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I have to update my old review since I've been back to eat 3x. The food here is amazing! It's really, really, really good. I like to come here sometimes on Thursday for the music but I have come here just for the food....
This is the only small divey bar in the city that I have been to solely for dinner. That's saying a lot.
Lucky 13 is a-ok. I really like their Thursdays because they have some djs who play really good soul… Read more »
I went there when it first opened on one of the coldest nights this past winter. They pride themselves on a stellar beer selection and a cool, dark vibe. Jukebox went all night long with everything from the Buzzcocks to the late great Michael Jackson.
I was with a large group of people out for someone's birthday and wanted to order some snacks for the table. When I tried to order fries, I was surprised to hear that they didn't have a fryer. We ordered a shrimp dish, which was excellent, but fries would have been perfect. Hoping they have added that since.
Perfect addition to Passyunk Ave
I was really in the mood for fries. Really just ready to eat the shit outta some delicious fries. Maybe if I wasn't having such a craving I would have liked their "shoestring style" fries. But they just tasted like potato chips and left me unsatisfied. My mac & cheese was really peppery but alright I guess.
Food aside, Lucky 13 was a really sweet bar. Nice beer selection, great jukebox, good service. Small and loud and fun on a Friday night. I'd go back to drink there for sure.
The food at Lucky 13 really was tasty. I wasn't sure what to expect - it's dark, they were playing Guns 'n' Roses which morphed into some speed metal eventually...I don't equate any of that necessarily with good eats.
The beer choices were standard and tasty. They were better than standard but we're gettin spoiled now in this city! Had some great familiar local brews that hit the spot.
I got the smoked trout sandwich and it was huge and fresh tasting. Reminded me of whitefish a lot and I was a big fan of the potato salad which wasn't that gross mayonnaisey nonsense but full of pep and flavor and ...yum. My friend got something involving catfish which looked really impressive - it even had little crafish on top. Who knew?
I guess my only real complaint was the music. Luckly it changed when some kind dudes took over the jukebox. I didn't expect them to be playing the soundtrack to Les Mis or Celine Dion or anything but, loud thrashing hardcore speed metal whatever the hell it was isn't conducive to eating this lovely food and enjoying brews. It makes you want to throw your barstool at someone's head. I sensed the staff dug it but you gotta think of your clientele too, friends.
Service was nice, not awesome, but friendly and fine. I'll be back but I'll make sure to take control of the jukebox immediately.
I dig Lucky 13, thanks to Jackie G. and Jason F. Clark is their friend and now he is mine too. He is a great bartender. Also, Victoria is a great bartender too. The food at Lucky 13 is also great. Because I'm trying to become anorexic these days, I had to split a salad with my friend, but it was really really good. That salad was the "Lucky 13" salad, and what a salad it is. Anyway, we watched most of the World Series here, and sadly, Clark is a Yankees fan. At least he wasn't a d*&k about it.
Perhaps I am biased because the owner Clark is an old friend, but I love Lucky 13. It's a friendly place to get a beer- or six- and sit and relax. Pretty good for people watching sometimes too. I've encountered a few weird dudes in here, but that just keeps it interesting. I like the music the DJs play on Thursdays. It's a really tiny place so sometimes finding a seat at the bar is difficult, but once you sit down, you'll really enjoy yourself. At least I do. The food is good too, I was really amazed by the smoked trout sandwich. It was incredibly good. I wasn't even sure if I was that hungry when I ordered it, but I scarfed the whole thing in a matter of minutes. I also like the macaroni & cheese a lot.
Good food, good beer, great vibes.
My second time here and i liked it even more. I like the copper ceiling. I like how it's small and not too packed. $3 Kenzinger on tap. The men's room is covered with pictures of naked women. The juke box has the Stooges and Beach Boys. A dive-ish vibe but too clean and the lighting too perfect. The bartenders are nice. They'll even go along with the conversation when you think the beginning of 'the Mask' is 'Life Aquatic'. The first time i was there a dj was playing 60s garage rock records.
I cannot for the life of me understand why people rave about this place. (The somosas and mac & cheese are great, but that is about it.)
Sunday at brunch, however, reached a new low. Upon entering, we were seated at a hightop with a bucket on the floor in the middle of the aisle passing our table.. The purpose of the bucket was to catch water dropping from the ceiling. Anyone walking past us had to step over the bucket. We could not be seated anywhere else because we were told we were too large of a party. One of our guests had to be careful not to lean too far back or she would get wet.
As we were waiting for our "server" (although that phrase is too kind to describe her), a man came in, caught some of the drops of leaking water on his finger, smelled it, informed us it was not sewage and promptly left.
After the reast of our party arrived, a new leak developed and two of the guests had to position themselves so the leak would drop between them. When the server noticed, she looked, shrugged her shoulders, and walked away. I decided to simply rearrange our seating. No employee made any attempt to help us. They simply watched us. I'm sure the arrangement I made violated the fire code, but then I think the bucket in the middle of the aisle violated both the fire and health codes.
As for the service, non-existent is the phrase that comes to mind. Our waitress could only handle one task at a time (not one table at a time, but one task -- e.g., she couldn't remember all the drink orders and kept having to go back again and again for things she forget). I have never seen anyone so incompetent.
As for the food, well mediocre is the word here. My scrambled eggs were good but cold. The toast was as hard and cold as a stone. Someone's mac & cheese was good, but others hated their meals (the fresh blueberry scone, however, was excellent).
Bottom line -- why would anyone ever want to go here.
The place is small, just like it's menu. For such a small joint, there's a lot of character and heart that comes out! Especially in the food...
BEST MAC & CHEESE EVER. Hands down. I know my mac & cheese and this was absolutely perfect. First of all they used penne pasta. Very neat :) Excellent choice. Then the sauce was to die for... it wasn't really runny or too think. It just perfectly covered the penne, in yummy goodness :) The bread crumbs on top were key too. Kudos Lucky 13... Kudos...
The deconstructed meatballs were quite awesome as well. You could tell the cook just balled them out and cooked them. Excellent flavoring and spices. The garlic bread, covered with mozzarella completed the meal. So tasty! My mouth is watering, writing this.
I'm definitely going to head back for some more of that mac & cheese & and try out the bar...
Decor gets a plus too ;)
First let me say, I would give the food here 5 stars. It is amazing. The meatballs alone are to die for.
This place feels like a bar my father would have tried to drown his sorrows in after a long day at the factory.
I've been here 3 times now, and 2 of those 3 times I sorta felt weird. almost like I shouldn't be there. There is usually a pretty varied mix of people in there, from people I know from the neighborhood, couples and then there were the four 50 something year old women dressed like they were ready for a night in Staten Island's best night club so very obviously taking turns to do lines in the ladies restroom. (which was really pleasant for the 6 girls that i was there with who all had to pee at some point and had to wait while everyone's favorite Souf Philly bimbo's took a turn at the nose candy.) Its kinda small, the lighting is weird for a bar and the tables in the back make it feel more like a dinner than a bar. The music is good (if you are into punk, metal, hardcore and some indie) and the artwork in the back is cutesy DIY stuff. I'm not saying i hate this place by any means, I'd just more likely hit up the POPE before sauntering over to Lucky 13. (Well i might go to watch the cougars during mating season, nothing says classy like "Shut up Linda! my daughter's calling me and she thinks we are at Sheila's house")
13 is one of my favorite numbers (I feel that holding bad luck so closely can lead to good luck). So that was the first incentive for me to check out this place when I saw it listed in Philly Weekly. The second incentive was seeing the Sailor Jerry style tattooed women that was it's logo, and reading that they hooked up food like mushroom risotto and mac and cheese. I also liked the idea that it was another place to explore in Passyunk, and that it was more than a little bit punk rock. Just like me. I meant to go sooner, but sometimes I'm a total slacker :(
But my punk rock friend from Cleveland was visiting South Philly during the holidays and we needed a good bar to reminisce in. So I figured what could be better? And I found Lucky 13 to be a bar that more people need to know about. As soon as I walked in I was happy to hear Misfits blaring on the jukebox. But it was well rounded enough to offer Devo, Bowie, The Pixies, Weezer, Lou Reed and then some! The beer selection was perfect albeit a little more on the hoppy side of the spectrum, and they even hooked up a city wide special. If the Mushroom risotto didn't have a squash that tasted like sweet potatoes (one of my kryptonites!) it would have been one of the best I've ever had. next time I going to have to keep it simple with the comfort of mac and cheese and chicken wings.
So as long as 13 leads to good music, beer, and food than it might just be lucky for all of us. Now I'm going to have to go and rain on Jason's parade.
When I lived in South Philly years ago, this is the kind of spot I wished was in the neighborhood. The Lucky 13 is confident about its identity -- a charming hole in the wall that plays classic punk rock, and serves a variety of great beer and food.
I came here with a large group of people; the staff was more than happy to accommodate us at the back table and was attentive the whole night long.
Everyone was really happy with the food but the real star of the menu are their homemade potato chips, served as sides. You can't order them as a standalone appetizer, which is a shame, since they're fantastic. Thick (but not too thick!) and crispy (but not burnt!), with just enough salt. (Dear Lucky 13, if you are reading this, please consider officially adding them to your menu!)
So if you're looking for a small spot that isn't the Cantina (which is sort of overrated anyway), consider making this your back-up plan! Heck, why not make the Lucky 13 your first choice?
Two things were kind of a bummer:
1. If you're at the back booths, the staff uses one of the lights to signal to the server when food is ready. Stealth move... except that said light is *fluorescent* and totally kills the amber glow of the space. (Maybe they should consider putting a gel over it to be less noticeable?)
2. The risotto dish is not true risotto. If you want some rice and veggies, this is your plate. But if you are expecting creamy otherworldy risotto goodness, expect to be disappointed. Once I accepted this, I was absolutely happy with my meal.
Beer selection is varied and very well priced. Everything I have eaten has been very good, but I really like the mac and cheese. Its more of a pasta in a rich white sauce than a traditional mac, but still very good. Also really like the fries. And Clark is so sweet and on top of refilling my beer and looks out for me if scary guys come sit near my while I am alone waiting for friends!
Lucky 13 Pub is a great small bar with great food! I have known Clark, the owner/bartender, for many years. he is one of the best serving drinks, knowledgable and great conversationlist. The Atmosphere is great from music, patrons and over all vibe. My food favorites are the Samosas, Deconstructed Meatball and the Mac n Cheese. it's a great bar to hang with some friends, have some food and throwback some beers. Clark got my hooked on Arrogant Bastard Ale....
Maybe I'm showing my age but was here recently and the dj + music was deafening. I mean deafening. Asked the barkeep to turn it down, he obliged, but that didn't do much. Is Lucky 13 turning into a hipster zone? Uh oh, I think so.
Eat Samosas, drink Kenzinger and relax because you can actually talk. It's getting tough to just… Read more »
wellll....man. i don't know. i kind of want to bump it up to 3-4 stars for the great dj, location, selection, and prices.
why only kind of? one of the worst waitress experiences i have ever had, that's why!
there were 3 of us, 2 drinking lager, 1 drinking bud. no crazy shots, nothing complicated at all....so why did it take a grillion years to get new drinks every time we ran dry? sure, it might have been because it was so very busy.
except it wasn't. there was our table, a 4-top next to us, and the DJ fellas.
funnily enough--the DJ fellas never ran outta hooch. LAME!!
i'll deffo be back, but i'll just sit at the bar next time, thusly saving myself from annoyance and shite service.
Small, narrow bar. I liked the atmosphere. Which was kind of weird because they were playing some hardcore music on the jukebox. Somehow, it kind of worked. Clientele was super eclectic which was fun. A few good beers on draft. The bartender didn't seem to know what she was doing... she kept mixing up our order, and it was a fairly slow Tuesday night. Oh well. Playboy centerfolds in the mens' room which is always a bit of a laugh. Seems like an OK bar that I'd probably go back to. Probably 3 1/2 stars.
I was just in here briefly, but found the place fairly impressive. The beers on tap included that crazy Golden Monkey and a few other hipster friendly beers like Kenzinger and such (takeout available). There's cool posters of Elvis Costello and the Specials and the Clash on the wall, and the jukebox is A+. The menu seemed reasonable and tasty as well. We only ordered the mac and cheese, but it was delicious and it helped ease the previous night's hangover. The bartenders are quite pretty- and if that doesn't suffice for eye candy, a trip to the men's room surely will.
Get the Hot Legs, say high to Clark, and enjoy! Good spot...nice compliment to the budding E. Passyunk bar scene.
Clark is amazing. Decent beer selection. Solid Bloody Mary's at brunch. Perfect neighborhood bar. South Philly needed this magic. I love unwinding/blacking out here.
I feel like this is one of those reviews that will be edited in the future, hopefully with more stars added. I say this because I found the bar itself to be very comfortable and welcoming. The dimly lit interior replete with framed photos of rock n roll icons made me feel like I was hanging out in someone's basement, which I adore. In terms of a place to drink that is local, reasonably priced, has a good selection and is comfortable and friendly, Lucky 13 excels.
However on my first visit, I had the misfortune of ordering the "deconstructed meatball sandwich." What I received was a healthy portion of rubbery, greasy orbs in a thin, salty broth that was without any zest or seasoning whatsoever served along side three slices of mediocre garlic bread. The bread was okay, but the meatballs and broth were completely inedible. I should note, however, that both of my companions enjoyed their meals, and the mac n cheese I tasted was decent, if lacking in pepper.
Having said all that, I recognize that the place is pretty new, and is sure to suffer some off nights and some growing pains as it establishes itself. I will definitely return and try the food again and, baring a successful meal, I would certainly love to belly up to the bar here for a few beers if not to eat dinner. What Lucky 13 has that is missing from many local places is heart. The waitstaff and owner were extremely nice and talkative. That alone is worth a return trip.
Some spots on Passyunk remind me of streets in Amsterdam for some reason. And if this place wasn't serving great beers and food, I would think I was about to grab some papers and get to work. Great semi dark interior, tv's for the games, dining area etc..I stopped in and met some friends to finish out a college game late Saturday afternoon and had a great time. Perfect bar before dinner or add to your roster of nights of South Philly boozin..Clark the owner is a good guy and definitely seems to know the business well..Cheers!
I've been there a couple times over the last month and I love this spot. The bartender Clark can make a drink and make you smile. The food is top notch. I recommend the deconstructed meatballs and the mac and cheese. a little tight but its South Philly. What do you expect? A+ for the mens room decor.
The food is great. The beer selection is reasonable. The jukebox is awesome. Clark is a good guy. For the love of god I hate seeing a good bar being ruined by hipsters. Oh hipsters, go away. Isn't that why the POPE exists?
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