- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Tattooed Mom
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Restaurants, Dive Bars [Edit]
530 South StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: Society Hill
(215) 238-9880
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 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:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Wed
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Andrea t. said: "A lot of my friends keep kosher so on a rainy night this place is great for take out when we have exhausted veggie chinese/indian etc. The menu is extensive, which others have complained about, but look at this way folks, if you…" read more »
200 reviews for Tattooed Mom
Review Highlights
"The bumper cars are the coolest effing things ever."
(in 18 reviews)
"Upstairs looks of the long, lost dream of Punk Rock."
(in 15 reviews)
"Yesssss Taco Tuesdays are so good."
(in 14 reviews)
Loading...
200 reviews in English
-
Review from Jeff D.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
$2 PBRs and $3 Lions Head on a Saturday night, bumper cars, ANDDD a good jukebox??? I'M SOLD!
P.S. Lorenzo's is practically across the street. :p -
Review from Janet B.
12/3/2011
While in Philly, my friends and I had a weird thing for Tattooed Mom. Surely we could find something younger and hotter, but we always ended up with the Mom. I think the main reason is the cool black lady waitress who wears shades (yes, at night) and whom my friend and I suspect is tattooed mom in essence.
Tattooed mom likes to sprinkle random little toys and candy on the table. The decor is punky and funky with skulls, skeletons, and clocks. This place really grows on you. There's an upstairs with pool and crazy graffitis everywhere. I never checked out the guest DJ nights, but that happens upstairs. We mainly went there for the good deals on beer and well drinks. Oh, and the taco special! And of course, tattooed mom :) -
Review from Coco V.
Philadelphia, PA
11/21/2011
Today I decided to go to Tmoms because it was an old haunt that had quality food and inexpensive drinks for the area. My boyfriend and I met two friends and shared a "vegan steak" and a small cheese fries. We also had 4 drinks total.
The "vegan steak" was a freezer burnt garden burger in a stale roll. We added cheese, lettuce and tomato and we got a few springs of wilted greens and two slices of Roma tomato. It cost almost 12 dollars for something disgusting.
Now to the drinks. I asked for a big gin and tonic. The bartender did not ask me if it was a talk or a double, just brought it out in their "trick" pint glasses that are not 16 oz. that was also mostly ice. I had two and my boyfriend had one and a local beer.
Our bill came to 58 dollars for 5 sips of cocktail each and the worst "veggie steak" ever. Each drink was apparently $13! I basically bought them 2 whole bottles of gin for about 4 shots.
I remember when Tmoms was awesome and I used to recommend it. Now I will tell people how much the food is unacceptable and the bartenders overcharge. I would have thought that the bartender might have told me that the crappy ice filled drinks he was making me were $13. I could have had a few nice martinis at a classy joint. Not a seeming dive bar filled with teenagers. That's another thing. Why was a group of 14 year olds eating in a bar?
I never complain, but I left Tmoms hungry and not even feeling slightly happy from $45 worth of booze. -
Review from Laura P.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
1/21/2012
Fun place; very welcoming to all the rockers out there. Good bar food. I got the nachos with chicken and they could have fed 4 people. I like all the plastic stuff they have on the bar for you to mess around with as you have a few too many. And oh yess, the bumper cars.
-
Review from Brooke T.
7/18/2011
FOUR STARS FOR HAVING A TOY ON THE TABLE THAT GAVE ME THE ABILITY TO BEAT UP ON MY DATE WITH!
Nothing says "This is going well" like hitting someone in the face with a 'silly band'. *
The only time I've eaten there, I was in a state of wild inebriation. I had a veggie burger; it was ok. My most recent visit had nothing to do with food and everything to do with getting silly in the company of an attractive stranger from the internet.
For an incredibly reasonable price, my 'friend' and I had about 10 drinks each over a few hours. The delightful bartender kept putting more and more gin in my drink (bless your heart, you are a true humanitarian) so I was a fucking happy camper. My glass was never empty, it was easy to get a table, blah blah blah all around a good time.
*I regret nothing. -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
5/27/2011
Ecto-Cooler colored walls have bathed my memories of Tattooed Mom in a greenish glow. Its gleam is not unlike that of an aquarium, in my mind. Coincidentally fish-style drinking has happened there over the years. Hmm.
The first floor is punk meets some ole granny's parlour. I kinda covet the light lime Victorian-y seating group, but I'd happily relax on any of those thrift store special sofa seats I could snag. Strange and comfortable. Good for hanging out.
There are alcoves and nooks and all manner of vintage kitsch surrounding you as you drink and possibly enjoy some 50 cent pierogies on Thurday nights. Even though deep frying pierogies isn't my favorite preparation of those fellas, I can still get down, and I have.
At the rail, the padded vinyl retro bar stools are like Queen Anne lounge-stools. Most comfortable bar stools in the business, I say. Perched there, I've mentioned to pretty much whoever I'm sitting next to at the time, "What if I came in here like everyday and never talked to a soul and drank and drank while leering creepily at that nudie painting?" Then I act it out for my lucky neighbor, licking my lips lecherously, drinking and staring unblinkingly at the topless broad in the oil painting above the bar. The gag gets some laughs but I'm thinking that it might be more successful if I looked more like Stan Zbornak. Gotta work on that.
Upstairs is covered with graffiti and plastered with posters and band flyers like the hallways of the punk clubs of my yoot. And I like it. Good jukeboxes here, indeed.
Now South Street is my touristy backyard and I do my share of complaining bout the hullabaloo and nonsense that it can attract. Weekend nights especially are when I steer clear. (Yeah that WAS me you saw dead-arm running across South, frantically uttering, "Home, home, get home...") It can be a zoo...but there are still places that we appreciate on the strip, and Tattooed Mom is one of em.
Not that weeknights don't get busy. Monday through Thursday's food specials draw. So do double happy hours. 5-7PM and then 10-11 PM, all drafts are half off. See, that's what's up.
Another thing, we're always treated really well at Mom's...and WE look like filthy hippies! -
Review from Christine B.
Philadelphia, PA
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really great dive bar. I hadn't been there in a long time, but stopped in for a post dinner drink. What we were told was pumpkin beer turned out to be pumpkin cider which was disappointing, but two ciders for $6 is super cheap. The walls are covered with writing and art which is fun to look at while you drink. The bumper car seats are awesome.
-
Review from Tim F.
Fremont, CA
6/12/2011
My rating is probably closer to a 2.5, here's why:
I'll start will the good:
1. It is completely different from any other pub/bar that I have been to before; it's a very creative place. The booths have little couches and pillows hidden in the wall and the tables have an assortment of toys and candy reminiscent of childhood, kinda cool.
2. The beer is half off during their happy hour times which are everyday at reasonable happy hour times ( I believe it's like 4-7 and 10-11, but dont quote me...)
The staff is friendly enough.
Here's what I didn't like:
The beer was a bit warmish. I'm not sure if the kegs are not cooled well... they don't chill their glasses so that might be a factor.
The food selection was pretty small, though they have a vegetarian menu if your into that.
We sat down to eat about 650pm and we had a few minors with us. This wasn't a problem at first until 7pm rolled around and the waiter asked us all for ID's and we told him we had a few minors. He said that minors weren't allowed after 7pm. This is fine, but, it would be nice if they had something posted or he had let us know about this policy before we ordered. I asked him if we could just finish our food and leave and he seemed a bit stressed out by this concept, but he allowed it. That kind of killed the mood and we all felt like we had to rush. -
Review from Bryne Y.
Orlando, FL
7/8/2011
Weird vibe. The indoor decor is vaguely Victorian, the walls are sea foam green and there are little toys and candy everywhere. We went around noon for beers (don't judge me) and it was pretty quiet. BUT they have a lot of punk on the jukebox, which makes me an automatic fan.
Beer selection is decent, service is a bit ambivalent but hardly a dealbreaker. I'd go back, but maybe at night instead. -
Review from Lauren W.
Philadelphia, PA
6/9/2011
As my favourite bar in Philadelphia, Mom's hardly ever disappoints me. I enjoy the bar and waitstaff, engaging them in converstaion while I enjoy my cheap drinks. Alcohol is just as affordable as the beer, and the bartenders are not stingy.
Word of advice for new patrons....don't act like a fool and you won't have problems. The security will eject you if you're drunk and being "that guy". -
Review from todd z.
Philadelphia, PA
3/28/2011
This bar isn't for everybody, but I love it. Why?
1) great drink specials (5-7p and 10-11p everyday)
2) small but impressive draught beer selection
3) no televisions
4) cozy bar downstairs, bat-shit crazy decor upstairs
5) solid snacky-type menu (try the grilled cheese)
Everyone is just super chill and friendly here. Always a good vibe. -
Review from Michele P.
Philadelphia, PA
5/5/2011
My review may be a little strange because I am not commenting on the bar being that I do not drink and went there simply to eat... this may have been the problem now that I think about it.
Tattooed Mom has a few vegetarian options which is why I wanted to try it. The waiter seemed pissed that we did not order drinks, just sodas and he could barely hear us. He literally had to shout in our faces and put his ear up to our mouths to hear us order.
When he brought our sodas, they tasted like booze. We complained and he attempted to fix our drinks. On the way back to the bar, we saw him sip at one of our drinks. He brought us new ones, same problem. I guess alcohol hits the glasses much more frequently then soda or water. We gave up there.
The food was not half bad for bar food. The place is great for people watching! Bahaha. Maybe I'll come back, but most likely I'll skip out. -
Review from Lexy M.
11/1/2010
Does your MOM have a "Tramp Stamp"?
Drink your pain away at Tattooed Mom's! ;-)
I recently found out about Tattooed Mom from Yelp Elite Member Caroline. She really did save my Friday night on Halloween Weekend!
I wanted something out of the box, different, laid back and just a great freakin time with other artistic or creative folks who decided to actually put together a "Kick A" costume. I can only take soo many Halloween Stripper Costumes and Store Bought Garbage!
The Indy Hall & Geekadelphia hosted a Halloween party that night. Now just the NAME of those groups caught my attention and I knew I was in for a good time.
The vibe was great, the bartenders and staff were friendly, music matched the decor and it was not your typical Philadelphia Bar.
It's nice to think out the box.... and I'm glad Tattooed Mom's helped me get my fix on Halloween Weekend! -
Review from Jennifer A.
Lansdale, PA
12/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I finally got to check this place out and I loved it here. It is a great place to hang out and drink. They play awesome music and have bumper cars in the back. There was even a band playing in the bumper car when I got there. It's a really fun but laid back atmosphere none of the posh trendy stuff you get in other bars in the city. It's a dive bar but definitely the best dive bar I've ever been too.
They have drink specials every night that are really good so be sure to ask what the special is. They also carry ROOT and the bartender made a fantastic drink with it for me. I like when bartenders know how to make drinks other than vodka tonics so it was quite refreshing to be in a dive bar and get an amazing drink.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
-
Review from Vinny P.
11/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is the kind of place that I could get into some real trouble at.
I've been to all kinds of bars, lounges, clubs, Russian saunas but Tattooed Mom has won a spot in my heart.
We are talking about the quintessential South St. bar here. It's trashy and that's why it's so cool. I don't need flashy, or table service or a bunch of girls parading around in skimpy dresses. Give me punk rock, pool tables and inexpensive beer (that isn't PBR) and I'm a happy man. Thank you Tattooed Mom.
I did have my iphone out soundhounding the songs that I didn't know. I wasn't embarrassed, I wanted to tag them so I could add them to my collection.
I'd want to go into more detail but I feel like that would spoil the fun of this place. I look at this bar like a Rorschach test. What you think of it can tell me a lot about you.
You should schedule some couch time at this place. Don't miss the dum-dums or the upstairs. -
Review from Adam C.
Philadelphia, PA
8/25/2010 ROTD 11/9/2010
What can be better than to have a pint while playing w/ lil' plastic toys that came from those bubble cup dispensers?
This family tied "rebel rebel yell" dive flavor is what not only makes South St. "SOUTH STREET!" but it's a well known establishment to most of the Philly residents etc.
You won't find a group of servers more scurvy and unique, much like the illustrations of oddities that deck the exterior of this hodgepodge collage paradise. (That goes for the patrons too)
Many walks of life take shape here daily and it's good to have a mix up from the norm. Even if you just stumble in alone your bound not to be bored and can write down some "Bohemian Dreams" of sorts in your poetry journal. Heck, ya might make a friend who'll ask,
"So whatcha writing? I'm an artist too!"
Aren't we all Hemingway? Skip that guy, you can do better. The one over there... He has that "Hunter S. Thompson" sophisticato mystique that you need in your bed tonight lady. Errr... I mean to write poetry of course, of course.
*RECORD SCRATCH*
Oh, oh... Ya he's wearing a pink fedora hat. Ya... sorry.
A.D.D. BUTTON!
Tuesday tacos is the best! Try a medley of all their different beefs and yes there's veggie too Vegan Girl...
Vegan Girl: What? I wasn't talking to you. So anyway...
A.D.D. BUTTON!
Look at that freaky sculpture out the window!
A.D.D. BUTTON!!
Omg! Is that Voltron on that mantle?
A.D.D. BUTTON!!!
Leap frog go!
Bartender: Excuse me dude you gotta go!
Me: Excuse me?
Bartender: You're totally freaking everyone out. Oh and stop pressing the A.D.D. button, I think you broke it.
Me: Oh.
Vegan Girl: Lame.
Me: Go twitter your girlfriend!
Vegan Girl: I already did and like how did you know I'm a lesbian? OMG! Is that an A.D.D. button?
ALL: NOOOOOOO!!!!!
((((((EXPLOSION))))))
Where am I?
Is this heaven?
Voice: No.
Hell?
Voice: No.
Walmart?
Voice: Oh hell no!
Where *gulp* am I than?
Voice: Jersey.
Oh that makes so much sense! Of course! How stupid of me? Right? Right? Goodnight folks. -
Review from Stacey B.
Parkville, MD
2/28/2011
A good friend dragged me here and I'm so glad I checked it out.
The downstairs is colorful, clean and eclectic. We sat at both the bar and in a little spot I'll call "the opium den" under the stairs. Drinks were affordable and yummy. Try the "Mom Bomb!" It's a glass of Mountain Dew that you drop of shot of Jaeger into. It's like a white trash energy drink and we had 4, so you know they're awesome.
The upstairs should be in the basement, it's just that vibe. The walls are covered in band flyers, Sharpie graffiti, and a mish mash of crap you'd cover the walls of your room with if you were a punk teenager. The jukebox is one of the best I've seen, packed with classics and the very best hard and fast punk rock anthems. There's some cool old cars from carnival dark rides in the back room, just begging for a make-out session.
I can't imagine a trip to Philly that wouldn't include a trip to this bar. Definitely one of my new favorites. -
Review from Dave H.
7/25/2010 7 photos
Feeling punkish? Go here. Even if you're not, still go; they welcome patrons of all types. (You'll leave with color in your hair.)
Their interior is eclectic, yet somehow manages to stay low-key. There's something about sharing a couch that lends a casual feel to a place, and Tattooed Mom's is no exception. If the spinning tops and lollipops lying around don't keep you busy, their delicious tater tots will.
Service was lukewarm, but friendly enough. Never found out if they had house drinks, but we knocked back shots with impunity: Swedish Fish shots fell, plus a random blend of pineapple and mango liquor ($5/each; credit cards accepted).
Oh, and they have music or something. -
Review from Chrissy R.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 3/15/2011
I still love Mom, but her children are getting a bit grouchy with the service.
I ended up at Tattooed Mom for my birthday last night because Sugar Mom's (where I usually go for my birthday) caught up with me on Twitter and let me know that they're closed Mondays. So we decided to go to her sister bar, figuring a pretty equal experience -- especially because whoever runs their Twitter is a sweetheart. They even messaged me today to say that they hoped I had a good time last night.
When we walked through the door, my boyfriend and I grabbed a seat in one of the couch sections and looked at our menus while waiting for the rest of our party. After about 10 minutes we were finally acknowledged with a very tired and bored-sounding "can I help you?". We were starved, so we ordered some food and were answered with "Do you guys at LEAST want to order some drinks first?" .. Okay. So we ordered our drinks, and he brought those over and double-checked our food orders before putting them in.
When my friend and her fiance arrived, we kind of went through the same thing. My friend asked what beer was on tap, and the guy waiting on us started naming things and then just wandered away in the middle of talking. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to follow him, or he was just going to check what else was on tap, or what. When he came back, he finished his list, ending with "... and some kind of.. German.. something."
My drink was fantastic at first -- like my previous review said, I got more alcohol than mixer. But as the night went on, the alcohol in my drinks got less and less and less. The food was less good that I remembered, and I couldn't find a salt shaker anywhere.
I still had a good time and enjoyed the atmosphere and the jukebox, but I really could have done with better service. They've never treated me like that at Sugar Mom's, and I'm a bit disappointed. Guess I'll be sticking with the sweeter Mom next time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/27/2008
I don't hang out on South Street very often, but this was a nice little diamond in the rough for me.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Bridget K.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2011
I miss spending Friday or Saturday nights at the Mom as my friends and I used to call it. We were big fans of the $1 PBR special. I hear the price has gone up since. My friends and I even rang in 2010 at the Mom and particpated in corn decorating around Labor Day.
The decore is fun. Make sure to bring a marker with you so you can leave your mark on the Mom. The people were great too. I met so many interesting characters that my life would not be complete without. Long live Tattooed Mom. -
Review from Alex J.
Philadelphia, PA
4/16/2011
$3 burgers (meat or vegan) on Wednesdays til 10pm and $2.50 PBR pounders all the time makes me a happy camper.
The meat burger I had was delicious and juicy. The beer was cold and tasty. The service is just as it should be in this kind of place. High fives all around. -
Review from Kate S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well, I finally cracked and went to Tattooed Mom, after passing by it every time I found myself on South St. for about 5 years. I must say, I wasn't all that impressed.
Coming from someone who lives in New York City, I found this place to be quiet ordinary. And I also must add that I was disappointed with their guacamole and waffle fries. I am not a fan of waffle fries from the beginning, and it wasn't even mentioned that they were going to be waffle fries when I ordered. The kind of tasted like underfried potatoes.
Service was friendly enough, but for some reason, although the place wasn't even anywhere near to being packed, was very very slow.
I must say, I am a tad bit disappointed. What a fucking bummer, and you'd think you can't go wrong with a place called Tattooed Mom =/ -
Review from Steve P.
Conshohocken, PA
3/12/2011
For all the freaky looking people here, I always found this place pretty friendly. And you have to give the credit for have PBR oil cans before it was cool for other places to.
That said, I think this place is more of a nightlife historical footnote for me. I just don't find myself wanting to hang around South St. these days.
If you are looking for a change of pace type of place or your tastes run more toward No Libs. bars than Old City, you should check this place out. -
Review from Thomas M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, good music, great selection. Sweet place!
-
Review from Katie C.
Bloomington, IN
9/4/2011
Came here on my one and only night out while visiting a friend in Philly. I spent far more on the jukebox than I did on drinks, which tells you two things: 1. The jukebox is incredible, and 2. I clearly managed to get drunk enough for cheap enough to blow the rest of my cash subjecting the rest of the bar to endless Reatards and T.Rex songs. I fully intend to repeat the experience the next time I visit Philadelphia.
-
Review from Thom K.
Philadelphia, PA
10/2/2010
C'mon, how can you not love this place for what it is? I go there because I expect to have fun with the people who go there and work there. I go for the drinks and eats. I've never been disappointed for the three years that I've been going there.
I am a down-to-earth, unassuming, middle-aged dude who still feels like I learn something new every time I go to mom's. The people who hang out there are some of the most diverse and interesting mix you'll ever want to meet. It's PHILLY!! -
Review from James C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Good food, cheap ( but still good) beer and good music. Everything the body needs.
-
Review from tim c.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 8/17/2010
Taco Tuesday is now $1 tacos.
Wednesday is $3 burgers (veg or beef)
Pierogies are 50 cents every Thursday.
Half off drafts everyday 5-7PM and 10-11PM
$2.50 Pabst and free Dum-Dums 24-7-3651 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/16/2007
$1.50 Taco Tuesdays.
25 cent Pierogi Wednesdays.
Sock puppets and $2 grilled cheese.
Dum Dums,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jennifer S.
Huntington Station, NY
Updated - 1/10/2011
OK....I was so wrong. This place is god awful. The last 2 times i've gone back the service has been piss poor and the food is terrible. I feel like I ate a mushed up veggie burger in an old shoe.
When a friend told the waitress/bartender that his soda was flat she just said "oh its cola, not coke". What the fuck does that even mean? When did 0 bubbles become cola?
The prices at first glance are OK then when you add all of your toppings you're getting into the $11 range for simply a sandwich....no sides.
Terrible.Listed in: Philadelphia...my 2nd fav. US…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/11/2007
this place is so fun! we stopped here to meet up with some friends before a show and i was a bit… Read more »
-
-
Review from Dan F.
8/2/2010
Furnishings: cute.
Table toys: cuter.
Service: great!
Vegan burger: glue! Bite down and a crisp shell gives way to a sudden gloppy load in your mouth. I'll leave the rest of the imagining up to you. Why people love this burger -- nay, call it their FAVORITE veggie burger in Philly, is a giant mystery to me.
(Note: the "vegan burger" as listed on the menu and "veggie burger" that others mention are one and the same.)
Granted the vast majority of restaurant veggie burgers are made from box mix, so perhaps anything that's not an obvious mix nets an instant A+ rating. I respectfully disagree. To be fair, the bun, plus tomato and onion I had added were all very fresh and perfectly good.
Coke: fed from the bar lines. Not gross tasting like Royal Tavern's perpetually funky soda lines. Just kinda 'eh and diluted, without discernible Coke flavor.
Spanish fries: that's a big Don't, 10-4. Unless you like your old bay seasoning by the tablespoonful. In which case, have at 'em.
So I liked the place well enough, and really the service was my-t-fine. But the food -- or at least the thing I choose -- was grody. I thought I was ordering smart as people specially call out the veggie burger as something worth opening your mouth for. Maybe I need to peck around the menu a bit more.Listed in: My Beautiful Burger
-
Review from Kristen D.
Swarthmore, PA
3/6/2011
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first walked in. But this place was definitely cool and fun. The atmosphere was neat.
First floor was mellow, clean and unique. I loved the antique chairs/sofa, the green walls and funky pictures, clocks, old toys, etc. The price was perfect - especially since I am in college and broke. The cheapest beer was 2.50 - pabst which is perfect and I could live wit that. And 3 dollars for Lionshead (especially compared to philly drink prices). Doable.
Our waitress was slightly scary. She made me really nervous because she wore a sunglasses ... inside... and it was near 9pm. So, I couldn't tell if she was making eye contacts and ready to listen. It was just odd.
We went upstairs and the atmosphere was so much fun. The walls are covered with sharpie marks, posters, band flyers, and etc. It was cool and very laid back. I had fun looking at all of the writings. There was a pool table and bumper cars seats. It was neat. I'd definitely go back! -
Review from Passion R.
Fort Washington, MD
5/31/2011
The only reason I feel I can't give 5 stars is because I came here to do a photo shoot and didnt actually taste the food. All I had was 2 Heinekens. However, I'd readily go back. Tattooed Moms is easily one of the coolest places in Philadelphia with some of the coolest, down-to-mars people. The service was impeccable without being intrusive. The wait staff was very attentive, patient, and accomodating. At a time of day where they don't usually have the upstairs open, they went out of their way to open the upstairs just for us. We got some really amazing photographs up there. The bumper cars are the coolest effing things ever. And theres an elegance to the disarray that worked well for fashion photos. I call it Grungy-Chic. Is it weird that my favorite part is the upstairs bathroom???
-
Review from Heta P.
Philadelphia, PA
7/22/2011
Favorite dive bar in the city, just wish it wasn't on south street
-
Review from Lauren H.
Philadelphia, PA
10/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
While in Old City, I was a fan of and frequented Sugar Moms and now I live pretty close to Tattooed Mom - but I've never stopped in the later until recently. I popped in with a friend for happy hour one night and was a little shocked by the bright lighting of the place - especially considering mint green walls and flashy decor - which I think does a bit better with subtle lighting. The bartender did lower the lights about an hour later - but I think I'm still seeing in shades of green.
Decent happy hour specials and enough space to pile in with a crew of people. Same random kitsch as Sugar Moms - but, like I said, a bit more flashy. You just kinda have to be in the mood... -
Review from Gandhus M.
Philadelphia, PA
1/4/2011
Dive bar. Punk rock. PBR pounders.
I've never sat downstairs. I prefer sitting at the bar upstairs rather than going into that back room by the can. It definitely gets jammed up there when things are in full swing.
Their jukebox rules. The bartenders were alright, I think....
I'm usually bombed when I get there, because I've already spent four hours drinking elsewhere. I found myself spinning tops at the bar once, and playing with those little plastic frogs you press down on and make jump. Good times.
Okay crowd. Interesting stuff on the walls. Couches upstairs.
It's a good spot for mixing up the night a little. A must for your dive bar circuit. -
Review from Jenna S.
Philadelphia, PA
12/26/2010
Going to T-Moms is like walking downstairs into my basement and asking for a beer. I mean this in a totally good way! It feels like I'm drinking at home with a bunch of friends. Every time I go there, I meet someone new and end up befriending them. I have spent many nights (and now that I think about it, days) there and I plan on many more. They have some fun crafts and toys to play with at the tables. Great juke box selection as well.
You can see the newbies who walk in. Some who love it and others who obviously have a 'what the fuck did I just walk into' look on their faces. (Just because we have tattoos and piercings doesn't mean we are going to tie you up and kill you, so just relax. We'll just laugh at you a few times and then maybe buy you a beer if you're cool about it.)
The owner is SUPER sweet and was helpful & willing to make my husband's 30th birthday be pretty rad.
And if you're hungry, the veggie burger is pretty damn tasty, and the tater tots are a must. Pierogies are also a good choice.
Enjoy a good beer with some possible new friends in a totally laid back atmosphere. Love it. -
Review from Jimmi S.
Philadelphia, PA
6/21/2011
I've been there twice for two punk events. It has the nice Punk Vibe that mad you feel at home, back in the day. The half-Drink prices were nice for my friends. I just drink diet coke now. Good people
-
Review from Daniel T.
8/16/2010
I knew this bar was the twin sister to Sugar Mom's. I just didn't know how for the longest time. I may have been here a good 4-5 times before and didn't really see a resemblance at all. Walk in, see wall-to-wall seafoam green paint. A moderate sized bar and lots of tables and seats. Nothing like Bozo the Clown's sordid basement on Church street. Tattooed had all of the same specials though which had me come back when on South Street, like $1 PBR pounders on weekend nights, perogies, and such. Still, it was all a question to me of how, why, and where.
No, not until this past weekend. I finally went with a friend who clearly knew what he was doing. When he arrived, he immediately told us to go upstairs. Wahh? There's an upstairs? That's when it all made sense to me. I finally saw the kinship of the two maternal locales. -
Review from Amy M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2011
I've been coming here since 2005 and I love every visit! The bartenders are hilarious and always engage us in entertaining conversation -- especially Joe, who even gave us one of his art prints (that hangs in our living room!)
Tattooed Mom's is tiny, cozy, dim, and is full of every type of person you can think of. The couches and games on the tables are a fun plus.
The food isn't really my type of food, but decent for what it is and CHEAP! Drink selction is good, too. Joe has made me a blue drink that tastes just like a raspberry Dum-Dum and it's the best thing I've ever tasted! Mmmm.
Their jukebox has SLADE in it, which is a big plus.
Sometimes, I even feel slightly dirty while at Tattooed Mom and I mean that in the best way possible! There's no pretentiousness here at all and it's a great backdrop for a night out with friends. -
Review from Louis T.
7/8/2011
You can drink your PBR in a bumper car, but it doesn't have pinball, which is kind of a huge whiff. Fun, but not at the level of Bob & Barbara's or Tritone.
