50 Best Dive Bars in Philadelphia

“i love this place! this is my neighborhood spot--truly has some of the best bartenders in the city and a diverse clientele. i've had many, many interesting conversations here with both staff and patrons and have also met many new friends. and they serve their citywide ($5) (which they invented btw) with a PBR ($3 a can), which is the superior choice.

i'm a single woman and usually go to this bar alone. whenever i've had problems with men here (happens from time to time, not the bar's fault), the bartenders have ALWAYS had my back (shout out to my girl, Kelly!!) both of the doormen do an excellent job of keeping things safe and in control inside the bar too.

the food from their restaurant next door is exactly what you need after a night of drinking, and the events B&B holds are the shit. they have the best karaoke night in the city, and the drag night is absolutely worth checking out. the live music and dj's also never disappoint. and during football season, they have the games on (go birds!)

it's a classic dive bar, maybe one of THE dives in the city. a MUST visit for any dedicated PBR-head. 10/10. oh! and also the bathrooms are clean!!!! what more could you want??

ps. it's cash only but there is an atm inside“

“Such a cool place to check out you're very friendly bartender and everybody that was sitting at the bar was really friendly as well so that made it that much better of an experience. Definitely a must check out. Just went again. Loveeee this place best bartender“

“Great people!! Thanks so much Doug for taking care of us and letting us order in amazing cheese steaks you recommended! We will definitely be back my new/old-school nostalgic favorite stop any time I'm out in Philly! Great to meet some new phriends and phamily! Rock on🤘👍❤️💯💥“

“Excellent local spot. Dennis is a great host and I've had a great time every time I've been.“

“stop by curious of good burgers !! found GREAT burgers and FANTASTIC people! now Wolf Burger is my reg. Friday stop @ 👍🏻😋❤️“

“Als Touristen sind wir ohne große Erwartungen ins Dirty Frank's. Wir wurden im Prinzip am ersten Tag schon als Stammgäste angesehen. Ab dem zweiten Tag, fühlten wir uns auch so. Absolut super Service, sehr nette Menschen im der Bar. Coole Jukebox, günstige Getränke. Sollte es uns jemals wieder nach Philly verschlagen, wird Dirty Frank's Bar das Erste sein, was wir besuchen werden.“

“Probably the best and only $4 sandwich I’ve ever had. The menu feels like you’re taking a step back in time with the prices. It’s a dive, don’t expect gourmet. Service is great, food is great, and we will be coming back for a drink next time we are in the area.“

“Bartender Bobby is great!!“

“Smegy's is my favorite little hole in the wall! Always a good time. I am always happy when I walk in & see Chris behind the bar. That guy is awesome! Good people, great prices & chill vibe. Get one of the pizzas if they have them.“

“Nice atmosphere, good bartender.“

“First time here earlier today. The bar was good, but I did not get a chance to try the food. Hope to do that eventually.“

“Wife and I Need to get out the house for an hour so we looked up a few bars and decided Atlantis it is ( she loves aquaman ) We Had A Long Island And A Old Fashioned. Great Place to Be When Along Frankford Ave. Bartender One Reminds Me Of A Slim Rob Zombie and Great Convo From Here. Bartender Two Was Great With Kinder Minis and Lay's Chips For A Snack from His Personal Stash lol. Phillies Gane Was On Vs Brewers and Got To Educate WIFE On Baseball Along With A Long Time Fan Amy Expalining To Her Also. Oh Yea It's A Big Fluffy Dog That Loved To Be Petted While We Were There. I Highly Suggest Atlantis! Get Up And Get Out The House Come Here“

“Great spot!! Full of history…cheap still and old school“

“Nice little place to have a few beers with friends. 😁👍“

“Not a Chiefs fan but stopped into this corner bar and had such a great experience! The owner, bartender and the locals were so nice! Was given a free burger because I was hungry and was backed up with a free beer from a local. I am so thankful for stopping in! ❤️“

“I'd say I've been coming here for just over 20 years now. I enjoy the people and the atmosphere here. It is a beer and shot bar, the bartenders are friendly and attentive, the food especially the homemade soups are great. You can always meet up with friends or make new ones and have a good time, nice shuffle board, shuffle bowl, and slot chance games here great selection of music on the jukebox. Drinks are affordable and the place has been here over 50 years.“

“Great local spot. My husband and I used to come here when we lived in Philadelphia. Came back for a visit after being gone 10 years. Elaine gave us updates on friends and neighbors from our old street. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the neighborhood’s history. You can get a quality lager for $4. Cash only.“

“Good people and fun place to enjoy a couple beers, bartenders treat everyone like family.“

“Friendly staff, fun environment and good food!“

“Best roast beef sandwich 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙“

“Family own business with a deep and loving history of the name!!!! She will be home soon!!!!“

“always a great time, and it's nice to walk in and everybody knows your name, and those who don't are your friends by the end of the night“

“This place is so cool, it was a unique experience. Kelly was our bartender, she was so friendly and cool. If you are in town, definitely swing by this place, drinks are cheap, and conversation is priceless. I would give it more stars if possible.“

“Best gay bar in south philly.“

“This place is great, clean, nice great prices. Pete is fantastic and very accommodating. We live in the neighborhood and love to stop by for a nice beer, shot, cocktail. Highly recommended and great place
In the manayunk neighborhood. Gotta stop in!“

“Fun vibe… Good place to hear live music“

“Great place Thanks for having us“

“Great little dive bar ..great open mic on Wednesday and three live acts on Thursday with a happy hour on Friday which also has live music .. I am a musician and played there Thursday and had the pleasure of meeting the owner ..What a great dude!! Music is such a huge part of the Philly dive bar scene and it seems to be dying but thank god for places like JRs that car about tradition and costumer service ..I mean this guy really loves his patrons he knew them all by name the bartender is the sweetest girl you’d ever want to meet so nice and a great bartender ..this place is the epitome of a great dive bar with great music and atmosphere..I guess ya gotta be doin something right to be in buisness for over 40 years … thoroughly enjoy myself every time I’m in there weather I’m playing or just there supporting another musician.Gary runs the music a great musician in his own right and is always looking to give a fellow musician a shot at JRs if your a musician and looking for a gig or a good open mic that is a great place to start or if you just wanna get a drink and feel like you are where you belong then this is your stop for sure“

“I want to apologize to the owner & staff of Whispers Inn. A scorned sister got to my phone & put derogatory comments regarding this establishment that were far from the truth! Whispers is a spot where one can enjoy themselves & have great conversation or just get a nice drink. No uppity folks! Just plan everyday good people......Come through“

“It is a nice bar where the staff and the customers are very friendly.The drinks are good as well.“

“I visited El Patio Cafe Restaurant for the first time. I ordered the chocolate milkshakes with whipped cream and cherries for me and my daughter. It was so light and airy, affordably priced for the container size. The environment is warm and inviting with a small seating area to accommodate ten people, in case you are waiting on your order to be completed. Speaking of orders, the menu displays a variety of multicultural foods and they are affordable for the budget-conscious eater. Overall, I highly recommend El Patio Cafe Restaurant as my go-to neighborhood eatery for good eats and sweet treats. If you are reading this review and you are not local to the South Philadelphia area, I suggest you check them out with a friend.“

“A neighbourhood go-to. Great food and drink in a comfortable setting.“

“Loving the new look with the mesob tables. I was expecting the authentic Ethiopian dining experience where they bring out a big round plate for the mesob and we all eat off of it, but we were given a small square plate to serve one. Food was great though. And the date cake is delicious. Do try it.

I wish they could import Tej. I fell in love with honey wine at an Ethiopian restaurant in Queens and haven’t had any since.“

“You must come and check it out yourself 😺“

“Stopped in randomly. Cash only bar, they do have ATM for 2 dollar fee but don't fret the drinks were cheap.. i did stop in on a bappy hour on a Wednesday though .. anyway bartender was nice and attentive.. relaxed atmosphere. Yes i would go back. My experience ill give a 4 out of 5.“

“grumpy's is a great fun filled place to go for a good time . this place has been around forever and they welcome everyone and anyone !!!“

“Depending on how packed and who's tending bar, the wait time for a drink varies- gotta be patient. The frozen "Henny" (lmmfao) colda--.. that's not Henny.. that's whiskey, trust me, I have my certification. Long story. But TuuuuMmmmm... Other than that- it's definitely a great place to go and have a blast. The Brazilian fiery haired bartender is a must see. She's cool ? Great place to chill out and play pool, if it's not crowded. Highly recommend“

“Nice friendly place great atmosphere“

“I’d like to thank The Fire for a great show last night (2/15/25). The staff were super friendly, and Bob the sound guy did an amazing job! All the bands sounded fantastic!“

“your staff were very sweet and went above- and- beyond to accomodate 4 out- of- towners tonight. I have mobility issues, and the staff were so outgoing and kind when helping me out. Thank you so very much! So appreciated! Great pizza, too!“

“clean and good atmosphere“

“Castle Roxx is my go to stop. Every time I come I have a great experience. All of the bar tenders always are amazing and work so hard to make my experience the best in Manayunk. Eric and Vinny are two of my favorite bar tenders. They make even the slowest nights the most fun. I normally come during the week, as opposed to the weekends, and I never regret it.“

“Great food, great drinks, easy-going atmosphere. Perfect spot for dinner before a show.“

“Best place ever to see an Eagles playoff game!!!“

“You must come and check it out yourself 😺“