Philadelphia's Best Bars

By ASHLEY PRIMIS

: Photography by Ryan Donnell and Clint Blowers

You are about to take a tour of Philadelphia through its watering holes, from the classiest place in town that's just a few steps off a gritty South Philly street, to a seemingly generic Jersey bar that manages to intoxicate a dry town (and Bobby Clarke), to the dive bar that started serving liquor at 7 a.m. in 1938 and still does so today. These places could only exist in and around our town, each with its own story to tell about us.

Click here for a slideshow of the 36 best bars in Philadelphia and the suburbs, listed alphabetically.

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, November 2007

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User comments

The Saloon
Posted by Wally | Nov. 7, 2007 at 5:04 PM

COMMENT:

The best place in town since 1967.Good food,good drink,the best Waitstaff.Very consistent over the years.What else needs to be said.

The Saloon
Posted by jerry | Nov. 8, 2007 at 1:50 PM

COMMENT:

The absolute best in Philly. It's 60 miles from where I live (Reading) but it's a must whenever I'm in town.

Are You Kidding?
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 15, 2007 at 5:42 PM

COMMENT:

What rock did you call from under? It's too bad that there are people like you who try to perpetuate sterotypes. It's the 21st Century! Your racist comments show your ignorance. Look around you, ethnic people are everywhere!!

My comments are for: Robert Huber
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 15, 2007 at 6:25 PM

COMMENT:

I've never been to McManamin's so I want to be clear that it's not the restaurant I'm complaining about, it's the racially charged comments from Robert Huber.

el vez's atmosphere
Posted by johnny | Nov. 22, 2007 at 4:00 PM

COMMENT:

I had finally tried El Vez at 121 13th st. The food was excellent and the margaritas were fabulous. I have been there several times since then and have spotted a lot of hot hot ladies alone or in packs. I have been in area locations before numerous times and never have I never seen the female to male ratio like that before. It was a hot scene.

Saloon,,what ever
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM

COMMENT:

Unless you a fat old guy, who want's to pay for overprice food..why whould you go there..give me a break..