My new favorite bar! Many regard Ray's as the best dive bar in the city. My first time here occurred last Sunday at around 11am and the main bar was fairly packed. My buddy and I grabbed some Kenzingers' and a shot of Jamison to start the day and sat at the closet table to the door. They had the door open to let some light in as it was early and nice out, which was nice and the crowd was very friendly. I had on my Philadelphia Live jacket and one of patrons at the bar came over to me and asked how I got the jacket as he worked there. The bar opens at 7am most days and from what I gather it is to accommodate the graveyard shift that gets out at the casino and for the nearby hospital workers. They also have Karaoke nights, open Mic nights, and a band playing it looks like once a week. I definitely plan on coming back here next time I am around South Philadelphia and if my birthday falls out on a weekend day obviously, as you get a free shot on your special day! As always people SYOY!!! read more

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A South Philly institution ... stop in on your birthday get a surprise and celebrate part of your day with the locals read more

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My boyfriend and his friends LOVE this spot so I've been a few times. It is a good dive bar, the bartenders are always friendly, they've usually got a movie playing, and even the other patrons of the bar are usually down to chat and be friendly. It has that local bar, everyone's friends, kind of feel. We have a routine of going to Di Bruno Bros, curating a cheese plate, and bringing it to Ray's. They are always chill with us eating our cheeses in there whether it's at a table or a bar, so long as we're having drinks. And apparently you get a free shot if it's your birthday? read more

Bartender on wednesday night is a weirdo. I've had good experiences at this bar before and the group I was with actually just arrived and had only had time to order a single drink SO FAR. Next, the bartender hands us 2 N/A Peronis like thats normal and when we say something he says 'No because you arent tipping anyway' Definitely racist, mostly weird. Every single person with us works in the service industry, TRUST we were going to take care of you but you had to be a bitch. I wish I poured the drinks on the floor. We were ready to spend an hour in here, We had to just go. read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Wow! Brought my visiting buddy out for a real Philly cheesesteak and looked for an old school local bar nearby. My nephew found this gem of a dive bar. Coincidently, the next day was my buddy's 70th. Love this place! Will return when in the area, even if it's not the birthday of anyone I know. Friendly bartender! Great vibe! (Sadly we missed the Karaoke... but there's next time.) Ray's Happy Birthday Bar is the way to go! read more

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Truly a lovely dive bar. We were looking for a place in the area to settle in with a drink and our pizza pie and this place jumped out of nowhere. I cannot even begin to explain the theme of the place or the decor, but it doesn't even matter. We went during an Eagles game and the vibe was perfect for our pizza (you can bring in outside food). Cash only bar with super friendly service. read more

If you are looking at a review for Ray's Happy Birthday Bar, this place may not be for you. This amazing South Philly legend doesn't need a review - it speaks for itself. It is the bar by which other dive bars measure themselves. It is the home of a citywide, a chatty bartender who also hates you, and customers who are more like characters you couldn't make up if you tried. If you want IPAS and sports, go to the other place across the street. If you want true magic and gold, come to Ray's. Just make sure to bring CASH. read more

Oh boy, this place. The dive bar philly people love to put on a pedestal and call it "real". I assure you the reality of it is more like a toxic attraction. I went in with a few friends. We sit down, figure out what we want. I go up to the bar. My first concern is the bartender. Picture a methy poor man's Dinosaur Jr. with empty plug hoops desperately searching for a vape charger in the bar's lost and found. Fun fact, he actually looks like that and was actually doing that. After he finished his task, I then able to order a few drinks and while waiting start talking with a regular. He's super nice, in fact most everyone in there is nice, save for the bartender. So yeah, this bartender gives me some of the drinks. I pay him, tip him well, and as I walk back to the table, he says, "only one round for you guys." He made it very clear he's a little man in a small sad world attempting to keep what little control he has, which sadly is just being mean for no reason. The beer tasted like a$$, so we left. read more

Love it ! Very welcoming local spot to chill and get buzzed! Perfect old school dive bar in South Philly. read more

If you want a beer and a shot in an unassuming bar, this is your place. Don't go looking for anything else. The jukebox selections were fantastic and the bartender was very friendly and helped move around a bunch of chairs to seat our group as more people arrived. read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - a man dressed as a ghost - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I've known about this place FOREVER. I've passed by it, talked to people who have been regulars here and have thought to stop in on more than one occasion. But today was the day. My oldest daughter and I had time to kill before our next gathering and wanted to get a few drinks. We ended up here. It's definitely a neighborhood, "everybody knows your name" type vibe but still welcoming for those who don't. I ordered a couple of whiskey sours because my kid wants a somewhat "sweet" drink. Mike, the bartender became invested in my choice and instead of just serving the average drink he made a cocktail that included (but was not limited to) turmeric and ginger. It was absolutely delicious. We had another and stopped short of having another because well, we had two. This was just a great place to be and Mike was a stand out. It doesn't have to be your birthday to be happy at The Happy Birthday Bar. read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Chill neighborhood bar. No food only drinks, cash only. Karaoke on Friday. Prices were decent. Come on your birthday for a free shot. Thanks

Great local dive bar right behind the famous Geno's/pats cheesesteaks. After my cheesesteak, I stopped by this spot for a drink and loved the small local vibe to it. Bartender was friendly and locals sitting behind the bar were having fun. Thankfully I came on an Eagles night and the vibes were fun. Fun fact: Anthony Bourdain visited this place before! read more

Friendly people. Staff is cool. Most people smoke outside, so the air quality is OK. Cool drinks & Karaoke. Cash-only and this is pretty divy, so... read more

Often listed among the top 'dive' bars in America, Ray's Happy Birthday Bar is a South Philly institution.  Since the end of Prohibition, Ray's has been a legendary gathering place for locals who patronize this triangular corner bar.  It got its name as back in the day one of the owners used to greet everyone with a "Happy Birthday" when they entered.  And still on your birthday, a Citywide will be served to you free of charge.  You don't know what a Philly Citywide Special is.  Well that my friends is a lager and a shot.  And costing just over four bucks, I can't tell you how many Citywides are sold here every day.  This is a Cheers type bar - everyone is friendly.  And the clientele is as varied as the neighborhood.  One of the owners once said that a newcomer drinking here is not a stranger .... just a friend we haven't met yet! read more

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I absolutely love it here. Fun-loving, diverse, polite, happy crowd. Classic neighborhood. Very accommodating staff. Show your ID and get a drink on the house for your birthday. Check out Saturdays once a month for the "Now You See Us" Comedy Show. Natalie K Levant and Dan Maho, Sr bring Philly's best and brightest comics for a fin night of laughs. No cover charge. Parking sucks. Take Uber or Lyft or just walk. Located right around the corner from Pat's and Geno's, even residential permit only, handicapped, and tow away garage driveways are ignored by the "I'll just be a minute." Pat's and Geno's crowd. read more

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Ray's is the epitome of a hometown dive, where the drinks are cheap and nobody is a stranger. It's it cliche to say it felt like home? Probably. Unlike every other bar in the city showing March Madness games, Ray's patrons were glued to Jeopardy and Family Feud shown on the single tv in the corner and turned up loud enough that everyone was playing along. Everyone was cheering and booing and getting really into the game shows - considering I normally spend my evenings watching these shows anyways, I was right in my element. My friends and I came here around 7 on a Thursday, and there were maybe 9 other people in the bar, most of whom seemed to be regulars. It was my friend's birthday, so of course we started our night here. On your birthday, you get a free shot, complete with birthday candle and dingy birthday hat. The bartender seemed unfazed and unimpressed with the fact we were clearly there for the campy birthday experience. There's karaoke here on Fridays, which I'm keen to come back and try. Just be warned, this is a small joint and smoking is permitted. You will likely walk out of there with the odor of cigarettes on your clothes and hair. It wasn't overpowering, but if you're not used to being around smoke, I can see why this place would not be for everyone. read more

Do my ears deceive me!?! A place where birthdays are celebrated every day!! How is this possible? The last time I was in Philly my roommate told me to check this bar out. I ran out of time. And lucky for me the next time I was town for a friend's wedding..it was only a few days shy of my day of birth!! And on top of that it's an OLD MAN dive bar!! Like a mouse to cheese... a day after shopping, pizza, coffee and beer, I was pulled in to the Birthday Bar. I went with my friend's friend and eventually asked Peter the bartender if I could possibly have my shot early since I had a birthday on Monday. His response was "come back Monday". I stared doe eyed. And only a few minutes later I was handed the crazy hat and a shot of vanilla flavored vodka in a shot glass and the glass was in a silicone cupcake wrapper and a lit candle on the side. Peter came through for me for my special day! What a guy! And he even takes a picture of you and then it's on Facebook! This place is one of five smoking bars so consider yourself warned. Also I heard some action in the back room and there is definitely karaoke. And you will be hit on by some interesting characters. And if all this doesn't tempt you then I really don't know what will! Good luck with your snorefest! And Happy Birthday to all who enter! (on your birthday or close enough of course) read more

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This place is about as old school as you can get. Reminds me of the old Springfield Inn in Sea Isle. A couple other posts mentioned smoking in the bar. This past Saturday I was there and no one was smoking inside. There were a number of signs posted inside "No smoking or vaping". I'm unsure if that is a new policy or not. No food is served in this establishment. read more

Ray's... Ray's... Ray's... Personally, I wish more places had this type of... charm. But in today's sterile environment, an establishment like this would never gain a following... I like this place. I came here just to check off one of the places that serve the Citywide Special.. A healthy shot of whiskey or bourbon and a can of beer (PBR, MGD, etc) for around $3-$5.. That can't be beat, and neither can the atmosphere... Enter this place just to wave at someone inside and your whole body will wind up smelling like cigarette smoke... Great, isn't it?!! A colorful, animated, and hilarious group of patrons inside. The bartender on the night I stopped in was about as energetic as a sloth... But his inner personality eventually won me over!! I don't live in the city. So I can't say that this is someplace that is a must stop in destination for me. But if I'm in the area, and it's late enough that I'm not going anywhere else afterwards, I'd stop in for a few.... read more

Bartender that was there was rude and had an awful vibe. Left because she was rude. We just drove 4 hours just wanted to chill and relax and have a beer. We are all over 30 years old and were treated like we were stupid children. She 100% could have had a better attitude instead of talking a ton of shit when we walked out. Yes we have been to a bar. We actually are bartenders as well. Believe us we have been treated much worse by better people. Put a smile on and dont be so quick to be an asshole :) also she yelled BYE because we walked out due to her SHITTY attitude. read more

Smiling faces, good neighborhood bar. Great signage. Excellent location for drinks. Didi mention the great sign and great name for a bar... read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Considering that the topic of this week's Philadelphia Weekly Yelp (available here: http://www.yelp.com/weekly?editorial_id=P_0MidHAEbcO8gmHE6eQcw) was dive bars, a visit to Ray's Happy Birthday Bar last night seemed not only appropriate but downright necessary. Two dollars dropped into the juke box bought us four songs, the last of which was "Beast of Burden" by the Rolling Stones. Terrific song, I wish it was played more often. . . For folks looking to sample of Pat's and Geno's it should be noted that Ray's is just steps from the intersection of Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, where both are located, so getting your Philly cheesesteak on after drinks here is easy if you've the hankering. We partook of pints of local brew but, oddly, no one ever wished us "Happy Birthday!" read more

Happy Birthday too us everyone! Went here for karaoke with Eric, Alexandra, and a bunch of others on Friday and I can honestly say that after enjoying lager pints for $2.75 and specials for $4 it really did feel like my birthday (not so much when I got up in the morning but still). Ray's is an awesome neighborhood bar in South Philly, and it really does have that community watering hole feel. It's one of those "where everybody knows your name" kind of places and it shows. and if Pierre Robert, Steve Carlton, and a host of others liked it enough to leave autograph pictures on the wall then it's alright by me (maybe the McThrill picture will even be up there one day). Ray's only loses one star because the smoking can get ungodly. I'm a nonsmoker who feels that smokers deserve their spots too. But getting your Violent Femmes on during karaoke is a tricky thing to do when you feel your eyes burning. It got to the point that I was thinking about breaking out some Roy Orbison on karaoke. "Crying, over you (and your smoke)". But as long as Ray's continues to be a cool real deal dive bar, than I'll definitely still be going. read more

DON'T: go with a large group of people dance in the bar talk back to the bartender be offended by smoke play rap music on the jukebox DO: have a decent amount of cash in pocket bring a pack of cigarettes wear clothes you're okay having smell like smoke order 'specials' tip & talk to the bartenders read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First time and I felt right at home. It wasn't my birthday, so I ordered up a 'Citywide' shot & a beer. Struck up conversations with my new acquaintances at the bar, swapping pictures and stories about our pets. Eventually moved to the side room for Open Mic night.... an eclectic mix of singer/songwriters, rappers (pretty talented), then my friend and I played some duo guitar/blues harp tunes. It was a fine time with a friendly bartender and cheap drinks. Next time? Karaoke! read more

Oh Ray's, how I love thee. Though I am not familiar with the bartenders by name, one is known to love getting girls drunk. One night my friend and I were charged a mere $2.50 for DOUBLE cranberry and vodkas. Needless to say, it was a memorable, but rough night. $2.50 for a mixed drink, single or double - can't beat that. And yes, one of the remaining few bars in which you can light up. Friday nights are prime for DJ Lars and his karaoke. read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The best part about this place is going here for a free shot on your (or a friend's) birthday. The bartenders serve up a mean flaming shot of birthday cake, and it can be a really fun experience as a stop on a birthday bar crawl. I don't think I'd ever come here for any other reason than a birthday. The place is old, musty, and very smoky. I can't stand being in a place where my eyes are watering, I'm gagging, and I leave smelling like an ash tray. I don't have any comments on the other food/drinks here because I've never stayed long enough to order much but a shot or can of beer. read more

I wanted to get a drink with my boy toy, so we saw rays, walked in and had a great experience. The bartender said his name was Matt and oh boy what a hunk. This guy was slinging drinks like Clint Eastwood slings western movies. Great experience. Great drinks. Good hunks! read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Ray's Happy Birthday Bar... at best it is "A-OK". It's not the best bar around, and it certainly isn't a bar I would pick for a good night out. None the less I've been here a few times to grab drinks with friends. The main lure is the lack of "no- smoking" signs. Since they don't serve food, patrons are allowed to light up- cigarettes, cigars, vapes, whatever you can puff. Personally - I find this to be a put off. Your lungs, eyes, clothes, hair, and anything you touch after leaving Ray's will be filled with stale smoke. Good luck getting that smell out. Aside from the smoking the bar is okay- it's your typical hipster dive bar. Unless you're a regular, the bartenders don't really have an interested in being nice to you. Additionally some of their specials are "cash only"- there is a ATM with a $3 fee located in the bar. If you decided to celebrate your birthday here- you'll get a free birthday cake flavored shot. There is a long bar and a few tables when you first enter. The back room has more tables and is set up for Karaoke. If you've got smokers in your group, this will be their short list of "cool" Philly bars- but if you aren't interested in sucking down second hand smoke all night- skip Rays. read more

We accidentally went to this bar and did not know what to expect. Quite a cast of local characters. Everyone was welcoming and the staff were on point. A true dive bar legend! read more

Don't go if you don't drink beer. I asked for a Tom Collins (pretty standard drink) and Tony the bartender told me he didn't have sour mix. ?? (I later got the hook-up; a friend whom he likes went to get my drink and came back with the most lethal TC I've ever had. So that's your secret if you're a cocktail person.) Karaoke is fun but ear-splittingly LOUD. Seriously, ear plugs advised if you want to hear the next day. Smoke is also very prevalent. It's a dive, folks. The perks are cheap drinks and bonuses on your birthday, and no holds barred karaoke with DJ Lars. Otherwise, you can probably go elsewhere. read more

So, if you are looking for a cheers style dive bar in the area, come here. Its cash only, as most bars seem to be. And if you come in on your birthday, you get a free shot. Kind of cool. It was full of local regulars when I stopped in for a drink. read more

Went on Sunday Morning 2/2. First time here but have wanted to check them out for a while. Walked in and the bar was pretty full for 9AM on a sunday morning :-). What a nice place this is, no frills, no endless craft beers to decide between, just good cold beer. The people that were there asked if we were non-locals, we responded we were and they couldn't have been more friendly talking about the place, the neighborhood and pretty much anything else. I love bars that open in the early morning hours. I will definitely be back to hang at this awesome spot read more

Terrible service, due to be hipster losers who work there. I can't blame them though, because even worse losers drink there, and they're too cheap to tip well. Whenever my friends invite me to go with them, I stay home to clean my cat's litter box- it's way more fun. read more

If you have a karaoke problem, start your night here on Friday and don't expect to sing more than twice. The KJ plays to the crowd and throws singer order to the wind. Still, one of my favorite places to feel like the inside of a cigarette soaked in PBR. read more

This is a good dive place .. it's very small the drinks are cheap and you can smoke in there.....we literally stumbled upon this place after trying to work off the trash cheesesteaks from Geno's and Pats read more

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This is a good old fashioned dive bar. Being the classy broad that I am I felt right at home. It's smoke-y but tolerable as long as you can handle a little smoke. This is clearly a scene where regulars come out to play but I didn't feel at all uncomfortable or singled out in spite of my new-ness. I should note, however, that I was there on NY Day, after the madness on 2 St. Mine was just 1 in a sea of new faces. The evening I was there the bartenders were on point - well prepared for a crowd of rowdy NY revelers. There was some karaoke going that is exactly as it should be; drunk folks hamming it up for well lubricated crowd. I loved every second. The beer selection is pretty straight forward, just like the staff. Loved my experience here! Bring cash and a sense of humor and grab a seat at the bar. You won't regret it. read more

Happy Birthday! Not hello, goodbye, howthehellareya, but Happy Birthday all the time. Thanks to Ray for founding the realest bar on Passyunk Ave, which is quite an accomplishment. Paulie the bartender kicks ass, thanks for letting us hang out after you closed and kicked out all the losers. I'd take a Makers with two ice cubes and Paulie would mock me. Then he would tell me fifty jokes and I'd never remember one. Four stars and not five cause it gets dreadfully smoky, but hey, it's a dive bar. read more

(Chest Rockwell lights a cigarette, inhales deeply. He begins to write...) 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Nestled on the corner of 9th and Federal just down past the perpetual chain of tourists coming to South Philly for Pat's or Geno's is Ray's Happy Birthday Bar. It's owner Lou Cappozoli is an outgoing gregarious soul who can entertain with his quick wit and easy-going nature. Ray's has been in operation since the 1930's when Lou's Dad, Ray opened the place. For years, Ray would greet everyone who came into his place with 'Happy Birthday', hence the name...get it? The place seats about 12 at the bar with tables scattered here and there. There is a back room that seats additional people and is used every Friday for Kare-oki. There are old pix on the wall of singers and musicians that Lou played with over the years. Every now and then the joint swings when he brings his "Rage Band" in to do a weekend set. On other days, the back room features a variety of local musical acts and open mike entertainment Even without the live music, The place can get loud, even raucous, but there's rarely any real trouble here. The bartenders are very friendly but they are also 100% no-nonsense. The minute you wise-off or start trouble in any way,...you are out the door. This is a necessary skill set in an environment that sells as much booze as Ray's. In spite of other Yelpers objecting to the 'brusqueness' of the staff, most regular patrons appreciate this. Ray's, as mentioned before, is a dive bar. They feature a number of tasty beer picks in bottles and on tap.They do not fall into the realm of gastropub/beer bar. There is no beer list. There is no beer sommelier. There are no happy hour specials. They don't serve food. They don't feature organically grown triple hopped honey wheat IPA's handcrafted locally or eighteen year old double processed bourbons made with the pristine waters of Kentucky's oldest known underground spring. To paraphrase Sheldon Leonard who played Nick the bartender in the film "It's a Wonderrful Life': ": ...we serve hard drinks in here for men who want to get drunk fast, and we don't need any characters around to give the joint atmosphere". Charlie Bukowski would be proud to wet his whistle in this place. Ray's opens at 7AM.Their one special is the 'citywide', or their version of it. A can of National Bohemian Beer and a shot of Windsor whisky. For four bucks. That's cheap my friends. On your birthday, they will ring a bell, light a candle and buy you a shot. That's why you go to Ray's. That, and cheap take-out. AND,...you can smoke. In a bar. Like Humphrey Bogart or Robert Mitchum. The way almighty GOD intended it to be! Too smokey for ya, buttercup? Shut up. Man up, LIGHT UP, and grow a pair bitches. God bless Ray's! The local hipster tattooed set makes this place their home. They mix well with neighborhood old-heads, sportsters and the occasional after work suit. Ray's is right off of the 9th Street /Italian Market and is near a number of eateries. J and J Pizza is right across the street. There's great Mexican next to that. Or, you can attempt to drunk-digest some of the low grade dog food that Pat's and Geno's serves up. (That I shall save for another review my friends) Ray's Happy Birthday Bar - Good place for 'day-drinkin'. Good place for conversation. Good place to meet people. Good place to watch the Phillies. Good place to rock out to the jukebox. Good place to have fun on the cheap. Bad place if you are a non-smoker. Bad place if you are a beer snob. Bad place if you're got an attitude. Bad place if you hate dive bars, boys in skinny jeans or girls who proudly show off their ink. If this is the case, please just turn right around and scamper back to your uninspired suburban gated community existence, Ray's Happy Birthday Bar is not for you. (...takes his last puff/stubs out cigarette. ) Thank you. read more