Pen & Pencil Club

Got a membership here. I’ve come a few times but everyone is rude at the door. Maybe racist but definitely unprofessional. Each time they’ve acted like I was lying about my membership or try to make me jump through hoops just to get in or bring in guest. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this place.

Everyone here is so mean and nasty! It really killed all the vibes. I hope I never find myself in here again. 👎🏼

We were invited in by a member and it was a lively atmosphere. We were told that we were very privileged to get in. Well we had a good time.

Came here as a guest of a member. Bartender charged my card for drinks I personally didn't order. I politely asked him who ordered these drinks (keep in mind the room here is small and there was only about 10 people there). He told me he can take them off the card but will have to kick me out. I told him it was fine - I'll pay, I just wanted to know who got the drinks. Bartender then through a hissy fit and made a HUGE scene for something that wasn't really an issue in the first place. Made me and other standbys very uneasy, even when I was giving him a card to pay with, still he yelled to have me and my friend(member) kicked out instead of asking us to leave or answering my question. I tended bar for years and never saw such rude display of character to a harmless question. The guy obviously doesn't know how to tend bar, let alone tend to people or keep tabs.. Save your 40 bucks and dignity, go to another after hours bar. Theres much better ones in the city that aren't nearly as expensive and have an actually decent staff.

The poetry show was great, but the bartender that was hard of hearing is probably not the best person to put on that shift. He yelled at multiple people because he couldn't hear them & interrupted the poets.

Would give 0 stars if possible

Rude door guy. Place is Not industry anymore. Apparently you have to be a member. Probably the reason there are only ever three people in there before 2am.

For a member only venue the bouncer has no information and is always pushing for a fight. This used to welcome restaurant industry people, but now only a member can bring you. You’ll end up chain smoking and drinking cheap beer, the show at the door is unnecessary.

Interesting events and people. Great way to end the night or a good slow way to start it. Also very cool that Anthony Bourdain visited.

I gotta say - we had an absolute blast at a private event for journalists at Pen & Pencil. Terry and Jen were tending the bar and both were attentive, friendly and terrific. We had a great time - and even though this is a private club - you can join if a member sponsors you - it is very reasonable to join for the year. If we still lived in Center City (my man is a journalist) we'd definitely hang out here. Lots of good beers (in cans) and a few wine choices as well as spirits at a reasonable price. Generous 2 oz. pours. We love Jen!!!!

I wanna start this by saying I've never left a review of any bar in my life and if I could give a place negative stars I would. A group of my coworkers and I tried to go here after our shift. We've all been in the industry 12+ years and a few of us had been here before. We were prepared to show paystubs etc whatever we needed to get in. We approached the door and the door man opened the door, there was a lot of us so one of my coworkers ended up behind the door. She was holding the door handle TO BE NICE and help the guy hold the door and he just starts yelling GET OFF THE DOOR HANDLE. She was super apologetic and explained she was just trying to help and he didn't care. He then asked if any of us were members (which we weren't we just thought you needed a paystub, which that's 100% on us totally fair if we couldn't get in) but when he asked that and we said no without any explanation he literally SLAMMED THE DOOR IN OUR FACE. Again, I have been in the industry over 12 years. We are all supposed to take care of each other and as a bar that's whole basis is serving other people in the industry I am absolutely baffled at the disrespect we had without even entering the bar. I saw another review that said "I would rather go home than come here after work" and I could not agree more. The last thing I want to do after bartending all night is encounter someone like this again. There are many other after hours places in the city who treat industry workers with respect DO NOT spend your money here.

Unfriendly service, bad smells, unwarranted pretension. Supposed to be exclusive but they can keep it.

I love that there is an after hours place option for myself and coworkers. In my experience, they are strict on who they let in and you must provide proof or credentials. There are two levels and the second floor is only open during certain times which seems to be late, late night on the weekend. If you're hungry, you'll find free hotdogs floating in water in the crockpot in the corner. Great if you need something to soak up the alcohol. This place is VERY smoky so if you are sensitive to that, I would not recommend coming here. There is a jukebox on the wall which I believe is a touch tunes so you can request songs from your phone even! Don't expect to order any drinks too fancy unless you know the guy behind the bar. I ordered a round of drinks for a group of five and when I asked how much he looked up, said ummmm, shrugged and said $24? haha I figured it was a decent price and nothing has seemed too pricy on my other visits here. The crowd of people has been way different each time I come. I hear it's a writers club but they also allow service industry in. Not sure, but I do like the place!

Wanna get treated like shit at the door and most likely get denied entry even if you're industry? This is the place. If you manage to get in, want to get treated like shit for wanting to spend your money on their product? This is the place. I understand that this place presents itself as "exclusive", but basically the only exclusive thing about this place is the exclusive exclusion of manners of it's staff. Nah.

The greatest bar on planet earth, and if you couldn't get in... good. It's not for you. Ever great time I can't remember from the 90s in town somehow involved the P&P. I salute you. In fact, I wish I could join today. But I can't. But I would. That's what makes it great.

I don't make it downtown as often as I'd like, but when I do head down there the P&P is usually one of my main stops. Early in the evening it's not crowded and the regulars around the bar share easily in conversation. The drinks are made well, and the bartenders are friendly and attentive. I saw several comments about smoke, and I suppose it could be described at the tail end of the evening (2am to 3am) as smoky by today's strict standards, but I've never noticed it as such: they've got a good air handling system that scoops the smoke into the ceiling and the general atmosphere makes up for it for most people whether smokers or not. Michael J. McFadden Philadelphian for 40 years

Went last night and was extremely disappointed in the staff and environment. Bartenders were rude... The door man was rude... That's the last time I will go. As a server... it's not the place you want to go after your shift. lol. I'd rather go home.

People are describing this as a speakeasy... I suppose it is only in the way that you can't just walk in. But it's the crappiest "speakeasy" Ive ever seen. You can smoke in the small room, even if you are a smoker, it can be a lot to handle if it's even half full. If you dare, they offer free hotdogs in the corner boiling in a crock pot. Buns, mustard and matchup included. It's open after hours. They have one gender neutral restroom. The reason it gets stars at all: If you are just waisted, want a free boiled hot dog, loads of second hand smoke and a beer at 3am, it's perfect! Otherwise, stay clear...

The P&P is an after hours private club that caters to journalists and the food service industry. If you're looking for a dance club or an upscale after hours club, look elsewhere. If you're "in the know", this is a great place to drink, play darts (they had darts back when I was a regular), and socialize. Don't be a douche or a diva and you'll have a good time.

Wish I could give a lower review, DO NOT GO THERE! I was turned away at the door after being told it was a private club. No other information was given. The doorman was unbelievably rude and nasty. The outside was dingy and dirty, and if I hadn't been told this was LITERALLY the only place to go after hours, I wouldn't have bothered at all! This "establishment" could really do with a lesson in manners, and probably a visit from the Health Inspector!

The Pen & Pencil is the traumatized, and traumatizing, Two-Face of the the bar world. On the Harvey Dent side of the coin, the P&P is the oldest members-only writer's club in the country -- they host regular panel talks, off-the-record dinners with politicos and mover/shakers and serve absolutely respectable food to real, live reporters. This place is a monument to the cigar-chomping, typewriter-banging old-school newspaperman who hardly exists anymore (outside of Hollywood). Then, late night happens and the hero dissolves into a snarling beast breathing toxic smoke out of both nostrils, drinking crock-pot hot dog water for a free beer and telling self-aggrandizing stories to a dead-eyed, twitching companion. It's where members and service-industry folk with the paystub or reputation to prove it congregate after the decent bars give last call at 2 a.m.; a drink of last resort when you just can't let the night end yet. I love this Two-Faced tavern but I can only hang there about once a year -- the smoke levels are truly fearful for my lily-white lungs.

This is the place you end up at the end of the night after all of the other bars are closed. This is where you find yourself in a smoky room filled with writers, wanna be writers and various hangers on (it's members only) watching reruns of "Law & Order" and drinking Whisky Sours. This is also the place where you may get pushed down a set of stairs or punched in the face, depending on how late it is and how drunk said patrons are. So, all in all, it's a pretty rad place.

I went to the pen and pencil at the point in the night when most people would (should) just go home and snuggle up with a bottle of water. We were escorted there by a bar acquaintance whose real name I may never know and who is prone to fits of mania. When I walked in the door I was immediately in love with the place. At this point I should tell you that the details about the "decor" are a bit hazy for reasons that you can surmise. 3 floors? Maybe 2. Sketchy old men scattered throughout. Broken down couches. A crockpot full of questionable hot dogs floating in grey liquid. A pungent odor of old, stale beer and sadness wafted into my nostrils. It was my kinda place. Once the lights flickered on, my friends and I invited some newfound friends to my apt for an after party (I don't like ending nights). One new friend, a hot bartender named Phil** immediately downed 6 shots of Jameson as I watched in horror/admiration. I was in love, again. Suddenly he reached into his coat and removed a large glass candle. Why do you have that? I inquired. He looked embarassed. You can tell me, I said, and put on my most sympathetic face. He then regaled me with a story about how his roommates didn't pay the electric bill so his lights got cut out. This candle, you see, was to light his home. I died a little inside. This man went out of his way to, rather than pay his bill, steal a 4 dollar candle from an after hours bar. That is the story of my love life. And that, my friends, is the Pen and Pencil. **Names changed to protect the ridiculous

Every time I go to the P&P, I wake up the next morning enveloped in regret. I should probably stop going, huh? It had been a long while since I set foot in the place. So long, in fact, that I was told the ground floor bar had been closed for renovations for some time and the bar action was now upstairs. The upstairs bar area looked like part of a sad comedy club from the early 80s. The only brightness in the room came from a small television, and the creepy monitor from the video camera trained on the front door. Absolutely no music played, and I didn't see or smell any hot water dogs. Downgrade. My three stars are for the daydreams I have, thinking about what characters have sat at the bar over the years and wondering if they shared the same melancholic feelings as me while doing so. I hope not to return, but at some point I probably will.

Jim said it perfectly, ASSTABLE! Sorry, inside joke. Speakeasy is the best description. This isn't a swanky place but rather resembles more of an old Italian Club bar back were I grew up (with secret pass codes, and private members). No polish or pizzaz but is a great place to hang out with some friends and grab a few inexpensive drinks and sit and catch up for a while. I always appreciate a bar with older guys hanging out in there that can tell you great stories and remind you that we're all the same (maybe just in an older package). We all have the same experiences, ups and downs, and hopes 'n dreams. They also break out a bunch of hotdogs and plop them in the crock pot (yup, a real crock pot just sitting on the counter with tongs that you'll dive in a catch the dogs yourself). How could you not love that? Its a little smokey so if you don't love places that have aged decor with a smokey atmosphere then this isn't for you. If you're the kind of person that likes to meat new and interesting people regardless of their age or packaging then this is your heaven. I enjoyed it, not to mention I also enjoyed the great company. Thats what its about!

Oh the PnP, you have been the author of many of my most drunken moments. It was initially devised as a place for newsies and writers to drink after hours, so that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Now it mainly caters to restaurant industry employees who, upon finishing their shifts, want to get their drunk on. And oh do they. All kinds of craziness goes down in this seedy underbelly of Philly. It's usually a good time while it's happening but the next day you will hate yourself. Bring proof of either press membership or restaurant industry employment if you want to be let in the door. Also, I am very impressed that I made it to the PnP on my 30th birthday after a whole day of celebration. Go me!

Ended up here during my recent trip to Philly. I had heard of this place, oddly enough, through Yelp, and figured that after working in the restaurant industry for 11 years and also being a freelance writer on the side, I ought to be able to find the right people to befriend to get me and my friends inside. Of course, once inside one of my dumbass friends decided to flash a picture, which almost made the rest of us kick him in the balls. Way to not draw attention to yourself, dickhead. People were staring at us enough as it was already. Regardless, we were able to sit at a table and pound a few more back until about 3:30 or so. What else to say? P&P is dark, dank, smoky, shady as all hell, and a complete shithole. In other words, it's awesome.

So I do not work in the service industry and I am not a writer(yelp doesn't count) but somehow I have been here a few times. I do not remember much but I do remember a grumpy bouncer, a smokey room, and some steps. I have been here a more than once and I am still not sure where it is located. As with all the after hours spots in Philly-shoutout to Voyeur, The Republican, and Ruba, these seem like an excellent idea at the time but are usually a big mistake. At least there is no entry fee at the P and P!

Terrible. Not worth the hype. Its a speakeasy wannabe. Ppl are desperate for good after-hours joints, so they go here and accept it. Its no big trick to get in. Beer selection sucks, music blows and decor is early 70s. Literally, its been there decaying since the 70s. Go if you want to hang with skanky, pretentious wannabes. Smoking in there, cause they can. Checked this off my list, and won't be back. Trust me, you'll go and say "This"? "The big hype is all for this"? So not worth it, Ive had better after hours bars at the VFW, really. This place makes The Pit look like the 4 seasons.

Sometimes I don't want the night to end and want to party till 3AM. I love this place because it allows me to do that, while still being in the comfortable confines of Rittenhouse. The bar is smokey, the decor is ugly, but who really cares when it's 3AM and you're already too drunk to notice/care. They also have free crock pot hot dogs here in the back corner, which is a great drunken snack. This is my go-to after hours place.

Ahhh P&P...where do I start?! I have heard so many great things about this place! Sad to say, but I was severely disappointed after being turned down at the door. Does the doorman have to be rude just because I'm not a member? It's not like anyone was even in this joint to begin with! I tried going once, and I can proms you that's the last time I ever attempt! I was really looking forward to a good time, except I left empty handed (and empty belly!) after being rejected at the "secret" door!

+ it's open late - it totally creeped me out and i only stood there for about 3 seconds before deciding to leave.

I hangout in Philly a lot I do not recommend this place. You need to show with paystubs that have your information social security numbers and address but you don't get to sign a confidentiality form hence your showing your private information to Austin a bouncer who I beg is not part of the Human Resource department. Plus their camera looking at your information you don't know whom can zoom in into your information. Patrons please think again about this place don't be a sheep what will they will do with your information or are looking for someone making a certain amount. Btw do you know in America people sell data for a lot of money to other companies to make a lot of money especially companies that send you junk mail. So why would a bar do this without you signing a confidentiality form. I am surprised they have a business license and they use Austin to enforce their laws that are not posted on the door. This place I would avoid it like the plague I would not trust anyone with my my information unless I sign a confidentiality form.

My review of the P&P can be summed up in 5 words: Drunken...Memories...(of) Random...Hookups...Past. Went here back in 2012 when I worked for Rotten Ralphs (of 2nd & Chestnut). This place is "cool" when you're single, in the service industry, and in your 20's. I'm 28 now (almost 29), I was 25 at the time. I went there for a drink with a female co-worker who was 21 at the time (she now is married with a kid, and seems happy). She and I ran into our GM that night (we had no idea he was gonna be there), and he bought us some shots, tipped his cap at us (almost like out of a cheese 20's flick), and walked away.... I wound up "hooking up withe her" that night, and dated her for a bit after that as well. Something about this place, just kind of captured "the moment" of time we were in. Two young 20 somethings, hanging out, getting plastered at a bar. Not a care in the world (I think her boyfriend would've cared if he had found out, but that's another story for another place). The ambiance...was pretty much...well? It was non existent. The bar looked like the inspiration for a Billy Joel song from the 70's (think Piano Man, but with sadder, older, more bitter patrons) mixed in with youngsters like myself who were merely just "passing through" and likely weren't going to frequent that bar (or stick around Philly for too long). The drinks were cheap for that part of the city, and it stayed open until 4 or 5AM (depending on the crowd). So it was THE place to be if you needed a "quick drink" (or just a good time). My rating is based on the fact that I realized even then, that The City of Brotherly Love is truly BY DEFINITION...a college town. It's a City meant for people to work in, but not live in past your 20's. I look back on places like the P&P with a smile. Knowing all the while that as currently 28 year old man? I learned a lot, and took a lot more from my time in Philly.... Now, I live in the NYC area, and I still have LOTS of fun. But I'm also working in the school system, working as a production assistant on a major science related program on NatGeo, performing stand-up comedy, writing, acting, and filming sketches. Life is better for me NOW...than it was back in Philly. Yet...I can't help but feel a certain fondness for the times I had back then. The P&P was a very memorable place to me for MANY MANY reasons. Would I ever go back? No. But then again...I don't want to spoil that time in my life with a return. It was a cool bar...with cheap drinks...and a mixture of people young and old, who, depending on their goals/motivation in life? May or may not finish that book they've been working on, that hit song they just KNOW needs a few more things to make it "pop," or get that boat they've been saving up for. My experience at The P&P, is a nice memory to have. It truly was an amazing place to just sit back and observe the world around you (with its almost endless cast of characters). "....Sa'lute to you Philadelphia. Cheers."

How is the PnP? I wouldn't know. Tried to go with the Circles crew and the doorman (doorman.....doorman!) wasn't having it. Apparently the owner's business card, ID, and company credit card was not enough to gain us access. Worst of all, he was rude about it.

P and P is never a good idea, but many of us wind up there anyway. It is the oldest writing club in the country, it has a a decent menu, and I have heard the quality is good, but never have eaten there. It stays open late for members and restaurant people. It is great at three in the morning, and you will have a great time, but regret it the next day. I love and hate this place, and my motto for it is "nothing good ever comes from the P and P"

Wood paneling and nasty service... That's all I can say about this place. The only reason I went is because my partner and his co-workers work for NBC. It's dark and smells like stale beer and cigarettes. The people are a hodge-podge mix, which is lots of fun. But the atmosphere leaves much to be desired.

A speak easy should have some class and style. The bartender is barely keeping up with the onslaught of jocks and frats that are swarming this bar. Not one suit or well dressed person entered. If you are looking for a speak easy this is not it. Its just a place to drink after hours and for me that is only one part of being a speak easy the other part is having a place that brings the rockstars of partying with style out. This place does not.

oh, lord, the PnP....what can i say, really?? whenever i've ended up here, i probably should have been home, passed out, tucked into my bed. but no. but...why? 1. at 3 am a crock pot dog never looked so good. 2. dart machine! 3. not the notorious post or the RUBA. 4. the hijinks i have watched occur, right before i "fell asleep" at the table. good juke, too.... and then there was that one time when friend D decided the hot dog piece in the dirty-assed ashtray would be just a fine and dandy late night nosh, and gobbled it right up, after knocking the ashes off.

It may be that i am a sucker for mischief. I love dark places. Rooms where i can hide in a corner and meld into the chatter of the crowd. Whether its five or fifty people. i also am quite for generosity and hospitality. Two words that come to mind every time i down "a" shot of Beam. The beauty in chaos and cacophony; in just letting whatever impulse may come to guide or steer a conversation or determine the outcome of a night. To be honest, it is the moment. The hour or so of the social, hormonal bedlam of alpha-driven, service-industry-conduced concerto of madness to which i bow. A buddy of mine claims that the devil lives in this room. Maybe. Who knows? Maybe the devil is just another cheap and over-used allegory for blatant hedonism/youth/id and now. For the feeling you carry with you beyond and after your hangover. The reason that keeps me coming back every single fuckin time.

Great poetry events hosted by Bob Zell.

I've been here many times over the years- and I can say the next day I always regret going!! There's a reason bars close at 2am- although you don't think so at 2am when you're drunk! You're supposed to be a "member"- part of the journalism industry or part of the restaurant industry to get in. The door guy can be really cool one time and then the next, has a major attitude. This can get annoying since you'll go here and have always been let in then one night turns you away for no reason (no, we're not obnoxious and wasted) then the next time is super nice. Other people have told me similar stories. Weird. Anyway, it's a laid back place and they have free hot dogs (gross but yummy). One of the big turnoffs for me is there are tons of cokeheads late at night. Obviously, drugs are out there in all bars but my friends like to go here just for this reason. When I've talked to other customers, they openly talk about coke and are shocked when I say I'm not into it. I actually like going earlier in the night cause at 2-3am, it gets packed with people- and then they run out of hot dogs :( Plus, if you go early, you can order food (very good!) and talk to cool old guys who have been regulars forever. I think the P&P was best left for my early 20s. I'm just too old to go and enjoy it anymore...

P&P is good for when you don't wanna go home yet, but on weekends, there's never anywhere to sit. The jukebox is always broken. And the one bartender says last call like 30 minutes earlier than when it's the other bartender. And they don't have milk for White Russians. But the staff is mostly awesome.

This is never the place that you want to go... it's the place for when you just can't bear to have the night end! It's in Center City, so if you're caught there and McGlinchey's closed this is where you go! The drinks are overpriced and it has the vibe of a hotel bar in hell... but it's OPEN! One of the strangest, but comforting parts of this bar is that it has a memorial plaque to a past regular customer. It says that he spent many nights here trying to figure out how to get off of the night shift. I don't know why I like that plaque but I do.

the p and p gets a terrible rep, and justly so, if you like a huge swirling coke fueled mongolian clusterfuck at 3:30 in the morning then go! it will be an indelible memory, however if you like a good classic cocktail and a fair beer selection with one of the best bar casts and bartenders, then go at 7 or 8 during the week. they have monthly photography exhibits and wine events, and one night in search of a manhattan i stumbled upon michael nutters campaign kickoff. awesome! so for the responsible drinker in you, go enjoy the martini after work, and for the full blown drunkard in you, go enjoy the martini after everywhere else has kicked you out.

shadey,shadey,shadey. but fun. at that point, does it really matter where you are? it's open for christ sakes. nuff said.

This is my favorite bar in Philadelphia. Great atmosphere, interesting clientele, good prices on drinks.

I'm the "crock dog" eating champion. Had 37 the last time I was there.

Is "After Hours Speakeasy-style DIve Bar" a category of watering hole? If so, these guys invented the genre back in the 1890s. Best thing to do is to show up around 11pm and hang for a few hours. You'll watch the place transform itself from being a neighborhood joint for a handful of chain-smoking hard-drinking sixtysomethings to a restaurant industry mainstay filled with servers and bartenders in their twenties. And local journalists do actually drink there if you get there early enough, and they have some interesting events and local author book signings and wine tastings and such. Every bad thing ever said about the P&P is true. So is every good thing ever said about the P&P. Grab a pack of smokes, down some martinis and Yuenglings, shut up, and let whatever come what may. Just don't call me for bail money, and if the cops ask you where you were drinking, mention the name of the place you drank at BEFORE you hit the P&P...

Alright folks. This is a members only club. We had a mixer here after a conference the club bartender Dan was a delight and made your drinks to order. The typical patron is supposed to be a journalist. I think they sell it as a journalist only bar. As an out of towner found the service to be good but the atmosphere to be underwhelming and the regulars were hit or miss. The first night we went there was a guy there who was absolutely rude to our group he rushed in and closed the door making sure to inform us that the place was for members only and then slammed the door in our face. Of course we were not going to take that kind of treatment so we went in as we had been instructed to and made sure to have a good time despite this grumpy mans unwelcoming attitude toward us. If you are a journo and want to meet others this might be a good spot. But it may depend on the night and stay away from mister Grumperson who seems to like to be very uninclusive.