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Sugar Mom's
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 12 pm - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
131 reviews for Sugar Mom's
Review Highlights
"bumper cars you can sit in plus a couch or bar stools."
(in 15 reviews)
"split thy skull is a most apropos name for sugarmom's..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...specials on Wednesday (half off drafts 10PM-11PM), and a..."
(in 4 reviews)
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131 reviews in English
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Review from Carl M.
Venice, CA
1/17/2012
I admit I was scared...
but after getting over the dark and scary basement-like atmosphere, it was kind of cozy. The reason I gave it 5 stars is because they have the BEST VEGAN BURGER IN THE COUNTRY - IMO. I'm no stranger to veggie burgers, and their version was a delicious, house-made, guilty-pleasure of a burger. Felt like I was eating at McDonalds, minus the wanting to run away part.
Can't wait to go back to Philly JUST FOR THIS BURGER! -
Review from Jennifer N.
Drexel Hill, PA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a true dive bar. Located on a quiet street, it might be hard to find. Cheap drinks, interesting wall decor, fun props (a pony and a half a bumper car), and cool hipsters. Friends said there was a pungent and dank smell as they were walking down the stairs to the "basement party," but I didn't sense it. What I did I like was that this place was spacious, extremely casual, and a place to just chill with your friends over a nice cold beer. It's dark in here, but there are christmas-like lights that adorned the graffiti walls. Music plays on a jukebox, so it can be a nice mix of some low-key hip hop or some cool Nirvana, depending on who plays DJ. On the hightop tables and the bar were bowls of dum dum pops. I didn't partake, but I saw a few daredevils that tried those suckers.
They have half-off drafts between 10-11pm, but I came late to enjoy them. Boo on that, but duly noted for the next time I come here. -
Review from Alicia O.
Wayne, PA
2/2/2012
To sum up Sugar Mom's:
-Hello, Hipsters!
-Cheap beer
-Cheap pierogies
-Porn in men's room
-Nascar pinball machine?
-Located in a basement (off a side street) -
Review from Deann M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
As far as basement dive bars go, it's pretty neato. Definitely refreshing for my crowd, you is repulsed by the typical Olde City bar scene. The 10-11 pm special of 1/2 price drafts is awesome! It's pretty loud down there but there is plenty of room to hang out. The place was pretty crowded when we got there but we still had room for our group to sit and toss back a few. Bartenders are super sweet too!
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Review from John R.
Spring House, PA
12/22/2011
I have been a fan of this place for years. It is one of those places you can go and not worry about feeling out of place. The bartenders are very friendly and helpful.
Sugar Moms is set in the basement of an old sugar refinery. The ceiling is low and the walls are exposed brick that have been covered in crayon graffiti.
If you want a great night in Philadelphia without emptying your wallet, Sugar Moms is the place to hang. -
Review from Augie B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/24/2012
I love Sugarmom's and have for decades. The beer is always good, especially during Split Thy Skull a Barleywine beer fest. The people are always fun, even some of the hipsters are ok at times. The management and bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. It is a very comfy place with a great atmosphere. There is a pool table and a killer juke box. I recommend a stop at Mom's on your way out or for the entire night. Saturday afternoons are my favorite time, great beer and pool.
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Review from Bruce E.
Philadelphia, PA
12/14/2011
I'm being generous. But you have to be given the context of the neighborhood where this place exists. Cheers to them for not being a douchey watering hole where bumping elbows with people dosen't mean a fight or a drink spilled on your girlfriend's head by a guy wearing a size-too-small v-neck.... which constitutes a fight. Cheers to this place for being on the other side of 2nd Street and cheers to this place for just being. The atmosphere is dive-y, the service is prompt and the prices are affordable.
When my stupid friends try to coax me to Olde City, we usually end up here.
Cheers. -
Review from Jake B.
Philadelphia, PA
11/28/2011
It's Applebees for hipsters.
On a superficial level it's a pretty enjoyable bar, but at the very core of it, it is oh so contrived. Cheap drink specials at 10 which is neat, but nothing to write home about. It is most certainly less expensive and less douchey than several bars in the general vicinity.
It's ok for a quick stop, but I wouldn't make a night out of it. I often fail to see the appeal of drinking in a bar that looks like your basement... when you can just drink in your basement. You have couches at home.
PS. Drinking your beers in a bumper car and sitting there with a doe-eyed look on your face that reads "I hope someone asks me why I'm drinking in this bumper car" does not make you a spontaneous or interesting person. Stop it. -
Review from Zanna W.
Arlington, VA
1/15/2012
This place was really fun! Went here for new years eve and they had a bunch of fun and random props out like animal face masks and party hats. They had free food out as well. Love that they have a working juke box. The walls are all brick and previous visitors have written stuff all over with chalk. It has an old pub kind of feel since it's in a dark basement. They also have bumper cars to sit in! Very fun place.
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Review from Vanessa H.
Philadelphia, PA
12/4/2011
Everything about my experience here was great. Good beer, very friendly waitstaff, good vibe on a Saturday night. Plenty of room to sit, stand, hang out, etc. There was a little car that drunk people kept getting into.
I was with a group of cool people, but I imagine it could be a bit post-fratty depending on the night. -
Review from Pam S.
10/18/2011
*Daytime Review*
Kinda weird I suppose, but Sugar Mom's is often my pick if I'm lunching alone. How did I arrive at this conclusion? Well, sometimes you're downtown working, and everyone's munching at their desk, and you jut gotta get out ... what better place than going to a bar in the basement (that will cut off your cell reception, more than likely)?
Ok, not very convincing. But it's definitely true that sometimes I just want to sit down, get a veggie burger (with hot peppers) and maybe, if I'm going crazy, get a ~$2 PBR. Maybe. And maybe I want to chat with the bartender/regulars who are sometimes there, or read my book and be left alone, both of which are fine choices.
I've been here both before and after the recent renovation (Fall 2011) and the place is definitely snazzier ... without losing its grungy panache. It's an atmosphere I dig, man, what can I say? I'll probably be back again soon. -
Review from Albert L.
Philadelphia, PA
1/21/2012
Oh Sugar Mom's. What a hidden treat. Yes, it's a dive but where else can you go and sit in a bumper car and stare at porn inside the men's bathroom. And no, Tattooed Moms doesn't have anything on this place! (I do know they are related.) Why is it called Sugar Moms? It is below the Sugar Refinery condos. There u go! When diving head first into this hidden sanctuary, you're almost unsure where to look. There's quite a lot going on. Bubble hockey. Bumper cars. Pool table. Pinball machine. Red lanterns. Oh yeah. Wait, there's a bar as well. For someone who barely drinks, I'm so infatuated with this place. I will say that it is not ideal to visit during First Fridays. You'll never find a seat. The jukebox is fun and although you may find the crowd a bit hipster-esque, everyone comes here. It's a shame that they don't carry the Wahoo Fish sandwich on their menu anymore. But then again, I was told that i was the only person that ordered it. Sigh. Love this place.
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Review from Kevin K.
Hipster city in a smelly old basement with flair everywhere. The furniture smells like Good Will. Everybody was drinking PBR cans, I was looking for craft beer-the West Coast IPA kind. I had one beer and moved on.
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Review from Erin may D.
Philadelphia, PA
12/15/2011
I am giving this place 3 stars instead of 5 for only one reason: Veggie menu. They used to have it, now they don't. I made an official complaint to the bartender, but I think he thought I was joking. It is hard to find cheap, trendy bars with much vegetarian selections. This USED TO BE one of my favorites. Luckily, Tattooed Mom still has their veggie menu. But what do I do when I'm in Old City??
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Review from Schuyler L.
Philadelphia, PA
6/11/2011 ROTD 7/8/2011
Oh Sugar Mom's
For what you are... part of me loves you, part of me can't stand the hipster in you. The convenience is excellent, but I have nightmares about accidentally brushing up against your walls. This is a great place to meet a large group of friends and hang out.
Drink specials/selection is on par for Old City (above average).
I wish there were another way to more sincerely convey this, but specifically as a non-smoker, I deeply appreciate the fact that you keep the smokers off the patio. Truly.
Consider yourself lucky, Sugar Mom's... I'd usually take off a star for a lack of cellular coverage, but in this case it adds to your charm. I feel disconnected from reality. As if I were camping in the woods. -
Review from Ettya F.
7/4/2011
Maybe I'm a bar snob. Maybe I just don't treasure broken down pin-ball machines. Maybe I'm just not hipster enough to appreciate foos-ball tables from 1985 with 26 years of accumulated grim to boot.
It's dirty. It's dingy. It makes you feel as though you're trapped in an underground circus from the '80s and that you can't get out.
There's nothing pleasant about resting elbows on sticky tables, or sloshing through puddles of spilled beer. There's nothing endearing about sweaty bodies rubbing up against one another...especially when you're not in a club. There's nothing fun about feeling suffocated with raucous odors of stale booze and sweaty bodies. -
Review from Dave H.
Sugar Mom's space is a bit random, columns and walls in a Pac-Man-esque setup, but it supports the ebb and flow of a crowd. Folks can mingle or watch TV or sit at the bar or brawl in table hockey (you know, with those little players) or play pinball or any number of things.
Honestly, I've no idea if the bartenders here are toolbags, or if their drink prices are inappropriately jacked - even for Old City - but I love this semi-dive of a place.
Regarding seating, I can confirm that their bumper cars don't move and are not comfortable to crouch in. Choose a couch instead.Listed in: Philly Drinkeries, Philly Favorites
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Review from Dana J.
Marlton, NJ
9/6/2011
Eh. Sugar Mom's is one of those trying to be a dive bar bars so 20 year olds can go there and think they're not pretentious pricks.
The whole atmosphere is frat partyish. It's in the basement of an apartment building which really does make it feel like a frat party. There were pinball machines but the bar was fairly crowded and they were sticky from spilled beer.
The beer list is actually decent (they have Lindenman's Framboise) and they had pretty good drink specials for being a Saturday night. From 10 to 11, there's late night happy hour which features half off drafts.
Overall though, not my scene. If I'm going to pay $20 to park in Old City, I want a martini and a scene. -
Review from Walter K.
8/8/2011
This is one of the better bars in Olde City. It's got a pretty cool vibe, decent beer selection, and is overall a pretty decent spot to hang out. When it get crowded, though, it can become unbearable.
When it comes down to it, they have a late night happy hour 10-11 everyday, and that goes a long way. A few cool pinball machines and a pool table make this a fun spot as long as you can breathe. -
Review from Sarah B.
8/7/2011
Half-off drafts from 10-11 p.m. every night, you say? Well, all right then! (Strongbow Cider was my choice last Friday night.)
I finally made it to Sugar Mom's after hearing good things about it from friends. I'm glad I did! The music was good, the bartenders were friendly, and I like the space itself. (Not really sure about the flying penis stickers in the ladies' bathroom though.) -
Review from Jeff D.
8/4/2011
My experience at Sugar Mom's was for a friend's birthday. The plan was to stop in for a bit and then bar hop around Old City. However, the rain outside kept us at Mom's for pretty much the whole night. Awesome atmosphere, great specials on Wednesday (half off drafts 10PM-11PM), and a great jukebox. When you enter Sugar Mom's, you walk down a staircase into what feels like your buddy's basement. Think...the place Corey Matthews used to hang out at in Boy Meet's World. For the one glorious hour between 10 and 11 I had some great beer (Purple Haze, Lancaster Cherry What something or other), listened to some great tunes, and had a fun night with friends. People were ordering food that also looked pretty good, and I read that they have a pierogie special on Thursdays. Can't speak for the weekend (which I imagine must get packed), but overall a great time.
P.S. The only reason that I knocked a star off is because their regular drafts are pretty expensive when not on special ($5 for a Yuengling) but they do have $2.25 cans of Genesee Yippie! -
Review from Kaitlin L.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 4/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Yeah. Um. The last time I was here can be summed up in one word: douche-tastic.
I was at the bar waiting patiently for my chance to order. Another girl was standing right next to me. The bartender looked my way, and I motioned to the person next to me and said she can go she was here first.
The bartender got visibly agitated and yelled at me that it was busy and how the F is he supposed to keep track of who was there first.
He then proceeded to help that person, and a good 6 others before finally returning to take my order.
Now I understand there is no way to keep track of who has been standing at the bar the longest. By no means am I requiring bartenders to do so. I was just trying to be polite to the person next to me. No need to bitch me out for it and then go out of your way to not take my order.
For that, you have lost my patronage. Good job guys.Listed in: All Things Old and City-like, Drink Drank Drunk, Fail
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/20/2010
My first thought when entering Sugar Mom's for the first time was "how did they get all of my random… Read more »
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Review from Liz F.
6/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wednesday night favorite. 10 o'clock happy hour? Sold.
Bartenders are total babes. I love everything about this place.
Avoid on Fridays and Saturdays- you're packed in like sardines with a bunch of weirdos. -
Review from David A.
Philadelphia, PA
7/13/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favorite bars. I feel like I'm inside a pyramid or something when here. I've actually felt like the Predator head behind the bar may indicate that a real one is be hiding somewhere here behind the walls, waiting to chase people around the giant brick foundation posts causing all kinds of mayhem. Maybe they can film a scene here for Predator 3, Predator(s) 2, or Alien vs. Predator 17 with a vengeance.
I like the fact they have pierogis on the menu, and that on Thursdays they are 50 cents a piece. The chicken cheese steak is awesome, and the vegan chicken steak is also really good. To make things even sweeter, everything is pretty friggin cheap. -
Review from Michael F.
Philadelphia, PA
4/22/2011
The nicest dive bar you are likely to find... if you can find it. Hidden away by Olde City, I recommend you go with someone whose been there your first time.
Highly recommend you visit, eat some tater tots, grab a cheap beer, and hit the juke box. -
Review from Fred H.
Philadelphia, PA
7/31/2011
Some yelper wrote about Sugar Mom's: "It makes you feel as though you're trapped in an underground circus from the '80s and that you can't get out."
How awesome is that?! It's exactly what makes this place great. It's not just a big room with a bar and a crowd. It's a unique atmosphere and has a style all to its own.
Plus it's tucked back into a corner and hard to find if you don't know the area. Let the creepers go to places like Red Zone, Plough, and all the other scummy dance bars. I'll chill out on the couch at Sugar Mom's in between playing some video golf or pinball. Perfect. -
Review from Vinny P.
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Schiesse show.
When I first walked into sugar moms, my reaction was "oh christ, it's a frat party." Then I looked around a bit and I liked the exposed brick and the layout of the bar. Next, my ears heard Wu-Tang, and The Clash and I was happy. Moments later, I was drinking a Dogfishhead Aprihop for a very reasonable price and the happiness continued.
I only stayed for one drink and played some Golden Tee. I had fun. I don't think I'll come back to this place frequently but I had a surprisingly good time. I think Sugar Mom's is unlike the normal Olde City place that most of us avoid and that's part of the charm for me. It's got a cool setup, a very good beer list and enough space and distractions so you don't get bored. Works for me.Listed in: Visiting Philly? (pubs),
-Mark Twain">Pool (Billiards) -
Review from Rich G.
Philadelphia, PA
4/24/2011
This place is a complete s. hit show. Bartenders are the biggest A holes I have ever come across.
The end -
Review from Marissa B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/22/2011
Spent about $70 there over a 3 hour period on a Thursday. It was dead but still had fun with group I came in (2 guys friends and a chick). Decent tunes were played, as well. I just was kind of annoyed by the pretentious, smug-ass hipsters bartending at times. My one friend was cuttin on them so bad. XD It's overall definitely my kind of atmosphere, though. I don't dig fancy. Oh and there's free parking. :D
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Review from Larissa M.
Philadelphia, PA
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gross. Gross. Gross.
This place is not what it once was. When it opened, well over 15 years ago, it used to be a kitschy, hipster basement gameroom/bar with cozy seating, fun ambiance and great beers and food. Now it is a silver colloidal/tetanus/penecillin shot away from the CDCs high alert list.
I don't think the beer lines or the taps are cleaned nearly enough, nor are anyone's hands who wait on you. It's in the basement for a reason. Many of them, and inappropriate relationships are only one of them. They should jump the gun and start stocking up on canned goods and meds now. -
Review from Sophie U.
10/26/2010
They have toys. Like, crayons and shit.
Don't bother with the pinball machines, unless you feel like giving out quarters for nothing in return. Don't get the falafel.
It's spacious and there are pretty little lights. Every surface has been written and drawn on. They have $1 PBRs on Friday and Saturday night I believe. They're closed on Sunday. -
Review from Justin F.
Philadelphia, PA
1/28/2011
Not a bad spot - the crowd there makes it seem as if the bar should be located in Northern Liberties and not Old City. I went there with a couple friends during the huge snowstorm last Wednesday.
Great beer specials on drafts, atmosphere was pretty cool with a basement type feel. The burger was decent but their wings were pretty horrible. No heat at all. -
Review from Tracy P.
Plymouth Meeting, PA
3/25/2011
Most definitely love this place. It can be hard to find, if you're not familiar with the area though. Definitely go there for happy hour. Half priced beers and $3 burgers on Wednesdays. And try the tater tots, They're delicious. Also, hot bartenders ;)
If you love this place, you'll love Tattooed Mom's as well. -
Review from Ashley T.
Media, PA
8/19/2010
Don't go to Sugar Mom's! Stay away! It's horrible! And it's hidden off a cobble stone alley where you'll get shanked so go away.
Ok.... you still with me? Apparently this place gets mighty crowded on the weekends, and I wanna do my part in thinning out the herd. And no, you won't get shanked in the alley.
Admittedly, I don't get to go out in the city often for drinks. This damn economy has really taken a toll on my drinking habits, which is a bummer. Also, I have a tendency to stick with what I know as far as the bar scene. Luckily, what I "know" (thanks to a previous trip in the winter by a friend) is Sugar Mom's, so when organizing a little get together with work friends, I'm happy to stick with this fun, bright, friendly bar.
FOOD: Wednesday's are $3 burger night (+ the charge for whatever fixins you like) AND THIS INCLUDES VEGAN BURGERS PEOPLE. HELLO HI YEAH STUFF YOUR VEGAN FACE.
I really like the vegan burger. I've heard mixed reviews on the Tattooed Mom's Yelp page (I've yet to go to this sister bar; again, creature of habit), but I loved it! May I recommend the vegan burger with veggie bacon, tahini, fried onions, and hummus? You're welcome, Fatty McVegan Pants. OH AND DON'T FORGET TO TOP THAT WITH SOME SRIRACHA SAUCE which is located in the wonderful condiment basket. Or you could be disgusting and use mustard, but don't sit next to me because that yellow devil makes me GAG.
I just sorta wish they had some vegan cheese. Because when I'm drunk sometimes I want something cheesier.
DRAAANKS: 1/2 drafts 5-7 and 10-11 every day! And they have some good picks, too! FYI, they don't have mixed drink specials. I mean, they'll make you whatever, but don't expect $4 Appletini nights. Not even to be ironic.
DECOR: I can imagine this conversation happening.
Suitor Man: Hi, pretty lady. I'd like to date you.
Me: Well, I don't know. You're hot, but do you have your life in order?
Suitor Man: I live in my mom's basement.
Me: Uh, sorry no.
Suitor Man: SUGAR MOM'S BASEMENT.
Me: LET'S HAVE BABIES.
Lights! Video games! Bumper cars to sit in! Fun couches! TOYS! A craft station! There's some clowns, so if you have a horrible clown phobia, just drink until they're blurry.
SERVICE/THE PEOPLE YOU SEE: Always excellent (always as in, I've been here twice). Super nice bartenders. My friend has a crush on one of the bartender mans. It's a pretty eclectic mix of people, at least on Wednesday nights. And no, that's not code word for hipsters with funny mustaches (but I'm NOT one of those people who will shun an establishment if I count more than 2 messenger bags, so maybe I'm just not enough of an jerk). It's just a cool bar for everyone.
PRICEY? Last night I went and I got a vegan burger with my fixins and 3 drafts and all together it was only $14. UM HI. -
Review from Vinh T.
Philadelphia, PA
1/1/2011
Same vibe as Tattooed Mom but clean and better decor!
ATTENTION: 3 dollar a pint of PBRs before midnight :D :D :D don't forget a shoot of Jim Beam to go with those beers. -
Review from Rachel E.
Philadelphia, PA
8/29/2011
Favorite bar in the city, hands down.
I went here for my 21st birthday because I saw they had strongbow cider on tap. When they saw it was my birthday they gave me a free drink, plus a discount to everyone in my party who bought a round. The veg burger is yummy and they [surprisingly] have a lot of vegan options as well as the usual bar food. But I don't come here for the food, I come here for the Strongbow. Especially at half off from 10-11pm every night :D
If you are into dive-y or hipster-y bars and are willing to go down a creepy cobblestone street to find this place, you will NOT be disappointed. It is never too crowded because the space is fairly large, service can be a wee bit slow during the special but always very friendly, and prices are reasonable. The music is always great (jukebox selection is quite good), and it feels like you are in somebody's basement but in a good, retro way. Sometimes it gets really hot, but that rarely happens because it's never terribly crowded.
I just love this place so much. If you like a chill, kitschy, dive-y atmosphere with a decent selection and reasonable prices, Sugar Mom's is well worth a visit. I almost don't want to give a good review because I want it to be my little secret, but they deserve all the business they get. -
Review from Whitney R.
Philadelphia, PA
11/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Why are we going to your grandmother's condo?
We're not. There is a bar in the basement and they have Ms Pac Man.
Riiiiiighhhhttt. Bunko and shots of nyquil is not a bar and dont call nana that.
OMG, there is a bar in here.
I told you.
This place is a secret wonder. Games like Ms Pac Man, and Nascar Pinball. $2 PBRs. There is a good crowd here of people who are friendly and fun.
This is a cool alternative to the other old city type bars...you know where the revolutionaries hang out. -
Review from Danny L.
Woodside, NY
5/3/2011
I liked coming here on sat nite when I was in philly. A very well hidden place, its a place where people can come to relax, sit on the bar, converse with old friends, and order some very cheap stolis!. A good hangout place if you want to get away from the worries of the world for one nite
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Review from Shelley P.
Kingston, PA
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
My initial thought walking down the alley was that we were headed to god knows what. Venturing into the building and down stairs to the bar turned my whole perception around. Hope you like college parties! Because that's what it looks like. Eclectic furniture, wall pictures, grafiti everywhere...
The atmosphere was pretty chill. Sugar Mom goers were pretty nice for the night life of Philly. Going with a big group of people is sometimes hard when you have no where to stand. Another group of people leaving offered us their table! How sweet.
Drinks are fairly inexpensive. $2.50 PBR Pounders all night. Not sure if this is the special all the time, but definitely is on Saturday night. -
Review from Gene F.
Philadelphia, PA
8/3/2011
This use to be my favorite place to drink. Their beer selection is ok, but not great compared to many bars in philly now. The food is pretty good too. The location is awesome. Cool underground vibe.
