Tavern on Camac

A staple of the Philly gay community and one of the best places to gather and to meet new people. The Piano Bar is fantastic (especially when Max is playing - go see him on Tuesday nights after 9). There’s one or two piano players I don’t care for - they don’t know even basic show tunes; IMO, a pre-requisite for a gay piano bar…you need to have, at least, a few Sondheim & Jerry Herman hits in your repertoire. Don’t sleep on the restaurant on the bottom level! Very cozy, attentive & friendly service, and really good, uncomplicated food. A hidden gem, especially for a cute little date night in the gayborhood.

I used to come here all the time when I lived in Philly about 15 years ago. A lot has changed but I still had so much fun. The piano players are extremely talented and so were majority of the singers that volunteered. Upstairs is great if you want a dance break. The bartenders are friendly and quick. The rest of the staff are also friendly and professional. Missed this place and can't wait to come back!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! There are three different floors with three totally different vibes. It's pretty much a one stop shop. It's also on a street that cars don't drive on, so you can spill out safely. Definitely a must every time I visit Philly! Great food and drinks! Excellent piano bar! Fantastic dance floor/club! ...go visit, you'll thank yourself for it ;P

Wow, such a disappointment. I visited this bar on July 13 ,2022 as I read it had a cabaret bar on the first level and dance floor on the second level, and I wanted to go out and dance. There was one line to get in. We waited 20 minutes to get in. The younger patrons in front of us were carded, and the younger patrons behind us were carded. Once we were waived inside the foyer, there were two doors. The staff did not communicate how to access the dance floor, instead guided us to the cabaret section. I now know that there are two doors in the foyer: one with a with a door handle and window, yet another door with just a deadbolt. The obvious choice was the one with the handle which showcase the bar. Once inside the cabaret section, we attempted to take the stairs from the cabaret to the dance floor, but we were told by a male security member that we needed to go back outside and wait in line. I explained that we did wait in line and inquired how does one know which area they are accessing while coming into the place...he replied that I have to wait in line. I told him again that I did wait in line, yet for future reference how do I know which bar I am accessing...he responded that I opened the wrong door, and I must wait in line for the other. Interesting, the patrons in front of me and behind me were not in the Cabernet section of this bar. Later, I couldn't help but notice that the same bar personal I spoke to would open the deadbolt door for younger looking persons, and he would not for older looking customers. I noted the older patrons experienced the same dilemma we did. After witnessing the biased treatment, I finished the one cocktail I ordered and on my way out I said to the same security staff member: " the gay community suffers from enough discrimination; I find it disappointing that this establishment seems to be discriminating on age. His immediate response was to shove me and tell me that I am out of here. Despite his physical aggression, I kept my hands in my pockets. I then expressed my frustrations with a new hire security staff member, and I have to say he was caught off guard. At least he understood my position and was willing to bring over management to make things right, but the damage was done for me.

Security is definitely much friendlier than the last time I reviewed so I'm back to loving this place on a regular basis. I do wish someone at the bar would order more of my favorite South Side Cucumber Seltzers though. ?

Beware of pocket pickers. My friend and I both had my phones stolen from our purses on the dance floor. When we let the manager and staff know, they were very unhelpful. If you have an iPhone, make sure you turn on both “find my iphone” and “find my network”. I was able to track my phone’s locations from my other Apple device when I got home and file a police report with all the different addresses the perp traveled to. Music was good but my friends and I will not be coming back here. Not worth the headache.

Show Tunes Sunday is always a great time until 1AM comes around and the lights abruptly turn on signifying that the 2nd floor is closing…not sure when this started happening but how lame. What kind of major city Queer bar/club is this!? This forces everyone to flood downstairs to the piano bar, where I have to also add, there’s only 1 bartender! Luis is great, friendly, and direct but he needs the extra help. Tavern did have 2 bartenders in the past, I guess cutting costs where they can…? Philly is too big of a community to really have such a small selection of Queer spaces nevermind ones that really don’t provide enough resources to its Orrin’s and staff.

A bar in the gayborhood that plays house music. Leave Woody’s and their bridal parties, and come here instead.