Woody's
Dancing · Video Bar · Philadelphia, PA
About
You might expect a four-decade-old gay bar to feel dated, but Woody's stays busy with a younger crowd across its many rooms. The multi-level space includes a video bar upstairs, a dance floor, a cozy pub room, and even a coffee bar. It's a full-bar venue with outdoor seating, and happy hour draws a mix of locals and travelers.
Best nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday according to regulars, though lines can form late. Reviews note the crowd can lean straight at times, and the $20 cover on some nights is worth knowing before you go. The Washington Square West location puts you near other spots like Franky Bradley's for a longer night out.
In Washington Square West, Woody's is part of a stretch of LGBTQ-friendly venues and bars within walking distance.
Features
- ✓Four-decade LGBTQ landmark in Philly
- ✓Video bar upstairs with dance floor
- ✓Pub room and coffee bar for different moods
- ✓Outdoor seating and full bar
- ✓Popular for happy hour with a lively crowd
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 391 reviews. 511 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“bad bar”
A drink cost $20, which seems excessive.
A visitor · 1 year ago
I don't get why gay men find it offensive when straight people come to their bars. I think it's a compliment that we enjoy hanging out with them because they're fun. I feel offended that they don't appreciate my company, my boyfriend's, and my brother's, since my brother is gay. I thought it was all about free love for everyone. Highlights: great music, attractive bartenders, lively crowd, long wait times.
A guest · Over a year ago
I visited Woody's in June 2023 and won't return. The woman at the door was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional, and the place was full of straight people. After security, we were told there was a $20 cover, which I find ridiculous coming from New York City where covers are lower or nonexistent. I started to leave, but my friend paid. The woman told me I have a good friend and that I should "get a better job" since it's not that much money. She then grabbed me and said running the bar costs a lot, making me think she's the owner. Inside, it was packed with straight people spilling drinks, bumping into others, and making out. On my way out, I saw security forcefully pushing women back inside because they still had drinks. The women shouldn't have had drinks, but security was unnecessarily rough.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Horrible”
It's awful that a gay bar for men has more straight women and straight couples than gay people. I feel like an outsider. I go to a gay bar to escape being called slurs by these people in my own gay neighborhood.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
I had a wonderful time and everyone was courteous. - Great music - Fun crowd
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woody's have a cover charge? +
Yes, some nights have a $20 cover, according to recent reviews. Check the door or their social media ahead of time.
What are the best nights to go? +
Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday are the most popular nights, per Yelp data.
Does Woody's serve food? +
There's a coffee bar but no confirmed full kitchen. The focus is on drinks and dancing.
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