Such a cool vibe, this place could be a PBR memorabilia museum. Clean, friendly, chill vibe. Great DJ and Jazz trio.

James at the door can't be more easy flowing professional and, inviting. Justin our bartender at the bar lord that's home no matter how busy he is you feel like you're welcomed and special ! Also next door lord Jesus the patty melt and tots fried hard and she's a doll it's a the cure after drinking GREASE AND LOVE ...I give this place a 11 and I dined and drank in 7 continents..this is no dive bar this place is home understand the difference . read more

We had to stop by to grab a Citywide from its birthplace! Wasn't too busy at opening, but I imagine it gets packed later on. Cash only, so come prepared! read more

Bob & Barbara's - Citywide - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First drag bar in Philadelphia , inventor of the city wide, and super cheap. Must go on a dive bar tour. I really loved the groundbreaking history and definitely worth the $8. I loved it here. Lots of laughs, fun and authentic staff and decor that's a where's Waldo of interesting kitsch. read more

See all

A fun dive bar that has been a staple in Philly for many years and home to the original "Citywide Special".  We went on a Friday night during December and enjoyed how B&B was festively decorated for the Holiday Season. Live music started at 9:00OPM and contributed to the fun welcoming environment. The clientele was varied from early 20's to the 55+ group and everyone was having a good time together.  It is cash only, but an ATM is on site. Prices are very reasonable and you can always opt for the $5.00 Citywide, which is a shot of Jim Beam and a can of PBR! read more

Bob & Barbara's is a beloved staple to Philly night life. Great place for a casual night out with friends! Low lit, vintage nostalgic feel, live music, good service, and strong drinks. There are late night snacks, but if you find yourself actually hungry for a meal you can go outside to The Window (an extension of Bob & Barbara's) that offers patty melts, sandwiches, and hotdogs. This is a CASH ONLY bar. read more

Bob & Barbara's - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

So me my aunt & uncle hit up Bob & Barbara's super local spot in center city. So $5 bucks for a cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and any well shot I mean any well shot. So this spot has been here maybe as early as 1969. The service was prompt by a cool brother with glasses. The inside is like A Pabst museum like vintage super comfy with a old feel. A must come to local spot in Philly. read more

Cheap PBR, funky decor, superbly efficient bartenders, and a shockingly tight funk band tearing it up in the corner. Sure, its a little gimmicky, but I like the gimmic. I can't wait to come back. read more

I think this is the definition of a dive bar. The special is a 12 oz. can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam for $4. The decor on the walls is definitely PBR and Jim Beam related. Did I mention a shot AND a beer for four bucks? The bartenders are fast and friendly and keep the business flowing. It's a Cash Only establishment so plan accordingly and bring money for PBR and Jim Beam. On the evening we went, they had a jazz band trio playing. Each set was non-stop as they just kept going and going. They have an old organ (my nickname) that was being played as part of the band. They played for a good hour or so before they took a break. It was a perfect time to have a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser. I would come back for the 4 dollar shot of Beam and can of PBR. It's a great deal, but bring cash. read more

See all

One of my favorite evening bars in Philly! There is excellent live music, cheap drinks, in an upbeat, casual environment. This is a great place to have a beer with friends and listen to live music without a "clubbing" vibe. read more

Hard not to like this place. The bar is long and narrow. We had to wade through several rows of college age kids drinking beers before we even found the band. But as the night progressed, the vibe was good, the crowd somewhat diverse, people started dancing (myself included), the beer was flowing and a great, unpretentious night of fun was had by all. read more

So cute!! Came here for the first time the other night and there was great live music. It was old fashioned and classic. Very nice ambience. Prices good too. read more

What a wholesome place. You want Philly? Bob and Barbara's is Philly as hell. Come in, sit at the bar, pay in cash, get a citywide, listen to some RnB slow jams, and chill. Weekends and drag nights it gets turnt up. Weeknights it can be chill. Whatever you want that isn't hoity toity, Bob and Barbara's has it. I mean, there's nothing in this review that will convince you to go. You're either looking for fun, or you're not, yeah? I'm dreaming about going back there right now cause I have at least $15 in my pocket and dreams of PBR and Jim Beam. I need my medicine! And if you wanted hoity toity, there's the rest of Center City. Or better yet, New York and DC exist, na mean? Out here in Philly we're trying to keep that quadruple drink value alive with them 4 dollar beer n shots. read more

If you're a fan of dive bars like me, then you have probably already been to Bob & Barbara's. If you haven't been yet, what the heck are you waiting for?! The inside space is decked out in all things PBR. Their city wide special is unmatched. They offer $4 cans of beer, $5 cocktails, and so much more. There is live music inside on the weekends and it gets pretty backed by 10:30-11 PM. Lots of dancing and great times! I recently stopped by B&Bs at 7:30 on a Saturday, expecting an early night. We grabbed a few seats at the bar and it turned into midnight before I knew it. My favorite part of sitting at the bar here is the padding they have on the edge of the bar top. Is it aesthetically pleasing? Probably not. But boy is it comfortable! read more

This is my favorite dive bar in America. There's an incredible band that plays funk music here while the crowd gets sloppy on the "citywide special." Come on in and have a good time. read more

Bob & Barbara's - A great place to celebrate with excellent live funk music and cheap drinks. - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

10/10! We went on a Friday night and we're blessed with an amazing bartender! Service was quick and super efficient. Live music was fantastic and it give this Philly bar a very welcoming feel! We felt so at home and can't wait to come back and visit!! read more

Bob & Barbara's - 3.5 hours felt like 10 minutes with great music and company! - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

An upscale, affordable, no frills dive. The live music on Thursdays is iconic and a lot of well known jazz musicians in the Philly community will tap in and freestyle with the band. Super chill vibes to still go out! There's no food here, but I LOVE that they put out some plates of Milano/ Pepperidge farm cookies at the bar. The staff is always pleasant. This is a classic Philadelphia spot that everyone should hit at least once, tourists and residents alike! read more

First time here. First thing's first .. Cash only! I was hitting the town solo because I was in Philly for a conference. It was an immediate warm welcome with a giant disco ball glowing upon walls decked in Pabst Blue Ribbon memorabilia and vintage decor. There was a 4 piece funky/jazz band, so groovy, had everyone up out of their seats. Service was excellent. I was "THAT GIRL" who arrived with a dead phone because I was out around town all day. They were kind enough to let me charge up so I could carry on with my bar tour... Honestly if I live in Philly ... I would be a regular here. Great crowd, spoke to so many strangers, overall good vibes whether with friends or exploring alone. Thank you!! read more

One of the spots in the city you can have a pickelback while watching someone karoake nickelback. Low key vibe where everyone is accepted no matter what age you are and you can drink cheaply. The place is very dimly lit however it kind of sets the mood and I feel you can still mingle with the regs and the crowd that comes in. I would recommend checking this place out if you have never been if you are planning on hitting a few bars for a night out. They often have live entertainment so be aware as I am reading other reviews and am hearing they may charge cover some nights. read more

It's a typical dive bar. They have a nice DJ every first Saturday of the month who plays incredible music. Drinks are good. Staff is friendly too. read more

Bob & Barbara's is a great spot to enjoy a beer either inside (which is totally decked out in PBR decor) or outside. Cash only. Great deals including some $4 craft beer can options... and of course the special - $4 for a PBR and shot of Jim Beam. read more

Hay....You want to see a great show ?? Well Saturday night I stopped in B and B's to see the 3Notes and what a ball I had...I give these 3 musicians 10STARS...They were great...a lot of instrumental which I love in jazz....Go out to BandB's , have a cold PBR and enjoy these guys...They are one the best jazz and blues bands that I heard in a long time....I am going back in 2weeks to see them again....What fun I had read more

This place deserves more stars. You're not a true Philadelphian if you haven't experienced a jazz night, drag show or karaoke at Bob and Barbaras. This place is the most iconic bar in philly I think you can find. Everyone here is always so interesting and happy. You can't beat the philly special and live jazz music the band that's always here on the weeks really gets the place going. PSA: cash only!!! Get there early to get a table on the music floor. read more

See all

Dive bar, cheap alcohol, cool jazz music and cash only can pretty much sum up the place. But the experience of the place cannot be described in words. You have to experience it. They do not serve food not even bar food. They have some packaged chips for purchase if you like. It's a cash o my place and they do have an atm inside. We were here on a Saturday night around 10ish. The place was full, not over flowing. We got seats at the bar and had PBRs. These guys seem to be a big fan of pbr and Jim Beam. Pbrs were $2.50 each and you can get a shot of JB for $1.50 more. The band was good playing chilled jazz music and occasionally singing too. I was not very found of the acoustic of the place. Count have been better. Also, bathrooms could have been more clean. But over all good place for cheap date or when you wish like laying low but not staying at home. I would recommend this place for their dive bar experience and music. read more

Bob & Barbara's - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Excellent neighborhood bar with live music and more. Great music last night--Judd Nielsen Organ Trio--funky jazz. Fun crowd--young campaign workers [Go, Working Families Party!] and old jazz fans--enjoying the camaraderie, the music, the cheap beer--a good time was had by all. read more

Bob & Barbara's - Great band at B&B's - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

The Betty Page want a be is waiting for you money to blow into the ice so she can steel it.

I was passing by this place and stopped in for a drink on 7/9 around 5pm and I sat and waited at the bar for about 30 minutes while the bartender watched baseball on the tv. I walked to the bartender and asked if I could order a drink and he looked at me weird and said "no you can't". I said okay and walked out of the bar, most bizarre experience ever. Fuck this place read more

$3 for a shot of Jim Beam and a PBR. Not something I would do all the time, but it has its place. The people seemed mostly friendly, although some girl was giving me the stink eye for no reason. I'll be back for the drag show. read more

Bob & Barbara's - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I like this bar quite a bit, but this review is solely for the experience I had last night June 11, 2019. My friend and I were there for probably an hour, and stepped out for a bit outside. When we came back, there was a bouncer who wasn't their earlier and he tried charging us $8. He said it was the cover, and we tried explaining we had stepped out and were previously there and had drinks already, but he refused to reason with us. He was incredibly rude to both my friend and I, and when we asked him if the cover went to the Drag performers he looked so offended. He said "I don't own this place, who cares!", and was so condescending to both my friend and I. He eventually yelled at us "there are kids starving, who cares!" This man is the rudest bouncer I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Beyond me how aggressive this man was, he absolutely does not know how to treat customers. Upon paying the cover $16, being inside, other people also said they had negative experiences with this man. read more

We were in the neighborhood for dinner and wanted a place to grab a drink after. This place seemed like a cool dive bar and once we stepped in we knew it was a good choice. Great beers to choose from or pick the house favorite- the beloved Pabst. It's been a while since I've had a Pabst, but it's comparable to a Miller Lite and cheap for 2 bucks! #Win. From the dark lighting, to the soulful Ray Charles music playing, the cushion top bumper on the bar top, tons of memorabilia to look at.. awesome place to hang out. The service was good, the bartenders friendly. The people here that night were also good people. You had some younger folks, you had the locals, you had the guy in the corner just here for a beer and the Phillies game. Not the annoying crowd of ugh I wish they would leave.. the music wasn't overly loud. Drag shows and live music on different nights? What more could you want. :) Few blocks from the Patco makes this a place I'd love to swing back to. Cash only! read more

This dive bar was definitely a peak of our trip to Philly. It's dimly lit, and low ceilinged as most dive bars are. We posted up at the bar and ended up seated close to a regular. He entertained us with random drunk questions, and joined us when we tried the "citywide" which is ill advised shot of Jim Beam and a can of PBR. I think we asked a couple of people if they'd heard of the citywide and got some puzzled looks. Maybe it's only South Philly "citywide" and it shouldn't spread to actual citywide but that's just coming from someone who hates dark liquor. Beyond that, we sat and enjoyed a Johnny Cash cover singer while we were there. A group of women of a certain age were out celebrating birthdays and they were having the time of their lives dancing and flirting with the singer. Really glad we stopped in here, it was a fun afternoon/evening shooting the breeze. read more

Not fancy but the live music is spot on, the crowd is having a fun night out, no one hassles you for drinks - which are modestly priced - and there's no cover. Do yourself a favor and check it out. read more

Seeing a drag show was on my list of to-dos for 2011 and when the girls of Yelp decided a GNO (Girl's Night out) was in order at Bob and Barbara's I knew I had to check it out! I knew I was in the right place when I walked up to the building and heard "OH MY GOD. Those are Phan-tabulous boots." And that was my introduction to the dive bar that is B&B. The $7 admission to the show also snags you a drink ticket which is good for a well-drink or beer. I opted for the beer, PBR is almost mandatory when visiting a dive. And the performers in the show did not disappoint! Each lip-syncing, sassy drag queen sashayed their hearts out on the floor that night, and even the male exotic dancer did his thing with pizazz. (What can I say? I just can't resist a man in uniform, haha) And Lisa Lisa, the host, made sure everyone knew what was up throughout the evening! The only reason they get a star off is because of how packed they get. People are constantly pushing to get by or jostling you because they can't handle their liquor. Not to mention the annoying 21 year olds that are drunkenly interfering with the performers to the point where Lisa Lisa had to give them a verbal smackdown! If you can handle them though, the show is soo worth it. This has the potential to become my Thursday night hangout. read more

Between the live music, low-key atmosphere, & well-priced drinks, Bob & Barbara's is a great place to relax in the evenings. It's a small space, so it can get a little loud once the band starts to play. But you should be listening to the band anyways - if you're looking for a place to sit down and have long philosophical talks, there are other options around. Overall, a chill bar to visit! Also - the bar is cash-only, but there is an ATM near the entrance. read more

Unfortunately I had a poor experience here due to the bouncer. I arrived with two friends with no problem and we sat at the corner of the bar. The bouncer was sitting in the walkway between the bar and more seating, blocking passage of clients. When more clients came in the bouncer told me that I wasn't standing in the best spot because some people walk by there to get to the 4 other seats next to me, but the bar was full and I didn't knowing to separate from my party. (there were NO signs saying that this spot at the bar was unavailable, but the bouncer told me that next week there would be. Why he expected me to know that with no signs, I do not know.) I told him if they said Excuse me I would gladly move and let them by. Some one late slider behind me with no issue, but the bouncer came up to me again, saying I shouldn't be standing at the bar where I was, however there was a man to me left and a man to my right and neither of them was scolded for standing at the bar. I do not know why he chose me to scold me multiple times but once I said I was l leaving because of the treatment he started profusely apologizing. If spots at the bar aren't mark them as closed, singling out someone standing at the bar between others and making them feel uncomfortable for existing is messed up (and misogynistic if it's only the women you are scolding and not the men). The bartenders were great, it was only the bouncer who seemed to be in a bad mood. read more

1994: First trip here, to visit Rick D. at work. Notice these things: 1. I'm the only person under 50 2. I'm the only woman 3. I'm the only white patron 2009: 1. The wall has come down, been re-erected and come down once again 2. Butchie truly is the keeper of the history of the bar 3. The memorabilia on the wall changes pretty frequently, as if a Rorschach for staff The 'Philly Special' actually originated in this bar, courtesy of Rick D. Anything else, ask me in person ... read more

Bob & Barbara's - An old one with [now deceased] original band leader Nate Wiley and drummer Cliff LaMarr - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Although it isn't my favorite dive bar (Dirty Frank's is), I'm all about Bob and Barbara's! I went on a Thursday night for the Drag show and had a blast. It was $6 at the door, but that also got you a drink. Then the PBR's were $2. As previously mentioned, you can get a shot of Jim Beam and a PBR for $3, which is pretty awesome. My friends frequent this bar a lot and say that the crowd can fluctuate pretty drastically. Sometimes it's just a few lonely guys staring into their beers, and other times it's packed. Either way it's a great place to grab a drink when you're in the area. PBR may be the beer of choice, but they had a pretty extensive beer menu. It's also cash only. read more

Bob & Barbara's - Drag performer + awesome PBR memorabilia - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

By far, one of the best Japanese noodle houses I've been to recently. The hot and spicy ramen was delectable, and expertly and professionally served by Kelly-san! read more

Bob & Barbara's - a bowl of soup and chopsticks - Dive Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Incredible music, friendly bar tenders, amazing vibes. A true hidden gem! Good time guaranteed to anyone who comes here.

Bob and Barbara's is the Gray's Papaya of Philadelphia. If you go to NYC Gray's has this blinking sign saying "Recession Special". Well Bob and Barb's started the Recession Special years ago. I have been drinking here for the past eight years. I think the Special has been that price for the past eight years. It's the dive bar that other dive bars aspire to be. Except it's the dive bar with its own cabaret of sorts. I have not been to the drag queen show in years, but it's a Philly must. Miss Lisa is a Philly icon. I also adore Nate Wiley and the Crowdpleasers. My only beef with Bob and Barb's is.....running into ex boyfriends and guys I had one date with ( that are supposedly lawyers, but missing a tooth? and want me to eat kitfo with them on a first date!) read more