12 Steps Down

Another goat Philadelphia south dive bar.lots of events on different days (quizzo, karaoke, etc) -- great for groups

We stopped in here last night after dinner for a quick drink before we headed back home. Of course, we counted the steps on our way down lol. There are, indeed, "12 steps down" to the entrance. Anyway, I wouldn't get on a Septa bus to come to 12 Steps Down. But it is a cool dive bar and if I lived nearby i would probably stop in for one a lot. The drinks were cheap and the bartenders were nice. I even discovered a new (to me) cider that I never heard of before. Overall it was an interesting place to come for one drink. The bathrooms were so smelly and gross though so I would recommend leaving before you have to go lol.

Dive Bar:Typically small - checkUnglamorous - checkMinimal effort by staff - checkHole in the wall - checkFilthy, smelly bathrooms - checkCheap - checkLoud - checkThat's exactly what to expect when you go 12 steps down. Yup, I've been here thrice. I'll probably go again

I am not the demographic for this bar. It makes me (mid-40s) feel old and can get a little rowdy when it's crowded. I was once elbowed so hard in the chest by somebody dancing by the pool tables (by accident) that I had a bruise for a week. That said, they have a good rotating tap list that always includes an interesting cider. Their $6 cheeseburger is a wonderful greasy treat on par with a lot of much more expensive ones in the area. We definitely like the place, but before about 9pm, and that's just because it's a little chaotic for us. If that's your thing, you'll find great deals on cheap eats and a kitchen that's open late.ETA: they must have changed their smoking policy because there's no way I could stand to sit in there if they allow smoking. Very allergic to it.

I love a good dive bar. It's not too small, not too run down. Drinks were totally basic which isn't bad. The food was actually much better than I thought though. I got the veg patty melt although the menu calls it a "party melt"? My main issue was with service. One guy was so quiet and flat in his manner that it actually made me uncomfortable. And I don't scare easily. I had to ask him to repeat everything and he just stared with no queues that he heard me or cared. I wondered if I'd offended him somehow but figured his personality must just be "non-existent". Another guy just somehow didn't see me for so long that the door guy had to come over and cash me out. It felt like I had a huge arrow pointing at me that read "out of towner". I'd go back, just not with any expectations of good service. Ha!

Stopped in with some coworkers for a couple of drinks. You literally take 12 steps down to the entrance. Small spot, several draft beers, cocktails, music box and pool table, mid size crowd on a weeknight. The bartenders were cool and have suggestions on local beers to try. The Victory Brewery IPA and Love City Budge were both great beers. Thanks fellas.

Fell into 12 Steps Down for a beer as we were waiting for our table up the street. Was a highlight of our trip.

Throughout the years I've ended up here more than twice. I never chose to go here. It was always like I just opened my eyes and there we was. Then my eyes were watering I couldn't breath and I wanted to leave. Recently we were hanging out on 9th at DiBrunos and we wanted to eat something. One of my friends suggested 12 steps. I was like what? That smoke filled hole in the wall has food? I couldn't even imagine. I said ok I'll try it. We got fries, two veggie burgers and a real burger. None of it was great. I'd say serviceable. For what it was I'd like it to be a little cheaper. Anyway I doubt I'll ever eat here again but I'm sure I'll wind up here some dark stormy night. Actually you know what, I'll probably end up eating there again too. I never learn my lesson.

A favorite dive bar! Good beer, solid food, friendly staff, wonderfully divey decor. While I do miss making myself sick smoking half a pack of cigarettes and downing 3 dollar mimosas at brunch I am so happy that I can return to 12 steps now that they're smoke free. Bring your friends and play some pool or sing karaoke to celebrate your birthday. You never know who will walk in and become a present to you.

Honestly love this place! It's your classic hole in the wall spot, great drinks, great food and great atmosphere! The bartenders are always super sweet and are absolutely hilarious!!! They have touch tunes so the music depends on who's paying. There is also a pool table if that's your kind of thing. Miss when we could smoke in here tho