Parkside Beef & Ale

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (39)

"Stopped in for lunch. Service was lacking. For such a busy place they really need to schedule more than just one bartender/server.I got the Philly cheesesteak. It was dope. Man got the wings and he liked them."

Les & Doreen's Happy Tap

★★★★☆ 4.4 (31)

"Thank you so much Doreen for having us during our annual " Twisties Annual Train Wreck" pub crawl... You and your staff were the best... You are right, your tavern is a good ol' time neighborhood bar and we all had a ball !! Your place was clean along with a friendly staff and patrons... We all hope to be back soon...."

McCusker's Tavern

★★★★★ 4.7 (30) • $$

"On a dark and not at all stormy night in the depths of South Philadelphia I found a bar that changed the way I saw corner bars in the depths of South Philly. My whole life I thought McCusker's was some old folks cracked out place to be. Where old men made young girls sit on their lap and the whole deal. 15 years ago--I dunno. 2009 it's totally not that. McCusker's is run by two twins in their 30s. The crowd on the night I went were all neighborhood people in their 20s and 30s. Not a would be rapist in the bunch. It was so chilled and the drinks were cheap. I had a fabulous time!"

Krupa's Tavern

★★★★★ 4.7 (26)

"Super throwback in time. Cheap, divey, place that is unpretentious and filled with friendly people and staff. Large back room only used 6 times a year on Fridays during lent to serve meals. Inexpensive drinks can be accompanied by slim sims, girl scout cookies and peanut butter and cheese crackers!"

12 Steps Down

★★★★☆ 3.6 (154)

"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."

ERA

★★★★☆ 3.9 (201) • $$

"You would not expect an amazing Ethiopian restaurant behind a pretty normal dive bar but that's exactly what ERA is. We came by right as they were closing and they still sat and fed our party of 4, which was just an A+ in my book. They also sat us with a smile and did not rush us to finish our meal.The food itself was amazing, I always have a soft spot for Ethiopian food. Theres just always such a variety of flavors and it goes so well with the soft, slightly sour injera. We got the combo platter and it was enough to feed 4 people well. I can't even recall the specific meats we got but it was all just amazing so I doubt you'd be disappointed with any choices you make!"

Bob & Barbara's

★★★★☆ 4 (316) • $

"I think this is the definition of a dive bar. The special is a 12 oz. can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam for $4. The decor on the walls is definitely PBR and Jim Beam related. Did I mention a shot AND a beer for four bucks?The bartenders are fast and friendly and keep the business flowing. It's a Cash Only establishment so plan accordingly and bring money for PBR and Jim Beam.On the evening we went, they had a jazz band trio playing. Each set was non-stop as they just kept going and going. They have an old organ (my nickname) that was being played as part of the band. They played for a good hour or so before they took a break. It was a perfect time to have a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser.I would come back for the 4 dollar shot of Beam and can of PBR. It's a great deal, but bring cash."

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (155) • $

"I've known about this place FOREVER. I've passed by it, talked to people who have been regulars here and have thought to stop in on more than one occasion. But today was the day. My oldest daughter and I had time to kill before our next gathering and wanted to get a few drinks. We ended up here. It's definitely a neighborhood, "everybody knows your name" type vibe but still welcoming for those who don't. I ordered a couple of whiskey sours because my kid wants a somewhat "sweet" drink. Mike, the bartender became invested in my choice and instead of just serving the average drink he made a cocktail that included (but was not limited to) turmeric and ginger. It was absolutely delicious. We had another and stopped short of having another because well, we had two. This was just a great place to be and Mike was a stand out. It doesn't have to be your birthday to be happy at The Happy Birthday Bar."

JR's saloon

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (13)

"This place is a great old school dive bar. The bartender is friendly and the owners (who were sitting beside us and live upstairs) bought us a round - what more could you want? Their city wide deal is $4.50 (PBR and a shot of cheap whiskey), and if you're into smoking, they let you do that (I'm actually bringing it down a star for that but I know it's a draw for some). Also the ladies' bathroom is tiny and clean (a big plus). And there's a pool table in the back though I don't know if you'd get housed if you weren't a local."

Interstate Drafthouse

★★★★☆ 4.1 (274) • $$

"Okay, I know this says "Draft House", but let me start with the cheesesteak here. After years of traveling all over Philadelphia, I have finally found my standard bearer for best cheesesteak in the city. The bread is toasty and garlicky. The meat is nice and toasty too. Excellent flavor in meat and perfect complement with the cheese (no Wiz here). I love it so much, I devoured both mine and half my friend's. One of my friends went with the kielbasa steak. That's not me, but he was completed before I even got through half of mine, so make of that what you will.I'll note that it was the breakfast menu until 2:00. The kitchen is accommodating and there's breakfast cheesesteak on their menu, so there was no issue with preparing the dinner version. (They can also do burgers. Just ask!)As for the draft part of things: friendly frequent service but hardly overbearing, just right. Not a huge selection of beer but I found a local non-IPA that was just right. Small place, a few tables for groups and a few bar seats for individuals, but I can see it filling quickly on a Friday night. My friends and I like roads, so we love all the road signs and license plates and stuff on the wall. Your mileage (pun!) may vary. But for me, there will be return trips in the future."

Bonnie's Capistrano Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (31)

"Another review that I've been meaning to pull up from the annals. Upon first walking into Bonnie's you won't be won over by the lavish beer and drink selection, the elaborate decor, music playing from the jukebox, or anything of that nature (which coincidentally happens to be what usually draws me into a bar for the long haul). But what Bonnie's doe have that wins you over is the fact that Bonnie's is an old school South Philly family bar with infinite charm.After walking in with Meredith, Jenna, and the rest of the book clubbers after discussing Shadow of the Wind, I had no clue what to think. But that was because we skipped over South Philly Tap Room which was packed to the gills, and by comparison it was a completely different world altogether. But so long as that world features a hilarious and cool bartender, a good unassuming spot to watch a Phillies game, and cheap Yuengling, I'm cool with being a part of it. The lipstick stains of old-lady regulars on glasses is something that I can do without on the other hand, which is why Bonnie's gets 4 out 5."

Atlantis, The Lost Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (83)

"Great dive bar with friendly staff, local character and beer! No food (do chips count?) and cash only. Also, it's across the street from a local brewery in a cool part of town."

Locust Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (119)

"Dive bar at it's finest. Great menu. Full bar. Locals! TV's. Jukebox. Seriously cheap and so much fun! Go!!"

The El Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (161)

"El Bar is a must dive bar in my book!! After a long day of shopping and mouthful of Pizza Brain. It was the perfect sunny, summer day for a patio! They have super cheap specials here... meaning beer shot of course. The tricky part is making it through the not so smooth backyard. There's cool art around and CATS!!! Yesssss... CATS! They are literally lounging and napping around the yard. They totally own the place. I felt like I was in my phone game, Neko Atsume (cat collector in Japanese). It made me happy to have a tall boy and chill with the felines. The regulars love the cats too. One guy was even telling that this one cat lovessss provolone. I also got a compliment on my favorite Verameat horror shirt from the bartender. I like it when people have such nice taste like myself!! He even had me write down the brand. I guess he likes horror films as much as I do!I will have to add that I might've been the only girl on a Friday afternoon for the first hour and a half. I guess I was distracted by furballs that I missed that piece of information. At least, this fact saved me from bathroom lines. Super fun bar to have a group of friends and chill in the back! Or just cool off from running around Fishtown! Fishtown has grown so much and there is so much to see, do, eat and buy! My wallet too a beating walking from Chinatown to Fishtown!El Bar in three words: Dive-Cats-Patio"

The Dive Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (133)

"I got off the Chinatown bus at 11:45 am. A quick ride from NYC. My friend had afternoon plans. I had to entertain myself. And I have no qualms with hanging out solo and being in the driver's seat. After some brunch and shopping the heat got the best of me. During the summer I can hear a nice cold beer calling my name....Carolina....Carolina ... and not in the weird Poltergeist preacher voice that haunted me as a child but in a siren style calling.And like a light shining light pointed at the sign I looked up and there it was, a sign with a beer can and the name of the bar, "the Dive". I knew it was the place for me. The place was your regular dark and damp bar with some friendly regulars greeting me with a "Happy Funday Sunday!" I sat by the window. My life lacks sunshine so I'm recently into windows. I was going to order a light lager but when in Philly one has to drink a Yuengling. I ordered a Yuengling from my bartender, Chris (ask about his Beavis and Butthead tattoo) and the regular took care of my first round. The must've recognized me as a five lover. The baseball game was on. Phillies were being slaughtered. I guess there was no need for my glasses. There was talk of baseball fields and it turns out I've been to 7 baseball fields! I'm kinda impressed with myself.The owner, Jon came in for the second shift and the beginning of happy hour. The bar filled up with even more regulars and I heard a funny discussion where "conjugate" was accidentally used instead of "consummate"! It was quiet amusing.This place is great to escape heat, have funny conversations and drink cheap beer! I will definitely be stopping by again the next time I'm in Philly. I was greeted with open arms and even met a fellow crazy cat lady. Hi Keo!"

Fishtown Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (110) • $$

"Met up with a group of college buddies here. The bartender was super nice and playful. Drinks were good and the pub style food was excellent. Everyone loved the food and surprised at the quality. Would definitely come back for food or drinks!"

Dirty Franks

★★★★☆ 3.8 (309)

"Five stars for the wonderful, iconic dive bar that is Dirty Franks. It's everything you hope a dive bar will be. It's crowded, there is an interesting cast of characters inside and out, and most importantly it is cash only. The perfection of a cash only establishment in 2024 is not lost on me. I never have cash on me, but for a visit to Dirty Frank's, I definitely will.When I went to visit Philly, this spot was a non-negotiable on our night out itinerary. It's definitely a come as you are, no judgement, good time spot. I couldn't tell you what I drank, but truly it didn't matter. I was so happy to be in this space. Do yourself a favor and pop in to Dirty Frank's next time you're in Philly. Last but not least, the decor is top notch. Do not miss taking in the hand cut paper snowflakes that adorn this spot. Just perfect."

Smokey Joe's Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.5 (105) • $$

"Haven't eaten here but have come a few times to drink and hang out and it's a great spot. Nina the bartender is my absolute favorite! She even let us eat some dragon fruit the other day at the bar when no one else was there. This is also a great venue for watching tv or sports - my bf and I were in a game show and they let us air his main episode there. It's spacious and can fit a lot of people so it's good for a show premiere as well. Good selection of beers and drinks with friendly service."

Dahlak

★★★★☆ 3.5 (174)

"I visited with my friends on a weekday night. There was a DJ and a rising artist who was performing a debut single. The DJ played all the best songs and the ambiance was great.Customer service is average, not sure how the food, but looks like most were here for drinks. I had the house chardonnay and despite not really being a fan of chardonnay, it was delicious. Buttery smooth and balanced characteristics."

Doobies

★★★★☆ 3.8 (155)

"Probably my favorite bar in Philly alongside Oscar's or Dirty Frank's. Yes, the service is authentically Philly. Don't leave 1 star reviews when you know this is a dive bar and you get chewed out for being stupid. Many many different city wides here, and solid food menu. Cash only, but there's an ATM. Love how there are so many things here that support charities for animals.Like a previous reviewer said, it's a dope spot to drink and chill, and not be bothered."

Locust Rendezvous

★★★★☆ 4 (258) • $$

"I first went to Locust Rendezvous around 20 years ago. My memory of it was as a mediocre dive bar. My recent visits to "The Vous" have shown me that it is much more than that now. It's a great bar that you can count on for good drinks, fast service, and consistently good food. It doesn't matter how packed the place is. You can count on those three things. With TVs from wall to wall, any sporting event you want to watch will be on one of the TVs. My go-to food has become the turkey reuben. It's a delicious top-tier sandwich in a city full of great sandwiches. My go-to drink is the pomegranate mule, a great take on the moscow mule. I've tried a handful of items from the menu at this point, and everything is good. You can't beat the prices there either. "The Vous" has earned a regular spot in my bar rotation."

Oscar's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (367)

"Love!Great bar. A legit bar. I needed beer, they had beer on tap! $5 a draught. Good selection. Bar staff included women and I felt totally safe drinking there by myself. Came back several times on my trip."

Kung Fu Necktie

★★★★☆ 3.6 (176)

"A sweaty, crusty dance pit that I love. An icon in a fading scene of grungy places where everyone shows up on purpose, because the only reason you would be in a place like this is the character, the realness, the dancing, and the pleasant surprise that the floor is not as sticky as it looks.Drinks are cheap, they take card, and theme nights are amazing. Case in point, last night was Night Drive, a retro future, nu-disco, synthpop dance party that was way better than any of the made up words I just used could describe. Plus the DJ provided free (yay!) pretzels (woo!) from Philly Pretzel Factory (ehhh... fine.) and glowsticks and shit (woo!). On another note, even though I miss the Barbary, KFN has that same energy."