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3.5 stars.
Chickie's and Pete's is a friendly sports bar, particularly for women, and it has lots of seating for Sunday games. I appreciate the sound booth in the sky, as it means that (admittedly bad) music is played during the commercials, along with special themes for Eagles fans. And, the place seems to be smoke free.
But, I am not impressed by the famous crab fries, which are crinkled, lightly fried, and seasoned with garlic, chili pepper, and salt. Something about the congealed cheese sauce detracts from the entire experience, and I also prefer my fries to be piping hot. However, there are towers of beer available (complete with taps), which is pleasantly tacky.
With loads of space, booming sound, cute servers, and rowdy fans, Chickie's and Pete's is a perfect place to catch a game.
I recently embarked on a journey to Sportsadelphia. On a pre-Phillies-game trip to Chickie & Pete's, I felt like I was on safari to a place very different from the one where I spend most of my days and nights. Here, the beer selection was awful, the drinks were weak and it took a good long time to get them (thankfully, I was there for a coworker's free happy hour).
But. The crab fries were tasty and addictive, the many locals were friendly and full of title-clinching joie de vivre, and I found myself caught up in a wave of utterly uncharacteristic baseball enthusiasm. If you're looking for an escape from precious BYOs and fancy frozen yogurt stands, this is an ideal location for loading up on cheap beer and getting way stoked about sports with hundreds of your newest, closest friends.
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Best way to enjoy C&P is on an off night, or when you are able to score or attend a free happy hour.
I LOVE going there and getting a big booth and eating the crab fries, a staple which you must get, mussels, lobster tails and crabs. Crab fries are a MUST and supposedly there's a secret ingredient in the cheese dip... Those big towers you'll see are filled with beer and are great for a table of people...or two really big drinkers.
There's definately a South Philly vibe in here, varies by night as it can be a Blavat dance party, WIP post game or Eskin live, or a young crowd mixed with some neighborhood people. You will be told to fix your backwards hat in here.
You will stink like garlic for the rest of the night, but the crabby Taxi Crab driver won't mind. If you're late for the bus, he'll label you "Paris" or "Britney".
Okay - I know I will get some flack for this review. I may even be called Un-Philadelphia by writing this review. But here goes.
I have been to Chickies and Petes - many of times and many of the locations. I just can't seem to get my arms fully around Chickies.
I will admit - I really like the crab fries, BUT.. the mussels, the crabs.... are just plain mediocre. The wings are good, the pizza is not edible. The roast pork sandwich is good.
Here is the thing - I hate waiting forever to sit somewhere and then being rushed out. I felt the rush more from the NE location. I have been to other sports bars and had better.
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Sports bar through and through.
I had mussels in a red sauce. Smaller mussels, but the fact that you get 35 of them makes up for it! The sauce was perfectly spiced as well.
The crab fries for an appetizer are a perfect start as well.
If you are in the area to see a Phillies, Sixers, or Eagles game, this place is a must see if you like sports bars.
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There's a plaque at the entrance that says, "I would rather eat at a bar then drink at a restaurant". This is a sports bar with lots of TV's showing Philly sporting events. If you're wearing a Mets, Giants, or Cowboys shirt, enter at your own risk.
Not much on the menu is any good, but what is good is VERY good - the crabs, the wings, and the crab fries (seasoned with C&P's own Old Bay-like blend and served with cheese sauce). The burgers and sandwiches are mediocre. I have never tried the pizza.
If you like crabs, this is the place. Sizes and prices vary by season and availability. They are meaty and seasoned to perfection. The wings are also meaty and just spicy enough. The crab fries are legendary. The service is very attentive.
This is a great place to watch a game, as long as you're a Philly fan!
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C&P's knows its place and works its formula (quick grub + booze + sports ) to perfection. The cheesesteak with lobster was ok, the beer was cold and the TVs were large and plentiful.
I've grown out of my sports bar phase, but respect and appreciate why such places still exist. I'll likely head back during football season when I hear it really gets rowdy.
I'll be the guy in the Broncos jersey avoiding fights by saying..."Hey, its a Dawkins jersey!"
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Chickie's & Pete's is ok. It's always very clean and seems to be well staffed. Servers are really friendly and prompt. The food and beer are good -- you won't find any culinary wonders here, but I don't think that's what they're aiming for. Your standard sandwiches, fries, some seafood -- it's basic and well prepared and very decent. If you've never had crab fries, please go for it.
My only complaint: I came here for lunch when my foot was broken and I was on crutches -- it's one of a few places near center city with a parking lot. It was a Saturday or Sunday and no popular sporting events were happening, so the place was pretty vacant. The hostess seated us waaaaay in the back where you have to climb a couple steps to an elevated dining area. I am hobbling along about 20 paces back and then had to hoist myself up. She couldn't miss seeing my crutches and I know there were tables available in other more handicap-friendly sections. What was that all about?
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There isn't too much to say that hasn't already been said. This particular location is clean, nice-looking and always packed with fun-loving people. Once in a while, you will run into people from the local sports scene, which is always fun.
My most recent visit was on Friday night, after the Flyers' disappointing overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. When my friends and I arrived shortly after the game, Riley Cote and Arron Asham were already seated and drinking beers with a group of people. How these guys showered and got over there so quickly remains a mystery. Is there an underground tunnel that leads from the Flyers' locker room to Chickie's main bar?
In addition to the lively crowd and local sports figures, there were also Amstel Light girls giving out free beer. Score!
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Love the fact that they made me turn my hat forward before sitting down. Crab fries were good but not awesome. Id probably go again just because the location is such a Philadelphia staple - but I won't roll into the city and go, "YO - I need to go to Chickie's And Pete's!"
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I recently checked out Chickie's and Pete's for the first time on the way to a Phillies game. It's about three blocks from the Pattison subway stop, and it's relatively cheap and convenient. We had a few beers and an appetizer, and a good time was had by all.
The fries were good, but not amazing. Perhaps they were a little dry and salty, but you have to understand that the fries are just a vehicle for the cheese sauce that comes with it. It's a great combination.
This place is huge, but the way it's partitioned, it doesn't feel too cavernous. The service was good, as there is plenty of staff and multiple bars. The staff was pretty attentive too. No complaints in that department.
The atmosphere inside was terrific. There are flat screen televisions everywhere, and great music. The crowd was pretty good too. One girl in our group didn't have a ticket, and we managed to find a guy who was selling extras for just five bucks.
Also, while it's well within walking distance to any of the stadiums, Chickie's and Pete's operates a free shuttle to and from the stadium on gameday. When we were done pregaming and stepped outside and it was right there. We were in front of the Citizens Bank Park in five minutes.
Conclusion: Chickie's and Pete's is a great place to have a few drinks and a bite to eat before a game. This could easily become part of my gameday ritual.
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Chickie and Petes is a fun place to go to before after or during a game, but im not sure I'd go any other time. I was going to take my girlfriend there to get crabs. They wanted 16.99 for only 3 crabs. I'd just as soon get a dozen at the seafood market and steam em up myself. Anyway I got chicken wings instead. I ordered a whiskey sour and there were two flies in my my drink. I told my waitress and she said she was sorry and she brought back another drink. When I finally got the bill I saw they decided to still charge me for the drink. Whats up with that Mr Chickie, cant you comp me on a drink with multiple flies in it?? Or has that practice gone the wayside at you establishment??
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I love this place! Great food & loud sports atmosphere! Love the mussels, lobster tails, crabby fries, and wings! To avoid huge crowds go when the Philly sports teams are not playing at home. Also go to Termini Bakery after wards!
I guess being there with a lot of fairly friendly people that love this bar made me feel pretty snobby. But there's not too much to like about this place other than it's proximity to the sports stadiums... "Beer tower of Bud Light?" "I'm sorry, no thanks." I looked for the only craft brew on the menu. "Can I have a Hop Devil please?" "We don't carry Victory anymore." Ugh. Actually, even the hot wings disappointed too and I thought I remembered them being better. My "silverware" was plastic? The salad has french fries in it, which is kind of tasty in principal. But if if I want fries, I'd just order them and not a salad... I even think the fries are overrated. I guess this place is what it is, and it's a bit overpriced even for what it is. And I suppose it just caters to it's clientele. Which isn't me. Since, maybe I'm a snob...
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Two very important words that will change your life:
Crab Fries.
They are tasty and delicious and the excitement I achieved by cramming a full order down my piehole made me forget what else I ordered. A sawbuck says it was some sort of sandwich. But that's not important. Crab fries, people. Crab fries. Fries with Old Bay seasoning. Don't forget it.
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Crab Fries were delicious. Fries with Old Bay Seasoning served with cheese sauce.
The Lobster Philly Cheesesteak was grub:) The Steak nachos we're pretty good too. I'll pass on the calamari.
Good selection of beer. Would definitely go back.
Went here after a Phils game and went right to the bar instead of waiting for a seat. We schmoozed the waitress into letting us sit in her section even though we didn't put our name in. She was very nice but with the right attitude to handle us. We ordered the norm for my family, even though it was just me and pops. Something new I ordered were the cheesesteak nachos which were really good only because they used melted white American cheese and not cheese whiz. I HATE cheese whiz on nachos or steaks for that matter, you'll never catch me getting a whiz wit....ewwwww. It seemed pretty busy but the service was fast and the food perfect post Phillies game buzz.
Based on the outstanding reviews of crab fries, I hustled my ass here to try what people said was a must have.
Ah... I've had better and wouldn't waste my money or time trying to do this again. Sorry Y'al, but the fries reminded me of seasoned fries you can get anywhere, and the cheese dipping stuff, while decent, was no where near a repeat in my book. Definitely not something to write home about.
Give me Garlic Fries at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles ANYDAY over these puppies. The crab fries left me wondering what I missed.
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Best crab legs in the worldddddddddddddddddddd.
Every time I am home I HAVE TO go to Chickie's.
Crab Fries
Mussels
Crab Legs
Heaven
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Say whatever bad things you want to say about this place, but don't you dare utter a bad word about their crab fries. Yes, they're world famous for a reason, cuz they're f'in tasty. Perfectly crispy crinkle fries dusted with seasoning and with two sides of their cheese sauce. I could just eat these as the meal. Their crabs are good too, so is the seafood chowder (a bit spicy), as are their cheesesteaks.
I've only been to the original NE location and now this one. This restaurant is so big, I could get lost in it. They have sinks in the middle of the restaurant so you can wash the crab guts off your hands. And the sinks in the bathrooms are made out of crab pots. How cute is that? Oh, and they have a "Taxi Crab" that will take you to and fro from the stadiums. The size of this place is a little overwhelming, but the food is always good, quite affordable, and it's fun. Just leave any pretentions at the door. It's a Philadelphia sports bar institution.
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Chickies and Pete's is the spot. Nothin beats Crab Fries. No way you go to Philly and pass this spot up. Hit 'em up at the Linc as well.
OH and to top it off, while we were begging for the Phils to be put on, they had the METS on as well as other irrelevant non Philadelphia games.
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For a place that prides itself on being such a good sports bar, I was shocked that the Phillies were… Read more »
Great place to grab a beer and some crab fries before the game.
Chickie's & Pete's has become a must-go after sporting events when we don't have the kids. Our waitress two visits ago turned us off of the table taps, instead showing how a cup of ice in pitchers saves money AND keeps the beer colder.
I'm another addict of their fries, and their mussels marinara are FABULOUS.
The servers are a little slow on busy nights, but usually friendly, and the manager even accomodated our request to get the Wings on the big calendar!
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I dont really like this location, we always end up going to the chickie and petes on the boulevard or on broad st. The crab fries are theeee best. generously seasoned with old bay and they now serve you with 2 cups of warm cheese instead of 1.. these are WAY to addictive.
I like the dungeoness crabs for when I feel like getting messy, if I dont feel like doing much work for the crab meat then opt for the king crab. Very meaty and very good. I usually just get them cooked regularly with the butter sauce and their seasonings..but recently we tried our crabs baltimore style (steamed and then pulled out and sprinkled with old bay) I'm beginning to like it alot more this way, depends on preference.
Anyways good place for crab fries, crab and a game!!
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Had a great time here! Went on a Thursday night for a beer-tasting lesson group sponsored by Budweiser. Probably half the reason why I loved it so much was because we got free food/beer with the lesson.. but still.. it was great. The crab fries and wings were outstanding -- best wings that the bf and I have had in Phila. We also noticed these things that people were ordering called "towers of beer" -- where it's literally a huge tube of beer that they put on your table and there's several pitchers worth in each one. We already made plans to go back for the bf's birthday because of the great time we had!
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First off, the Chickie's and Pete's I went to is not on Packer, it's "the original" on Robbins ave. Second off, it's a good sports bar with friendly service and delicious crab.
A very down-to-earth type place. The crab is their claim to fame - snow crab and king crab are both winners. They have original "crab fries" - french fries with seasoning and some sort of cheese dip on the side. Also, in a move that must be unique to Philly, they put fries on top of their salad. Nice. Good tomato pie as well.
Chickie's and Pete's is a place I always stop by when in Philadelphia, a tradition I intend to continue.
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Y' know that feeling you get when you are supposed to meet friends at a bar. There are so many people in the room and you scan the crowd for a familiar face, careful not to make direct eye contact with anyone. You dont want to seem like a lost puppy, so you walk with purpose but the bigger the place, the bigger you are screwed. Im now calling this " Chickie and Pete's Syndrome" or CPS. I came here to meet friends , there was no major sporting event but it was pretty packed. i cant imagine what its like for a playoff game from any philly sport. Months earlier, I had made an aborted attempt to come before a regular season Flyers game and couldnt find parking.
I like me some sports, I like me some wings, and I like me some fries, so this place is a winner in that respect. i may be allergic to the fries though as I enjoy eating them but they make me blotchy and ill afterwards.
I eventually did find my friends. But not before walking the wrong way to a dead end,and being jostled by patrons.
I advise you all to stick to pitchers as opposed to the "cool" beer towers. Think about it. Can they really clean those things out effectively on a regular basis? Things that make ya go HMMMMMM.
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I am so not a fan of Chickie and Pete's. I just don't get it. I applaud the place for having the roast beef and pork sandwiches, but do we really need to have the Crab fries? I mean do you know what is really on them? It's just old bay! Anyway...they do have great big TVs and that's wonderful, but the place is just too massive for me.
Besides...the service sucks!
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Chickie's and Pete's is a Philly favorite and has three locations - the original on Robbins Avenue, and the others - located in the Northeast (on the Boulevard) and in South Philly (on Packer Avenue) by the stadium. I've only been to the South Philly location. Also, there's now two Jersey locations - in Bordentown and Egg Harbor.
This place is known for their Crabs and their Crab Fries. I don't eat seafood, but their Crab Fries are off the hook. Well done, crinkle-cut fries, doused with old bay and complete with a cup of liquified American cheese on the side. My arteries are hardening as I type, but you gotta try 'em. Besides the food, they have a full bar and are about all things Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers. If you're not from Philly, here's some advice - don't roll in here after a game with your out-of-town/opposing team's jersey on - cause you just might be leavin without it!
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Typical Philly..anointing an eatery which is far from anything special.
The Crab Fries? ummm fries with Crab seasonings. ooo, wow BIG DEAL! Who cares? Nothing special..
Its an over priced bar with lousy service.
Fun place to watch football but then again so is many other places.
AWESOME place to go chill at when watching a football game, especially if there's an Eagles game going on.
Gotta get the crab fries there. So good!
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After a 4 year hiatus from Philly, I returned last night for a business trip, Chickie's & Pete's was a perfect place for a welcome back dinner. Living in Seattle, we eat plenty of crab and seafood, so I immediately went for things we can't get in the Pacific Northwest, which included 4 pints of Yuengling's, crab fries (fries with a wicked cheese/crab sauce), a cheesesteak, and lots of sports (witness the Sonics move to Oklahoma). OK, this doesn't have quite the neighborhood charms of some of the classic Philly joints, but it sure is spacious, clean, efficient, and tasty.
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If it weren't for the fact that they have a million TVs everywhere, there would be absolutely ZERO reason to come here.
The crab fries... suck. The rest of the food... sucks. The service... S-U-C-K-S.
I went here in March to check out the NCAA tournament, and by the time the first half of the first game was over, I wanted to pay my bill and leave. I say "wanted" because it took the bartender almost 25 minutes to bring me my check and swipe my credit card. I couldn't get out the door fast enough. I ended up going to Fox & Hound in Center City and had a great time there. Now I know where to go when I want to watch multiple sporting events at once.
Crab fries? Why is this a big deal? They're just crappy fries with old bay on them. This place is an absolute joke and an embarrassment to a city I love.
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Buffalo Wings and Crab Fries are the best reasons to be here. The place is huge and I think if the Schwab of ESPN comes here he might have this as a Mecca. Nice people and staff situated on the pedestal of souvenirs. Do not come here wearing a NFC Rival jersey(Cowboy fans take heed) you will probably be booed thats how green this place bleeds.
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Beer towers + mussels red + crab fries + wings + big TVs = Chickie's and Pete's. When I have a day to kill, I kill it in Chickie's and Pete's ordering apps, drinking beer and watching sports. C&P is a also a great place to eat and drink before heading to a sporting event. There is plenty of parking and is large enough that a wait for a table is manageable.
The wings and mussels are amazing (dip your bread in the sauce), but I do agree that the crab fries are completely overrated. Service is friendly and quick. Prices are average and acceptable.
If you have a day to kill, head down to South Philly while the sun is out and head home (via desinated driver of course) under the stars.
All I need to say is: Crab Fries with melted cheese. Get it.
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I love the South Philly location (on a normal day). Yes, it does get way overcrowded during football games, but that's expected. You cannot go wrong with mussels and crab fries. I personally think their seafood is much better than the sandwiches. Wings are good too. Get the mussels in red, crab legs, or hot shrimp. And of course, baskets of crab fries! the beer towers are great for groups, also.
I do have to say, went before the last Eagles playoff game (vs. NO) and we had to pay $25 at the door and received vouchers. I will never go again during a playoff game. We didn't even spend $25/person.
There is a bunch hype for this place. My food was good, it wasn't great. Prices are good too. For the area it's a very good place to eat dinner before a game/show.
Love this place, although don't ever go in here without a flyers, sixers or eagles shirt on!
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Philadelphia, PA
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Bellmawr, NJ
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Category: Sports Bars
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Sports Bars
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Sports Bars
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Somerton
Category: Seafood
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