

Roy, what a sweet man. We came from out of town, our first time in Philadelphia, and google-mapped our way to this bar. As the strangers we were, we felt immediately welcomed by both other customers and the bartender, Roy. Not just a place to drink, but a place to chat and carry on and feel a sense of home and welcome. read more

As I recall, I had a little bit of difficultly finding this place as the entrance seems like it's in an alleyway. The lounge had two different bars, my friends and I chose the less crowded one in the back. Our bartender was friendly and helpful and made us OUTRAGEOUSLY STRONG drinks. Coke and rum, 80% rum, 10% ice, 10% coke. Our margaritas were even stronger. We had planned on bar hoping, but stuck around for another drink our two because of the strong drinks and cold wind outside. I'd recommend Stir for the drinks and the abundance of fairly cozy seating. read more

Oh, how I miss The Post.....but someone made The Post grow up and clean up and now she's Stir. Lots of the same regulars (who also miss the non-ceiling and butts mural) sitting around the same bar, so it really still has a lot of the flavor it always had. Great place to land if you want to be in a darker little hole in the wall....and I want to...right now, actually. The crowd is very friendly. Do keep in mind this is really the only "gay" place (at least that I know of) outside of the Gayborhood...so if you're looking for it to be crowded with snot-nose snubbers, head to Bump. This place is for the more laid-back and less judgmental among us. read more

It's not overcrowded, it's not overpriced, it's not too loud, the drinks are good, the employees are great, and the customers are usually a decent mix. I just realized that what I'm basically saying is: It's the exact opposite of Woody's--and you can't ask for much more than that! read more

It was completely empty on Wednesday and there were more women than men. I asked a bar girl to mix me a cocktail on whiskey of her choice and she made me a f..cking jack and ginger ale. read more

It's a relief to have a gay bar in Center City away from the Gayborhood. I go on Wednesdays for the a free, friendly poker game. The bartenders Anthony and Amanda are great, friendly, and always know what you want. They do have to put up with a lot of sh*t and despite that are the life of the party. They also just put in a juke box! Party time! read more

Awful experience! The bartender cut my friend off because his speech was slurred. He has a speech impediment and she took offense that we defended him. Meanwhile there were clearly way drunker louder people throughout the bar. read more

Stayed next door at the Warwick, stopped in for a drink, laid back and very reasonable considering Rittenhouse, exactly what I hoped for tucked in an alley :) read more

Stir is one of my favorite bars in town. This divey lounge on an alley near Rittenhouse Square has good drinks and a friendly, local crowd. Although it is much smaller than most of the other gay bars in town, the owners and bartenders are super nice and know how and when to put you in your place if the time comes. Stir is probably best known for "Stirsday", which is Thursday nights from 9-12 when well drinks and PBR are just a buck. However, starting in September, Stir will be charging a $5 cover on Thursday nights. I was a little upset with their decision to do that, but after coming by last Thursday night and trying to fight my way through the throngs of patrons looking for cheap drinks, this may not be such a terrible idea. It'll be interesting to see if this helps or hurts the bar. Stir also does $2 Tuesdays with $2 wells and PBR. Overall, really like this bar, the atmosphere, and the people. Definitely a core part of the community. read more

So last night I was invited for the first time to go and experience Stir Lounge. Within an hour I was cut off by a bartender that we had to flag down to even get a drink, clearly having a bad day by her tone, made the wrong drink twice...but I was cut off because I was "slurring", being loud, and also "flush". So let's explain my "slur"...I have a lisp, so much, my friends have a joke about it; from having hearing problems as a child, I was with two friends, it was my birthday and we were having a great conversation. I was flush because well it wasn't most comfortable temperature in that bar and I was wearing a sweater. But let's also talk about the other patrons...the party next to us, continued to talk over us, and about how drunk he/they were, but yet was served yet another cocktail. We planned to only go to this bar last night, but never again. The bartender wouldn't even speak to me, so really not sure how she even knew I was "slurring". If you have a slight speech impediment, having good conversation, or celebrating...please do not go to this bar. It's absolutely awful and rude service. I believe the bartenders name was Tasha, had to ask another patron because well as stated before, she wouldn't even speak to me. read more

Went here for the first time on Thursday, which is a good night to go, since there are $1 well drinks with a $5 cover. The drinks were quite strong, too. I like how Stir is intimate but not claustrophobic, and the clientle is very mixed. The DJ playing music was pretty good. For a Thursday night around 11, it was crowded but not packed, which made getting drinks a breeze. My friends and I had a great time, and will certainly be coming back. read more

Hip hidden gem in rittenhouse with insane drink specials. A friend took us here for a late night drink after not being able to get seating at any outdoor bar. Although no outside seating, the bar is low key and perfect for a drink or two. Not much of a night life although friendly staff and hysterical music videos. read more

Tucked in an alley in Rittenhouse Square, Stir is a gem worth discovering. The place is so small, but seems to be able to accommodate the crowd congregating around one of the two bars. I have never had a bad time at Stir and the crowd has a relatively balanced male/female ratio, compared to other gay bars in the area. The dancefloor is a corner in the back bar area, but has attracted quite a bit of dancing the times I've gone there. I have found it easy to meet people. I went this past Friday on Latin night and had a couple of people trying to teach me to dance. It's embarrassing how uncoordinated I am, but nobody seemed to care. read more

Visited Stir a few weeks ago with some friends. Recommended by another friend. Easy to miss off an alley in the Rittenhouse area-but super close to Little Pete's diner so prime real estate really! haha. Great decor. Two bars. Cheap and strong drinks before midnight. Great DJ, great sound system. Sadly tho, no one was really dancing ( saturday night). Not sure if it was an off night or what but with no one on the dancefloor it's hard to get enthused enough to come back. Would return, but with a large group only. read more

Stir is a cool little spot. I was in town for a few days and wanted to check out bar or two in Philly. Stir is off down an alleyway in Rittenhouse Square. Good drinks great drink specials and a decent music selection. read more

I love stir. Ive been enjoying the chill relaxed friendly and still very adult atmosphere here for years. The bartenders are among the best in the city as far as I am concerned and the owner is like the mayor of friendly town. She always goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. Her staff is just as friendly. It's dangerous, because it's one of the more generous pours in town so it's best to stop in on Wednesday's "gentlemen's happy hour" when there's free grilled cheeses passed out to keep one on their stool longer. read more

This is my favorite bar in Philly. It's a gay/heterofriendly hangout that welcomes everyone. There's no pretentiousness. The owner Stacey remembers everyone! She tries to introduce customers to each other. Anthony, Howard, Angela, and most recently the famous Howard make everyone's visit the best! read more

We went here and started to like it, it had rather modern interiors and so forth, until some liquored-up queen started barking out to the rest of the bar, lamenting her life story in that maudlin way that is highly annoying. A couple of us queens complained to the bartender that it would be nice if she'd SHADDAP, but noooooh, she was a "regular", so shutting up was not in order. So a bunch of us left. They'd have made a few more dollars if they'd urged that dump to SHADDAP, but whatever. I was secretly hoping the queen would be lying in bed with a screeching hangover the next day, and I bet she was. That's whacha get queen, that's whatcha get. read more

RIP to 'the post', but with all due respect, we needed another gay bar in philly. each one is generally for its own little segment of folks, and stir is a little bit more open to everything than most are these days. they have some good promotional events, the bartenders are very nice, and they have unisex, single bathrooms (which just make sense). i've been once and i look forward to going again... read more

Tucked away off rittenhouse square, this cozy bar provides a great alternative to some of the trendier ones on the square itself. Fair priced drinks, strong poured by the ever pleasant Anthony (formerly of Sampan fame) take the edge off any stressful day. read more

I recently dropped by again, and this place is still the awesome neighborhood joint that it was last year. I highly enjoy the attentive and friendly patrons and bartender every time I stop by. I've never felt judged there, and a year later, still consider this one of my favorite bars for the great atmosphere and getting a good bang for your buck with the drinks. read more

Yay! A gay bar right at Rittenhouse Square. And it's a nice one. The front is a full square shaped bar with stools. The back has some lounge seating and a bar and a small dance area. It's a really clean, nice place. The staff was really friendly, even saying "goodnight" on the way out the door. They also take plastic, so you can just open up a tab and have fun. Great place, I'll definitely be back. read more

The thing about Stir is, you really have to know when to go. About once a month, maybe even more often, there is a pretty happening all girl party that has alot of women of color. It's a very good looking, mainstream kind of queer crowd. No crunchiness here. I'm a very laid back person, so for like minded folks I'll throw in that it can be a little overwhelming to deal with the wannabe glitz and glam aura that seems to hang in the air before I have a few drinks. BUT, it's not hood like Libations so I'll go once in a while. A plus: there is a candlelit lounge area that invites people to flirt with their potential whomever, AND a dance floor that gets pretty popping. Like I said though, you have to know when to go. The first time I went there was meant to be a party, something on a Sunday evening from 4 to seven pm that had "rocked" the week before. (I heard this INCORRECTLY through the grapevine) But when I got there, it was an empty room. But the bartender was nice, my friend and I got to catching up, and the decor made me feel fabulous. read more

Was at stir last tonight. Really enjoyed it. No beers on draft and limited drink selection but staff and patrons really friendly enjoyed more than other bars. read more

Perfect place to stop by for a COCKtail. My bf and I wanted to grab a quick drink before heading home and this place (and atmosphere!) was perfect. read more

Stir - Great drink menu - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I have a new favorite drink at Stir - the Caramel Electra. It's vodka, butterscotch schnapps(try saying butterscotch schnapps after drinking a few), a little apple cider, and a cinnamon sugar rim. It sounds sugary and gross but it's dangerous! Best to enjoy with a large bowl of goldfish crackers. read more

As I go up the dark alley way to go to the infamous stir I find that this place was just what I was looking for it had just the right crowd no more than 20 people( being by myself I counted). There were more men than women which made me ask the bartender whats up did I come on the wrong night!!!! He informed me on the best days to come in and also gave me a little history about stir. After having about 2 very stong johnnywalkers and coke I was ready to leave and go dance and do some karoke at taven on camac. read more

I am astounded by this spot's emptiness. There we were, in the heart of Rittenhouse, drinking awkwardly low priced drinks. The place was empty and we filled it with laughter and cheer. It is the perfect bat cave locale for a predrink. It deserves to be more than that. It deserves a line At the door though selfishly, that's not what I want. Take one for the team and pay Stir a visit. You will get seat and a strong drink. read more

Wound up going here on a whim with my now fiance after meeting two new friends (30's something fem and a middle-aged lesbian) walking about Center City who invited us out. Very chill atmosphere, great music (Yes, I love me some Xtina and Madge.), and though I'm not sure if it's all the time they had $2 PBR pints which is a good deal. read more

Conveniently located, warm fun happy place I always look forward to my time there.

Cool place. Happy hour 7 days a week from 5-7. I will definitely be back. Great music. Some of the videos are a bit raunchy. It's really dark when you walk in during the daytime but your eyes adjust after a couple minutes. read more

Completely ridiculously rude staff. Popped in with friends and the bartender flags the most sober one in the group for absolutely no reason. After reading other reviews I see this is a pattern of behavior. We are a group of adult professionals and were treated like children. Never again. read more

As resident DJ at Stir since August Im very impressed..Awesome bar staff, great atmosphere and there are lots of sexy boyz and girls who hang out on my Thursday Chocolate Mixer Parties!!!! Every 3rd Thursday with DJ TRUUF #WINNING read more

Love happy hour at Stir; especially on Friday! Friendliest staff and clientele in the city. Always an interesting music and video selection playing. Drinks are nicely mixed too!! read more

A great place to sit and have a drink. It is a nice place to go either with friends or by yourself. The TVs are usually playing silly, sexy, or interesting videos (usually not linked to the music, but similarly paced) that are fun to watch. read more

This is a small, cozy gay bar in a small space off Rittenhouse that is a great place to go with 1-2 friends, especially if you want to talk and hear each other. The drinks are strong, the bartenders are nice and friendly, the music isn't too loud, and it's the kind of place where people jump into conversations and chat with each other. There is usually good mix of gay dudes and lesbians here, but there are other times when it is really quiet, and there is not a lot of scene there. I have seen it get a little crazy on Thursday night for Dollar Drink night, which brings out a mix of LGBT students. I like that this place has a storied past. The bar has been a gay bar since 1976, and while it was once a leather bar tucked down this little alley. These days it's more of an inclusive place, but still hidden away, beloved, friendly and low-key. I've seen people order takeout and have it delivered here, and I've seen impromptu birthdays and celebrations. I like that it is a women-owned establishment, and my suspicion is that is one of the reasons why they've done such a great job of hiring friendly bartenders from the community. read more

After reading all the reviews on Will, I decided to give Stir a shot. The drinks he made are definitely worth more than $2 -- with the concoction consisting of 3/4 liquor and 1/4 juice. However, at the end of the night, he started denying my orders. For everyone's information, I only purchased two drinks and I was not even tipsy... The last straw was when he denied me for water...... Which bartender denies someone for water? This is truly absurd! read more