Bodega Bar

Great food and drinks for happy hour. Highly recommend. That's it. That's the review. lol

We attempted to dine here last night (8/28). Myself and 3 friends arrived around 9pm. We noticed the sign written on a piece of cardboard that asked patrons to not seat themselves, unless it was for bar service. We waited about 15 minutes, several associates walked by us, made eye contact, but had zero interest in seating us. It was very clear, that they didn't want our money, so we went to Sampan, had a wonderful meal, and amazing service.

Centrally located on Walnut/13th and with a nice breadth of happy hour offerings. Though, I was not a huge fan of the drinks as the margaritas were no bargain, and definitely had a well-tequila aftertaste. Will say; the beef skewers were delicious, but also not particularly a "bargain" when seeking out lighter, cheaper happy hour nibbles.

First impressions were not that great. My companion and I were looking for a good happy hour before attending an event and we were specifically looking to try a place neither of us had been to before. After looking at the HH offerings on line we gave Bodega a try. Upon approaching the restaurant it was packed pretty full. There was no host/hostess at the front so we just wandered inside looking for some seats. There was one available table but I didn't know if you had to be at the bar for HH or if you could sit anywhere so we stood at the end of the bar in a space where the servers put their orders in waiting to ask that question. Bartender ignored us, server after server ignored us standing there until I finally stop one guy to ask the question. I don't understand how to customers who are just standing in your space as an employee and you completely ignore their presence. So the answer was usually the host would escort you to a table however, we actually walked past the host who was standing outside in the street as we approached. Just as I am being told I can seat myself the host is heading our way with two ladies in tow. I don't know if he was coming for the empty table but I took it and then there was a weird exchange between my cousin and himself. He was gesturing toward the table I had just sat down at, she was confused for whatever reason and when she finally did sit down he made derogatory faces behind her back. I did not like that. Things got better after the disappointing start mainly due to our server who was on the ball especially because we had arrived pretty close to the end of HH and she was ready to put in everything for us so we would not miss the specials. Also I enjoyed the food. The shrimp skewers and the pork skewers were my favorite. The calamari was also good save for a little too much breading and not enough marinara but we were given more upon asking. Cousin said the empanadas were very good as well. I would go back for sure to try more food in hopes that our start was a one off.

Bodega Bar is one of my favorite HH spot in Center City. One of my friend had suggested that we should do our girls night out here at Bodega's. I love a Happy Hour menu consists of more than one cocktail drinks and plenty of food options. And you know what's better than the extensive menu? A reservation!!! I was able to make a reservation online for us. Of course Bodega's had added a cherry on top too. Two of us were able to be seated and order first before our last party arrived, hooray no more hungry tummies while waiting for friends who were late lol. We were starving, so we started without our last friend since she's late. Couldn't resist the Blood Orange Margaritas, so we order two. Besides the drinks, we also order N1 Queso and Chips and Picadillo Beef Skewers. The beef skewer is to die for, soooo freaking tender and flavors. By the time the last party arrived, we already had three orders of the Picadillo Beef Skewers lol. And yes we had order more after our friend arrived because she was also hooked lol. We decided to pig-out for the night, so we also order Creamy Veggie Empanadas, Casa Guacamole, Lollipop Chicken Sticks, Cuban Pork Skewers, Shrimp Skewers, Calamari Frita and Dos Tacos. We had agreed the stars of the night were Blood Orange Margaritas and Picadillo Beef Skewers. Everything else is pretty mediocre but Creamy Veggie Empanadas, those were quite disgusting for us. I had such a great time at Bodega's last time, I decided to go back again two weeks later. Yes, I'm totally addicted lol! I had order the exact same Happy Hour items with the Buffalino Wings. Of course, I left the veggie empanadas out. And this time, we added Salmon A La Plancha and Garlic Shrimp & Spinach. We agree that the salmon is pretty bland and not worth the near $30 price tag. But the Garlic Shrimp and Spinach were absolutely delicious. With that being said, I'm sure Bodega's Bar will see me soon:)

The worst bar food you can find - not to mention their nachos which are a disgrace to the word nachos (follow @phillynachoes on IG for more). There are tons of bars in philly to go to, so save your money and stay away from this one. Their happy hour menu may be cheap but don't let it deceive you!

Went here on a whim for their happy hour, and we were not disappointed. Everything, including drinks and food, was $7. We just tried the chips and queso, mojito especiale, mimosa sunrise, and blood orange margarita.Blood orange margarita was my favorite. Not sour at all, on the sweeter side without being overwhelmingly sweet. Chips and queso were standard but would love to try more food here next time.Interior space is on the smaller side, including bar seating, some stools by the window, and a couple tables. I heard they have an outdoor patio now but not sure if that's open for the winter. Service was really nice and prompt.

Bodega was the 2nd happy hour spot for today ! Was seated out on the back patio. Good music not too loud. Drinks were nice and strong. Great spot!

This guac was possibly the best I've ever had. It tasted SO fresh and wasn't too salty. The chicken fajita was amazing too, and the drinks were delicious. It was pretty loud, but that's probably the vibe of the place, just wasn't for me. Amazing food and drinks though!

Good spot for drinks and food complementaries.Not a 5 course meal, but great for what they offer!!