Bob and Barbara's Lounge
Bar · Rittenhouse
1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Highlights
Bob & Barbara’s is Philly’s legendary cash-only dive bar, famed for its $5 Citywide (PBR & Jim Beam), live jazz, drag shows, and retro PBR-filled vibe.
Bob & Barbara’s is Philly’s legendary cash-only dive bar, famed for its $5 Citywide (PBR & Jim Beam), live jazz, drag shows, and retro PBR-filled vibe.
"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
"Come for the drinks, stay for the drag shows. This iconic South Philly hotspot has been pleasing fans for decades with their vibrant dive bar experience — and happy hour pricing no matter what the hour is. Cocktails range from $9 to $11, beers start at $3, and snacks like Slim Jims and cookies are $1 apiece. They are also the inventors of “The Special,” which is a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and a shot of Jim Beam for $5 for those new to the game. Enough said. (Cash only.)" - Ernest Owens, Erika Adams
"The "cocktail lounge" moniker might make Bob and Barbara's seem upscale, but rest assured, this is a tried-and-true dive complete with the original shot-and-a-beer special — best known around these parts as a Citywide — plus weekly drag shows and live music on weekends." - Ernest Owens, Sarah Maiellano, Eater Staff
"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
"“Bob and Barbara's is my home bar. I am a former Miss Bob and Barbara's. It’s the home to the longest-running drag show in America. It’s just a place that gives you that home vibe. Everyone's welcome there. Everyone can have a good time there. I'm usually there on Thursdays, but I've been there on other days, and it's always been the same energy. They have jazz nights. They have drag nights. They have nights when people are just watching the game. It's an amalgam of people and just different lovers of life. You go in there and there's straight people, gay people, bi people, trans people, non-binary. Everyone is there enjoying themselves and just watching the show or just having a citywide.” " - candis mclean
