Remember Moe’s Tavern from The Simpsons? That’s what a dive bar really is: sticky floors, usually with patches of sawdust here and there; a humongous jar of pickled something sitting on the counter, and three things available on the “menu”.
If you want a truly authentic dive bar experience, you’ll have to travel farther out south, north or west and rely on word-of-mouth recommendations. But if you’re in or around the Center City area, we know of some awesome dive bars that are a little more “patron-friendly.” Here are the best neighborhood dive bars in Philadelphia that you need to keep on your radar:
- McGlinchey’s Bar on 259 South 15th Street – The longest standing dive bar in Philadelphia boasts a score of 80/100 on Beer Advocate. They serve low-cost beers on tap and also maintain a lot of regulars at the bar and booths. McGlinchey’s has found its way into Philly Beer Scene and Drink Philly, as they always have some ridiculous special going on. Follow them on Facebook for updates on specials.
- Tattoed Mom on 530 South Street – If you’re looking for cheap beer, random and eccentric decor, and Taco Tuesdays, you’ll find all three at Tattooed Mom. They’ve got pool tables, a staple of any dive bar, but also candy and toys for each table. As a bonus, Tattoed Mom has a lot of wacky events coming up, like Potato Head Arts & Crafts on March 22nd and a kick-off party for the Beard & Mustache East Coast Championships on March 27th. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details.
- Doobie’s Bar on 2201 Lombard Street – The owners are friendly animal-lovers who sell craft beers from this tavern at a very cheap rate. A family owned establishment since 1978, Doobie’s epitomizes what a dive bar truly is. They have board games, a jukebox, community events, and even hold brewery sponsored quizzos! Check them out on Facebook and Twitter for more info.
- Rogues Gallery Bar on 112 South 21st Street – Located just off the edge of Rittenhouse Square, this corner taproom is where you will find cheap craft beers, in addition to fancy little snacks like hummus and pork belly. It may look and feel like a dive-y spot, but you’ll find elevated gastro-pub eats to satisfy the most relentless drunk munchies. On top of that? It’s also a dance club! Follow them on Facebook on Twitter for upcoming events to get your groove on.
- Kelliann’s Bar & Grill on 1549 Spring Garden Street – They offer $3 beers (as is the trend with Philadelphia dive bars), discounted Irish whiskeys, and 50 cent wings. Burgers, sandwiches, and nice game of Quizzo are all you really need to have a good bar experience, anyway!
Need some more recommendations? Be sure to check out Oscar’s Tavern on 15th and Sansom, Dirty Frank’s at 13th and Pine – plus, there’s always the grimy Dolphin Tavern on South Broad Street and whiskey and go-go dancers at the Trestle Inn.
What is your favorite neighborhood or dive bar around Philadelphia? Which places do you tend to avoid? Let us know in the comments!
