Tavern On Camac

(215) 545-0900

243 S CAMAC St
Philadelphia, PA 19107 39.9472 -75.1615

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Neighborhoods: Washington Square West, Center City

TAVERNONCAMAC.COM

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants, Gay & Lesbian Bars, Piano Bars, Nightclubs, Bars & Clubs, Cabarets, Bars & Pubs, Taverns

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Club Special Features:

21 & Over

Smoking Permitted:

No

What People Are Saying About Tavern On Camac

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Tucked away on quiet Camac Street is one of the city's oldest gay bars. With the piano manned every evening of the week, the Tavern always offers plenty of show tunes, cocktails, merry conversation and gay banter. On Friday and Saturday nights, a crowd of men sings along with the pianist and an occasional amateur chanteuse. For those not in the mood for Broadway sing-alongs, a second-floor bar offers alternative entertainment.

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
The Tavern regular is typically older and more sophisticated than your average gay joe in Center City, as evidenced by the equal number of martini glasses and beer bottles on the bar.
3 Star Rating: Average

12/22/08

Not in the Holiday Spirits

by citysippin808 at Citysearch

Visited this bar during the thanksgiving holiday and after being highly recommended, decided to check it out. Having a little buzz already I thought my friends and I could go dancing at Tavern. The dance floor was empty to our surprise but we were resolute to have fun anyway. One of my friends stands on the platform that people usually dance on and is chastised by the bartender. We stayed about another five minutes and decided to go, I was very disapointed but plan to go back.

  • Pros: Location
  • Cons: Didn't get a good vibe from the staff.
2 Star Rating: Below Average

09/21/08

Nice Place but watch out for the short guy in a baseball cap who rides around in a rented LIMO

by Gerald333 at Citysearch

I like Tavern. I like the piano bar. Friendly, cozy and crowded. Not too many

lower degenerate types like the short older guy in a baseball cap

who rides around in a rented LIMO or something, and brings his

druggie hustler and straight boy toys to the bars.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/29/07

Tavern on Camac (or

by egillcvi at Citysearch

TOC has been in existence *forever* but has in recent years become Philly gay nightlife's new "place to be." This place has a little something for everyone. Downstairs is a piano bar where everyone, young and old, really gets into the act. Upstairs is a bar with a nice-sized dance floor. I'm not quite sure why this is but the hottest guys gather at TOC. Sure, there are cute boys at the other places too...but TOC seems to attract the creme de la creme. (Strictly a physical judgment there: I'm not vouching for their personalities!) It can get a little crowded but you can trust me on this one: Unless your mom or a bitter ex-boyfriend shows up, you *will* have a good time.

  • Pros: Hot guys, great atmosphere, attracts lots of different "types"
  • Cons: Gets a little crowded
3 Star Rating: Average

01/19/07

Avoid Female Crew Cut Bartender on 2nd floor

by manfredp at Citysearch

I and a few friends stopped for a drink on a Friday night; we generally had a great time dancing while most of the staff members were respectful, however there was one female bartender on the 2nd floor that was obnoxious and rude. Basically, she lacked appropriate communication skills with the patrons. Maybe she was having a bad day, but from her response when I stated to her that she displayed inappropriate customer service gave me an indication she had problems in the past.

With all said, I would give this establishment another opportunity although I would avoid the crew cut female bartender.

  • Pros: Music was great
  • Cons: Parking is difficult
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/25/04

TOC best in country

by mattydk76 at Citysearch

The musicians in this place are by far the best collection of entertainers i have seen in a venue of its type, including in New York. I would venture to say that the atmosphere is electric at times, and the music is not only the normal fare of Broadway and classics, but almost any other kind of music you could want to hear. Check this place out, is truly fantastic.

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