absolutely love this place been going for years, cheap and cheerful. HOWEVER..................out of all the wonderful bartenders/barbacks, there is one, ALWAYS ONE, that is absolutely horrible and I don't understand how he is still there. Absolutely miserable, when he starts his shift he will remove my beverages even if the half full, throws them away all the time and gets away with it, knows it's mine, OR will absolutely ignore me and friends at the end of the bar because he does not like us. He has been known to tell people he does not like them and refuses to serve them on that basis alone. Too many people have brought this up before to continue to endure this piss poor bartender ruining an otherwise enjoyable-as-always time at the Bike Stop. read more

First let me address this: The Bike Stop is what you make of it. Go in, relax, be friendly to others, and overall be a nice person, and everyone else is going to reflect that back to you. It started off with the bouncers. They asked for my ID! I haven't been asked for ID in well over 20 years, so I was quite pleased to be asked for it. I produced my ID, and bopped on in there with my date. The place wasn't packed for a Friday night. A few folks at the pool table, some folks wandering about, and lots of people at the bar. We wandered downstairs where the light was red, and the bar had fewer people at the bar. We took our seats, ordered some drinks, and paid. Nice, strong drinks, and the bartender was super friendly. When we asked for glasses of water, they literally had a stack of pre-poured water for anyone who wanted it, and handed it over no questions asked. Some places try to charge you for water. Not this place! That's awesome that they're encouraging safer drinking. We had a lovely time. A troupe of ladies came in and were chatting with the bartender, while this shirtless guy was making out with some other guy on the other side of the bar. After a while, I wanted to maybe dance a little bit, and see if I couldn't find seats at the bar, as well as explore the rest of the space. Also, there was some kind of smell going on in the basement that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but it was getting in the way of my good time, so my date and I wandered up. There were a couple of seats empty at the bar! Nice. We asked politely from the guy sitting next to it if those seats were taken, and he gave us a big smile, saying "Nobody's sitting there, but thank you for asking anyway!" What an absolute sweetheart. We ordered a couple more drinks, until my date overheard the guys who welcomed us to grab those chairs talking about some horror movie they'd all just seen and were obsessed with. My guy chimed right in, and the lot of them got into a spirited enjoyable discussion about horror, music, and the various implications of those in our various POC communities, and it was such a good time. I was curious about the other two floors, as we'd now experienced the basement area and the main floor. Apparently those other floors are only open for special events, and they have a total of 4 of them. Some day I'd like to come back when the whole place is open, and have a nice wander around the space. The crowd on the night we went was on the bear-y side, but we also saw that group of queer ladies in the basement, and people of all different races and body types in the space. It was lovely to see a place where diversity is celebrated, and we felt welcome even as out of towners coming for a short visit. The people were lovely, the drinks were strong, and the staff was friendly too. Literally on the way out, as we passed the folks outside having cigarettes, we got them waving goodbye to us and asking us to come back again soon. read more

The best bike shop in and out of Philadelphia. They don't rip you off financially. And, they sell incredibly great restored and new bikes. They are the most affordable bike shop in the entire city. They also repair or amend your bike quickly. read more

Iconic. It's def giving what the description says, leather bar that's very dark and mooody.Dingey and grunge that smells like an old garage or dungeon. Obviously not the cutest of places for smells but it's part of the aesthetics of this place that makes it so iconic. Drinks are decent, bartenders are nice. Music is mid but I don't think people are coming here for drinks or music. If this is what you're looking for it'll be exactly that. read more

Business upstairs; party downstairs. While my time at The Bike Shop was short due to a long day of traveling and walking around Philly, I really enjoyed my time here. From what I hear, this leather bar has been on the scene since the 80s, and many aspects of the bar reflect this...in a good way. Even though the downstairs level is considered the 'cruising' section, I thought the majority of the bar's patrons were very nice and not super aggressive. Then again, I did leave before 11 pm, so I don't know if the intensity of the bar increases in the wee hours of the night. Also, I was very impressed with the variety folks in terms of race, ethnicity, and body types. In terms of service, I could not have been happier with the two bartenders that were working the lower level during our visit. They were fast in serving our drinks, but they managed to take a few moments to briefly chat with folks. Also, I thought the prices for drinks were pretty reasonable...although I cannot accurately remember how much I spent on drinks. ;) All in all, I hope to make this one of my go-to stops (pun intended) during my Philly adventure. read more

If you are looking fir a gay bar with an intimate vibe this is it. Lovely patrons, lovely staff, its a very particular experience but when you are craving it its perfect read more

Love and happiness abounds - all of you have to do it for the right reason to live in the present

Had to get on my soap box about this because this has been bothering me for months. Frankly, as a young member of the LGBTQ+ community, going into queer bars is still a relatively new and exciting experience for me. And unfortunately, like many gay bars, this was very disheartening. Went on a regular Saturday night, after being recommended to go. Bouncers were friendly, which set a good tone. Walked inside and immediately felt unwelcome. We ventured downstairs and did not even make it to the bar when two men behind us loudly said, "we love our allies, but know your place." After that, we just left. This review is not so much a critique of the establishment (couldn't even rate the drinks), but who it caters to. Being queer is something I have known for a very long time and feel empowered in, but in that moment I genuinely felt shameful for entering a queer space. For someone to assume my gender and sexuality with one swift remark really goes to show how much we have internalized as queer people... We should be empowered and banded together instead of categorically denying membership. Guess I'll have to try my luck at dyke night. read more

Great atmosphere, reminds me of 1990's era silver lake or Hollywood leather bars. Very fun and inclusive

Anyone with any self respect wouldn't go in this bar. It smells like bad breath. The draft beer system needs to be cleaned. They will not invest a penny into upgrading the bar. The staff is obnoxious and enforces rigid bizarre rules. Instead of the customer coming first the staff comes first like it's an honor to be in their presence in that dump. read more

My first time at a gay bar in the gayborhood I felt welcome and really enjoyed myself looking forward to going back for more fun .

We were here on a Friday night and enjoyed our time drinking, having conversations, observing other customers in the basement area. Plenty of eye candies that night. We spent at least 2 hours there. We will be back again. Good friendly service. You can actually go upstairs, they occupy the whole building, which I remember from previous visits. read more

The Bike Stop - Entrance! - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I dunno it wae jock strap night and place was packed.Maybe sour grapes because I didn't hook up.Place was really to crowded and loud for my liking,found it pretty hard to move or do anything read more

This is probably my favorite steak house!!! Wink wink ... Pool table, cute and friendly fellas.. nice bartenders. Cheap drinks... Definitely a place not to miss if you are into divy bars... read more

The Bike Stop - Beer - Gay Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I agree with @jim c The Bike Stop is fun when major gay events are happening in town. Otherwise, unless you go there with friends or are on a bike club outing, not so much. Attitude does vary, according to the night. Just explore. Who knows what can happen. read more

Watch the short, bald, chubby bartender during the day. Pullls the famous bartender trick. Charged $29 but rung in $20 (the real price) to pad his tip. Paid $33 cash but when questionEd, showed only the $20 rung into the register. Happened New Year.s Day. I'm a regular patron, just not during the day. Very disappointing. read more

Always find cck here love the basement tons of cck down there I will be back often love it

Great place to meet new friends great bartenders. And lots of fun. Been going there year and half now

This is my favorite LGBTQ bar in the city w/o a doubt! Despite the beautiful -- and relevant -- porn on the TVs, the space is much more accommodating to communities who are not white, cis-gendered gay men. I see more diversity in this bar than in any other gay bar in the city. This space seems to be on the right -- and culturally sensitive -- side of society. The staff is fabulous and has always treated me and those I'm with with great respect. I feel safe with them. Though all members are wonderful, my absolute favorite bartender in the gay/queer scene is Maso. I love them dearly. I recommend this bar to anyone who wants to support non-racist and inclusive LGBTQ spaces. read more

The vibe is always good but the service from staff is inconsistent. The tall dark-skinned bar tender is always rude to me despite my always treating staff respectfully and generously. The bar tender with the red beard is the opposite- kind, helpful, polite, patient. I wish the staff provided consistent service. I would patronize this bar more often if that were the case when I visit Philly, mostly on weekdays. read more

*You never really know someone until you run into them at a gay bar and they're dressed in red mini-shorts and prancing around like a little lollipop boy. After the less than stellar dance party at The Barbary last Saturday, I called up some friends to see what the next best option was. Well wouldn't you know it, The Bike Stop was bumping. Really? The Bike Stop? So the party was called Finger Banging (don't ask, I don't know, but I'm sure it's awful) and even though the memories from that night are a bit fuzzy, I remember inflatable palm trees flying across the dance floor, headbanging and singing at the top of my lungs (with everyone) when Hole's Celebrity Skin came on, and drinking beers with the gusto of a fiend out of rehab. All in all, it was a good night. **Now where are my panties? *True story **Thanks, I found them read more

I'm always here if I go out. I just realized that the latest five (!!) reviews of the Bike Stop has been by women, so this gay bar's yelping needs some testosterone. Bike stop is Philly's leather and bear bar that has been separated into four floors. It can be hidden, so just walk on Walnut between 11th and 12th, and then turn into the alley on the south side between Moriarty's and the Theatre, you'll find a bar flying a rainbow flag, a leather pride flag and a bear pride flag. If it's night time there will be from 3-15 guys chatting and smoking outside of the establishment and they will stare at you but awkwardly not say hello typically, this is just the outside ambience. Just go in. Doorman is always friendlier. 3. The top floor is reserved for private events typically and not usually open. 2. The Short Stop, the sports bar and where you can shoot pool. 1. The Bike Stop, the standard bar where you can get your drink on (typical habitat of the bears) B. The Pit Stop, the cruisy dim-lit basement only open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10pm-2am (and don't bother them to get it to open earlier, it's just annoying and useless). The ambience is not like a typical gay bar. It is the Philly version of an Eagle (obviously there might be copyright issues if someone had a bar called the Philadelphia Eagle). For the uninformed, this means the bar caters to leather and bear communities. Very chill atmosphere and non-judging. You can be who you want to be, as long as that is not an annoying crazy that wants to vogue in the middle of the bar and spill everyone's drink (hint: go to Voyeur). Women are definitely welcome to this place, though some regulars may judge, it's their problem. Monday is Jockstrap night in the Pit Stop, so wear one under your clothes and then strip if you so desire. Haven't been there for this so don't know what it's like. Wednesday is Underwear night (haven't been either, so don't know). There's a no cologne policy in the pit stop. And the pit stop isn't as intimidating as it sounds, it's actually pretty chill, just kind of a nice bar with dim lighting and somewhat cruisy with guys. The bar isn't a sex club. If you want a relaxed bar though and don't want to deal with the vanities of a typical gay bar, this is for you though. People are from all walks of life here, and it's refreshing to see that. read more

It's close to midnight and someone's horny lurking in the dark Under the barlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart You try to squeeze between two guys that eye you as you make it You start to sneeze from all the smells that water up your eyes You realize... That this is Leather! Leather Night! And no ones gonna tell you where to wear it left or right You know it's Leather! Leather Night! You're working an appetite inside it's better, leather tonight! You hear the door slam and realize someone else has wandered in You feel the cold hand and wonder if he's into fisting You close your eyes and hope that this is more than masturbation But all the while you hear him creepin up from behind What's on your mind? Cause this is Leather, Leather Night! There ain't no second chance to kiss the dad with "perty eyes" You know it's Leather, Leather Night So give me some tonight, you know it's strappin, leather, real tight! Beer buddies calling And boys start to gear up in something suede There's no escapin the paws of the bear this time (so open wide) Welcome to your new life!!! They're out to get you, in denim closing in on every side They will molest you, unless you know your hankie code tonight Now is the time for you and I to cuddle in the corner All thru the night I'll slave you into something hot and lean A sex machine That this is Leather, Leather Night Cause I can lick you more than any cub would dare try Grrl, this is Leather, Leather Night So let me hold you tight and cruise that leather, feather, wether, You like it tonight! Cause this is Leather, Leather Night! Cause I can nick you more than any pup would dare try Grrl, this is Leather. Leather Night So let me rough you right and cruise some leather, feather... Daddies fondle across the spot The midnite special comes w/ a shot Leather cruisin' can be fun Though it's not for everyone Some will sport a lumberjack Or the hair that's on their back I'll stand and pace like in a cell I'm under some erotic spell The foulest stench is in the air The funk from some forty-something bear Big grizzly guys will make it soon Hard to move around this room And though you want to get a drink Your body knows not wether You're itching cause you can't resist The feel of genuine leather... AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAAHA! HA! HA! HA! read more

I'm standing in a tiny room full of cock rings. A big man with a ponytail and an unbuttoned leather vest greets me. "Oh God, there's a girl here!" I awkwardly nod and turn as if I'm shopping, grabbing the closest item within arm's reach. Nipple clips! I should go back upstairs. The Bike Stop isn't your typical Gayborhood bar, and tonight isn't your typical Gayborhood night. In a far corner, a young man talks on his cell phone, wearing nothing but black sneakers, tube socks and underwear. I try not to stare but that's sorta the point of the monthly BULGE party, hosted by Butch from In Bed With Butch. The dress du jour is undies only, but there are no spikey-haired skinny boys in silk boxers and UGG boots dancing to Christina Aguilera. Rather, there are shirtless bartenders and patrons with Fu Manchu moustaches, beards, beer bellies and, oh God, grandpa? A white-haired man with a fuzzy chest saunters up from downstairs, aka The Pit Stop, and I can't help but wish his whities weren't so tightie. Later in the night, I try to make my way back downstairs, but a sign over the door reads, "Leather-levi-uniform-fetish-attire is suggested." I'm denied. "Gentlemen party only, sorry." I'm half relieved and half offended. read more

I'm that kind of mild hungover that annoys you all day, I can't wash something blue off of the tops of my feet, and I have "Since U Been Gone" stuck in my head. But I don't care. I shook it for hours at something called Finger Banger, Basher, Banging? Something dirty. I drank Lionshead. I met tons of people. SO FUN. I also saw a man dressed in a black latex romper that I really wanted to touch (the romper, not really the guy), but I thought it may have been inappropriate. This was early in the evening. read more

I am a heterosexual female and came here with a few friends, a mix of guys and girls, thanks to Sarah F. We were the only females in the place and even overheard a man say "What's up with the girls?" This place has 3 floors. The basement is very dark with an attractive shirtless bartender. On the top floor is a bar with more room and a pool table. There seemed to be a pretty serious game of pool going on. Despite being a straight female in a gay male bar, I mostly found the bartenders and patrons to be very nice. There are no female restrooms but an employee showed my girlfriend and me to a private bathroom that we could use. Mixed drinks are strong, a decent size and reasonably priced. This place has a fun vibe wrapped up in a dive bar. Anything goes here. Feel free to bring your whips, chains and leather jock straps. Thank you to Sarah F for the fun new experience on Saturday night. There were a mix of attractive and not-so attractive men, but if I come back in my next life as a gay male, I will definitely be spending a lot of time here. read more

The Bike Stop is a gay bar in Philadelphia that caters specifically to the leather, motorcyle clubs and bear segments of the gay community. Though anyone is welcome, these are the types that frequent the establishment. Weekly events include things like "underwear night", and the bar has that friendly-pub-meets-seedy-cruising-joint feeling. The bartenders are pretty friendly, the booze is reasonably priced, but what sets The Bike Stop apart is primarily their loyalty to the segments of the gay community mentioned above. Monthly events for various groups like The Liberty Bears are held with beer busts and raffles, and a variety of fetish-specific events are frequently planned. The bar has four levels, starting with "The Pit Stop" in the basement, which is where most of the cruising goes on. The main level bar has videos and music playing, and the next level up has large TV's usually showing sporting events, as well as a pool table. The top level is rarely open other than for special events but hosts a full dance floor. The bottom line is that most people who go to The Bike Stop know exactly what kind of a place it is that they're going, and there would be little appeal for those who don't already know to want to go there. read more

The Bike Stop is one of my favorite bars in Philly. This is not because it offers swanky and delicious beverages or because it has riffing music, or even because it is where all of the cool kids go. I love this damp, dark, dirty and stanky place because the guys are always exceedingly kind and pool is free on Tuesdays. If you're looking for a place where you aren't going to be hassled by anyone and you would like nothing more than a shot of Jack and a PBR, I highly recommend TBS. A few things to keep in mind: there is at least one day of the week that is Jock-Strap Night and off-hand, I'm not sure what that is. It can be somewhat disarming if this is something you've never experienced. Also, the ladies room is less like a ladies room and more like a broom closet with a bucket to pee in and a mere allusion to a door-locking mechanism. What I recommend trying: the giant mugs of beer (they're a good upper-arm workout!), Finger-Banger (for all the dirty hipsters out there), and of course (!) Jock-strap Night! read more

They claim to have a dark room, but that's all it is. A dark room with absolutely nothing going on. My friend was messing around with his trick for the night and they asked them to stop or leave. So they left. Don't try to promote your bar/club for something that isn't. The door man was kind of rude as well. Maybe they were having an off night? Or maybe it was us? Whatever the case, my friends and I didn't like the staff nor what the place had to offer...which was very little. I would recommend you save you time and money and go somewhere else. read more

Favorite gay bar in Philly hands down.

Great times in a pretty seedy gay bar. The reviews on here pretty much spell it all out. The basement is dark and very old school when it comes to watching others hook up with random strangers, the middle floor is more of a bar for good conversation, and the top floor where the sports bar and pool table are at. Friendly service and nice people. I guess it's a bit of a fetish bar but there wasn't too many fetish things happening. Great place to enjoy the Philadelphia scene with friends! read more

The Bike Stop is sort of a men's only zone tucked in an alley that I go to once in a while. Cheap large glasses of beer, I think it is cash only. If you are a lady show some respect and do not go to the basement. First floor is dark and there is a pool table in the back. Second floor has pool tables is more brightly lit and there are usually sports on. Third floor is a more dancing space which is utilized less frequently. Some great parties have happened here such as Finger Banger and Cut n Paste, which tend to have a more varied crowd when it comes to gender presentation. Make sure you have valid ID and cash if you plan on stopping by. read more

I'll give the Stop four stars because it has always been my fav gay bar in Philly. That being said here's a few notes for those from out of town: 1-Even though this is the only leather bar in town, don't think it's going to be like going to an Eagle. The stop is fairly tame in comparison to most Eagles I've been to. 2-The only nights the Stop tends to be busy are Fri and Sat. It's slow otherwise. That being said, it's always been a good time. Most of the employees and managers are friendly, or amusingly surly. Jock strap nights used to be a lot of fun, though that's tapered down a bit. I'll also note that in the last 3-4 years it has become a spot for the Woody's queens to slum, which is what ruin's the atmosphere. It's no fun to have snotty meth queens making fun of the chubby bear types (go back to Bump, Pure, or Woody's and leave us men alone!) read more

I really like the Bike Stop. But you have to know what you are getting yourself into. Ladies- Some men will be like "Oh there's girls in here!" Others will be like "Ugh there's girls in here." Whatever. Find the ones that want you there, and move on. I like to describe it as 3 bars in one. First floor- your typical divey bar, but gay. The bartenders are friendly, and the drinks come strong. Second Floor- more sporty, with pool tables and it is more relaxed than the other floors. The basement aka Dungeon- Whips and chains and leather bar. Or sometimes jockstraps. If you have poor night vision, you won't be able to see anything. Its especially fun to take conservatives here. The entire place smells like a men's locker room. You are almost guaranteed to leave with new friends. read more

The Bike Stop is one of the most comfortable places I've been to in quite some time. Often, I'll stop there in casual attire or in my suit after work, and I've never felt uncomfortable in either. There are many different races, ages, and sizes in this place for a gay bar, and I'm happy (at least from my perspective) that while there is a leather/shirtless/bear presence, there's also plenty of varying body types and microcommunities represented. If you're looking for a polite, quiet atmosphere, this is not the place to go. It's fun, dirty, and, at times, downright raunchy, but they have beer in cans (which I like on occasion), very reasonable prices, friendly staff, friendly regulars, and more. If you are pretentious, you will not fit in. If you're down to earth and comfortable in your own skin and into diversity, you'll like it. Also, be prepared for, at times, pornography on the video screens! read more

I lived in Philadelphia for two years. I frequented this place a lot. The eye candy is very lacking. I was even offered crystal meth at the bar on one occasion. It sets down an alley not the street! Parking in Center City around the bar is horrible! If you illegally parked expect to be ticketed by the city of Philadelphia--The Philadelphia parking Authority is ruthless! This is a three-level bar. The top bar is more of some kind of low rent sleazy sports bar. The main floor that you walk into off the street is very dark--I consider this to be a blessing because the crowd isn't much to look at! You won't see gym rats frequenting this place--and there's a gym right around the corner! The bottom floor basement is very small. It usually gets busy after about 10 PM. This is very much Philadelphia's answer to the Levi leather scene. It's not a really attractive answer at all. Philadelphia as a whole is extremely cliquish and you will find that attitude here. Lots of overweight, unhealthy, smokers! If you're going expecting New York, Los Angeles, or Dallas forget it--you will be deeply disappointed! read more

After being disappointed with Woody's my friends and I headed over to The Bike Stop. Ugh! It was just plain dead with a guy here and there. The Bike Stop is a gay bar for those into leathers, bears, jeans and that kinda stuff. Kinda like Eagle's. It had to be the cold weather that gave everyone a second thought about coming out to play. However, I did get hit on by a cute guy. EXCEPT, he said "you're adorable!" Adorable?!?!?! What the heck? I didn't dress up to look adorable!!! Why not "woof!" or "sexy!" or at least a lewd look. Adorable? See you later! My friends say...at least he gave you a compliment, you bitch! Whateva! read more

I was part of a group that rolled to the Bike after a body modification event I attended in Philly. If I drink at a Gay bar in LA, I drink at the Eagle, and in comparrison, the Bike is a litle tame. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the bar, but it kind of had a Cheers feel to it, which was not what I was expecting. I had a lot of great drinks and even had the barkeep buy me a round, that guy was a champ. The doorman is about 12 foot tall and just loves to grab your hat and put it on top of something as tall as him. Its like when mom would take the toys away and put it on the fridge, but he's a nice guy. And leave it to me to get into a heated discussion about baseball even at a place like the Bike. The Bike is rad, but it's no Eagle, hence 4 stars, but Ill head here each and every time I hit Philly. read more

Hands down the friendliest LGBT Bar in Philadelphia , very diverse crowd & staff. I have been going there for over 20 years, bartender Rick on the main bar is one of the best in the city. Remembers your drink and genuinely cares about his customers. This is a gay neighborhood bar that does not cater to the millennial Twink poseur with an instagram account, they cater to their customers. read more

Out of town guest. Had a great couple nights here. Then the last night the bartender on the main floor (black guy) was clearly into his regular people and didn't give a darn about anyone else. The other bartender was great. That was after the first was a dick. Everyone gets busy- but come on, don't be a dick! read more