DON'T: take forever in the bathroom go here on a weekend with a large group forget to order a 'tall' beer be one of those people that pre-game's for the surrounding clubs DO: come here on a weeknight order a tall 'long island iced tea' play great songs on the jukebox' order something to snack on come frequently oscars on weeknights is totally different from oscars on the weekends, i like oscars on weeknights, i like to drink my drinks, i don't like oscars on weekends, i don't like drinks spilled on me. read more

Situated right in Center City and practically on Broad Street, Oscar's is definitely worth a look. This place is home to an unusually heterogeneous crowd, all seeming to appreciate the various strings of Michael Jackson, Queen, and Police songs. The Jukebox is essential. The 22 oz. tall glasses of Yuengling for $3 is also essential to its success as a venue! They also have a really nice, cheap dinner and snack menu. Burgers for $5 or less, $1.75 french fries, etc. It's nice not having to pay $5 for a few fries. My only complaints are: it was a little over crowded...which isn't too terrible until your service slows down considerably. Our service became slow and non-existent. There was also smoking inside. It was a great place to meet up with some friends that I haven't seen in a few years. read more

Oh, Oscar's. Where do I begin? The 23oz draft beers? The drug-dealing kitchen staff? The cheesesteaks? If you stick around long enough, you will probably see 1.) a fight 2.) someone fall off their stool 3.) a pregnant woman smoking 4.) all of the above. Enjoy! EDIT 12 Jan 2012: to be clear, Oscar's does NOT allow smoking, whether one is pregnant or not. read more

One of my favorite dive bars to go to if I'm in the Center City shopping district! I love the old school wood paneling and decor. This place is certainly a blast from the past. Staff is nice and accommodating and the prices are cheap! What more can you ask for?! read more

Def a fan of Oscar's for a late night drink, but I think that is the only time I would come here - after I went out to a real bar and got lit and wanted to relax and continue the night with some friends. It's a v small location and also very divey, that being said, I do love a good dive and that is exactly what Oscar's is. Ample seating, cheap drinks, friendly staff. Beware - cash only. ATM located inside. read more

Oscar's is the only place in Philadelphia where I will happily order a PBR. They're huge, cheap, and served quickly. The waitresses are always accommodating to our group, no matter the size. And they know how to keep the beer coming. It's the perfect place to start or end your night in the Chestnut/Walnut/Sansom area. A word of warning about the width of Oscar's: do not try to dance in here. There is not enough room. If you attempt the shag while rocking out to the jukebox, you very well may twirl your friend into a table, knocking over several beers in the process. Then everyone will turn and stare at you, clapping if they enjoyed the show. Not that this happened or anything. read more

So this is how the conversation went with the guys I was with when they suggested this place. Them: Do you like dive bars? Me: Sure Them: How about going to the shittiest bar in Philly Me: Seriously, the shittiest bar in Philly? Them: Well the shittiest that serves food Me: What are we waiting for? So what is there to not love about this place. The surly/inappropriate bartenders, the fact the bouncer/ID checker was actually a regular who was getting paid with beer, the homeless guy out front who was asking for money eventually got enough to come inside to buy beer, I mean do I need I continue? You should totally be sold at this point. The atmosphere is what makes this place. There are regulars who are interesting to say the least. Then there are college kids. Then there are homeless people. Then there are business people in suits. Its one hell of a weird mix, but it totally feels right. The beer is crazy cheap and they actually have some half decent selections. The draft beers are very large yet are priced the same as bottles so unless your really picky just get the draft. Its a way better deal. Then there is the food. I was a bit hesitant to order food here at first, but the guys assured me it was safe enough and actually pretty good. The sandwiches are surprisingly good and are as cheap as the beer. So head on in, enjoy some cheap ass beer and take in the weirdness. read more

I have walked past this bar so many time and never went in. I finally went in and it's the perfect dive bar. Our waitress was attentive and we never had an empty beer. The beers were large and inexpensive, especially for Rittehouse. The jukebox had a great variety of music. There is only one bathroom for women, so it can take forever. Just remember it is cash only! read more

Oscars is a great time. Dive bar to the max. Weathered and lived in seats, a bathroom that makes you want to bathe in bleach when you get home... what's not to love? I came here with friends for some day drinking and when day turned to night, sobriety turned into "non-existent". Tanya the bartender was super fun and seemed to know everyone. Just what you want at your local dive. Ask her for the Harrison drink- you won't be disappointed. It's her speciality and will put you to bed. Can't wait to go back and get down with a bacon cheeseteak and wings. I hear both are glorious. read more

It was an ok experience. Great place for discounted beer specials. $4.50 for a 23 oz beer. It has a 70'a vibe. The the juke box was cranking. Bartenders are friendly. We planned to eat there but decided not to. If you're out on the town looking for cheap beer, this is the place. read more

I came here for a friend's 28th birthday and generally like this bar. But on this random Thursday evening when the bar was perhaps half full, I had an unexpected, unusual uncomfortable experience. One of the bartenders here is incredibly inhospitable. Perhaps she was having a bad day and was incredibly rude to all the patrons. But to flick off patrons, that's unacceptable. It is the most uncomfortable I have ever felt at a bar. read more

Oscar's Tavern - One of the most inhospitable bartenders I have ever met. Perhaps having a bad day, but her attitude was unacceptable. - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Wowzers. I think I just found a bar that feels like home. Maybe I'll make it in Philly after all. I'm staying at a horribly expensive hotel that is beyond my means this evening, and I wanted cocktails, but didn't want to walk far due to the blistering cold that may have caused me to get lockjaw. (Don't ask.) So I turned to Yelp, a confused gal's best friend, for help on where to go. Oscar's sounded like a totally skeezy dive, so automatically I was in. And can I say...the rumors are true! Surly cocktail waitress? Check. Adorable placemats? Check. Incredibly random mix of clientele? Check. Fried foods at your beck and call? Check, even though I did not partake this evening, but undoubtedly will. God, this is totally what a bar should be. I was drinking old fashioneds and sitting inches away from a besuited mafioso who was chatting with what appeared to be a Charlie Manson wannabe, all the while sitting under yellow lights that make the night feel drunker than it is. It's not just awesome; it's RAWsome. However, I must withhold the final star because the jukebox isn't turned up loud enough for either an impromptu dance party or bar singalong to break out. Or is that shit the kind of gay stuff that only flies in SF? I hope not, cuz if after a couple more cocktails Don't Stop Believing started pouring out of the jukebox, I think I might reach nirvana. read more

If you are under 21 in this city and need a spot to drink, go to Oscar's as you are most likely to never get carded. Now, besides that, Oscar's is the epitome of a dive bar. You can smoke inside, play your favorite songs on the jukebox (3 for a dollar), the beer is ridiculously cheap and served in ginormous glasses, and eat greasy bar food. It's wonderful. The service is pretty good even though the place is always busy, no matter the day of the week. I've been here with three other people and I've also been here with thirteen others and somehow we always manage to get a table and have a great time. It's the perfect place to pregame. read more

Philly loves psuedo-dive bars. On the surface they look like your average corner joint, where townies keep barstools warm and look askance at unfamiliar faces, all while arguing the merits of Coors vs Miller. But with its trendy location on Sansom between Nodding Head and Ladder 15, Oscar's attracts a much hipper clientele. With cheap, tall glasses of beer on draft, and wobbly tables, expect to hear shattering glass and smell spilled beer throughout the night. The draft selection, in true dive fashion, is pretty limited to the big breweries, although they usually do have an offering from Dogfish Head or Victory on hand for the more demanding palette. The last time I was there, I ordered the Victory bottle they had that night and the bartender didn't know what I was talking about until I pointed to the list written on the mirror. Obviously if you're looking for a good beer experience, go next door to Nodding Head. Oscar's won't blow you away with their food, beer, or service, but it's basic, rustic, and unassuming, which makes it a welcome break from some of the other bars around, depending on what you're in the mood for that night. It's a great spot to take a break from wine bars, dancing, and tapas and drink lots of regular beer on the cheap while hopefully arguing about something a little more enlightened than whether one bland beer is better than the other. read more

Best thing about this place are the tall, cheapest drinks in town. Forget the overpriced food, guys and dolls. I got a nearly Das Boot version of a glass of Blue Moon for less than $5. And here is the place to try those "expensive drinks," like an Old Fashioned for $6! Depending on how many drinks you've hand, you can even reach other to that stranger, stick your hand in his afro, and smile and say "Squishy." And maybe get away with it. But let's not omit the occasional bar fights. PIck your battles wisely. Here is to being daring, cheap, and taking your hand sanitizer with your ID! read more

Nice lowkey place...tasty food with classic well made drinks. I have a high alcohol tolerance and two manhattans made me tingly. The people were polite and thoughtful. Would happily go back. Have referred friends. read more

I smile everytime i walk by Oscars on my way to work, partially because i know i will be in the joint at some point at the end of the week...weather its stopping in for "a drink" or a good friday night out-meeting up with my best chums to bullshit and play the jukebox: WEEEEZZZER & BILLY IDOL ON BLAST & REPEAT yo! Ofcourse i love the dingy box of a bathroom (anywhere where u can tag is golden) and the narrow ass walkway to get to the back aswell. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP is how i rolll and its how Oscars does! U will never get into a fight/have a problem with anyone here becuz everyone comes to have a goodtime. This is truly a gem and will always be. Neighborhood bar meets Center City and i would hope everyone loves it here. Whats not to love? read more

This is a favorite spot for my coworkers since it's so close to our job. And for $3 huge beers. And for cheap, delicious, shareable bar snacks. And for a jukebox with an awesome selection. And for sassy waitresses. This is everything I like about a dive bar rolled into one tiny place. read more

I started going to Oscars in the late 60's, it became our regular lunch spot once a week. I was a patron for 14 years until I moved from Philly. we loved the cheesesteaks and fries here. Absolutely delicious. there was a waitress named Joan there for years, Joan was are usual waitress, and made sure we sat in her area. About 27 years after I left Philly, I was sitting in a VFW in Maryland and saw a girl that looked like Joan. I mentioned I knew a lady and that she looked just like her. Low and Behold it was Joan's daughter. she told me her mom had passed and I shared many memories of her mom with her. It was a great day for both of us, as I have had many memories of Oscar's. I hope to get back for lunch again ONE TIME! BUT TO SAY THE LEAST. The sandwiches are delicious and Oscars is a great place. read more

The seedy interior is glorious and the crowd I diverse to say the least... Biker guys sitting next to you college students sitting next to a couple on a date. It was awesome. If you would like to go somewhere with an upscale atmosphere to impress someone, this is not for you. However, if you'd like to get a little buzz on for cheap with a very genuine group, this could definitely satisfy that need. It's up there with Dirty Frank's as a Philly staple. So bummed I only got here for the first time in my 20's. PS- Get the Long Island and the pierogis. They ain't no joke. read more

What I love about Oscars: 1. The 24 oz PBRs 2. The old school placemats depicting "classic" 60's cocktails 3. Mozzarella sticks 4. They'll let you watch Jeopardy if you ask nicely 5. Red "ambient" lighting What I don't love about Oscars: 1. The bathrooms 2. Cash only 3. The rest of the food is questionable, but what did you expect? Stick to the drinks. 4. The new digital juke box read more

Oscar's does dive bar to near perfection. Patrons of all walks of life. Food served on paper plates. Cheap 23oz draft beers. Paper placemats. Stellar service from ladies older than my mom. Crappy jukebox. Smells peculiar. If you're looking for a true divey experience, or are short on cash and want to get drunk, or just need a dark, loud place to drink after work, Oscar's is perfect. And they don't care if you spill your beer! read more

I don't think I'm capable of saying anything that hasn't been said before. This place is the foremost dive bar I can think of in Center City. This is where you want to go for cheap drinks. This is where you go for cheap, food you could have made yourself but would rather someone else defrost and cook that burger and throw it onto a roll that was $1/doz. If you're in the mood for cheap drafts and cozy laid-back atmosphere, then this is the place. read more

The only reason I give Oscar's 2 stars is because the staff is friendly and their long island ice tea was pretty good. And big. And full of liquor. I'm pretty sure I was buzzed off of one, and this was on a very full stomach. Other than that, too crowded and extremely loud. read more

One of the better dives in center city. It's at least got some classic character, even if it's filthy and smells funny. There's a good bit of seating also, in a nicely dark cave-like space. They also offer 23 ounce beers, so there's a good bit of value there. I've never been brave enough to order the food. It's the sort of place you go after you've finished dinner or classier drinks, and want to keep the night going without gouging your wallet. And it works for that. read more

"Dive bar" doesn't explain this place. Maybe the ducktaped pipes on the wall and the stained ceiling is on purpose to make it hipster, but I don't think so. And maybe I'm being a princess, but I really felt like I needed to shower after I left this place. I will give this place this- great for people watching. I couldn't quite figure out what the crowd was. Like people who got sick of Ladder? Other random groups of small friends like 2-3 people sitting at the bar or at the dining booths. Also you get ridiculously huge cups of Yueling for $4 so ok, fine. It's jukebox music so it's not playing the whole time and the bathroom is probably not up to any sort of sanitary code. The server and bouncer were both very kind though! read more

This place is classified as a dive bar but I don't think that's totally accurate. The clientele ranges from your average down and out drunk to the corporate businesspeople gathering for after work drinks to the hipster or artist type. It does have a bit of a dingy feel to it, but the staff is very personable and the food offered is a cuisine of standard bar fare of average quality for an average price. To me, the highlights of this place are the "tall lager" (22 ounces for three bucks and a quarter) and after 4pm if you order a cheese steak you get a cheese steak and a half for the same price. Now let me just say something about this cheese steak. You hear a lot of people debating about where the best Philly cheese steak is found. For my money this is the best cheese steak for the best price. Perhaps this is a controversial claim, but really it's everything you can want out of a cheese steak. It's not fancy, but good. If I have friends visiting from out of town and they want to experience an authentic Philly cheese steak, I take them to Oscar's. You avoid the lines of the tourist trap steak joints and you have a nice laid back atmosphere to consume that greasy goodness. Regarding the atmosphere, there are TVs, sometimes the audio is turned up, but sometimes the juke box is playing. As other people have commented, the juke box has a great selection, probably one of the best I've found in terms of variety, but the last two times I was there it was broken. In lieu of that however, they were playing the oldies Music Choice channel and it was completely perfect. read more

jukebox... check 23oz LITs... check creepers... check too close for comfort with strangers... check check check due to my deep love for conversations with strange strangers, this place gets 4 stars. read more

Oscars is great for those days off when you really don't have much to do, so drinking at noon sounds like a great idea...haha just joking (or am I?) The place has no windows so when you step out at 4 PM and its still light out you get a little disoriented (of course I am speaking from what friends have told me...) The people are always nice and up for an impromptu conversation. And the cheese-steak and a half deal can't be beat. They never run out of lager and you rarely walk out spending more than 20 bucks. Nothing has changed my mind about this place over the years. This is a no attitudes place where you can go to unwind, drink and chat. If you enjoy a friendly crowd, cheap eats and drinks and great atmosphere, make it a place to stop when in the neighborhood. read more

Oscar's is one of my favorite spots to get drinks! The server is super sweet and friendly, and there's never been a moment where I or my friends have felt ignored or forgotten l. (Although, since it's usually pretty crowded after work, getting your check can sometimes prove to be a hassle.) Second, the atmosphere is great if you're into good, loud music, tables of people talking and laughing over each other, and cool red lighting. Definitely a grade-A dive bar. Third, I'm usually teetering on the edge of broke, and Oscar's doesn't force me to stretch my wallet. Speaking of which, remember to stop by the ATM beforehand. Cash only!! Fourth, the nachos are Satan. They tempt me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Fifth... Well, I hadn't planned on a fifth reason. It's situated smack dab in the middle of Sansom between 15th and 16th so you're super close to the MFL, BSL, and Regional Rail Lines. Convenient for if if you don't live in the area. read more

There were three for two cheesesteaks; there were potato chips. There were cheap beers, shots, comradery, good times, and some girl who was either a prostitute, a questionably moraled coworker, or like, the worst granddaughter. Ever. AND SHE MADE OUT WITH EVERYBODY. Well I guess she really one made out with the two guys. One jealous young man who was her age and one lucky old chap 30 years her senior. But the whole bar was trying to figure out who they both were. So, like, whatever man. I'm drunk. Come to oscar's for the cheesesteaks, stay for the show. read more

My favorite pair of flip-flops may thin with wear but gosh darn Oscars doesn't. One might not realize but while drinking at Oscars you are sitting alongside greatness - the many men and women who cook & serve you food. It reminds me a bit of the bars I grew up in, in Fishtown, sans the occassional stare or drunk bloke who asks why you didn't go to "insert name here 's Beef N Beer." Funny, last visit I was seated next to a gal who grew up a few blocks from me. We compared accents and argued over who makes the best peirogies. After my visit that night I overslept for my lunch shift the next day. Brilliant! read more

True dIve bar where the waitress may not always remember your name but knows your order. You can supersize your beers. It's not for the faint of heart. There's a lurid haze of smoke that hangs over the place and clings to your every molecule. For some reason, I love it. You can get a decent sized group in here. The crowd varies based on the night, but it definitely has its share of regulars (read daytime alcoholics). I frequented this place every Wed night all summer long and have a great store of memories. read more

Your typical Drive Bar...Drinks were good food was decent and the bartender was very friendly.

I've been to oscars a few times when I'm in town, and I've loved it every time. First off, order the perogies. Just do it. They are delicious. It's a little bit of a dive of a bar, but great atmosphere and always friendly staff. Importantly, though it's definitely a dive, they always have clean bathrooms - the women's are clean at least, I can't comment on the men's. When I went during the day on a Friday (I know, I know) the bartender wasn't very knowledgeable about the beer, but she was happy to let me sample a few until I found a nice wheaty beer I liked. Quick tip - they are cash only so plan ahead. I can't imagine you'd spend more than $20-25 for a couple beers and a few trays of perogies though! read more

The block of Sansom Street between 15th and 16th is colorful. You have Roy's at one end with the bright purple awnings; the Nodding Head bobble head sign a few store fronts down; and then you get to Oscar's Tavern, right in the middle, with the bright red door and neon signs. This neighborhood dive bar holds its own next to the snooty Sansom Street Oyster House, serving up cheap beer, delicious bar food, and a crowd as colorful as the street. Oscar's is dark and dirty and smelly. The Phillies game was on and the bar was lined with fans. Not the obnoxious fans who hang out at chain sports bars. These were hard core fans who didn't talk during the whole game and held their breaths until the last strike was thrown. Then came the claps and some cheers and the conversation could start. The beer selection is nonexistent, but that's not really why anyone goes to Oscar's. You go to Oscar's to drink at least one 23-ounce draft for $3.25. Oscar's patrons do not like change, made obvious by the fact that my friends almost cried when they discovered that Miller Light had been replaced by Bud Light for the 23-ounce option. Also on tap were Michelob, lager (Yuengling) and PBR. The highlight, at least for me, is always the Oscar's cheese fries. Nothing compares. I have weened myself off of cheese fries from anywhere else because I am always disappointed and end up comparing them to Oscar's. Give me two drafts and an order of cheese fries and I am happy for three hours. For a grand total of $9 before tip. Heaven! Golden and delicious. Hot, salty, crispy, chewy, light, dense. Oxy moronic fries. These are the only fries I could eat by themselves. You know you've come across some great fries when you have a 2-minute serious discussion on whether the cheese is real Whiz or just squirt cheese. Verdict: it's real Whiz. read more

2 beers (that were about a pint and half each)= $5 total 2 shots of tequila (that were a shot and half each)=$10 total AWESOME. It really got me and my friend talking philosophy and life. There are locals in the bar and it's funny because it's right next to Ladder 15 so there's like a bunch of jazzed-up people lingering nearby. If there was a pool table this place would be awesome. In general a good place to just drink a lot for cheap with some friends in your hipster clothes. read more

My associate and I come here once a while and it's such a great little place! They have good tenders and fries. Your most typical bar food, but it's actually well made I think. They have touch tunes, where you can request songs via iPhone/Android app, which you probably have to pay like a jukebox. It's a good time here and the bartenders are pretty damn attentive. I always have a good time here and it's not loud to the point I can't other people talk, that's another thing that I like about this place! read more

HOLY CRAP!!! This is my kind of dive. Right in the middle of the city. The regulars look like they haven't left their bar stools since the joint opened. People are fun friendly. Even the stuffed shirts that walked in loosened up. Folks thats how you can tell a bar is magical! Jukebox was awesome. Prices were dive-a-licious. AND OMG THE CHEESESTEAK!!! So much food and so good and so cheap. The only thing that sucked about this place.... they were playing the Phillies. As a Cards fan I know that no one is perfect though. Can't say enough! I will be back the next time I'm in town. read more

Oscar's is a real dive bar. We went here on a thursday afternoon around 5. It was packed. There wasn't a seat at the bar, and I didn't see more then one open table. The bartender was really nice and promptly served us. I ordered a kenzinger (large) which was only 5 bucks. Can't beat a big cheap bear. The patrons range from corporate suits, to college kids in t shirts, 30 somethings, and a group of 50ish men. I noticed that by the bar is where they make food. I didn't ask to look at a menu but from the amount of cheese steaks and fries I saw coming out, I'm guessing that the menu is limited. Or it could be that that's the "must have" when you eat here. Some dive bars have the gross vibe, this just has a dive cool vibe. It reminds me a lot of Tony's Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City, a bar I grew up going to. They don't have many of these spots around anymore. read more