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Bob & Barbara's

4.1 (322 reviews)
InexpensiveDive Bars
Open 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

Bob & Barbara's Photos

Business Info

BOB & BARBARA'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Loud
Live music
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Bob & Barbara's

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Reviews With Photos

Sarena C.

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.

Lining up PBRs and Jim Beam Shots
Joe S.

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.

A great place to celebrate with excellent live funk music and cheap drinks.
Luke R.

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.

3.5 hours felt like 10 minutes with great music and company!
Juliana C.

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!!

Great band at B&B's

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.

Jaime H.

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.

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5 months ago

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4 years ago

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

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4 years ago

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

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Ask the Community - Bob & Barbara's

Do you have to be 21 to enter the bar?

Yes

Best street to park?

Plenty of parking on south street.

What kind of entertainment is there on Fridays and Saturdays?

A great jazz trio. Lots of dancing. From their website: "Every Friday night from 9:30 pm until 2:00 am we feature live music performed by The Crowd Pleasers, a Hammond B-3 organ combo. Based in jazz they refer to their musical style as 'Liquor… Read more

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Review Highlights - Bob & Barbara's

And in keeping with theme, they have an excellent beer-and-shot combo - a PBR and a shot of Jim Beam for only $4!

Mentioned in 48 reviews

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Good Dog Bar - Short Rib Grilled Cheese

Good Dog Bar

3.9(1.5k reviews)
0.3 miAvenue of the Arts South, Rittenhouse Square
$$

Good bar with solid food offerings. We needed a place to…read morenosh and watch some basketball during our visit to Philly. Good Dog checked the boxes. Multiple TV's, a good variety of draft and canned beverages, and good food choices. The soup special for the day was split pea with ham. Talk about a little childhood nostalgia, Hit the spot! The french fries and wings were also good. Great place to take a break while walking around the city.

This hole in the wall was really cute. Super small, love the dog photos all over the wall. I came…read morefor a conference and I liked the welcome message they wrote on the wall. I'm not sure how accountable this review will be, as I did take out not stayed. They were having happy hour but it didn't count for me as I was take out I guess. I got the mozzarella sticks were bomb with the sauce and I got the creamy Mac and cheese. I was excited for the Mac and cheese because I had one last night that was amazing from somewhere else. I got back to my hotel my second but I found a hair. Like a fatty I threw it to the side and kept eating it anyways. Unlike a true fatty, I didn't finish it. So unholy for a Mac and cheese lover like myself... but it was too acidic for me. I couldn't keep eating it. So I'm basing this review solely on the food. The service seemed ok? They seemed nice, but can't judge that as I did take out.

Photos
Good Dog Bar - Good dogs at the Good Dog 4/10/25

Good dogs at the Good Dog 4/10/25

Good Dog Bar - Fried Mozzarella

Fried Mozzarella

Good Dog Bar - Softshell crab sandwich special

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Softshell crab sandwich special

Ye Olde Ale House - roast beef + sharp provolone + gravy on the side (on the side is the way to go, standard)

Ye Olde Ale House

4.0(236 reviews)
11.4 mi
$

Finally got here! Ye Olde Ale House My good buddy Erik…read moreMalmberg has been telling me about these beef sandwiches since the day I first met him. Recently, The Godfather of Meat did a keen review and video, in which everything looked awesome. It took us about 45 minutes from Emmaus, and it was worth the trip. House made roasted beef with the house gravy on a sensational Kaiser roll -- was what we came for and they delivered! Piled high and fresh with provolone cheese. This is the best beef sandwich I have had in decades. Simple quality at its finest! This has quickly become my gold standard classic beef sandwich. The "Matt Fries", were interesting and completely unique: fresh crispy fries topped with generous black pepper, old bay seasoning, Parmesan cheese and Turkey gravy. It worked! We enjoyed them and the large portion was more than enough for 2-3 people. Steph Rush very much enjoyed the mussels in red sauce -- another generous portion, served with was bread. I had an order of the cold shrimp , which is weekends only. Fresh, cooked perfectly and extra horseradish in the cocktail sauce by request. We were overjoyed with what we ordered and I love they have birch beer on tap, my favorite! The joint was packed and busy, our waitress had her hands full in her section. We are looking forward to a return trip ! #rushieeats

I like the vibe of this place. You can tell it is a neighborhood staple. No frills, been here…read moreforever. A solid roast beef sandwich. Where the stars are lacking for me is on cleanliness amd attention to detail. Mozzarella sticks were cold in the middle. Tables and chairs need to be wiped down better. The table condiment holders were not very clean.

Photos
Ye Olde Ale House - Watching the sandwiches get put together -

Watching the sandwiches get put together -

Ye Olde Ale House - Buffalo chicken wings

Buffalo chicken wings

Ye Olde Ale House - Exterior

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Exterior

Bob & Barbara's - divebars - Updated May 2026

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