On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Dive Bars, Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Loading...
I've finally been indoctrinated into the entity that is Dirty Frank's. The best way to put it...is that it is everything it sets out to be. Cheap beer, no-frills atmosphere. You can find young, artsy-type folks sitting next to the Bukowski-esque folks in for their afternoon maintenance drink.
Helpful information would be that there is no sign...so look for the murals on the wall. Also...it's cash-only.
I had fun...I appreciated the cheap beer and I would definitely go back.
200 Cigarettes is one of my favorite movies and Dirty Frank's might as well be the bar featured in the movie. I'd expect to see Courtney Love drunk in a corner booth, Ben Affleck pouring pints and slaughtering pick up lines, Janeane Garofalo wearing all black and discussing beatnik culture with fellow intellectuals, Kate Hudson sitting at the bar in a dress lamenting over lost love, Paul Rudd consoling her, Christina Ricci chain-smoking outside as Dave Chapelle pulls up in his disco cab.
Frank's is a melting pot of local flavor and like the movie, it gets by on its personality.
I love Dirty Frank's. It is by far my favorite bar in the city.
A story:
Once, last winter, the power went out due to some kind of construction happening in the street. Most places would have closed, but the bartender (I think it was Sheila that night) lit candles, we put on our coats, and kept on drinking.
The only thing that makes me sad is that they used to have a Ms. Pacman game, and now they've replaced it with some crappy video thing. It's OK, now I save lots of money in quarters.
Always seems like a good idea and then I get bored the instant I walk in. Then I am really bored by the time I get my drink (about 12 min wait)
Love the random dogs
There's a reason why when I search "dive bar" this place pops up first.
It's exactly like what other yelpers described it to be:
It's dirty, it's gaudy, it's dingy, it's awesome.
Went there when the Phillies were playing, and the Yuenglings were $2. $2! (Normally $3. $3!) Needless to say, I put back a couple and became rather un-ladylike. I think the Phillies lost that night.
I thought it was weird/funny when I tipped the bartender a $1 for each beer, she seemed really grateful. I thought a $1 is pretty standard? Maybe not in Philly?
If there were an encyclopedic entry for "dive bar", Dirty Franks would definitely be a part of it.
There is no sign on the door with the name of the bar so when you reach the corner of 13th & Pine, glance over & judge the hipsters at Last Drop and then make a sharp turn into one of the most ridiculous bars you'll ever experience.
Frank's is probably best known for its dingy but "charming" atmosphere, its strange and most importantly, its awesomely cheap "specials" and its eclectic crowd of (not-so) regulars. The special for you newbies, is a premixed kamikaze shot plus a Miller High Life or Rolling Rock pony (8 oz beer) for an astounding $2.50. Chew on that one, Bob & Barbara's.
Aside from amusing oneself by checking out the strange amalgamation of people (and sometimes dogs), there is fun to be had with the solid jukebox, erotic photo hunt, weekly paper rock scissors tournaments (Tuesday nights?), darts, pinball, an old arcade game and quizzo (Monday nights?).
Perhaps the best thing about Franks is that everyone talks to everyone else which is a rarity in this city. Stop in on a Saturday afternoon for a special and you'll be greeted warmly by the other patrons. You'll probably get a great story out of them, too.
I would rate Dirty Frank's higher, but on principle I feel that no proper dive bar should be considered a five star venue. Oh, and a word to the wise, if you need a restroom opt for the one nearest Pine St by the dart board. Also, please note they only accept cash, but if you're ordering specials (which you SHOULD), you can get pretty far with 10-15 bucks.
I'm a fan of dive bars, and this place is a good dive bar. Everything in there has that run down home feel - a plus. The bartender Jody was really nice and helpful.
There aren't that many beers on tap, probably around 6. They have about 25 different beer bottles. My mind wasn't functioning very well from the long work week, and had trouble selecting a bottle of beer, which made me seem like a douche in a dive (which NO ONE likes). But I quickly redeemed myself by making a semi-funny joke that got some jeers. I don't go to dive bars for an eclectic mix of brews though - I go for the atmosphere, the people, the vibe, and to just chill out.
We got there pretty late, around 115, so I can't give a great description of the place. But in the 45 minutes we were there, it was a relaxed atmosphere. Diverse crowd (young/old, black/white and an Asian [me]), diverse music (uptown girl, sexyback), I'd definitely go back, and maybe then I will revisit my rating.
Best dive bar in Philly. I used to walk there from my place on 10th and South. Always an adventure. You never knew who you would be talking to, a PhD? Hoboken character? Starving college student like me?
I always ordered bottled beer here, as I didn't trust the glasses. I have seen roaches cross the bar. The jute box still throws vinyl with a hand-written warning label if you should bump into it. A friend of mine accidentally did the one night and the music got lowered and people screamed, "Hey!" in annoyance.
Dirty Frank's lives up to it's name and I will definitely take the BF this fall when we fly back east.
Dis is what I'm talkin' about. A real dive bar. Bein' from D.C. it's nice to be in a real dive, not no poser ass hipster joint. When I be in the 215, I hit it up fo a Pabst. SKEEEEEEEEEEET...
Dirty Frank's IS a Philly classic! Yes, it's a dive, and yes it's full of character. And characters. Anyone who says you never know who will be here is correct. DF's attracts a wide variety of people from all walks of life.
The drinks are cheap and the special is a good deal.
The jukebox throws you some curveballs. Weird electronic version of "Part Time Lover"? Sure, why not!
I love it. Though it's a little far to be my neighborhood go-to, I think I'm willing to walk a few extra blocks.
Also check out the art gallery on the wall!
PS Cash only.
This is not the applebees bar. If you want to run into drunk friendly locals go to Franks. Its not Dive themed its Dive proud. CASH ONLY
Dirty Franks is very appropriately named because it is DIRTY, and DINGY for that matter. I like neighborhood bars without a lot of flash but this place actually grosses me out. Part of the work that I do is cleaning other people's homes and not even the dirtiest property (toilet included) has ever managed to revolt me but this place does.
Baby you fuckin rocked my socks last night. I couldn't have picked a better bar to stumble in post World Series. Thank the beautiful waitress for pouring me pitchers and working a crowd that well exceeded capacity.... All with the most pleasant smile in the world. Some people are made for this....
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome.
Great bar to take your friends from home. This bar is more of the philly I want them to see than the… Read more »
Dear Franks,
I gave you 5 stars because I love you despite your lack of locking bathroom. You stay exactly the same!
This is the best neighborhood bar in Philly.
If you want character this is the place to go.
Sit down at the bar and you never know what kind of person will be next to you.
The jukebox is good and has some surprises. I first heard St. Germain there which is an excellent acid jazz band.
They have pinball and darts on one side of the bar near the infamous bathroom. The bar staff is great.... usually.
I was there on mischief night once and some of the costumes where tremendous. Oh, I almost forgot CHEAP BEER!
I wish more bars were like this.
Dirty Frank's lived up to my expectations as one of the great Philly dive bars. We did a dive bar pub crawl and never made it out of this place.
There are hubcaps, a cheap juke box, free condoms, the special (do not ask what the shot is, just take it), no locks on the bathroom, amazing characters, and what seems to be a science experiment in one of the corners. I am told the science experiment is art, but it closely resembles the Mutter Museum.
Regardless, I have to quote my friend from the other night when he said, "You have not lived in Philadelphia until you have been to Dirty Frank's." Frank, if you are out there listening, take this quote and slap it everywhere; your bar is a keeper.
I don't know why I like this place so much. Maybe it's because I haven't worn out my welcome yet. It's very comfortable here... anyone and everyone can and does drink here. All types of people including DOGS (yes, they're people, too!). I love that.
Don't mistake Frank's for a dive bar... no, no... they are also an art gallery! An art gallery with dirt-cheap drinks!
My only complaint is that, somehow, there's never enough seating. The booths really only fit 4 people, which is fine, expect that there's not enough space to allow for crowding around a booth. It's always an issue. AND the one bathroom doesn't lock. Eek!
I've pleased to report that I've finally experienced the awesomeness that is Dirty Frank's, and it's just as dirty and divey as the previous reviewers reported. But what a great, dirty dive bar it is. Harold is a world-class bartender (and apparently he is also magic - he convinced me to try one of his famous Bloody Mary's, which I despise. But hot damn - this was actually delicious!) and the cast of characters alone is a good enough reason for me to go back.
The bathroom isn't as scary as I thought it might be (you still don't want to have a picnic in there or anything, but during my visit it was ok) and I concur that the jukebox is a thing of wonder and beauty. I will be back, Dirty Frank's, paper money in hand, for more beer (it's cash only). Oh yes. I shall be back very soon.
A Philly classic!
Dirty Frank's took my 'drinking in a bar virginity' so to speak.
This place is one of many vortex's in Philadelphia I would never want gone!
Pinball machine and darts in the back corner, booths with character and age, and a constantly changing array of artwork awakening the walls.
Te amo, Francisco Sucio!
$2.50 for a Kamikaze & a 7 oz. beer? Just amazing. (And that's not happy hour- that's all the time!)
The really creepy pinatas, the darts, the bizarro clientele... I am such a fan!
I could chill here all night, or at least until my cash ran out.
My friends and I now have a weekly date with Dirty Frank's. Woohoo!
Just look at the outside painted walls. Isn't that enough to make you wanna check it out?
Booths and a nice horseshoe bar. Cramped and neighborhoody and pabst and kenzinger and whatever else you want in a pitcher. Even monthly (i'm guessing) art shows on the wall. A couple of video games in the back. It can get packed but i've never not been able to at least squeeze in and have a seat at the bar.
A dive, of course. That's what you were looking for.
You know my husband and I were driving around town looking for a new house, when he said, 'oh wow, Dirty Franks - we used to go there years ago, let's stop for a beer'! I said, no way it looks like dive.
Well he convinced me to go in, and yes it was a dive, but a likeable dive. We met a few nice people sitting at the bar, and actually had a nice time.
Give it a try! Seriously.
So, I've found my favorite bar in Philadelphia. I don't know how its possible that no one has ever referred me here before. It is exactly what a dive bar should be. Everything from the lack of windows, to the ripped bar faux leather, to the 3rd grade-style cut out snowflakes hanging from the ceiling dovetailed flawlessly to provide an unobtrusive hideout for anyone. And thats exactly who was there...anyone. A few artists sketching in the corner, an elderly irish couple, a biker, some locals, and myself. There were even 2 south jerseyesque douchebags, but somehow they were swallowed by the ambiance and added to the multiform dive culture. If I can sum it up in one sentence....my Jameson rocks was $5.
What an awesome shithole...
*Make sure you get beer from a can or a bottle and bring antisceptic wipes. You don't know where that glass has been.
*The dust bunnies come at you like a dozen spider monkeys from every direction.
*Whether you are a man or a woman, you will get hit on by somebody dirty with a face like a cold sore.
*Stay away from the bathroom. You will get gonorrhea.
*The menu is extensive with both Ruffles and Ridges (I recommend the Ruffles)
*The jukebox has both kinds of music.
*You will have a blast.
The best thing about this place, aside from the vintage umbrellas hanging above the bar and the framed photo of Bill Clinton and Billy Graham, is the crowd.
All kinds: young, old, hipster, hippie, yuppie, the silent drunks and the screamers and the barely functioning alcoholics.
Amazing bar to do some drinking on the cheap with the added bonus of some of the best people watching anywhere.
Probably my favorite real deal dive bar to hit up in the city, and not just because I get a kick out of seeing Frank Zappa, Ben Franklin, and a hot dog together on the mural.
you can't go wrong with the prices, jukebox selection, and random cast of regulars. overall it might just be my favorite bar atmosphere in the city. it the perfect place to buy a pitcher amongst friends and challenge each other to a game of pinball. and it's one of the only bars I can think of that do out of no where sing alongs to the music playing. talk about fun!
On some First Fridays my friends The Hydrogen Jukebox kick off a clown crawl here. they meet here and paint the face of whoever is interested. then they cross through the Fergie's area, and slowly but surely make their way into Old City. they start around Happy Hour time so you should come here and see if there are any clowns inside if your interested.
I'll have to agree with Alexandra T., Dirty Franks has this odd, lovely charm about it even though it's a little old and a little dirty.
I love the decor, that consists of collections of kitchy things, but not overly kitchy, propped up against the wall, above the bar, behind the bar... There are also sweet paper snowflakes of all sorts hanging from the ceiling. The bar is pretty big and stretches around the room and there are comfy, perfect size booths all around. I also like how the lighting is just right, not too dark, and not too lit.
There is one bathroom, and no it does not have a mirror, but all that is inconsequential when you realize that they serve $2.50 pitchers of Yuengling all the time!
To me, this is the quintessential dive bar.
PINBALL Alert ! ! !
Yes, Jimbo was in Philly today for two things: a decent cheesesteak and some pinball! I found 50% of what I was looking for at Dirty Frank's and SugarMom's (see: http://www.yelp.com/bi...). I hope other Yelpers let me know about some other pinball joints to hit up in Philly the next time I'm around.
Dirty Frank's is definitely a dive. However, this joint is good for some cheap beer and a chilled out place to hang out and play some pinball. No pretense. The exterior has an impressive portrait mural in gray and white and is a stark contrast to the interior. Dirty Frank's doesn't have a sign outside. So don't expect a welcome sign other than the mural.
Dirty Frank's has JACK*BOT (see: http://www.ipdb.org/ma... ).
Above average shape. Fair condition and very playable and fun!
1 Game = $0.50
2 Games = $0.75
3 Games = $1.00
This game is set up for long plays with 5 Balls (versus the standard 3 balls). This was an awesome and made it easy to get some free games. The TILT mechanism is off so you can really shake the game up and rack up some points. If you're looking for a decent pin, stay here at Dirty Frank's. I made the long trek from DF's down South Street and over to Church Street to SugarMomma's and was disappointed I left. See my review (here: http://www.yelp.com/bi... )
No cheesesteaks this go around. I ended up at Penang (see: http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) for some Malaysian food.
Other stuff:
+ Beers on tap? Yes, YuengLing and Stella Artois for $2.50 a glass.
+ A much better deal at $7.00 for a pitcher.
+ Ms. PacMan video game machine.
+ DARTS on both sides of the bar. BYOD.
+ Comfortable place to watch a football game too...
Cons:
- No lock on the unisex bathroom.
Pix laters...
There is no place like it. It's the nexus of the universe and if you stay long enough, you will run into every kind of person imaginable. . . and may very well end up sharing a pitcher with them. Frank's has an atmosphere that is without peer. If you give it a chance, you will be back again and again.
So, I was totally anti-Philly until Wednesday night. Then I went there. Now, the ranting will end and the raving will begin!
Dirty Frank's is a real deal dive. I can't even imagine that this bar can afford the rent in this fancy little section of down town. I love this bar so much that I am making a top ten list of things i love about it, so I don't go on and on and on....
1. MS PAC MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i sort of want to make this 1-10, but i am going to control myself)
2. Pinball so janky that the ball gets stuck a lot.
3. one dirty bathroom with no mirror, and lots of commentary written on the wall.
4. cheap beers (at least compared to NYC)
5. trivia night with snarky host
6. lighting a tad too bright
7. no one bothering you if you are making out in the back corner
8. random shit all over the place (like a broken chair, etc)
9. good music
10. real beat down and random clientle, just kicking it together and drinking themselves to a near coma.
sigh.
I adore this place. While its dirty, and the bathroom doesn't lock, and it draws an eclectic group of people...on a week night it is an honest feeling place where you can sit with a friend, have a beer and enjoy a conversation. The people are super friendly, and there is no sense that any one is trying to impress anyone there. I definitely love this place for chill nights with my friends.
Dirty Frank's. It's a Philadelphia right of passage. When I was barely legal and first moved to Center City this was my hang out. I have had many good times there over the years. Cheap. Great Jukebox. An eclectic mix of art students, local barflies, bike messengers, and just about anyone else. It's one of those rare places that I miss out here in SF. As a woman I never felt uncomfortable being there alone, on a date or with a group of friends.
Like a busy street corner in NYC, sit in a booth or on a stool long enough at DF's and everyone in your life will show up.
I'm not very tolerant of Philly nightlife during the weekends -- on one end of the spectrum, you have your striped shirt Jersey grease tools, and on the other you have your pretentious trust-funders who look down at you if you're not dressed like an Urban Outfitters mannequin sprung to life. That being said, you won't find these people at Dirty Frank's. And that's why I heart this bar. Cheap beer, quality people-watching, and comfortably divey. Bless this place.
I use to love D-Frank's. In a period of about a year it went from dive, to gross, to super-nasty-dive. I mean really, who lets their dog walk on the bar top?! That would be purple-greasy-hair bartender and her bicycle gang! I recommend it for cheap drinks, but seriously if you don't want to get ebola or MRSA make sure your drink comes in a sealed bottle or can!! Do not drink out of their cups - they're filthy. If you need to use the pisser seriously wait a little bit and find an alley - it's cleaner!
Can't imagine that this place has been really cleaned for quite some time. It'd been 10 years since I'd been there and it's still a dive, but a wonderful and affordable dive with shit loads of character. Pay attention to all the details of the room...
You know, I was watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" which I like to watch for nostalgic reasons and one character said something about another character having a crush on "That chick who works at Dirty Frank's." Seriously? I thought that was a dude.
Two things that are good about this place. Cheap, cheap, cheap lager and good jukebox.
Last time I was there, I heard "Bro Hymn" and five other people besides myself where singing the chorus. Good times, good times...
Back in the day you could walk past this bar without even noticing it. The exterior was painted a steely gray and it totally blended in to its surroundings. Then they had some local mural dude paint a montage of "Franks" which includes such Franks as Mr. Sinatra, Francis of Assissi, the French Frank and Frank Rizzo. The interior lives up to the "Dirty" half of the name. Trust me, you don't want to see it under full lights.
But the beer is cheap. You can get a pitcher of any Yuengling product for like $6. $4 Fin du Mondes are my libation of choice, with a really cheap Jameson, you can't beat it. The barstaff are surly but in a charming and familiar kind of way. There has been no staff turnover since I moved to this city 9 years ago. Bring your ID even if you are well and truly old enough to drink because they will card you.
Completely unpretentious bar with an eclectic crowd. Cheap drinks, snacks, darts, and a great jukebox. Skip McGlinchey's, this is the best dive in town.
This place lives up to its name. They've served me skunked beer, multiple times.
And anyone that thinks D-Franks is cheap needs to leave Center City occasionally.
Yes it is. This is a DIVE big time. You'll come out of there needing a shower but you'll find yourself (curiously) going back, sometimes not too coherently either. But that's OK because your always welcome (I think?) at Dirty Franks. Great place to bring a date if you're trying to get rid of them (tell them you love it here and pay the bartender a couple bucks to make up some nasty stories about you, unless you don't need to make up stories). Also a great place to pick up some much deserved STD's like everyone's favorite Herpes, genital warts, and a good old fashioned yeast infection - yum! Mom told me to stay away from those dirty girls. You'll love it here anyway.
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Dive Bars
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Penn's Landing
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Bella Vista
Category: Dive Bars
Inspired by none other than the incomparable Teri…
A list of places ... well, you will see what I…
The places I go for drink, conversation and…
Places to fill up your belly with booze and hang…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
I can't go to these places without running into…
