Delco’s Best Dive Bars, Round 1

Of all the things Delco excels at — cheesesteaks, hoagies, pizza, coffee (trust us, we could go on and on) — we might just be the best at dive bars. In every neighborhood, borough, township and village you’ll find at least one local watering hole where, if you pop in often enough, everybody knows your name. But, what exactly constitutes a “dive bar”? 

 

We think of the term as a badge of honor, a phrase that means a place that’s unpretentious, with friendly service and comfy barstools. Somewhere the beer is cold and affordable, and the wings are spicy and piping hot. Dive bar means “come as you are,” whether that’s hot and sweaty after a day of work, hyped up and a little rowdy during an Eagles game, or catching up with an old friend over a long weekend. It’s where you can show up with a big group, or roll in solo and make a new acquaintance at the bar.

 

 

There are so many great dive bars in Delco that we couldn’t limit ourselves to one list; this is the first of three installments we’ll be sharing! We hope you find a new gem or rediscover an old favorite:

 

At Tom n Jerry’s, there’s always something going on. With 23 televisions throughout the bar — including one massive 11-by-6-foot big screen TV — there’s an awesome array of sports to catch, like NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB games, as well as boxing, college sports, tennis, golf and soccer. Throw in some live music, open mic nights, weekend brunch, and an outdoor patio, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a top-notch dive bar atmosphere. Locals love the strong cocktails and tasty food, such as roast beef sandwiches, tater tots, sweet-and-spicy chicken fingers and loaded nachos. In classic dive bar fashion, Tom n Jerry’s is open every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

1006 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom; (610) 586-1008.

 

If you love the vibe of a convivial Irish pub, make Marty Magee’s Irish Pub your go-to. Guinness and Jameson swag is everywhere, and there are multiple bars, an outdoor deck, pool tables and a dance floor, all of which scream “let’s party!” The bar’s events calendar is packed with fun happenings, like karaoke, trivia nights, and local bands and DJs. Whether you prefer a smooth pint of stout or a crisp lager, the beer list has you covered, and the food menu features pub favorites, such as chicken parm sandwiches, beef tacos, pierogies and kettle cooked wings. Weekday food specials include Meatball Monday and the Thirsty Thursday Hoagie Special. Daily hours are noon to 2 a.m.

1110 Lincoln Ave., Prospect Park; (610) 583-9880.

 

 

Johnny B’s Place is a classic Delco bar with a great happy hour (Monday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.), killer cheesesteaks, friendly and quick service and affordable pricing. The food menu really goes above and beyond, with tasty touches like hand cut fries fried in beef tallow, perfectly roasted long hot peppers on the garlic provolone cheesesteak and the shallot aioli and gruyere on the grass-fed mushroom burger. Add an ice cold draft beer and you’re all set. There are plenty of reasons to stop in throughout the week, including Monday night football, live music, quizzo, bingo, DJs and more! Lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night are all available, as Johnny B’s is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

4029 Garrett Rd., Drexel Hill; (610) 394-4030.

 

With all of the modern, chef-driven, creative bars and restaurants that make up Media’s vibrant dining scene, there’s something charming about the unfussy stalwart, Old State Tavern, on the edge of town. While it did recently undergo a renovation, it still maintains the features that make it a fantastic neighborhood bar: warm service, tasty food and beverages, billiards, darts and multiple TVs for watching the game. The famous wings are a must — choose from 13 sauces of four dry rubs — as are the burgers; with over 10 builds, there’s something for everyone. There’s a lot more, too, including foot long hot dogs, cheesesteaks and chicken sandwiches! Night owls will be glad to find a special late night menu, served from 10 p.m. to midnight, which offers some of the main menu’s hits. This is another one that’s open daily from 11 a.m. clear through to 2 a.m.! 

38 State Rd., Media; (610) 566-9920.

 

 

Dolan’s Bar, which also made our list of bars in Delco where you can find a pot of gold, is the definition of a great Delco dive: casual and comfortable, with people of all age and stripes hanging out. No wonder they’ve got it so dialed in: Dolan’s has been doing its thing since 1954, and is now on the third generation of family ownership. Icy draft and bottled beers, shots of whiskey, fun-and-fruity cocktails and delicious food options (think: crispy onion rings, bang bang chicken sandwich and smashburgers) keep everyone happy. And between popular quizzo nights on Tuesdays and Fridays, live music and jam sessions, and seasonal events like raging St. Paddy’s Day celebrations and Kentucky Derby watch parties, there’s always something exciting going on. Dolan’s is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., 7 days a week. 

24 E Sellers Ave., Ridley Park; (484) 430-1354.

 

If watching sports with other fans is one of your pastimes, check out Coaches Bar & Grille. There is sports memorabilia on the walls and plenty of TVs with all the major games playing (sound on!), and gameday specials on drinks and apps. Try one of the specialty cocktails or a draft beer to pair with the savory snacks on the menu, like quesadilla rolls, deep fried mushrooms and buffalo mozzarella sticks. With a welcoming, hometown feel, it’s a perfect place to stop in for a drink and a bit before boarding a flight out of the Philadelphia Airport. It’s just a 10-minute drive away! Coaches is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

350 Jansen Ave., Essington; (610) 521-6668.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Pexels