OPEN BARS (10)
Franklin Music Hall (formerly Electric Factory)
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Originally opened as the Electric Factory in 1968 at 22nd and Arch (hosting Jimi Hendrix, The Who), reopened at current location in 1995. Renamed Franklin Music Hall in 2018 after sale to The Bowery Presents. Capacity 2,500-3,000. Named 16th best venue in US by Consequence in 2016. Past headliners include David Bowie, Foo Fighters, Coldplay.
World Café Live
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Nonprofit independent venue opened 2004, named after WXPN's NPR-syndicated "World Cafe" radio show. Two stages: 650-capacity Music Hall and 300-person Upstairs Live. Has hosted Billie Eilish, Alabama Shakes, Hozier, Brandi Carlile.
Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA)
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Originally a 1908 nickelodeon called Crystal Palace, converted to theatre in 1965. Became concert venue in 1988. First Philadelphia venue to show Rocky Horror Picture Show (1976). Briefly known as "The Fillmore at TLA" 2006-2008. Capacity ~1,000.
Franklin Music Hall
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Steeped in Philadelphia music lore, this venue has hosted iconic rock, punk, and metal acts for decades. Its storied past as the Electric Factory (from 1968) is legendary, and the venue remains a city staple for major touring rock and alternative bands.
Theatre of the Living Arts
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A South Street institution since the 1960s, the TLA is known for its intimate club atmosphere and iconic marquee. It's a favorite stop for national and local acts in rock, punk, and indie, with a history stretching back to the city's musical golden age.
World Café Live
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
While better known for folk and jazz, World Café Live also books indie rock and alternative acts, especially in its upstairs "Upstairs Live" room.
Kung Fu Necktie
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A Fishtown dive bar central to the DIY rock and punk underground, known for raucous shows, cheap drinks, and a loyal following.
Ortlieb's
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Reopened and revitalized as a nightclub/live venue, Ortlieb's carries on a rock and dive bar legacy in Northern Liberties, hosting a mix of local and touring bands.
Union Transfer
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Union Transfer is celebrated for its excellent acoustics, spacious layout, and indie vibe, making it a premier spot for indie rock, alternative, and punk acts. It's beloved by both touring bands and local fans for providing a top-tier concert experience in a converted rail transfer station.
The Fire
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
An intimate, no-frills spot in Northern Liberties, The Fire has been a launching pad for emerging local rock, punk, and indie bands for years, maintaining a scrappy DIY ethic.
CLOSED BARS (12)
Bijou Café
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Opened October 4, 1972 in space formerly housing Showboat jazz club (where Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie played). Capacity 250-300. Hosted U2's first Nashville appearance (December 1980), Miles Davis, Barry Manilow, and comedy from John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner.
The Chestnut Cabaret
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
West Philadelphia rock club operating 1978-1994, later reopened as The Blockley (2009-2013). Hosted Billy Bragg, Butthole Surfers, MC 900 Ft. Jesus. The Pretenders played unannounced show here night before Live Aid 1985.
Ripley's
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Another South Street club that was a major stop for rock and alternative acts in the late 20th century.
The Main Point
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A suburban folk club with national renown, The Main Point hosted both folk luminaries and rock/folk rock acts. The venue is remembered for intimate performances by legends like Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne before its closure.
The Trauma
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
The Trauma was Philadelphia's original psychedelic rock club, hosting pioneers like The Velvet Underground, Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, and local heroes Mandrake Memorial. Its legendary upstairs stage and early light shows made it a revolutionary spot in the city's music history.
Empire Rock Club
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A northeast Philly venue that became a key spot for heavy metal and glam rock in the 1980s—a rarity in a city where punk and indie dominated.
The 2nd Fret
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
The city's premier folk club in the 1960s, The 2nd Fret also welcomed folk rock pioneers like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell before experimenting with rock acts—though it remained best known for folk.
Khyber Pass Pub
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
The Khyber became a landmark for the city's indie and alternative scenes in the 2000s, revered for its eclectic booking and dive-bar authenticity before closing in 2013.
J.C. Dobbs
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A legendary South Street dive, J.C. Dobbs was a proving ground for local and national acts in the punk, indie, and alternative scenes, helping launch careers in the 1980s and early '90s before shutting its doors.
J.C. Dobbs
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
South Street bar that booked Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Green Day pre-fame.
Bijou Café
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Operated by the Electric Factory team, the Bijou was an upscale club hosting rock, folk, jazz, and comedy—an important, if short-lived, stop for eclectic live music.
Chestnut Cabaret
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
A midsize rock club that hosted up-and-coming national acts in the rock, punk, and metal scenes in the late 20th century, supporting touring bands and local crews alike.