Paul Kushner
Looking to indulge in a night out without breaking the bank in the vibrant city of Philadelphia?
You’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll uncover the hidden gems that offer the perfect combination of affordability and unforgettable experiences.
From cozy neighborhood pubs to lively dive bars, we’ll take you on a journey through the best cheap bars the Philadelphia area has to offer.
So, grab your friends, loosen your wallets, and get ready to discover your new favorite watering holes. Let’s dive in!
Tattooed Mom
530 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 238-9880
Visit Website
Tattooed Mom is a cheap and eclectic bar on South Street just south of the Liberty Bell.
The atmosphere at this cheap bar is relaxed and features pool tables, games on the bar, and even candy!
They have a full bar with beer, cocktails, and wine on the menu and delicious smash burgers.
I love their local draft beers, but if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, their pickletini is my favorite.
Sunday is my favorite day to visit because there are free arts and crafts to do while you eat and drink.
Bar-Ly Chinatown
101 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922-2688
Visit Website
You’ll find Bar-Ly Chinatown in Chinatown near the Philadelphia Convention Center.
The bar is an Asian-American pub that features everything you love about an Asian restaurant and an American sports bar.
The atmosphere is laid-back, and there are TVs on every wall, so you never miss a second of the game.
As for the drinks, they have 60 beers on tap and happy hour daily. I suggest getting a local beer or a classic mixed drink if you pop in.
Oscar’s Tavern
1524 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 972-9938
Visit Website
If you love a good hole-in-the-wall bar, then you’ll love Oscar’s Tavern.
This old-school dive features red booths, wood paneling, and a jukebox for music. You’ll find it near the city hall on Sansom Street.
The drinks here are always cold and cheap, making it one of the town’s favorites.
They regularly run drink specials but change often, so be sure to ask. Oscar’s Tavern is also known for great live music and lunch specials.
Bloomsday Wine Pub & Retail Shop
414 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (267) 319-8018
Visit Website
Bloomsday Wine Pub and Retail Shop is a stunning bar in Society Hill near the Delaware River.
It’s a refined spot but without all the pretension. It’s perfect for a glass of wine with friends after a long day or brunch cocktails.
Even though it’s a wine pub, they have plenty of affordable bottles and delicious cocktails too.
While everything here is already pretty cheap, their happy hour is even better. Their wine on draft is always my go-to.
Oyster House
1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 567-7683
Visit Website
Who said seafood and drinks need to be overly expensive?
Oyster House is the best spot in Philly when you want cheap yet high-quality seafood and even better drinks.
It’s a bustling spot but not overly fancy, either. They do $2 oysters during happy hour, which is a must-try.
The bar has everything you could want, but my favorite cocktails are the bloody Caesar and their house martini.
While they’re not my favorite, you can’t stop here without trying one of their four oyster shooters.
Bing Bing Dim Sum
1648 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 279-7702
Visit Website
You’ll find Bing Bing Dim Sum in South Philadelphia on East Passyunk Avenue.
It’s a Chinese restaurant with a Jewish twist and cheap drinks.
It’s a quiet restaurant, but somehow it’s always busy, so you know the food and drinks are good.
I’m always a big fan of happy hour for even cheaper drinks at an affordable place, but even if you can’t make it in for a happy hour, you won’t miss out.
They have everything you could want, including sake which I love. If sake isn’t your thing, their lucky candy cocktail is to die for.
Bob and Barbara’s Lounge
1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 545-4511
Visit Website
If I had to choose only one cheap bar in Philly to go to for the rest of the time, Bob and Barbara’s Lounge would be a top contender.
This bar has a bunch of old-school decors, neon signs, great energy, and live jazz music.
Bob and Barbara’s Lounge is known for their cheap drinks, and you can’t visit without ordering their beer-shot special; it’s like a right of passage.
Once you do that, you can’t go wrong with one of their cocktails, like the jalapeno Paloma.
Remember, this is a cash-only joint!
Cheu Fishtown
1416 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (267) 758-2269
Visit Website
Cheu Fishtown is between Fishtown and Olde Kensington.
This Asian fusion restaurant is known for ramen, great vibes, and affordable drinks.
Happy hour is always my favorite time here because you can get their black garlic wings for under $10, and they have a delicious lemongrass mule that is hard to pass up.
Prohibition Taproom
501 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 238-1818
Visit Website
Prohibition Taproom is a laid-back gastropub that has one of the best and most affordable craft beer selections in the Philly bar scene.
It’s dimly lit and a great lunch or evening spot. The bar’s name comes from its history as a pub since the 1800s.
They have a full bar, but this is the place where you order a delicious craft beer.
If you don’t want a beer, the hibiscus punch is tart but perfect.
Lloyd
529 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 425-4600
Visit Website
You’ll have to head to Fishtown to find Lloyd. This is a bar the locals love, so it makes a great stop if you’re visiting Philly.
It’s usually crowded but still laid-back and calm. They have a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines to choose from.
I love their risky business, Jack and Wendy, and the strawberry basil negroni.
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
212 Walnut St 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 238-0499
Visit Website
Positano Coast is the place in Philly you go to when you dream of Positano, Italy, but have to go to work the next day.
The bar is open-air, bright, and features a menu and atmosphere that feels like Italy and not Philly.
Like other bars, this one is fully stocked with liquor, beer, and wine.
Since it resembles the Amalfi Coast, I recommend going with a glass of prosecco, a bottle of wine to share with friends or a great Aperol spritz.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings