Oscar's Tavern
Bar · Rittenhouse ·
Pub grub, potent cocktails, red booths, jukebox, cash only
Pub grub, potent cocktails, red booths, jukebox, cash only
"Red light, shifty chairs, lumpy seats. Oscar's is the most legit dive bar. There's a surprising draft list (including Philadelphia Brewing Co.), and it's the best bet in the area for a night out with a low tab. Bill Murray was recently spotted here at 2am, so consider the deal sealed." - J2 Design
"If aliens arrived in Philly and needed to make a copy of a dive bar to send out into the universe, we’d submit Oscars. You’re not coming to this Center City spot to drink the best cocktails in Philly or to even think highly of yourself. You’re coming here as soon as exes start calling or after sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-76. The bar and booths will be full of regulars who haven't left their seats since Ed Rendell's mayoral term, or maybe a tourist couple who looked up “Philly dive bars.” Bring cash and order one of their famous, potent Long Island Iced Teas." - candis mclean
"Cash-Only: Yes, with an ATM nearby If aliens arrived in Philly and needed to make a copy of a dive bar to send out into the universe, we’d submit Oscar’s on Sansom Street. You’re not coming to this Center City bar to drink the best cocktails in Philly. You’re coming here when your ex starts calling or after sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-76. The bar and booths will be full of regulars who haven't left their seats since Ed Rendell's was in office, or maybe a tourist couple who looked up “Philly dive bars.” Bring cash and order one of their famous, potent Long Island Iced Teas." - candis mclean
"Your ex would smile at you after every jewelry commercial or marriage proposal in a rom-com. And you would panic. They saw the beads of sweat, too, and decided to move on. You need somewhere dark to drink and make new friends. Oscar’s in Rittenhouse has you covered on both fronts, although sticky floors will be involved. The classic dive is one of those neighborhood places that’s constantly crowded, and nobody cares about you, your breakup story, or anything outside of the bar’s beer-covered walls and their next citywide special. The well drinks are only $6, so at least you can easily commit to them (unlike your ex)." - candis mclean
"True story: We saw a guy take a 30-minute nap at Oscar’s in Center City, wake up, and then order one of these. The glass is pretty large, it's heavy on the triple sec, and it's delicious. It’s the perfect reward after waking up from a face-planting nap at a beer-soaked bar." - candis mclean
