JJ Keye’s “On the Go” column for GayCities is one of the most popular regular features. He interviews celebrities about their travel habits, latest ventures, and their favorite vacation spots. But sometimes the best advice comes from a local.
That’s why we’ve turned to JJ, a Philly native, for the inside scoop on the best places for LGBTQ+ people to party, stay, shop, and eat in Philadelphia.
GAYCITIES: Where do you bar hop when you go out with your friends, and in what order?
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JJ: I’m an arts and culture guy, so I usually structure my night around catching a show or seeing live theater. I like Bob and Barbara’s Lounge for pre-theatre as it’s relatively close to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Drake Theatre. Non-drinkers can grab a snack or a coffee at the Good Karma Cafe right in the lobby of the Wilma Theater. After the theatre, you’re a short walk from the gayborhood, where you can hit Woody’s or U Bar before Bike Stop.
Which one is your favorite?
I like the vibes of Bob and Barbara’s Lounge because of its no-frills eclectic vibes. I grew up in Milwaukee and am more drawn to quirky, chill spaces that don’t take themselves too seriously. Bob and Barbara’s Lounge feels fun and low key, but they sometimes have live music, drag performances, and karaoke. It’s the perfect spot to hit with a friend to catch up and have fun.
Who is the best drag queen in the city?
Philly is a great drag city, which I discovered years ago when I was a photographer on the east coast leg of one of the RuPaul’s Drag Race tours many moons ago. If you have watched RPDR Season 16, you already know Philly is Sapphira Cristál country. She is our supreme; we love her so much. I was there when she won the Miss’d America competition in Atlantic City in 2019 and have been a fan ever since. She’s a total pro and a star.
Which hotel do you suggest for out-of-town friends?
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is currently my favorite. It’s in a great neighborhood, just off Rittenhouse Square, so plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars are nearby. They recently renovated the property; the beds are comfy, the lobby is spacious, and they have a great bar. I’ve found that many of the staff have been there for 10+ years, which feels rare these days. I also like The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection which is just off City Hall and close to Reading Terminal. I’ve stayed at The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton several times and the rooms are enormous; the sweeping views of Logan Circle can’t be beat. The Logan’s restaurant, Urban Farmer, is one of my go-to brunch spots; it’s always delicious, and their service is outstanding.
What is your favorite food and where do you get it in Philly?
While I may have moved out of New York a few years ago, I still crave quality thin sliced pizza all the time. Sally is a fantastic option; they offer sourdough pizza, small plates, and a cozy bar just off Fitler Square. They typically have a variety of seasonal offerings, and their seasonal ricotta appetizer is not to be missed. I often bring out-of-town visitors there. Their bar is also great if you want to grab a quick drink and a bite. We’re really into brunch (what homosexual isn’t?), and Forsythia offers one of the most delicious menus in town.
I mentioned Reading Terminal earlier. With over 75 merchants, they have everything you might need for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, including great bread and goods from Beiler’s Bakery, jerk chicken at Careda’s, soft pretzels from Miller’s Twist (you’re in pretzel country, after all!) or a cheesesteak at Tommy Dinic’s. Don’t leave without grabbing something sweet from Sweet T’s or the Famous 4th Street Cookie Company. There’s something for everyone at Reading Terminal.
Where do you like to go shopping in Philly?
King of Prussia Mall, just outside of the city, is the best place to shop where you drop. With 450 stores, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s the third-largest mall in America. They have everything: Macy’s Bloomies, Hermes, West Elm, you name it! I’m a sucker for a deal, and back in town I like checking out what the Shops at Liberty Place has, there’s a Bloomingdale’s Outlet right there, and there’s a Nordstrom Rack that has some good men’s finds just across Chestnut Street.
I also love going to the Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room. It’s the oldest LGBTQ & Feminist Bookstore in the country and the best place to find a bargain. I was eyeing this cute Marine Layer winter coat that kept coming up in my Instagram feed last winter, and on a visit to Giovanni’s Room, they not only had the coat, but they had a brand new one in my size. I’m always surprised by the treasures I bring home. There’s also a cute coffee shop close by, The Last Drop, if you’re tired from thrifting.
What’s the best part about the nightlife in Philly?
There’s a fun community in Philly, and people are really down to Earth. People work hard and play hard here. I find it’s the kind of city where you can go out on your own, and people are easy to approach and talk to. While there’s a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and a distinct gayborhood, the city is friendly and welcoming, and you don’t need to stay within rainbow crosswalks to have a gay ole time. Just don’t wear competitive sports gear (especially the Mets or Giants), and you’ll be fine.
I’d love to share that Philly has an incredible arts community. Culture seekers should make it a point to check out the Barnes Foundation, featuring a really unique collection of works by Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and more (they also have an amazing cafe in the lobby). The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another absolute must. For something a little off the beaten path, check out Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a really incredible mosaic garden featuring the incredible work of local artist Isaiah Zagar.
I’m a total history nerd, and while the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are a no-brainer for out of towners, the Museum of the American Revolution, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Besty Ross House are all worth a visit.
There is no shortage of performing arts experiences in the greater Philly area, but some favorite spaces include the Wilma Theater, which won the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the stunning Academy of Music (which you might recognize from HBO’s The Gilded Age) and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. If you’re looking to engage with new work for the stage, PlayPenn offers a variety of programming including extraordinary new play readings.
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