Is it appropriate to live and work and play in Fishtown/Kensington and not just really like El Bar? Is it not unconscionable to patronize the neighborhood establishments who run the gambit from trying so hard for posterity yet failing so much as put on aires to full on corporate mousetrap while turning up ones nose at an establishment which has clearly implemented a dive bar algorithm and executed practically without flaw? I think it heresy for any one who touts the culture of functional alcoholism relieved of politics for a politics of indifference, deficient in violence both physical and economic, and enlivened by the most proprietous anesthetic that cause of and cure to all of life's problems -- Cheap Booze -- to propagate the sin of self-induced delusions that El Bar does not approach the pinnacle of simplified, modern-dingy, dank, hole-in-the-wall aesthetic and streamlined the practice of drinking within in. So keeping in line with its "less than perfect perfect" spirit, four out of five stars is the most suitable rating..
Review Source:I felt like I would have blended in a bit more if I had multiple tattoos or piercings, but anyway. The drinks were stiff, the mixed ones being average in price (something in the 7-range). The bartender was super sweet and friendly. The bathrooms are made to look like somebody snorted coke and graffiti-ed all over the place, but I suspect that this design is a deterrent for actual graffiti--and the sink and toilet were VERY clean, at least around 11 pm it was. Oh, and the non-ladies bathroom had a sign that indicated something to the effect of being open to anyone whose gender identity wasn't either or. The music wasn't my favorite, but there was only a donation of whatever you want to give for entry. And some part of the band (lead singer?) claimed that they were having their wedding reception there, so the entertainment factor with all the speeches and throwing of flowers, placing of the garter belt, etc was pretty amazing and by then, the urge to get a facial piercing or tramp stamp totally subsided.
Review Source:I mean, whatever, it's a dive bar. I've seen bands play here, I've had a PBR here, I tried to order a mixed drink here, on several occasions, I don't recommend that. I ordered a grey goose and tonic, and while it may have been the cheapest I've ever encountered it was served in a pint glass with seltzer instead of tonic. I figured maybe the guy was just unfamiliar with the soda gun and let him know the second time that it was seltzer the first time and I wanted tonic, still got seltzer. I also got a doublshot for a single so I just sucked it up, literally. They sell ramen for $1 and some chips or snacks or something too. Â Cool back area too.
Review Source:Whenever here I feel as though I am the least hip individual in the spot. This isn't neccessarily a bad thing. Â Granted I kinda sorta enjoy walking in the door clean shaven, rocking a button up shirt just to see what type of reactions I get from the the bearded, tattooed, leather jacket wearing hipper than hip hipsters. Â It's a great dive bar spot. Â If you want cheap beer, a philly special, or just take a load off, the El bar is for you. Â
 The employees are always helpful, and they hold it down really well.  Christi and Jess are always on point, killing it!  When the weather is nice the backyard is a great hidden spot to sit on old beat up lawn chairs/furniture and drink your high life or pbr.  If your with a group of people, grab a table, smoke as many hand rolled cigarettes as you need to fulfill your nicotine fix, and then stumble back inside and spend few dollars on a beer and a hot dog.  Hell if your feeling crazy, get a "happy meal!" Â
 There is almost always a wait for the pool table, if your bored and looking to shoot some pool (even mid-day) jump on your bike, pedal over and you'll be able to find someone who will play!
Oh heyyy.
So I just moved here, and I'm pretty sure this is the diamond in the rough I search for and like to call home.... This and KFN. Just around the corner from where I hang my hat. Real people.
There was a band playing saturday night. I didn't go there for them, I just wanted a drink... they gave me the option of a suggested donation for cover which is great because 1) I dont feel ripped off 2) I can give what I want. 3) I dont go somewhere else.
I chipped in 3 bucks and some bazooka joe for karma. Sat my ass down at the corner of the bar, and ordered myself a city-wide.
Welcome to philadelphia.
It's a nice bar with a good atmosphere, friendly service with a smile, and its not to expensive, good place to go if you live close by and want to get out of the house for a while, I wouldn't go out of my way to drink here, just a good neighborhood bar that's not to hipster infested, big back yard if you like to drink out side on a nice night
Review Source:On the first day I moved into my new place I encountered this place. Â I live right across the street from the El Bar so I naturally went in after hauling all my material possessions into my 'new' house. Â I was exhausted, a bit sad after moving away from MPLS, and I needed a drink. Â Upon entering, I immediately laughed and decided that Philly just offered me a wonderful treat. Â There might as well been a banner that said "Welcome Ildefonso." Â
Here's why: The bar-tender. Â I believe his name is Mike. Â Either way--I can't get over how much of a caricature he is. Â I'm sure he knows this--he has to. Â It's just not fathomable. Â With beautiful black feathered hair that is combed back and intense black sunglasses that he sleeps in, and a voice that echoes rico suave, Michael could pose for any picture, anytime. Â In fact, there is already a movement happening in this direction: there is now a t-shirt where you can buy that has his picture on it. Â Michael is the Scott Seekin (for you MPLS folk out there, you know what I'm talking about) of Philly. Â With Mike alone, this bar went up to 5 stars. Â I've been coming into this bar everyday Sunday for this experience alone.
Other great qualities to this bar: the patio is great, though can be a bit dirty. Â There's also live music on the weekends, and the people are generally interesting.
Sadly I had to knock off one star though because of the lack of choices in the beer dimension. Â I don't think I'm really that much of a beer snob, but I really want more than just four or fives types of beers. Â Other than that, the El Bar is definitely a fun time, especially on the weekends. Â Or just come in for the city special on Sundays when Mike is working. Â He'll hand out free food to you as well.
There is nothing to not like about the El Bar. Â Super low-key (except weekends, but still kinda low-key) Â Drink prices are FANTASTIC, 3.50 for a Pabst pounder and a shot of Heaven Hill Whiskey. Â Sure beats the hell out of going to the Barbary where all your lame friends want to go. Â I usually go with the Kenzinger (the only beer on tap, and that's more than OK with me) for 3 bucks. Â Best dive bar in Fishtown.
Review Source:I enjoy coming to this bar when I am around the Fishtown area. When you don't want to break the bank, come here for a few cheap drinks. Also 3.50 for a PBR pounder and shot of bourbon can't be beat. Also you got pool, jukebox, two arcade machines, and a pinball machine for entertainment. Anytime I go to a show around the area, this will be my pregame spot.
Review Source:I like places with cheap beer. Â I like places with back patios. Â I sat in this here back patio on a nippy February eve, talking to some people from someplace far away. Â I wonder how they ended up at El Bar, because I would go sprinting for the nearest Philadelphia border if I were a tourist in this area. Â But I'm not, so my super street smarts kick in and I don't care about that. Â It's actually not too bad around here. Â Whenever I end up here, that was not the original plan; we were probably in Old City and then realized "oh! I hate everyone within a four block radius of this place!" and head on over to El Bar/Kung Fu Necktie/if I'm being adventurous, Atlantis.
The pool table area is kind of cramped so you do sometimes get a cue somewhere in between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae while sitting on the barstools. Â
For the record: There are a lot of good bars in Old City, just not on a Saturday night. Â Nosiree, not for me.
The Kensington happy meal is the Best special ever: 2 hotdogs, a bag of chips, a pounder PBR, and a toy. $5.
The El Bar also has a pool table, pinball, live music, TV, citywide special, crazy bartenders, pac man, lots of bike parking, an outdoor space, allows outside food and is dog friendly. Â
That's quite a list of amenities. Â Now, as long as you're a hipster, which is the only requirement, ch-ch-check it out!
3.50 city wide....actually it may be even cheaper than that. Â The place is great. Â I wouldn't really call it a dive because of the cooler-than-you clientele. Â Its not as dirty as a dive should be. Â This is not a bad thing.
I seriously do not come here often enough. Â There are very hot women that hang out here if you are into that waist high short-pants deal.
The huge back yard is well.......huge. Â You can smoke and drink out there. Â
You can catch some OK bands play here once in a while too.
I recommend everyone to check it out sometime.
There is usually always a higher end lunch truck parked right outside too.
There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said about El Bar. It's at the top of my list for favorite dive bars in my neighborhood. It's the perfect place to hang out, have a drink (3.50 citywide FTW!), pet some kitties, go out back for a smoke, chill, play some pool, hang with hipsters, lather, rinse, repeat.
An example of the awesomeness that is El Bar. I got some devastating news last week, so I called my friend and made her come out drinking with me. At 11 am. Yes, this is how the story starts. So, we sit and drink; slow and steady. Chat with the bartender, go out for a smoke, realize that we're starving. Mike the bartender busts out the big book of menus, orders us Mexican and so we just hung out, sat at the bar eating burritos, drinking Jack and snacking on tres leches cake. It was a beautiful moment and for that I will always love the El Bar.
Also, every time I'm there, I end up having awesomely funny conversations with strangers. I like that in a bar. Very friendly clientele.
Plus, there are cute cats that hang out there. I mean that both in the feline sense and the adorable hipster sense. Yay.
Close to me, cheapsest Citywide Special I've seen anywhere, two cats, two hot dog and PBR happy meal, and a backyard. Â Can you ask for anything more? Â I certianly can't.
Yes, the atmosphere is hipstery, but most people are friendly, or at the very least, not afraid to talk to you. Â I think 90% of the times I've gone to El Bar, I've ended up having a conversation with someone I didn't know going in. Â It usually adds to my adlready great experience. Â I've had a hipster couple suggestively ask how old I was, a man in a cowboy hat tell me about his self-starring photo shoot, and had some ask me, "Wanna play Dirty Harry?". Â Luckily, I quickly realized it was just the pinball machine.
With a $3.50 City-Wide special, you can get yourself drunk with barely a dent in your wallet.
$3.50 for a whiskey shot and a PBR tallboy? Amazing.
$1.50 for a hot dog? Amazing*
My friend and I sat at a table with a PacMan game on it, drank our whiskey shots and PBRs, and people-watched the glorious hipsters. When we got drunk enough, we ate hot dogs. What more do you need in life?
Notes: Cash only, and on Saturday there was a $3 cover cause they had live music.
*When you're drunk
El Bar is a cool dive with plenty of endless possibilities. I mean what other bar out there lets you pick up a happy meal that includes 2 hot dogs, a PBR pounder, and a toy for 5 bucks?
The PBR and shot specials flow endlessly throughout this chill spot that lies under the El. But they also have a rotating Beer of the Month specials and a variety of drinks that go well above the average dive.
But the best part of the El Bar is the eclectic offerings that you'll come across on any given night. Its small stage showcases plenty of random punk rock shows throughout the night. Foo Truck has started showing up on special nightly occasions giving you a chance to enjoy delicious yet healthy wraps and veggie offerings. With a table top Mrs. Pac Man, random arcade games, and ample -PINBALL ALERT- it provides some good drunken video game moments. And you'll find plenty of subtle perks like a decent happy hour, and a cool outdoor courtyard.
So when it comes down to it, El Bar is clearly a dive that gives you more to love!
The El Bar is definitely my new favorite bar in Philly. There's really nothing bad I can say about the El Bar, everything about this place is pretty fantastic.
First of all, its CHEAP. You might even call it dangerously cheap. $3.50 for the citywide special ( PBR Tallboy + shot of whiskey for those noobs out there). I also got $2 pickleback shots (shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice, again for the noobies). Dude, I can get drunk (not just buzzed, but DRUNK) here for $10. SWEET.
Of course it's packed with hipsters, but hipsters are the best people to people watch, one of my fave activities. I've overheard conversations about telescopes and planets here, as well as been approached by a guy in a cowboy hat telling us about how he just did a sexy photoshoot of himself by himself. It's safe to say there are some characters that hang out here...
One last thing, the backyard is AWESOME. Biggest backyard I've ever seen at a bar, period. I also think its a great idea to have trashbins to throw your empty PBR cans in (and yes, you will be drinking PBR when you hang here), it eliminates a lot of work for the awesome staff and keeps the backyard clean and can-free for the patrons.
All and all, i LOVE the El Bar. Come here with a good attitude and a $10 bill and you will have a good time and leave feeling pretty damn good too.
I go here sporadically, depending on how much money I have and which friends I'm meeting. It's a great place to go to hang out in the back... It feels just like someone's backyard, except there's more seating. Cheap beer, good times.
One question -- is that a wig or what? also, does that guy need to act so burdened when i ask him for a Kenzinger (which is the only beer they have on tap)?
Wow....just wow!
After slugging pint after pint elsewhere and failing to achieve a satisfactory buzz, I moseyed on over here on Saturday night.
I'll take my PBR sixteen ounces at a time, thank you very much. Heaven Hill sucks, but it gets 'er done.
The crowd was awesome.
The crew is awesome.
The dungeon-like bathroom reminiscent of "The Silence of the Lambs" is awesome.
The little hangout nook just beyond the bathrooms is awesome.
The mix of music playing on the jukebox was awesome.
They have a yard I didn't check out which I am sure is awesome.
The dynamics of Philly's dive bars is a very interesting thing.
Take a place with a comparable dive and grime quotient (D&GQâ„¢), like Mako's for instance: Mako's location attracts doucher-types & tourists. El Bar attracts none of that. El Bar's location comes with a potential for _real_ danger. Mako's is labeled as 'dangerous' by know-nothings or the high & mighty. Both can be maligned for the very thing which gives them their appeal.
You could write a doctoral thesis about this shit.
The special is the cheapest around. I can't remember the last time I encountered a friendlier crowd. Before I knew it, I was closing the place.
Don't take my danger comment the wrong way. It shouldn't dissuade the street-wise or Philly-savvy from going there. Let's just not be naive, okay? I've taken quite a shine to this place and will definitely be back.
Wow, just wow.....
I go here all the time, as I live nearby and my band practices like two blocks away. Â When people shit on the El Bar, I'm not necessarily inclined to leap to its defense. I get it: it's a dive, the bathrooms are sort of wretched and they don't have a huge selection of fancy beer. Â I understand if people aren't into it.
I like it because a bunch of my friends frequent the place and it's a good spot to get cheap drinks. If you can stomach PBR, a tall one is only $2 and if you're looking for a cost-effective buzz you can't beat the citywide special ($3). They also have Kenzinger if you're into the PBC stuff.
In the summer, the backyard is a rather awesome place to hang out, especially with a group of friends. Â They often end up having to close the yard by about midnight, just because the neighbors complain about the noise, which isn't totally unreasonable. Â I sometimes wonder if living *under the El* doesn't somehow lower the standard for what constitutes excessive noise for some people, but whatever. Â
The staff are cool as shit. Dusty and Christi in particular. Tip them well.
Also, there are cats. Like, literally, felines roaming around the place. How nice.
The El Bar is one of those places that you would think is dangerous if you're new to Philly, but it is one of the best divey bars in Philly to me.
The beers are cheap, and 90% of the people around you will be drinking Pabst tallboys.
The bar on busy days can be swamped, with both sides being virtually impassable. But luckily there is an backyard with plenty of chairs and tables (which is now a lot less shabby than it once was). Since it's mostly dirt back there, its only good during stretches of decent weather.
One regular days the crowd is generally hipsters with the occasional drunken regulars or pool sharks. Busier days see a lot more of what I call "the normals", the kids who used to normally be found at irish pubs in center city, that somehow found out about this place. Â The crowd swings back and forth between slow and busy almost arbitrarily and it no way coincides with what day of the week it is. Â
All in all, I love the place. Its great for those times when you only have a few bucks but you would like the hang out somewhere.
Divey (in a good way) and cheap. When I first started going there it was almost always pretty empty and now especially on the weekends there are tons of people there. Sometimes it is kind of difficult to get a drink because in my experience there are only 1-2 bartenders working at a time and about three zillion people trying to get a PBR.
They have good shows here pretty regularly also, and they have a nice chill backyard area. Nice place to finish off a night.
After dinner, my date looks me in the eye very seriously and asks if I like spontaneity. If I'm the type of girl who likes adventure, open to trying something new. Apprehensive but burningly curious, I respond with a quivering "Yes..." He tells me he knows a place I might like. The El Bar. Modeled after a subway car, with loose women dancing provocatively on the poles. Trying to keep up the carefree, down-with-everything front, I nervously laugh and assert that I've always wanted to see what those places are like but have been too shy (meanwhile I am texting 911 to my friends).
Luckily for everyone, The El Bar is not a strip club. And that guy I went out with is a lying, deceitful wanker. It's a good atmosphere - pool table, pinball machine, good drinks, eye-pleasing bartenders. Bring your hipster friends.
One of my favorite dive-y bars in fishtown which is chock full of chill neighborhood places.
The El Bar gets points for having cheap strong drinks, and good deals on booze. Also the El Bar has shows which vary from punk to rockabilly to hip-hop. Honestly this is one of the handful of bars in East Kensington/Fishtown that welcomes "outsiders"(read non-white or gay or too bougie).
Come here to relax and have drinks with friends. Beware the back yard in the summer time-lots of mosquitos!
I used to call this place home when I lived half a block away. The best time to come is early in the afternoon when it's nice and quite so you get the oppertunity to play pool for a few hours (unlike at night where you'll be lucky if your turn even comes up). Spacious back yard with plenty of seating. Strung up twinkle lights. And the El Bar Cats.
My only complaint is this place's growing popularity and how crowded it gets in the evenings/at night. (which is good for the business itself, but not if you want to relax and have easy access to ordering a drink).
Went to The El Bar on a Saturday night. It had a decent amount of people inside when I walked in, as was exhibited when trying to order a drink. It took some time, but at such cheap prices I'm willing to put up with a wait. The bartenders did seem hurried, but in watching them for a few moments they just kept shuffling around the bar to talk to people and not so much in the way of filling drink orders. Leaning in on the bar, money in hand I managed to yell my order into the back of a bartender's head as he was grabbing a drink in the refrigerator below the bar. It worked, and being the smart & courteous man that I am I grabbed 5 beers for me and my friends to save them the wait.
Somewhat of a hipster haven, PBR pounders were aplenty and the words "citywide special" did not fall on deaf ears.
The interior is okay if not a bit small, the pool table dominates one of the two rooms, split by a double-sided bar and a row of tables adorn the other side of the bar. There looked to be a small stage along the back of the room, but music was left up to the jukebox that particular night.
I did see the aforementioned magic pizza but wasn't tempted to grab a slice.
As the evening progressed I, standing in place, wondered how they could let so many people in such a small bar. It wasn't until I saw the sign hanging on the back door that read "Yard Sale" and a few people that walked through it that I realized the true appeal of this place: the yard. After going through the yard sale door and another door you are greeted by some interesting sights. Lights strung in the trees and along the fence encompass the outdoor area, and some tables and chairs are the first things you see. Continuing on there was a cast iron bathtub and what my friends and I dubbed the "bikeplane." While nothing more than 5 bikes affixed to one in front with a long table separating the two it served as a great ongoing joke. At around 1am they move everybody back inside and close the yard and a lot of people tend to leave.
All in all a great experience and definitely going to be on my rounds next time I'm out drinking in the Northern Liberties area.
Went here last night. I liked the outdoor area, I like when bars have that option. Even though I have had a knack for more making more "hipster" friends, I didn't LOVE the hipster scene- too much smoking! Barf!
I did like that there was a jukebox. Oh! And I like that drinks are cheap as shit. Yeah! Good job guys.
After going to El Bar for the first time last night I finally understand why it's so hard to get my friends to go other places!
It's everything you'd want in a divey neighborhood bar... There is a jukebox, pool table, cheap beer and snacks, super friendly staff, a fun blend of patrons AND you can smoke inside. OK, so sometimes it might be a little bit TOO smokey since it's a small space. Anyway...BIG FAN
Highlight of the night: Â At one point a box of free pizza magically appeared at the bar! It was no longer warm but it was delicious!! Mmmmm....magic pizza...
I had an absolute blast here and didnt drop a lot of dough. Â Mind you it was a great birthday party, so I have no idea what the normal crowd is like.
Why the four stars? Â Here's a snippet from one of my conversations...
My friend: Â "It's so smoky in here I want to go outside for my cigarette."
This is my favorite bar in Philly, and I travel from West Philly to get here. Â My friend Elvis puts shows on here and they are always an amazing time. Â Check their myspace for upcoming shows.
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyspace.com%2Fthe_el_bar&s=43d1aa997ae0eaa8e94255b35c96eaaa356b50ac65a293c4782971141ae0039b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://myspace.com/the_e…</a>
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