XIX Bar

XIX Bar is located on the top floor of the former Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, built in Philadelphia in 1904. Lighting design, under the direction of a local interior designer Marguerite Rodgers, makes the original neoclassical decor look ecstatic.

A little bit of historical background might help understand the attractiveness of this bar's interior. In the 19th century and the early 20th century, Neoclassical architectural style had political connotations. It represented republicanism and liberalism, presumably because ancient Greek city states and the Roman Republic were (sort of) democratic and open-minded to scientific new ideas (as opposed to feudal and religious rigidity of medieval Europe). This ideology was the founding principle of the United States of America. And Philadelphia was briefly the capital of the USA while Washington DC was under construction. Neoclassical details in the decor of a building in Philadelphia, therefore, convey the sense of idealism associated with early days of the United States. An excellent nostalgic vibe for spending some evenings, isn't it?

The way the decor is illuminated is quite subtle. Light bulbs are hidden behind the seat below the windows. But they do not all directly illuminate the vault. At least some light is reflected by the windows, making the illumination warmer and subtler. Looking from a distance, along with the marble surface of the Greek columns, the neoclassical elements of the 1904 interior look exquisite. The rest of the bar is essentially black, which even enhances the elegance.

The bar serves original cocktails like basil pomegranate margarita. The services are elegant. The background music is jazzy electro. The whole vibe is one of the best among all the bars that I've been to in the past.