Like rock and roll itself, the “dueling piano sing-a-long” is an American phenomenon. Its origins are found in Depression-era New Orleans, where Pat O’Brien first introduced dueling pianos at his eponymous bar in 1933. The concept spread in the 1950’s as rock and roll found an audience and pianists like Jerry Lee Lewis introduced a brash, fun and exciting style of play. Later, singer/songwriters like Neil Diamond, Elton John and Billy Joel wrote the great melodic songs so popular in dueling piano shows. Today, dueling pianos are as popular as ever, offering a loud, rocking, clap-along, sing-along good time.

Designed by Philadelphia’s Tackett and Co. (G Lounge, Tavern 17, Blockley Pourhouse), Jolly’s is a fun and sleek homage to rock-n-roll and retro lounges (think Hard Rock Casino meets Mad Men). Creating the effect is a red, white and black color scheme; a 25-foot custom light block bar; U-shaped booths; custom tiling and mirrors; and chandeliers handmade from antique microphones.

Jolly’s will feature specialty cocktails, wine and beer, and daily drink specials. Featured cocktails include the “Hound Dog” made with sweet tea vodka and fresh lemonade; the "Sweat Caroline", made with Sweet Caroline Ice Tea Vodka and lemonade; and the 22-ounce “Rocking Hurricane,” in honor of the dueling piano show’s Big Easy heritage. The bar snack style menu features fresh made guacamole and cold flatbread pizzas—all under $7.

Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar offers private party and corporate packages for events from five to 125 guests. Jolly’s is a great venue for bachelorette parties, birthdays, holiday parties, business meetings, and anything else worth celebrating … or forgetting. No where else can you find such a unique and fun experience for your guests. Jolly’s will even bring the music to you, providing catering and the dueling piano show at your location. Please see our Private Party packages for more information.

Many Philadelphians have eaten and imbibed (probably too much) in his establishments, but they may not know that there is an actual person behind Jolly’s, and that it is, in fact, his real name. He is Jolly Weldon, a long-time South Philadelphia resident, who came to Philadelphia in 1997 to open the Prime Rib at 1701 Locust Street. “Jolly” came from Jolyon, the name of a character in the novels The Forsyte Saga. (His four brothers also have literary names). Mr. Weldon was born in Washington, D.C., where he grew up in the restaurant business. He began his career as a bus boy at age 15, and then spent the next decade learning all he could about the hospitality industry while also pursuing a degree in business from Georgetown University. After 15 years running The Prime Rib in D.C., he and his brother Garth opened the Prime Rib in Philadelphia in 1997. In 2001, Mr. Weldon opened Jolly’s American Bar, his first eponymous restaurant, in the Latham Hotel at 17th and Walnut. Jolly’s quickly became a place where both tourists and locals escaped every evening to a relaxed environment and great happy hour specials.