Delco’s Best Dive Bars, Round 3

If Round 1 and Round 2 of our “Delco’s Best Dive Bars” series has proven anything, it’s that while Delco can rock a trendy cocktail bar, sleek BYOB and breezy beer garden, we truly shine when it comes to lived-in, come-as-you-are, no-nonsense watering holes. Let’s keep that energy going with Round 3, complete with a few curveballs (breakfast beers, anyone?) and at least one sandwich worth planning your day around.

 

Here are five more local spots where the stories happen—where the bartender remembers your order, the regulars size you up (then welcome you in), and the night rarely goes exactly as planned:

 

 

The Ivy Inn is a true Delco classic! Its doors have been open since 1953—it’s quite possible that your grandpop and his buddies hung out here—and it shows in the best possible way. Expect ice-cold beer, minimal frills, and a homegrown crowd.

One of the Ivy’s main draws is shuffleboard. Not one table, not two, but five full-length boards! In fact, it’s the only bar in Pennsylvania offering multiple shuffleboard tables for singles, doubles and rated tournaments. If your idea of a great night involves low lighting, a perfectly poured draft, and the gentle clack of shuffleboard weights, you’ll feel right at home.

37 Brookline Blvd. Havertown; (610) 446-8026.

 

The Frontier Saloon & Beer Store is pure neighborhood bar energy—unpretentious, a little rough around the edges and exactly what you want when you just need a drink and zero fuss. And with 12 TVs playing all the Philadelphia sports team games and a rotating menu of food specials (think: black and blue burger, wedge salad, French onion soup), you can settle in for the night with your crew or flying solo. The beer store also has plenty of packaged goods to bring home.

So, pull up a stool! This is the kind of place where everyone seems to know each other—or will by the end of the night. 

336 Kedron Ave., Folsom; (610) 534-1424.

 

 

With a name like this, expectations are high—and The Delco Kup delivers. It’s got a true roadside-bar feel: Easy to miss if you’re not looking, but a “must-go-back” once you’ve been.

Chat up the locals around the always-popular pool tables, or order up some of the pub-grub finger foods or a cheesesteak and catch a game on one of the many TVs. The friendly, laid-back bartenders keep the affordably-priced beers flowing seven days a week; weekly events, like trivia and DJ nights, add to the community atmosphere.

209 Baltimore Pike, Springfield; (484) 471-3959.

 

 

One trademark of an old-school dive bar is opening early. While you might come across some that open at 9 or 10 a.m., we’ve dug up two that unlock the doors at the literal crack of dawn. Yes, Lefty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and Tony’s (below) open at 7 a.m.

For non 9-to-5ers, like nurses and other night-shift workers wrapping up their work day, Lefty’s has you covered. One of Delco’s many great Irish pubs, this spot offers an unexpected menu of Italian-American classics, like pizza (including massive slices!), stromboli and calzones. Grab a spot around the comfy, horseshoe-shaped bar for a pint, a bite and easygoing conversations with the bartenders and fellow guests.

1021 Market St., Marcus Hook; (610) 494-9957.

 

Every dive bar list needs a sleeper food hit, and Tony’s Tavern might be this round’s MVP. Word on the street: the roast beef sandwich is worth the trip. But take note before planning your visit: their beloved roast beef sandwich is only available on Wednesday. Thursday’s special is roast pork and Friday is chicken sandwiches, so you’re not out of luck if you show up another day. 

Otherwise, Tony’s is exactly what you hope for—a no-frills bar (owned by a third-generation Tony) with a strong neighborhood following and a menu that punches above its weight. And just like Lefty’s, Tony’s opens at 7 a.m. each and every day!

1002 Woodlawn Ave., Collingdale; (610) 461-1652.

 

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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 courtesy of The Delco Kup