There’s a time and a place for fancy cocktails, creative food, and an Instagram-ready ambiance. Other times, you just want a place without any pretension — no impressive menu, super stylish decor, or even great lighting — just a place to enjoy a simple drink that doesn’t break the bank. That’s where dive bars come in. In Philadelphia, dive bars are practically as intertwined with local culture as cheesesteaks or rooting for the Eagles. But as neighborhoods have grown more gentrified (in other words, expensive), fewer of these local institutions continue to thrive in Philadelphia.
However, there are a number of beloved spots that remain a fixture in Philly’s bar scene, thanks to their cheap drinks and homey atmospheres. If you’re looking for a place to grab a Citywide (for the uninitiated, it’s a Philly special — a can of beer and a shot of liquor for one low price) or just hang out in a relaxed space with locals, these are the dive bars that Philly locals actually love. Naturally, a person’s favorite local dive is subjective. People are bound to have other opinions, but we have based these recommendations on numerous Reddit threads, Google reviews, and local publications like Philadelphia Magazine to compile this list.
El Bar
If you’re looking for a place where you can listen to live music, play pool or pinball, and, most importantly, buy a cheap drink, this Philly watering hole is a top spot. “Plenty of memories here. Some happy, some sad, some pretty dicey,” wrote one Google reviewer. “Good prices … Lively some days and chill others. Great people. Cats. What more could you ask for?” The cats, if you’re wondering, refer to the neighborhood visitors that are known to frequent the bar.
Located in Fishtown, Philly’s former industrial hub filled with art, cafe, and brews. El Bar has been around since 1965, and offers all the classic dive bar qualifiers — it has dim lighting (apart from neon string lights), funky decor, typically no food (besides the occasional $2 hot dog specials), and it’s cash-only (with an ATM available inside). But El Bar’s outdoor patio, lineup of karaoke, live music, open mic nights, and drink specials all make it a top spot to start or end your night out in Fishtown. “The place is exactly where you want to be for the late night gathering regardless of reasoning,” wrote one local on Google. “This is [a place] away from home for a lot of people and it’s obvious why once you step in and feel the decor and see the pool table.”
Locust Bar
With its wood paneling, sports playing on the television screens, and music blaring from a juke box, Locust Bar is another no-frills favorite among locals. “My favorite kind of dive bar — no gimmicks, dim lighting, strong pours, and full of regulars,” said a Google reviewer. Apart from its drink selection, which includes your classic array of beers and spirits, Locust Bar also hosts bar trivia, or “quizzo,” as it’s referred to in Philly, on Tuesday night, with karaoke held on Sundays…