Bar recommendations for drinking alone tonight? South Philly

Submitted by g0blinslayer t3_z335sm in philadelphia

Well, not technically alone, as the bar will have other people, but alone with others who may also be alone. Not too sketchy (I’m a lady) and good fries are a plus.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I ended up at Triangle, but now I feel inspired to do a solo drinks and fries tour of all the places recommended.

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ogbluebatman t1_ixjvl6a wrote

POPE aka Pub on Passyunk Good good, great bartenders. V safe

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GarbageApeIsLit t1_ixk2owd wrote

High five, I’m at POPE right now

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g0blinslayer OP t1_ixk40bf wrote

How late are they open tonight? Triangle is lively but POPE has better fries!

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GarbageApeIsLit t1_ixk9pku wrote

Pope is pretty fucking lively too!

Bartenders mentioned being here for the “long haul”, so I suspect weekend hours

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forgottentaco420 t1_ixk7v81 wrote

Came here to say POPE when I saw “good fries” being a requirement. If I lived closer I’d be there every weekend.

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[deleted] t1_ixkrt59 wrote

[deleted]

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Beer_Is_So_Awesome t1_ixl02vw wrote

Oh my god I miss POPE.

I mean, I live nearby.

But I'm a married dad with a toddler now, and my nights at POPE were all spent with my friend after she and I had recently broken up with our SOs and just wanted to drink dark beer and eat great burgers and fries, then go down to Watkins and shoot pool upstairs while getting stupid drunk.

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Spiral_eyes_ t1_ixk4fyh wrote

v boring atmosphere

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cashonlyplz t1_ixpzx0r wrote

Methinks the problem lies with you. I miss the Pope so much. West Philly has slim pickings. Local 44 isn't punk enough. Used to be able to see weird shows at Connie's Ric-rac and scoot down to Pope afterwards.

Some of my favorite nights, in this city! Now, if I go out to a show, I can't wait to go home to bed lol

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Spiral_eyes_ t1_ixqyv2u wrote

maybe i jst have my own opinion. i like other bars in phila i jst dont think that's a good bar for conversation or meeting people.

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cashonlyplz t1_ixr84vv wrote

Yeah, i mean, maybe the vibe has changed in 5 years--its possible. Excellent jukebox, there. It is, indeed, loud

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Dryheavemorning t1_ixjoz6i wrote

It's in Center City but Monks is great for drinking alone and has awesome fries.

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CornerPubRon t1_ixjqk46 wrote

Boy Monks is a great spot! The mussels there are out of this world good

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ss_lbguy t1_ixjttq6 wrote

Crap, now I really want to go to Monks! I live in the burbs and it is not possible tonight.

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CornerPubRon t1_ixjv6vi wrote

Terrific beer selection too! The ONLY downside is that it’s small and during the higher traffic hours it can be really tough to get a seat at the bar

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LakotaTbirds1970 t1_ixjv0cm wrote

Agree. I lived at 16th and Locust in the late 90s, right around the corner. I am craving Monks right now. Beer and mussels and fries.

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Mike81890 t1_ixkk1ru wrote

cc too, but i love good dog fries and its also very not-sketchy

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cashonlyplz t1_ixpzykw wrote

I always forget about Monk's, which should be sin.

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typeytypetype t1_ixjpp8i wrote

12 steps down. Hand cut fries.

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slylock215 t1_ixk6f9r wrote

This is a great bar, with great fries, and a great atmosphere. Plus, it's in a pretty safe part of the city.

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dator t1_ixkdjzy wrote

Do they still allow smoking in this bar? Amazing beers but couldn't stand the cigarettes

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slylock215 t1_ixkdmlw wrote

Nah, about the only smoking bar left is Grumpys off passyunk

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hellorhighwaterice t1_ixke4rd wrote

Did Bonnie's ditch the smoking?

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Mike81890 t1_ixkk3kg wrote

Nope. Bonnie's allows smoking.

Source: was there an hour ago

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slylock215 t1_ixkeiks wrote

Wait do they have smoking there too? I am a smoker lol

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hellorhighwaterice t1_ixkfy04 wrote

They did before the pandemic when I lived in South Philly. Bonnie's Capistrano Bar in 2017 is probably the smokiest bar I've ever been too.

Edit: I was a smoker then as was my buddy and we were like, "the air in here is a little thick"

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ImpendingSenseOfDoom t1_ixmw0f0 wrote

McGlinchey's too. I thought I missed it when they temporarily stopped during covid but I went back recently and could hardly breathe lol. Still love thatbar.

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arslashjason t1_ixkm3bn wrote

I'm literally 0/3 trying to get into that place. Once didn't have my ID and twice "visibly intoxicated." I will never try again 🙃

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typeytypetype t1_ixkv1n7 wrote

They are very strict about everyone needing ID regardless of how old you look. They ID’d my 70 year old parents. It’s policy and they stick to it. They also don’t suffer people that are shitfaced, they block people coming in that are stumbling, slurring their words, or are a touch aggressive, but that’s why I like that place. No judgement on you or the state you were in upon arrival, they possibly misjudged, but I generally appreciate their filter.

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sunofapun t1_ixjscje wrote

Fountain Porter!

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LoudGroans t1_ixk0h6n wrote

Second this. Fountain porter is my favorite bar to be in when it's cold outside and I'm drinking alone. It's dark but there are lights that feel warm when you're drunk, and I think they also have burgers and fries that people say are crazy. I'm pretty sure I've had one, but I was just drunk enough to remember the lights, but too drunk to remember the food.

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wheelfoot t1_ixkk6kz wrote

Fountain Porter's burgers are amazing. I wish they were open earlier on weekends like they used to be.

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Brahette t1_ixjqamj wrote

Triangle Tavern

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g0blinslayer OP t1_ixk27pv wrote

I think I’ll try this first, then POPE!

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Brahette t1_ixkd8b3 wrote

I almost suggested Devils Den bc that's my favorite bar in that area but remembered they recently closed 😭 Triangle is my second choice after the Den lol

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forgottentaco420 t1_ixkisyh wrote

WHAT! When did they close!? I used to love going there.

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Brahette t1_ixkj5a2 wrote

Last month

I was shocked too, I've eaten so many mussels in that place 😭 Went there after the Iggles parade too, they cleared out all the tables and chairs to handle the mass of people walking over from the parade

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forgottentaco420 t1_ixklalf wrote

Damn my partner and I are so upset! We’ve been talking about going there for months now. Rest In Peace!!!

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MusicologyMaven t1_ixkurnt wrote

It broke my heart when they closed. Triangle and POPE are great but they don’t hit the same.

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george-bonanza t1_ixjtn3q wrote

If you’re ok spending some $$, I went to Solar Myth for the first time today (the new place in the Boot and Saddle spot) and it seemed like a great place to be alone. They also have some $5 beers.

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TheAdamist t1_ixk6wmy wrote

Pistolas del sur, second district, sptr, fountain porter, Cartesian brewing, pope, American sardine, all very welcoming people at the bar.

Maybe itv? I havent been since last Christmas

Rip:devils den. A bacon food truck restaurant will be weird though.

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U-F-OHNO t1_ixkj8jk wrote

Second American Sardine Bar. Food is top notch!

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oldRoyalsleepy t1_ixma3vm wrote

Tell me more pls, why is it called American Sardine?

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GnarlieSheen123 t1_ixn86za wrote

They serve sardines

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oldRoyalsleepy t1_ixri229 wrote

Do they serve grilled sardines? Had some at a Portuguese restaurant in Montreal and often crave them

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IWantAStorm t1_ixlub0f wrote

High five to Fountain Porter. That was my favorite alone bar. People were always down to chat and it had a safe clientele except for the occasional loud mouth. Never experienced a fight or anything there.

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bravoromeokilo t1_ixm61ky wrote

And the burger and fries is absolutely to die for…cheap simple and absolutely delicious

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hopethatschocolate t1_ixmviwy wrote

My favorite. Moved out of the area but always pop in occasionally for the fries and delightful burgers.

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INFP4life t1_ixjw6ry wrote

Watkins Drinkery- cozy spot with good food and good beer

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jimsinspace t1_ixkbj4z wrote

It was always hard to pass up Watkins this time of year. Working late, holiday bonus, passed it on my bike ride home every night. I loved most of the atmosphere, good beer choices, food specials. What’s not to love!?

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INFP4life t1_ixkcvjj wrote

And the ceiling stars and dollar pool upstairs! Often it would be impossible to get a table elsewhere, so this was always a go-to

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jimbexleyspeed t1_ixkq016 wrote

There's what upstairs

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INFP4life t1_ixkrjxy wrote

A pool table, a couple arcade machines, and a bathroom

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Beer_Is_So_Awesome t1_ixl0990 wrote

Also, a weird bar they never seem to use. And a vending machine that sold cigarettes, in a closet. Last I checked.

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Beer_Is_So_Awesome t1_ixl06ya wrote

I NEVER drank downstairs at Watkins. We'd head straight upstairs, shoot pool, get fucked up.

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Saigon2391 t1_ixjxg1q wrote

Fuck that place, it is trash

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gertigigglesOSS t1_ixjyunp wrote

Why? I had a good time when I went there but want to hear you out!

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Saigon2391 t1_ixkkek5 wrote

The bar is absolutely filthy and the owner is a complete asshole to customers. Ive seen customers asked to have their drinks adjusted like more sour or vermouth etc and the owner just like nah fuck you.

The beer tastes like shit cause the taps aren’t cleaned. The floors are sticky cause they’re never mopped. Dudes to righteous and self absorbed to run a bar the right way.

−2

typeytypetype t1_ixjyyqj wrote

I’m curious to hear the take. I used to go there a lot when it was new but haven’t been in ages despite living around the corner. It got old but I can’t quite put my finger on why it wasn’t for me.

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INFP4life t1_ixkbljf wrote

It’s been a couple years but the scotch eggs were great, Jeopardy! was always on during the week, and dollar pool in a quiet spacious spot was nice

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captainblackout t1_ixkc4ti wrote

Ooh. I've had a hankering for scotch eggs lately. I'll have to poke my head in sometime.

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INFP4life t1_ixkcmbu wrote

They’re great! They (still?) pair it with a tartar-like sauce that I enjoy way more than the typically served mustard sauce.

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jimsinspace t1_ixkbmaj wrote

Not for everyone. Leave the barstool for someone else I guess.

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Saigon2391 t1_ixkjvbd wrote

The bar is absolutely filthy and the owner is a complete asshole to customers. The beer tastes like shit cause the taps aren’t cleaned. Enjoy your dirty drinks.

−1

Stevekane42 t1_ixjor45 wrote

Try rays happy bday bar

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typeytypetype t1_ixjpskx wrote

The only potatoes OP is gonna get there is a little bag of chips.

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meeemawww t1_ixjzagm wrote

Came here to suggest this. Best place to drink alone in south Philly imo. But there is no food other than chips. 💁🏻‍♀️

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wooktrees t1_ixk648g wrote

Fountain Porter or Watkins. Fountain if you want to be left alone, Watkins drinkery if you want casual conversation with friendly strangers.

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CornerPubRon t1_ixk29cq wrote

Is The Good King still around? It was in the Queens Village section a couple years ago. I loved it there! Great cocktails

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waterboy1321 t1_ixk78bg wrote

Varga Bar has great fries.

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Pcrawjr t1_ixketff wrote

Yeah Varga is pretty friendly to the solo drinker

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p_britt35 t1_ixjzk8w wrote

Dirty Frank's is what you're looking for. Cheap and lots to drink.

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TheKidPresident t1_ixmrid8 wrote

Dfranks is probably my favorite spot in the city, cool lowkey atmosphere and people typically put pretty alright music on the touchtunes thing they have. Then you can stop for a more than serviceable slice or too at Paulie Dee's right down the street

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intrsurfer6 t1_ixjxvax wrote

Lucky 13 Pub off of East Passyunk ave makes an amazing sazerac

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mklinger23 t1_ixkocyr wrote

Lucky 13 is a good solo bar imo. Small group and people tend to leave you be. Michaels has also been similar in my experience. If you wana meet people, I'd recommend something like bob and Barbaras or rays happy birthday bar.

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ForeverAloneGamer t1_ixk305e wrote

12 Steps Down is a great spot and has great fries.

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fart-nomster t1_ixk2t0z wrote

Lucky 13 pub in passayunk! Everyone there has always been interesting and fun in my experience and the food is good too.

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samogi t1_ixkjo25 wrote

Second district is where I’d go as a woman alone. And the best curly fries!

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nsweeney11 t1_ixkfjlb wrote

SPTR. And you can get a grilled cheese.

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conorb619 t1_ixkkfud wrote

Triangle > Pope. Sorry

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avo_cado t1_ixkdql5 wrote

Dirty franks

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TheAdamist t1_ixklp31 wrote

Ive seen dogs sitting better behaved on the stools there than some customers. By which i mean super well behaved dogs, and wash your hand after touching the seats.

Great place, cash only.

No one will judge if you get the cheap shelf o shame beer.

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Spelt666 t1_ixkjpdu wrote

Will u be crying

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notbizmarkie t1_ixkk0so wrote

Watkins has my favorite fries!

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xpeebsx t1_ixkvfsc wrote

McCusckers

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girlsarah t1_ixlri54 wrote

No one is saying American Sardine Bar and they have great fries

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emeraldpity t1_ixkuxgu wrote

Las Vegas Lounge.

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techCholly t1_ixkxsjg wrote

Closed, no?

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emeraldpity t1_ixkyl35 wrote

Ah shit, I didn't know! It was a spot from back in the day. If it's gone, that's the end of an era!

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albinorhino20 t1_ixl3yz3 wrote

2nd Street Pub on South second. Awesome atmosphere there

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a_stone_throne t1_ixmzzt5 wrote

New wave in queens village is my favorite safe bar.

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fairak17 t1_ixnpf9f wrote

Watkins - favorite bar in the city. Tell Jonathan I said hey.

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krizzqy t1_ixm2r9y wrote

Bob and Barbara’s

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GnarlieSheen123 t1_ixn89fg wrote

Royal tavern.. why has no one said royal tavern

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TresPantalones t1_ixne4gg wrote

It’s been closed since pre Covid

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GnarlieSheen123 t1_ixr0ajp wrote

Whatttt... I've been living in north Philly for the past 4 years, I guess I've really lost track of what's going on down there

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ktappe t1_ixkvm2u wrote

You do you, but if I'm gonna drink alone I'll do it at home. It's much cheaper and I can watch a nice movie which is far more interesting than anything that happens at a bar.

−4