5 Best Nightclubs in Philadelphia

Dayload starts us at number 5 on the best nightclubs in Philadelphia. Yes, we understand that Dayload is a party and not an actual club. However, when the party is better then most of the standard clubs in Philly, then you just need to include on the list. Dayload is a monthly day party that was created over 3 years ago. Dayload is on the last Sunday of every month at Kings Oak in Northern Liberties. You will hear sounds from Nem (Let Nem Spin) and DJ Montone. VIP Bottle service is available throughout the day and night. You will often find some of Philadelphia’s most prominent nightlife folk partying it up.

Insider Tip: If you’re in attendance make sure you do not have work on Monday, Dayload goes zero to 100 REAL QUICK!

The Grandfather on this list, Z Bar is located on Spring Garden and Columbus Blvd. next to Delilah’s Den. Z Bar is also a members only club and open until 3:30 am. Z bar is a large venue that has three rooms: Main room, Uforia room, and the fireside lounge (located on the 2nd floor). Z bar has been a staple in Philadelphia nightlife and after hours for years and plans to keep it that way.

Insider Tip: Z Bar is smoking friendly.

Located in the heart of Old City, Recess Lounge is one of few clubs that is allowed to stay open past 2am (they do not close until 3:30am). Recess has 7 VIP tables, 2 bars, and elevated DJ booth, and one of the best Philadelphia faces in owner Ryan Dorsey.

The venue features a large chalkboard on it with the rules of Recess, pretty much summed up that there are no rules at Recess. Better like Hip-Hop and fun if you’re headed to Recess, this place gets crazy and things can get out of hand quickly (in a good way!)

Insider Tip: Better know someone that works there or be willing to spend some Mula on a table. Recess is like Avenue in NYC, sometimes there will be more people outside waiting to get in then the actual capacity of the club.

Located at 15th and Locust is the rookie on this list but is making its presence felt in Philly just like Allen Iverson did his rookie season. Down is connected to Howl at the Moon, a popping piano bar that Philadelphians flock too. Down allows its customers to get more of a club vibe if they do not want to be in a bar. Down offers VIP bottle service, as well as 2 bars, and some of the most hospitable staff in the city.

Insider Tip: GET THERE EARLY. Being the new kid on the block, there is usually a line around the block by 10:30pm.

Rumor tops our list of the best nightclubs in Philadelphia. Located on the corner of 15th and Sansom (probably one of the busiest streets in Philadelphia). The subterranean venue has 3 different rooms with 3 different concepts.

The Main Room

This room includes a fully equipped DJ booth and sound system along with an LED board on top, 6 premium VIP tables, a dance floor that includes LED design from above along with fog machines, and a bar. This room has seen the likes of international DJ’s like Kaskade, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Arty, Norman Doray and many more. If you want to party in a club and hear house music, this is the room to be in.

The Lev Room

A smaller more intimate room that includes 4 small VIP tables located in front of the DJ booth, a small dance floor, and a 10 ft. bar. The Lev rooms concept is Hip – Hop and Mash Ups. Residents include Philly natives Mike Myers, Sat – One, Salvo, and Guliano Presta just to name a few.

The Vault

The most intimate room of all three. This is the place to go if you are looking for the most exclusive VIP getaway. Located in an old Vault (the building used to be a bank and hence the name) there is premium VIP seating all along the back wall, a large u shaped bar, a gorgeous chandelier and a very savvy setting.

Insider Tip: In order to get into Philadelphia’s best club you better get to know the best door man in town T-Fish (voted 2 years in a row at the Philadelphia Nightlife Awards) and make sure to take care of him to bye pass long lines and hassle.