46 Best Dive Bars in Philadelphia

“A truly special and magical place that still exists. I hope it lasts forever. One of the beacons that keeps Philly unique. Looks like more tavern from the outside. Has these awesome musical notes bike locks. Live music. Incredible beer and shot specials. Crazy cool interior. Awesome bartenders and patrons. Protect this place at all costs.“

“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“

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

“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🤘👍❤️💯💥“

“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.“

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

“Bartender Bobby is great!!“

“Nice atmosphere, good bartender.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

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

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

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

“Game day! My wife and I make the two hour drive to Philadelphia to see the Chiefs take on the Colts. We arrive at 12:30 for a 1:00 pm game. The front room was packed. As we walk in we are greeted by nearly everyone. We don't know a soul, but they all say Hello.
We head to the back room and find a high top table. As we walked back, a patron named Paul walks to the bar and moves a seat for my wife and carries it over. Friendliest bar on the planet
This is not a large bar. However, the drinks are quickly poured. The pricing is great. They even serve hot food on game days. Make sure to get a sausage and peppers early before they run out.
Most importantly, it is a comfortable sports oasis for KC Chiefs fans in South Philly. It reminds me what sports are all about, sharing a few drinks and a game with fellow fans.“

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

“Great place Thanks for having us“

“Friendly staff, fun environment and good food!“

“Best roast beef sandwich 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙“

“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.“

“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 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“

“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“

“You must come and check it out yourself 😺“

“Best gay bar in south philly.“

“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!“

“clean and good atmosphere“

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

“Fun vibe… Good place to hear live music“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

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

“Nice friendly place great atmosphere“

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

“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 !!!“

“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.“

“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.“