Bob and Barbara's Lounge
Bar · Rittenhouse
1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Highlights
Home of the Citywide Special, live jazz, and drag shows
Home of the Citywide Special, live jazz, and drag shows
"Philadelphia may be the birthplace of America, and Silicon Valley may be the birthplace of technology that’s stripped us of our last bits of personal privacy. But, most importantly, this South Street dive is the birthplace of drag shows—it has the longest-running one in the country. Thanks to the metal Blue Ribbon signs, painted glass lamps, and worn out black leather stools, it’s as divey as it is fabulous. Just in case the cheap drinks and rowdy crowd don't sell you on the place, Miss Lisa Lisa and her queens put on a show every Thursday night." - candis mclean
"Philadelphia may be the birthplace of America, and Silicon Valley may be the birthplace of technology that’s stripped us of our last bits of personal privacy. But, maybe more importantly, this South Street dive is the birthplace of the Citywide. It won't be obvious what year it is inside, what with the metal Blue Ribbon signs, painted glass lamps, and black leather stools. Just in case $6 drinks don't sell you on the place, the live music and Thursday night drag shows will." - candis mclean
"On any given night, you’ll find that Bob & Barbara’s is absolutely packed. That’s for a few reasons. For one, it’s a classic. It’s been around since South Street’s prime, and it’s the birthplace of the Citywide. Plenty of other spots serve the famous four-dollar citywide combo of a shot and a beer, but this place invented it in the ’90s. They also have pierogies to pair with your classic drink and live music every weekend. They’ll keep everyone dancing until the bar closes at 2am —and cheering at events like drag shows and trivia on weeknights." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Cash-Only: Yes, with an ATM on site Philadelphia may be the birthplace of America, and Silicon Valley may be the birthplace of technology that’s stripped us of our last bits of personal privacy. But more importantly, this South Street dive is the birthplace of the Citywide. It won't be obvious what year it is inside, what with the metal Blue Ribbon signs, painted glass lamps, and black leather stools. Just in case $6 drinks don't sell you on the place, the live music and Thursday night drag shows will." - candis mclean
"It won't be obvious what year it is inside, what with the metal Blue Ribbon signs, painted glass lamps, and worn-out black leather stools. But the important thing to know at this South Street dive is that it’s the birthplace of the Citywide. This means people have been coming here for decades to groan about in-laws, closures on I-76, and to drink through Flyers-induced pain. The $5 PBR and bourbon pairing here is a Philly classic that’s right up there with Tastykakes and replying to a honk with a middle finger." - candis mclean
