The Monkey Club

If you want a joint, this is your joint…read more You're coming here bc it's real comfortable and you're going to find a place you can slip in and just enjoy what is there. Staff are friendly but aren't gonna treat you like you're all that. This is Philly, wutya drinkin? Daytime vs nighttime are two completely different vibes, but if you don't feel like you fit in that's on you. Last visit @ lunch called for the cheeseburger with grilled onions and waffle fries. Big fat burger but not much taste... "feel free to shake in some tasty seasonings back there in the kitchen, fellas!"the grilled onion add was like getting one onion ring, so that was a miss. Oh well, filled me up and prices are reasonable for sure.

Dive bar in Philly ducked into…read more Highlights: - Proper dive bar feel: dark and cozy with a bar and some tables in a long room - Loved the sassy stickers and signs behind the bar Lowlights: - Didn't get to try the food and heard the French onion soup is surprisingly great

3.1 mi•Avenue of the Arts South, Rittenhouse Square

Texas Tommy

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Good Dog Bar

3.9(1.5k reviews)

We highly recommend this welcoming little bar serving flavorful food and a decent selection of…read morespirits at a reasonable price. The space is beautiful: polished dark wood and very clean. We sat at the window overlooking street and sidewalk traffic. Kiara H made solid recommendations for us off the menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the hot Pozole Roja soup and Heirloom Tomato Salad with mozzarella. Delicious. My companion raved about his Chicken Cheesesteak Empanadas with cherry pepper aioli. Compliments to the Chef!! Highly recommended!

The concept to Good Dog Bar is amazing. You mean to tell me you have a whole bar whose sole…read moreidentity is to promote good doggos?? That's cool and I don't even like dogs that much. Inside there are three floors for sitting and gathering. First floor primarily for drinking, second for eating, third for fun and games (pool table and darts). Service was great.

Good dogs at the Good Dog 4/10/25

Fried Mozzarella

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Prosecco

Ye Olde Ale House

4.0(240 reviews)

10.4 mi

Finally got here! Ye Olde Ale House My good buddy Erik…read moreMalmberg has been telling me about these beef sandwiches since the day I first met him. Recently, The Godfather of Meat did a keen review and video, in which everything looked awesome. It took us about 45 minutes from Emmaus, and it was worth the trip. House made roasted beef with the house gravy on a sensational Kaiser roll -- was what we came for and they delivered! Piled high and fresh with provolone cheese. This is the best beef sandwich I have had in decades. Simple quality at its finest! This has quickly become my gold standard classic beef sandwich. The "Matt Fries", were interesting and completely unique: fresh crispy fries topped with generous black pepper, old bay seasoning, Parmesan cheese and Turkey gravy. It worked! We enjoyed them and the large portion was more than enough for 2-3 people. Steph Rush very much enjoyed the mussels in red sauce -- another generous portion, served with was bread. I had an order of the cold shrimp , which is weekends only. Fresh, cooked perfectly and extra horseradish in the cocktail sauce by request. We were overjoyed with what we ordered and I love they have birch beer on tap, my favorite! The joint was packed and busy, our waitress had her hands full in her section. We are looking forward to a return trip ! #rushieeats

I like the vibe of this place. You can tell it is a neighborhood staple. No frills, been here…read moreforever. A solid roast beef sandwich. Where the stars are lacking for me is on cleanliness amd attention to detail. Mozzarella sticks were cold in the middle. Tables and chairs need to be wiped down better. The table condiment holders were not very clean.

Watching the sandwiches get put together -

Buffalo chicken wings

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Exterior

Buckets Tavern

3.3(41 reviews)

7.8 mi

Horrible experience our food was unfit…read more It was burned and the order was wrong . I couldn't eat any of mine We told the waitress and showed her the food and she agreed it was bad but the waitress could have cared a less . Like a normal establishment we expected some Sort of break on the bill . We were just a cash grab with no acceptable food and service . It was a $35.00 mistake ! Well I know they wont make it but anyway due to terrible food and hateful service !

This is a 2 star review…read more I ordered the wings mild and cooked light because I HATE hard wings. Of course they came out extra crispy. Is it that hard to get this order right? I gave my wings to the guy next to me, paid and left. Also they still smoke inside this bar. I'm not sure how they are getting around that law but it was annoying smelling cigarettes the entire time.

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Count your change if you have the guy in the white cap

Jamison Pour House

3.5(120 reviews)

18.8 mi

Food and beer selection excellent…read more Bartender was totally overwhelmed. On shift on Sunday evening. I ordered a cheeseburger with sliver of tomato. What came was a smash burger with onions and lettuce. To her credit she managed to steal the next burger and got it right the second time. She was totally overwhelmed being only bartender on shift.. I felt sorry for her.

A gem in Jamison! Great food and atmosphere. Got the french dip and also half a cheesesteak. The…read morefries are slamming, almost like mini potato skins. Wish you got a little more. The cheese sauce is to die for and homemade.

Bar area which is the only place I like to eat

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Balsamo's Pizza and Beer

3.0(84 reviews)

13.3 mi

Not only was my food horrible, burnt to a crisp and my Stromboli had NO meat -- when I went back to…read morethe restaurant to complain the worker was so rude. Spoke extremely rude to me over an error on their end.

*Covid update* Here's the thing. You gotta let this flaming…read morehot goodness sit a few before you dig into this bad boy. I ordered "well done" because I like a good crisp. This doesn't disappoint. Sauce has a nice subtle tang, and the cheese is on point. The pizza is bigger than the box, and that's always a plus. Slightest bit of grease, which I love. Crust is tasty, and crisp, even with delivery. Only downfall is a slight flop in the middle, because of how thin this pizza is.

We proudly sell Flying Fish Beers that are brewed in Somerdale NJ...

1/6/17

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1/6/17

Conte’s Pizza and Bar

3.8(425 reviews)

35.8 mi

Been on my radar a long time, finally had a chance to get some pies. 1 plain and 1 pepperoni worked…read moreout to $48, so you are paying the Princeton premium and the barstool bump. I thought the pizza was good, but not the best I've ever had, and certainly not worth the price. I was expecting a cracker-thin crust, but the pizza was much more substantial than that, which I like. Great crunch, good crust, whoever cut this thing could not have cared less to get equal sized slices, but whatever. The cheese and sauce were good, but not spectacular. I also thought the pepperoni cups were a little too thick- but still appreciated they use cups. Overall, yea- I liked it, but for the price I'm not going back.

Just one heck of a gem of a place. This is a community favorite for a reason, not to mention on the…read morelist of best pizza spots in the entire US. Their pizzas are just so good. You feel like you're at your hometown pizza and bar, it's a hectic environment but you have to embrace it! The service can be very hit or miss but the food is worth it all. Genuinely the best pizza I've had in a while!

Restaurant area

Special Pie (small) plus added olives

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Bar

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Jack O.

5 years ago

ooo ooo ahh ahh monkey man says come here

Robert K.

9 years ago

This place is my fav. of Philly.

Jfi-hwf F.

5 years ago

ooh ooh ah ah

The Monkey Club - divebars - Updated September 2026

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Locust Bar

3.9

(133 reviews)

Great location when part of your crew is taking train back to Jersey, the entrance is literally out…read morethe door. Place has been here as long as I can remember, at least 30 years. I like these dive/local hood spots. Very genuine and friendly.

When I lived in the neighborhood, Locust Bar, was a frequent stop for me, but since I moved across…read moreBroad I hadn't been in awhile. I'm happy to report things haven't changed. When you approach, they always look closed. Dim lights and closed blinds. In the evening there's usually someone checking IDs. You can sit at the large bar or the 10 or so booths they have. Music is controlled by TouchTunes and the TV's always have whatever game is playing on. Many dive bars in Philly are very neighborhood focused and sometimes you feel a bit out of place if you're not a "regular", this is not the case at Locust Bar. Their bartenders and friendly and efficient, and the crowd is usually friendly and talkative. Standard selection of drinks and a pretty wide menu. The food is good, but not everything is great. Stick to the fried selections.

The El Bar

4.0

(167 reviews)

Solid dive. Good for watching a game and catching up with friends if you've got any…read more Best specials I've seen in a LONG time. Get drunk on the cheap. There might be non-alcoholic options, but I can't help you there. Cash only, so bring money. No time to tap MAC? There's an ATM inside, right by the bar. Getting noisy? Take a time out on their backyard patio. Find The El Bar a few blocks north of the Front/Girard SEPTA subway station[1]. [1] Right underneath the EL. Get it?? Yes, I do love me some wordplay.

It'd been a while. This is a wholesome ass place. Cash only, $6 citywides, sports on the TV, pool…read morein the front, patio out back. It's got all the Philly dive shit you need, yo. Also, great curated playlists with '90s RnB vibes, and $2 hot dogs during Phillies games (and possibly beyond that?). The $2 hot dogs taste about as good as you might think. In other words, great for $2 or less, and meh for more than that. But you didn't need haute cuisine. You needed roller-sauteed meat tube. And you had $2. When in Rome, eat the hot dogs. It's a great value, especially when you account for inflation from the ancient world.

JR's saloon

3.6

(12 reviews)

A classic dive bar and a true fishtown local spot. Sadly, It doesn't get its due praise. The bar…read morepie is tasty and they have great ice cold beer bucket specials. The family that owns the establishment are great people as well. Pool table is also available

Good cheesesteak but when you are the Blackboard special calling yourself 'Big Daddy cheesesteak'…read moreyou set the bar high. It was good. It came on a seeded roll but it had a little chill to it. Granted it was 21 degrees the night before and maybe they got delivered early. There was a decent amount of meat and it had flavor. The cheese was a mystery we never solved. Heather the bartender was excellent and the chocolate graham cracker stars on the bar were a nice touch. Good overall experience.

Julie's Corner Bar

4.5

(4 reviews)

Neighborhood bar. Kinda throwback/vintage. It's owned by a woman so that's pretty dope. For sure…read morea dive bar. Love the empty fish tank and the big jugs of wine.

Great service! Nice crowd…read more Hometown vibe. Bartender is hilarious and engaging. ..............

Ortlieb's

4.1

(116 reviews)

Great dive/retro type bar. If you have ever heard of Joe's beer, and understand the meaning, this…read moreis a must stop. Bartenders are on point with service and prices are inline. Take a good luck around at slot of the most nostalgia. Highly recommend this joint.

The current incarnation of Ortlieb's is geared toward a crowd younger and hipper than I am, but…read morethat doesn't keep me away. When a visiting friend told me she'd never heard of nor had an espresso martini (gasp!), we headed here for the most fun presentation of the drink (see NY-style "Greek" coffee cup photo). My spouse loves their hot dog menu, which was developed with much care. The vegan menu is a hit with vegan friends/family. Trivia night is fun. They host good comedy shows. And the music lineup draws a crowd of people in the know about the next big thing. Follow them on the socials to keep up with the latest fun thing they are doing.

Garage Passyunk

4.1

(209 reviews)

Big fan of Garage but for the love of God please get more than 1-2 bartenders on a busy night…read more It was packed during the US vs Bosnia and there was only 1 bartender. The guy was hustling, moving, grooving and doing his best, but he needed someone else there. Waited 30 minutes to get a drink. Big shout out to the bartender for working hard, he deserves his roses.

We stopped in to have a beer and were turned away bc we had our service dog with us. No one asked…read morefor her papers or what service she provides. The door guy insisted she was not allowed. Lawsuit coming next.

Pub Webb

4.0

(84 reviews)

I've come here a few times for the $0.75 wing night. The wings are decent, not something I'd order…read moreoutside of the deal, but worth it on Thursdays. The only confusing part is ordering: sometimes a server takes our order at the table and other times we've had to go up to the bar, so it's a little inconsistent. That said, the staff is always super friendly and the vibe is chill and welcoming. Also, the slushies are a must-try delicious, strong, and absolutely worth the $10.

I adore this place. Of the Temple bars, this is my favorite by far. The daily food specials are…read moreamazing. Also, check them out for happy hour!! If you like to dance, Thursdays are so fun here. This place has such great food. The chicken sandwich is delish. I love their wings too. The burgers are great. Mozzarella sticks are a fav too. Get their tots over their fries. The service is normally pretty quick too which is great. Parting with this bar post grad is going to be so difficult.

Perry's Place

4.0

(2 reviews)

Five stars for one of a kind dive bar experience, yet curved to three stars since its very much a…read moredive. If you're looking for craft beer and cocktails with more than 2 ingredients then you've definitely entered the wrong Fishtown/Kengsington location. But if you're looking to grab 2 rounds of drinks for three at a little less than $20 with tip, bizarre artwork on the walls, and a few bar games to yourself, then you've come to the right low key neighborhood dive. Especially if Perry himself is slinging drinks! The beer doesn't go beyond Budweiser for drafts, but at $2.50 a glass that's just fine even if it is a little warm. The cranberry for the vodka cranberry was warm in the back, and not in the actual bar, but it worked for the price. Especially when the bar featured an unused pool table and shuffleboard to enjoy, and it featured unusual art like a Dean Martin portrait made out of Camel Cigarettes. Overall Perry's is one of those unique spots bars with plenty of kinks. But for a Philly dive bar fan it more than deserves its place on the map. Just remember that the bar is not responsible for lost or stolen souls!

One of the best bars in Philadelphia! Perfect mix of local crowd and amazing personable bartenders…read more If you get lucky to come in on a night Josie is working you are in for a real treat! The jukebox has an eclectic selection of music from Motown to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is truly a Kensington bar! Cash only but smoking permitted. Perry's place does not disappoint!

Bob & Barbara's

4.1

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Such a cool vibe, this place could be a PBR memorabilia museum. Clean, friendly, chill vibe. Great…read moreDJ and Jazz trio.

James at the door can't be more easy flowing professional and, inviting. Justin our bartender at…read morethe bar lord that's home no matter how busy he is you feel like you're welcomed and special ! Also next door lord Jesus the patty melt and tots fried hard and she's a doll it's a the cure after drinking GREASE AND LOVE ...I give this place a 11 and I dined and drank in 7 continents..this is no dive bar this place is home understand the difference .

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