Top 'Hipster' Bars In Philadelphia
The word "hipster" can have negative connotations, but in this case, we're just talking about those who march to the beat of their own drum. Visit these Philly bars to hang with the non-conformists of the city.
Barcade
1114 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-4400
www.barcadephiladelphia.com
Barcade combines an entire room of classic video arcade games and craft beer together to create a fantastic and fun environment that both hipsters and non hipsters alike can enjoy. The arcade games at this Fishtown bar include 80s favorites like Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Super Mario Brothers, Ms. Pac Man and Frogger. The best thing is that it only costs a quarter for a round and a change machine is located in the venue that converts both large and small bills, so you can continue playing until your heart's content.
The El Bar
1356 N. Front St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
www.facebook.com/The-El-Bar
The El Bar is named after the Market-Frankford elevated Subway tracks found directly above this divey, hipster haven in Fishtown. The drinks are cheap and it has the Citywide Special (PBR and a shot of whiskey) for only $3. It also has cheap snacks like beef jerky, Lays potato chips and hotdogs. In fact, try the "Kensington Happy Meal" – two hot dogs, a 16-ounce PBR, a bag of chips and a toy all for only $5. While here, make sure you pet the friendly resident bar cats and check out the huge backyard patio.
Locust Bar
235 S.10th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-2191
www.facebook.com/Locust-Bar
The Locust Bar is a hidden gem of a neighborhood bar on the corner of 10th and Locust Street. The Locust Bar serves incredibly cheap bar food such as wraps, fries, ribs and has a ton of sandwich options. Come in on Monday nights and enjoy some of the best wings in Philly for only 50 cents. Karaoke, hosted by DJ Lars, is every Sunday and Quizzo is on Tuesday. Warning: smoking is allowed at the bar.
Ortlieb's Bar
847 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 324-3348
www.ortliebsphilly.com
This Northern Liberties bar screams hipster. Every Friday during happy hour, Ortlieb's Bar has a special DJ spinning vinyl. Also, it has Bring Your Own CDs on Thursdays and Bring Your Own Vinyl on Wednesdays. Relax on one of the comfortable leather couches and listen to some great new and old music from either the speakers or the live stage. Ortlieb's Bar's ambiance is casual and the kitchen serves great burgers, salads and small snacks. Happy hour is every day from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where you can try one of its 10 rotating drafts for half off.
Ray's Happy Birthday Bar
1200 E. Passyunk St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 365-1169
www.thehappybirthdaybar.com
Ray's Happy Birthday Bar opened in 1938 and has been serving the South Philly community and hipsters ever since. The inside hasn't changed much in the 75 years it's been around, and the bar features a great jukebox and excellent karaoke and quizzo nights. Ray's doesn't serve food, but is a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) and its close proximity to Pat's and Geno's makes it easy to fill your stomach. Come in on your birthday and get a free drink. Ray's isn't the place to be if smoke offends you, since smoking is allowed at the bar.
Related: Top Whiskey Bars In Philadelphia
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
