Your Guide to Philly’s Best Dive Bar Food
Where to go for cheap beer, even cheaper shots, and surprisingly spectacular food. No frills. Just flavor.
Dinner at Murph’s Bar includes house-made pasta and racks of lamb / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
We don’t usually go to dive bars for the food. We go for the come-as-you-are vibes, to ground ourselves in the grunginess, and find community with strangers at the bottom of a beer bottle. But hidden amongst the sticky barstools and dilapidated pool tables are back kitchens serving up outstanding grub rivaling the city’s best gastropubs. Think twice-fried wings, sloppy yet hearty sandwiches, and even vegan cheesesteaks.
We’ve already explored the Philly’s best dive bars, and dove deep into the city’s most iconic cocktails. Now we’re looking past the multi-colored lighting and jukeboxes featuring ’80s hardcore punk to find the perfect dishes to go with your Citywide special.
Murph’s Bar, Fishtown
Get this: an Irish pub adorned with Elvis memorabilia where you can not only enjoy a pint of Murphy’s and a shot of Tully but also order some of the most delicious Italian food in town. It’s not made up. This place exists, and Philly is better for it. Be sure to arrive early and bring cash, because they do not take reservations or cards and do, on occasion, run out of food for the night. The pear and cheese fiocchi is a must and can easily satisfy even the most discerning Nona. 202 East Girard Avenue.
Kostas, Fishtown
Kostas is a late-night hotspot for locals who gather for cheap drinks and pop songs on the jukebox. Concealed behind the facade near the raucous corner of Frankford and Girard Avenue is some of the best Greek food you can find in the city. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy a gyro platter and an assortment of skewers that will make your mouth water. Also, after you’ve tasted the souvlaki and slammed a Citywide, go ahead and challenge the owner to an arm wrestling match. You will lose. 15 West Girard Avenue.
The Jim, East Passyunk
Dive bar food has no business being this good. This Best of Philly-winning neighborhood hangout elevates the standard bar fare with a menu of Asian American comfort food. You can’t go wrong here, but the kimchi-bacon grilled cheese, kung pao chicken dumplings, and the dan dan noodles are sure to satisfy those beer-induced cravings for hearty, spicy bites. Whatever you do, though, don’t pass up on those twice-fried wings. 1701 South 8th Street.
Lucky 13 Pub, East Passyunk
A good waffle fry is truly a work of art. The perfect balance of salty, oily, and crunchy can be found at Lucky 13. This local staple has provided a fun dive experience for South Philly folks for years. The lights are low, and the vibes are cozy as hell which makes their selection of empanadas and wings taste even better. The fried Brussels sprouts are not the sprouts from your childhood, so don’t slide them off your menu choice. 1820 South 13th Street.
Foot-long hot dogs (left) and a patty melt and a Special at Bob & Barbara’s / Photographs courtesy of The Window/Bob & Barbara’s
The Window, Grad Hospital
Not technically a dive bar, but rather a clever solution conceived by the Bob & Barbara’s team, The Window is your late-night savior for when you’ve had one too many Specials. Strategically located next to Philly’s beloved dive, this no-frills takeout spot serves up smash burgers, foot-long hot dogs, and satisfying sandwiches that are bona fide hangover cures. Order from your barstool via QR code or walk up to the window for a cash discount. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what you need when you’re deep into a Bob & Barbara’s session. 1505 South Street.
Upstairs at Abyssinia, University City
We love Abyssinia. We love the bar up the creaky staircase at Abyssinia. Together, these two neighborhood institutions offer a dive bar dining experience you can’t find anywhere else in Philly. This is the pro move: Order all your Ethiopian favorites downstairs and then have your meal sent upstairs, where you can pair injera-wrapped tibs and stewed lentils with a corpse reviver. 229 South 45th Street.
Locust Rendezvous, Center City
If buffalo wings are your love language, Locust Rendezvous (sometimes called “The ‘Vous”) is the place you’re looking for. Well known as a spot to link up with your Tinder match, this bar has wriggled its way into the hearts of many for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent selection of buffalo-slathered offerings. If you are out late and spice isn’t your style, you can also indulge in Locust Rendezvous’ breakfast, which is served late into the night. The challah French toast is a comforting choice around 11:30 p.m. The chicken parm and Monte Cristo are also worth giving a try. 1415 Locust Street.
Tattooed Mom, Queen Village
Vegetarian and vegan options have found their way into a lot of dive bar kitchens, but one of the first, and still the best, is Tattooed Mom. If you haven’t been, the bar is basically a cross between your punk friend’s basement and a vintage shop. TMom’s offers some of the best-tasting vegan food to complement the requisite Tecate or pickletini. The vegan cheesesteak is always a solid choice, as well as its legendary Taco Tuesday offerings. 530 South Street.
