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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
70 reviews for 12 Steps Down
Review Highlights
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"BUT they have Karaoke Obscura on the First Thursday of..." In 7 reviews -
"The food was amazing and the beer selection was huge." In 10 reviews -
"Repeat after me: TWO DOLLAR MIMOSAS AND BLOODY MARY'S." In 5 reviews
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70 reviews in English
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Review from Lilli C.
12/7/2011
I went in on a Tuesday night and it was pretty packed- probably because the bar features karaoke on Tuesdays. The karaoke was pretty entertaining and there were actually some people who could sing.
The scene is mostly hipsters, but everyone seemed pretty friendly and non-pretentious (except for the girl hogging the photo hunt). The bartender was super friendly, they have a great selection of beers on tap, and in bottles, there's a pool table, and although I didn't get any food, it smelled delicious. The only negative is that people can smoke inside. When you're drunk it doesn't seem like a bad idea until you wake up feeling like you can't breathe, and you go into work with a jacket that reeks of smoke. -
Review from Maggie M.
5/6/2012
Every day until at least 3 pm (I asked, but can't remember what the bartender said anymore): $2 mimosas and bloody marys. And, as most know, you can smoke. Lagers appear to usually be $3.50 (or they just do long-running specials).
Good selection of microbrews and seasonals. Small menu, but with the Italian Market outside, who's eating there except at night? *Heavy* on the hipsters, would be hippies, and faux-pdx streetkids, but will still have the phillies on (though perhaps with annoying close captioning scrolling across the middle of the screen). They still have a pool table, and they still show Walking Dead reruns on Sunday nights. -
Review from Denise C.
4/23/2012
Met up with some of my Philly friends to watch the Flyers game. Although we disagree on hockey teams, we bond through our hatred of the Penguins. And so, I found myself here for the 12:00 puck drop yesterday.
For such a small hole-in-the-wall, the beer list is surprisingly diverse. There is a wide variety of bottles and about ten or so drafts, organized by beer type on a board. I went with the Bell's Two Hearted, a favorite I can't get at home. Beer is also very moderately priced so if you come here, you won't break the bank.
There are TVs in every corner, all of which were tuned into the game. They also have a pool table in the back which got some good use for most of the time we were there.
It is easy to see why my friends go here so often, aside from the fact that it's within stumbling distance from their apartments. The staff is cool and the atmosphere is laid-back. Oh, and of course, that beer selection makes the trip worthwhile too.
Despite these awesome things, though, the bar still allows smoking. The smoke wasn't too bad that afternoon, but I don't know if I would have been comfortable if it was busier. It didn't bother me much when I was inside (I also got pretty hammered, though, so that may have also had something to do with it), but later, after I left, all I could smell was smoke. So if you are averse to cigarettes, this probably isn't the place for you.
It would have also been nice if their kitchen was open when the bar was. The game began at 12, and the kitchen didn't open until 4. By that time, I was several drinks in and couldn't bring myself to eat anything (food makes me nauseous if I've been drinking more than one or two beers; however I do not suffer from red "Asian face," so that's a plus).
Overall, though, I would come back again to hang with my friends and enjoy the good beer. I would just make sure it wasn't too crowded and that I ate in advance. -
Review from Christine B.
Philadelphia, PA
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great selection of beer, and I would have loved a chance on the pool table, but I've never been a smoker, and I don't particularly like being around it. The bag I had with me still smells like cigarettes. I do appreciate that they provide a place for smokers where they don't have to go outside. The bartender was really nice, and I got to select a few songs on the jukebox.
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Review from James W.
Philadelphia, PA
3/10/2012
This place has a cool vibe to it being that it is 12 steps down underground, but the smoke really got to me. The place is pretty open and you don't notice it much unless you are directly next to someone, but I reeked afterwards. It also make their decent beer selection not taste as good. The prices are ok but a little high considering the location. I would go there again but only for a meetup or something.
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Review from Zeut R.
Philadelphia, PA
4/3/2012
Awful service, even for a dive. That Chris guy is a jerk, and is the reason I won't be returning. He was short, unfriendly, incompetent and overall unpleasant. I don't expect smiles and high fives, but I certainly don't expect that level of rudeness from someone who's working off of tips. Ugh.
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Review from Courtney T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
12 Steps Down isn't for everyone.
12 Steps Down isn't JUST for hipsters.
12 Steps Down doesn't pretend to be anything it's not.
It's a dive bar with a pool table, weekly karaoke, cheap drinks and a pretty good beer selection. It's everything I need and more, and by "more," I mean that you can smoke in here, which, during the frigid winter, is much appreciated. It's a big enough place that it doesn't fill with smoke and I don't have to feel guilty about giving anyone, aside from myself, cancer.
There is one bartender that I'm not too fond of, but I won't knock stars off for one jerk that can't manage to properly mix juice and vodka. -
Review from Meg Y.
Green Lane, PA
1/23/2012 169 Check-ins Here
Amazing food, great beer list, phenomenal atmosphere. Need I say more? Oh, don't come here if you're not into dives. But it's a dive like no other.
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Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
4/7/2011
A moment always comes, when I'm at 12 Steps, where I am completely confused about the time. I'm always completely shoked that it's last call, "What? We just got here," OR there's the thing where I emerge from that basement, and shrink back from the blinding sun like a mole person...Somewhere along the way maybe I forgot that we were doin a lil daytime drinking annnd... look the suns still out. A surpise.
You understand, a person can lose track of the hours. Over the years I've spent some time in this place. It feels like someone you know built a big rectangular bar in their basement and hung glasses from the ceiling.
Though I do not smoke anymore, I can appreciate the sweet freedom of being able to do so. Sometimes I'll do a big, dramatic inhale and say, "That there's the smell of sweet freedom, my friends..." Nobody loves my act. We always seem to have fun weirdo conversations, which I enjoy. There's been a lot of hugging of strangers, but ya know sometimes the memories are a fuzzy haze. Easily... I may have been accosting.... Anyway.
I tend to meet people in 12 Steps who I end up seeing around the neighborhood later... I nod creepily at them. A nice creepy, knowing nod. And who doesn't love that?
12 Steps is neighborhoody. My favorite is drizzly Sunday afternoon there. Drink some good beers, play some pool in a subterannean lair. -
Review from Sarah S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/29/2011
I recently had to move away from Philadelphia and the saddest part was probably leaving behind this bar. A gem in the rough, down into a basement on Christian in the amazing Italian Market area. It's ironic but you know that love for a place where everyone knows your name? That's this bar, so yeah I was kinda a regular but that didn't prevent me from bringing absolutely everyone I knew in at some point. It was where I always wanted to be drinking a beer, shooting pool, watching the game, grabbing some food, and enjoying some amazing bar company.
It's the type of bar where you can go in by yourself and either be left alone to your solitude, read a book, or be brought into a great conversation by other people around the bar.
Every bartender, bar back, and even the owners, are amazingly wonderful people.
Also one of the most eclectic bar crowds ever. Everything from true South Philly Fanatics, old guys looking for a Pabst, Hipsters, heteros, homos, and just amazing artists too. Being a lesbian, I never once felt anykind of awkward in this bar and that's something in Philly bars.
An amazing Happy Hour every weekday, fun individual nights. (Personally I never went on Tuesdays they were freaking nuts packed). Always a great beer selection with a rotating tap. Cheap beers for a bar, and for being a dive, this place is tip top. The food is also top notch. It's not just great bar fare, it's just great food for anywhere.
Now it is a smoker's bar (thus why I think it's so eclectic). I know the non-smoker friends I brought didn't always love it, but others didn't mind. It's a personal thing. But even when it's really crowded the ventilation is still really good.
Give it a shot, give it a game, give it anything. Personally favorite time was always Sunday afternoons. Chris is one hell of a bar man.
Best bar in Philly by any means. I miss the hell out of this place. -
Review from Hieu P.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 5/4/2011
I fucked up. I'm not going to lie, I couldn't appreciate a dive because I'm not a dive kinda guy.
But, I'm one to leave my comfort zone, and so I was brought back to 12 Steps Down. I don't know what I missed the first time around, but it probably had to do with the fact that I didn't get food, because the food is really, really good. The beer selection is decent, and the food is really, really good.
The drinks flowed, the food was plentiful, and awkward dancing was enjoyed by all, and the food was really, really good.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2010
Maybe I'm missing it, but a dive really only appeals to those in the neighborhood. I came through… Read more »
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Review from Julien R.
Philadelphia, PA
9/21/2010
"The Smokey Dungen"
Honestly, dive bars are my thing. I love everything they have to offer. But this place blows. My buddies and I went there on a saturday night -- There we're like 7 people down there, one of which was this dude in a phillies hat with black teeth. The bar itself was filled with an insane amount of cig smoke (even more then 'The Dive Bar' on Passa.). And this is coming from someone who enjoys a cig here and there, especially when out drinking. All in all, just really bizzare vibes down there. I would've given this place one star, but their jukebox is surprisingly awesome. -
Review from RINNA L.
Philadelphia, PA
8/11/2011
I live around the corner from this bar and after a year I finally ventured in. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. (I mean the bar is in a basement after-all).
Really the only fault with this bar is the smoking. The food was amazing and the beer selection was huge! I'm actually not sure why this is called a dive bar because that usually conjures up images of bud light and food only cooked in a fryolator. This was simply not the case here. I found my favorite beer on tap (Bells two hearted ale) and ordered the short rib sandwich. Amazing. In fact the only thing that makes this place a 'dive bar' is the decor - grungy; and the fact that they allow smoking - irritating. Why have such good food if you will be distracted by all the smoke wafting around? To be honest it wasn't that smoky in here when we went, but I imagine this might change later in the evening.
I definitely will go back here, but if they cut out the smoking I would probably make it back sooner. -
Review from Phoebe J.
New York, NY
3/5/2010
It's a sunny day, in the Italian Market of Philadelphia. But there is nothing more refreshing than to skip the sunshine filled outdoors and descend the 12 steps to this dark, basement dive of loveliness and pleasure. It reminds me of the basement rec room I wanted as a teenager.. with board games, some TVs and unrestrained amounts of liquor and beer.
Repeat after me: TWO DOLLAR MIMOSAS AND BLOODY MARY'S.
one more time: TWO DOLLAR MIMOSAS AND BLOODY MARY'S.
I'll be back in your arms real soon, 12 Steps Down. Real soon. -
Review from Mark G.
Philadelphia, PA
7/26/2011
Kinda like the place, good beer selection for what they call a "dive" bar. I was there recently on a dead night with a co-worker who hadn't been there. We ordered beers, food, fed the jukebox and played pool and our beers weren't PBR's! The only problem I have is the bartender, Ryan, and his hot and cold attitude. He also thinks he is the camp director for a boy/girl scout retreat. He forgets that it's a bar! Don't say hello to the owner or even look her way because Ryan will swoop in and throw your drinks and food away and accuse you of inappropriate thoughts and ask you to leave. This is an excellent way of cultivating business! Maybe someone should ask Ryan why he doesn't work at Percy Street anymore?
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Review from Phil P.
Philadelphia, PA
3/11/2009
Okay, so I went here one time a couple of years back. It took me 2 years to want to go again. I went for a Philly Beer Week event(why on earth they got a beer week event is mind boggling.) They wouldn't take my expired license or any of the other forms of ID I had to prove my age. I'm also balding and look like much older than 21, but he wouldn't budge.
This place is terrible. The bartenders are jerks and the beer selection is terrible. This bar is the epitome of white trash. I heard the owner threatens people when you trash talk his place on Yelp. He can threaten me. I'm okay with that, unless of course he is a mafia guy which wouldn't surprise me. -
Review from Christopher S.
Ardmore, PA
4/30/2008
Yo, seriously. What more can you ask for from a bar that invites you obey the law of gravity and fall right off that wagon into this basement den of depravity. This is a dive, and it is right up the street from my house. What more can a recovering tea drinker ask for?
The food here has changed a lot over the past month or so and their menu has been apparently reworked by some famous chef. I'm not sure if I like it yet or not. I definitely do not like the fancy beer battered chicken fingers. In my book, chicken fingers are supposed to be salty, greasy, and should pair well with a cold PBR. Gormet chicken fingers!? Fuck you 12 Steps!
I am also extremely pissed off that they got rid of the quesadillas. They were huge, filling, and did a great job of lubricating my arteries. Since they have taken away these cheesy wedges of delight, I have responded by taking away one star from an otherwise five star rating.
The fries are much better...
The drink is what this place stands for. The bar tenders are fun, nice, and ready to be your buddy. However if you look like your under 60, they will card you. Bring that ID. The beer selection is way better than the dive setting would suggest and the mixed drinks are strong and tasty. There is always a "Beer of the Week," but it's not always something good. The premium beers will cost a bit more than I'm willing to spend, but I've gotten one or four PBR's on the house.
Basically, this bar does what it advertises and gets you drunk. It's a great way to ease the tension of a day's haggling at the Italian Market or just to get wasted on a Monday even though I know I shouldn't because I have work in the morning. -
Review from Shawn R.
Philadelphia, PA
3/12/2009
I've been spending a bit more time at 12 Steps these days (most likely because they got their smoking ban exemption), and it's kinda grown on me and as I said in my previous review I'm a real lazy dude.
I never had a problem with the service here. and while I've always thought the owner was a nice lady, I've taken to a few of the other bartenders that work there as well.
The regulars don't really make me feel uncomfortable when I'm there anymore which I think was my big hangup. Perhaps the smoking chills me out on this item.
I also said in my last review that they were updating their menu and the PBR battered chicken fingers on this new one are really good. Like crazy good. I'm wondering if perhaps they'd be even better if they were, say, lager battered but whatever. They're tasty as they are. And they didn't raise the prices although gigantor $6 cheese burrito is no longer available.
I realize people don't like their ID policy, but that's their thing. If I don't have my ID on me I go somewhere else.
I've heard rumors that while they do have these cheap mimosas and bloody marys during Sunday brunch, if you're actually looking for food to go with these during brunch you'll be out of luck.Listed in: Light 'em up
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Review from Jayna F.
11/3/2010
Do you want to cut yourself off from the world, lose sight of those surrounding you behind a cloud of smoke, and be served by a friendly, kind of doofy dude who can't help but remind you of Dante from Grandma's boy?
Put your phone away, don't text your friends to let them know where you are. You won't be able to anyway.
Drink PBRs on the cheap or enjoy some nice craft brews. I love that they always have Bell's 2 Hearted on tap.
Throw some darts, shoot some pool, forget that Tuesday is Karaoke night and show up and be greeted by a throng of college friends you haven't seen in 6 months.
Return the next day before 6pm, and have an excuse to not receive their calls (Sorry bro, no service!)
Life is ok. -
Review from Heather B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/4/2010
The scene: the near-blizzard of 2009.
I'd decided to take full advantage of the storm and head across the city on my cross-country skis. I mean, how often can you ski down Walnut?
In the midst of a pick-up snowball fight in Rittenhouse, I decided to see if any of my friends were up for a beer. Skiing makes one thirsty.
They responded that they were already at 12 Steps Down, so as I skied south, I texted back, "Does it matter how I'm dressed?"
"No. It's a dive," my friend answered. "Come as you are."
I took that quite literally, since I was sweaty and clad in Under Armour and ski clothes. I had to take off the skis to get down the steps, but the bartender pleasantly agreed to let my skis melt in the corner while I rehydrated (let's pretend for the sake of the story that beer hydrates, mkay?).
Patrons could purchase Christmas stockings to label and hang around the bar, and Troegs Mad Elf was on tap, so the whole thing was rather festive.
A stroke of brilliance: grilled cheese sliders and tomato soup as one of the day's specials. Seriously - is there a more perfect food combination in the midst of a snowstorm?
I was less than thrilled about the smoke, but this is certainly not a bar where one might don one's best clothes. The place lacked a certain ambiance that my favorite dives seem to have, and I'm not from the neighborhood and thus will never become a regular here, but it really was perfect on this particular night.
I'm glad something compelled me to carry my ID on my ski. -
Review from J Q.
Philadelphia, PA
1/28/2008
Another neighborhood hang, weds nite is for quizzo, Tues movies, Monday free pools (all sbjt to change). Danielle and Freddy do a great job at the bar. I like the food, inexpensive and quick, go for the chicken quesadilla. Cash only though, and if it's your first time, bring your ID!
It ain't swanky nor does it smell of cigarettes, grab a beer - something good is always on special. -
Review from Morgan D.
11/8/2010
I have to give 12SD 5 stars. I spend so much time there that a lower rating would reflect poorly on me.
The food is good. I specifically recommend the BLT, Humus, Grilled Cheese Sliders, Meatball Sandwich, and the amazing fries. I've woken up bleary-eyed on several a morning to find a take-out of their fries nestled into bed beside me. They're really good.
They have a nice selection of beers, but sometimes they're a bit over-priced. The same Unibroue Ephemere i bought there for $6.50 (well, i think i bought like seven of them) cost $4.25 around the corner at Hawthornes. To avoid that ripped-off feeling, i tend to stick to the pounders of PBR that will run me $3 a piece.
Other great things include the other regulars, the pool table, a relatively clean bathroom (with only the occasional mysterious bad smell), nice bartenders (there used to be a mean one but he's gone), Karaoke Tuesdays, Quizzo Wednesdays, Free Pool Mondays, local artwork that changes every first friday, and more!
Oh, and i certainly can NOT forget to mention $2 mimosas and bloody marys until 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This information is particularly useful if you find yourself facing a lengthy wait across the street at Sabrina's. Or if you just like to drink early. Dont get your hopes up for brunch, though. The kitchen unfortunately doesnt open till 4. -
Review from Catherine C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/30/2011
I considered giving 12 Steps Down 4 stars, but then I realized I was taking away a star for the bar being exactly what it's supposed to be, which isn't fair.
Allow me to explain. This is a dive bar. You can smoke here. It's below ground level and doesn't have a ton of ventilation. If you have a problem with any of that, this isn't the place for you.
However, if you're looking for a neighborhood bar with great beer, surprisingly delicious food, awesome bar staff and friendly locals, this is definitely the place for you.
I hang out at 12 Steps more often than I should probably admit. The people who work here are really awesome. I've had random conversations with many, many kind strangers here. The pool table is a nice diversion. The karaoke is supremely fantastic. The jukebox is like my own personal playlist. Hall and Oates, man...Hall and Oates.
Moral of the story: I love 12 Steps. The end. -
Review from Nicole R.
PA
2/20/2007
The myth goes that the name 12 Steps Down actually has nothing to do with AA, rather the fact that the bar is located 12 steps down from the pavement. I don't know if I buy the conceit this funny (or unfunny if you are a recovering alcoholic) coincidince went completely unnoticed by the owners, but that's the story.
The bar is a complete dive. There's a large circle shaped bar, pub food, crappy tables and a pool table. There is a ginormous flat-screen TV which seems to be primarily used for watching sports. There's not much in the way of beer, so I usually stick with the whiskey if, due to uncontrollable circumstances, I happen to find myself at 12 Steps. -
Review from Gary E.
Philadelphia, PA
4/18/2008
I know Fred and his sister (from talking to them at the bar (they're really nice) and I like them so I added an extra star to a three star review.
12 Steps down is a fine place to go when you're in the Italian market and need a break from the Tony Danza inspired Itallianness of most of the places around there.
They have booze and food, the food is pretty good. It always seemed to me like a nice bar with a good clientelle.
But I should also say that the place does have a local bar type of vibe, generally I have to have a drink or two until I feel comfortable but when I settle in there it's pretty cool!
The thing I do know is that the worst way to meet people is arguing in a chat room, so all the haters should just go here and drink some whiskey! -
Review from Megan M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Summary: One of my favorite places in Philly. Great service, beer, and fries. Comfortable and unassuming atmosphere.
When I moved to South Philly a few months ago, this was the first place to give me that neighborhoody feeling. 12 Steps Down is my go-to bar; a place where we end up, a place where we start the night, and a place where we go with full intentions of parking ourselves and not leaving until 2.
It could be classified as "divey" in that it's not fancy and doesn't take itself too seriously. The menu is written on brown paper bags and they serve a lot of PBR. But this place is clean and the staff (especially the owners) are always friendly and quick with your drinks. The beer selection is well rounded, with rotating beers of the week. I've eaten a sandwich/burger there a few times and was pleasantly surprised. But, their fries are AWESOME! You have been warned.
Unlike other hipster bars (The Dive), 12 Steps is totally unpretentious and has a decently mixed crowd. Just a really relaxed atmosphere. Yes, people smoke in there. Yes, they smoke a lot because they are drinking and you can't smoke anywhere anymore. So, if you are a crybaby about cigarette smoke, you might want to pass this one up. Otherwise, come on down! -
Review from Michael P.
Philadelphia, PA
9/18/2009
I've been to 12 steps a few times before, but never really wanted to review it based on those experiences. I had mostly gone with friends to Karaoke Obscura, which was obscenely crowded so not a good indicator overall.
I went to quizo there the other night because I had missed my usual trivia night. The questions were crazy hard, and not in a fun, "I should know that..." way, more like a "unless you actually read this obscure book, or visited this city, you're screwed" way. But I can't really hold that against the bar itself.
The food has generally been decent, but I never really get excited about anything there. The beer selection would be good if it weren't in South Philly, but there are too many better selections nearby to make the trip worth it. The decor is nice, and I like a good downstairs bar feel. It definitely has an honest dive feel too, where old timers still come in with the hipsters. For some people thats great, but it's not something I'm really into.
They still have smoking, which is something that I'm definitely not into. They are also aggressive about carding, which would be fine if they actually had a dedicated bouncer. Instead, a barback will chase you down shortly after you enter, asking for ID. Its one of the only places I still get carded.
It's probably just what some people are looking for, but not up my alley. The food is probably better than what most people think of in a dive, but in that regard, I'd rather go up to the Locust Bar. 12 steps feels more like a bar in an acquaintance's basement, where I don't really feel like I belong. -
Review from michelle p.
Philadelphia, PA
7/24/2008
I went here one night for their indie rock karaoke on a Wednesday night. The service was just ok. It was kind of crowded and it seemed a little cramped. The indie rock karaoke was ok, I kind of wished people didn't want to sing depressingly slow songs (I have no room to talk, I didn't sing any). I've heard it's pretty decent on a Sunday afternoon for some bloody mary's.
All and all, I've been to better underground bars in my life. -
Review from Constance H.
Brooklyn, NY
7/9/2010
As dive bars in Philadelphia go, this is one of the best. People are going to smoke, they're going to hog the pool table, there will be at least one goofball who crams $10 into the juke to play like, the entire catalog of Tom Waits or - God help me - the Cure, and loud, raucous conversation will no doubt dominate the bar making it impossible for you to do anything other than order another reasonably priced drink, prop your elbows on the smooth, lacquered wood and join in. And it will be awesome.
Also, the bathrooms aren't near as terrifying as you'd expect. in a world of McGlinchey's and The Dive's dark, betoileted closets of festering bacterial doom, the well-lit area with a dry roll of toilet paper, hand soap and a decent lock mechanism at 12 Steps pretty much makes patronage by dive bar enthusiasts an imperative. -
Review from Bill M.
Here's one that I especially needed to update! I have since found out that the "Not exactly a friend of Bill's" reference had nothing to do with me (guess paranoia came to get me yet again.). It's actually the bar's pretty hilarious reference to Bill Wilson who created the Twelve Steps program for AA. I learned that months ago but sometimes McThrill is a total slackathon -bangs head on desk- !
love it or loathe it 12 Steps is still the same bar that it's always been. And as long as it's around I doubt that it's ever going to change. But if you look past it's clear and present quirks and kinks then you can find a good time. especially when it hooks up the inexpensive Bloody Marys and mimosas Sunday mornings.Listed in: The Highlight Reel, South Philly, Philly Bars, Designated D List
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2008
This is the 12 Steps Down rewrite. needless to say the first one didn't exactly do what I wanted to.… Read more »
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Review from Michael S.
Phoenixville, PA
8/27/2011
My only problem with this place is you can smoke in there. I do not like leaving a bar smelling like an ashtray, the beer selections in this place are top notch though, and the owners are young and smart enough to know how to keep the place fun.
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Review from Liz F.
6/21/2011
Fun Tuesday karaoke. Full of hipster trash and lots of smoke. Good prices. All in all, a pretty good time.
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Review from Lisa M.
Philadelphia, PA
6/10/2011
THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!!!
I walked into the bar to meet some friends after having one beer with dinner at a local restaurant and some little guy with glasses told me I couldn't come in because I looked drunk....I seriously couldn't believe it...thought it was some sort of joke at first...but he was definitely serious and made me leave! Oh well, makes for a funny story and a negative review! -
Review from Susan G.
6/13/2007
It's a dive bar...it's good at being what it is...and it has such a tricky name. Do not walk in without your ID in hand or they won't even let you sit! They do not play that game. They serve pub food and like Nicole R. said, it's crap.
I'm proud of the place for one reason...they aren't even trying anymore! They just are...there have been some nights, that I now shutter to think of, that we've ended up here, been turned away(usually because I never carry ID) and was angry about it. Hey we ended up at Royal and that was a great night.
If your a dive fan check it out.. -
Review from Z J.
Philadelphia, PA
9/22/2010
I actually had a good time at 12 steps down last night!
Ive been there five or six times in the past, but have never managed to hit it on a day/time of night when its anything other than creepy or depressing. so yeah, apparently the sweet spot is tuesdays a bit after ten.
I had a great sandwich, enjoyed the karaoke and pool table, and all in all had a fun time. I will definitely give it another shot and hope for a similarly good time, rather than my usual suggestion of "anyplace else, as long as its not the dive!" when someone brings it up.
could definitely do without the indoor smoking though. -
Review from Tim P.
Philadelphia, PA
8/8/2010
12 steps down has been straddling the line between dive bar and hip drinking establishment for some time and unlike a lot of other places in the city it seems to be doing so successfully.
I am not a dive bar fan per se, I just like to go to places with good beer, service and possibly food. One thing I like about 12 Steps is the beer list is good, they have some cheap options but then there are also Belgian bottles if you are in the mood to splurge. Being a dive though everything is priced a buck or two cheaper than the trendier places in Center City or Northern Liberties. The beer list gets rotated frequently as do the food specials. It has been a while since I have eaten here but I do recall the pub food to be good and inexpensive as well. The bartenders are all friendly, willing to chat if they have time and always ready to let you try a sample of something.
The only problem I have had here, and this is my preference, is that being a basement bar the smoke can get a little oppressive at times. It is better in the milder warm months when they will prop the door open. It doesn't have to get that crowded here for the smoke to just sit in the basement though. Just be prepared if this can be an issue for you. -
Review from diana s.
Philadelphia, PA
3/31/2011
place is ok,
the service is rude
but the drinks are cheap, and the food is pretty good.... the pool sticks are broken and its a good place to meet up with some old friends
warning, if you dont like smoke dont come down here! its a chimney -
Review from Kathleen A.
Denver, CO
9/20/2009
One thing I miss about living in Chicago is the great dive bars I used to frequent. So, when I came to Philly for the first time some local friends took us here. It brought me back to those nights I used to frequent the neighborhood Chicago bars. Even though there was smoking allowed, I still actually had a great time here. The drinks were cheap, the lager was flowing...and trust me..I drank myself silly of Yuengling since I need to take advantage of this when I'm out east!
This is exactly what I hear when I hear the word "dive bar". The food is pretty decent too. Minus the smoky ketchup. -
Review from Alicia O.
Updated - 2/15/2010
It's been a few years since I've been to 12 Steps Down, but when we heard about their $2 Mimosas and Bloody Marys on Sundays (before 3pm), we stopped by after eating brunch. (Yes, eat brunch elsewhere and then come to 12 Steps Down. I think the only thing on their menu are grilled cheese sliders?)
The Mimosas and the Bloody Marys are good indeed. So good and so cheap that I would have given them an extra star, but there's still one major con: the cigarette smoke. Bleh.Listed in: Philly!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2008
My boyfriend once said that 12 Steps Down felt like he was drinking in someone's finished basement.… Read more »
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Review from Eva H.
4/13/2010
If you're cigarette (and often cigar) smoke hatin', averse to stairs, or hate dark rooms stay far, far away.
Otherwise, this place is just plain dandy. Cheap drinks. Tv's. A jukebox that plays Tom Waits and other non-sucky music. Pool. Diverse crowd, friendly bartenders, fantastic bloody mary's.
Consider it your weekend filling station pre/post the Italian Market.
