Only $.50 off domestic bottles at happy hour is weak. It seems that this bar wants to be on board with the craft beer selection, but draw people in with a lower prices or an awesome happy hour. This bar has the potential to be great and that is why it has 3 stars. Yes they still cater to the locals, which is great, however, it is off the main line and needs to change. Chicken Parm sub was delicious and the fries were pretty damn good as well. This could be a very good bar. I will still go back $3 miller light drafts...not bad
(3)
Nyota W.
I visited this bar during a bar crawl. It was one of many stops. Seems like that neighborhood bar that you stumble into when you live around the corner. That not being my story, it seemed somewhat uninviting. Additionally when I order a drink I'm not looking to pass out from alcohol poisoning, but I would like to be reminded that there are perks in having aged beyond 21 and validation that whatever amount that I spent (their prices are actually really reasonable) was not better spent on a plain juice. The drink was damn near alcohol free. After paying for the round of drinks a few people in the group barely touched their drink once they realized the drink was alcohol-lite. Hmmm...Now that I think about that previous comment, it actually sounds horrible and should make me question the priorities of my friends, but.....hey. In the bartender's defense, she did come outside to ask if something was wrong since one friend just left the drink at the bar after one sip, but she didn't do anything to fix the issue once we explained what was wrong. Long story short, I'll be skipping this place next time.
(1)
Mel C.
Loud & trashy. There is just no other way to put it.
(1)
Christopher L.
Food is great by the new chef. Bartender Dave always carries a great conversation with you if he's not to busy with customers. He has written a few books also.
(5)
Ashley C.
Place is such a nuisance in a great neighborhood otherwise, I heard there are a few petitions to get it shut down and re zoned!!
(1)
Marie M.
They have since gotten a digital jutebox and now I don't have any complaints about brown street pub.
(4)
DanaJoy88 ..
NIce neighborhood corner bar. We ended up watching the Eagles game there and playing pool in the back room with a private TV, it was great. The service is good and while the beer selection isn't great, they at least have more options than bud light or miller lite and overall seem like they are trying. This place is just small and never seems to be too busy so I think it holds them back a little. I look forward to going back to help them out.
(3)
Kelly V.
Brown Street Pub holds a special place in my heart because I used to live down the street and I love a good dive bar. Saturday nights are the best because there's karaoke and it's always a great crowd. It's not the fanciest bar in town, but the beer is reasonably priced and always willing to sing (and dance, if I have anything to do with it) along. BSP was my favorite thing about living in Fairmount!
(4)
Kendra H.
My boyfriend and I live on the block and this place is gross. We call it the "Brown Street Meth Lab" or the "Brown Street Dump." I like a good dive bar, but one that has personality or other merit.
(1)
M N.
I've debated even writing this review since it's a trusted business in the neighborhood, but my most recent experience is what it is. My friend and I were looking for a place to go find a beer on a Friday night and didn't want to travel outside the 'hood. We decided on Brown Street, and were even excited at the music we could hear blaring a half block away. We get inside and were disappointed to see such a small crowd - there were two older men at the bar, one DJ and two young bartenders. We were served immediately but it didn't take long for the club music to get annoying (play to the crowd next time, maybe?) and for me to loose my appetite while watching the two young female bartenders switch between slicing lemons and limes to playing with their hair in the mirror behind the bar (no hand washing in between). This went on about 1/2 hour. Made me happy I ordered bottle and not draft. Overall I'm sure we would have stayed longer if the music was lower (so we could talk), maybe something other than motorcross on the TV. Can't speak for the food aspect of the place as we didn't smell anything, see any food or be offered a menu.
(2)
Jon W.
This local dive bar transforms into a loud dance club on the weekends for no reason. Bill the former chef here, was fired back in September and the food has gone down hill from there. There used to be good specials on their craft beers, but those have also gone, along with friendly service. Go to The Bishop's Collar, they have much better food and beer specials and are 2 blocks south.
(1)
Colleen R.
A cool local joint for good music on Fridays and karaoke on Wednesday/Saturdays. It doesn't seem to get too crowded. I guess people just go elsewhere because it's so local. Good craft beers on tap, 6 pack crafts to go, which is harder to find in this area for a decent cost. Beware, they just removed the pool table. I've never eaten here but the food looks good. My friends had no complaints. I moved to Fairmount in April and have gone 3 times so far.
(5)
Regina F.
The bottled beer selection is quite nifty: I do love me some Elderberry Magic Hat beer. A prototypical small town bar, Brown Street pub is adorned with oaken bar stools, high top tables and an ancient shuffle bowl - the best 25 cents you'll spend in Philadelphia. There's also a giant, flat, touch screen juke box that offers hits from any genre modern or ages passed. It takes credit cards, and you're sure to find whatever you're search for whether it be George Michael, some incomprehensible metal band from the mid-90s or Loretta Lynn. The warm crab dip is creamy and laden with chunks of crab meat. It's cheesy enough to satisfy your inner grease monster, but not so much that it'll induce a heart attack within a few minutes. Mega props to the chef for whipping us up a batch of homemade potato chips - add these to the menu, please!
(4)
Jamie N.
This place is so odd, in such a good way. Every time I go here I think to myself "what the hell is happening?!" at least six times. I usually go here on Saturdays for karaoke, is really laid back and has a generally fun crowd that doesn't take themselves too seriously. Every 1 in 3 singers is actually good, the rest just do it for fun. The crazy thing is is there is one point in the night, almost always, that everyone just starts dancing! It seems so odd and out of place but it really lightens the mood (and makes singing for people the second most embarrassing thing you'll do that night). The bartenders are great, but Saturdays do tend to get a little crowded, so getting another beer can come with a bit of wait. They also always have a pretty solid beer special to go along with a pretty solid night.
(4)
Brad P.
The local neighborhood pub with a good heart, above average food, and shuffle bowl. You can't go wrong here. If you're looking for a glamorous atmosphere where you can pop bubbly and sleep with strippers, you're in the wrong place. If you're looking for a local bar with a friendly atmosphere and cheap prices, you are in the right place. They have a 2 dollar taco special and here's the catch - The fish tacos are pretty damn good! The crab dip is good. The hot wings are pub wings. I've got to give props to the chef who, upon hearing that we wanted chips to dip into the crab dip, cut up a potato and fried it, free of charge. Free, homemade potato chips that are as great as any potato chips I've ever eaten? Yes, please.
(4)
Beau M.
Beer selection was good. Informed they had a new chef and new menu, though they were out of Chicken Noodle soup that two of the party ordered. Buffalo Chicken Soup was.....interesting. Bacon Burger was supposed to have the cheese and bacon inside the burger, yet the two of us that ordered it did not happen to find either of these inside. Finally the Pub Fries ( Cheese, bacon, Jalapeños ) were ordered without the cheese on them, just on the side, due to a mild food allergy. Needless to say, they with cheese and the server said 'sorry, thats just how they are made' after they came out of the kitchen. Bartender was nice, lots of TV's, they put on the game for us, and big open clean space, but the food wont be bringing us back.
(2)
P K.
This place downright sucks. Other reviewers have already mentioned the really bad super loud music at night, the below mediocre food, and the staff that could care less. I'm adding the following: If you want to feel like you've walked into some mobster's private party and you weren't invited, then go to Brown Street Pub. There's so many places in the neighborhood that have nicer staff and much better food - Bridgid's, Bishop's Collar, etc. I avoid this place at all costs and so do most other locals - it's no wonder there's only ever 3 drunk old guys in there flirting with the barwoman and the only time anyone comes in is to buy a sixpack to go...
(1)
Myra S.
I have been at the Brown Street Pub many times, and usually just get a beer. The food is okay, and the service usually quick and friendly. I was annoyed that the bartender charged us $9 for a well bourbon on the rocks this Saturday. I mean, we could have gone to the Four Seasons' Bar (which we passed on the way home) for that kind of pricing. $9 for a shot of cheap bourbon and a little ice in a neighborhood dive bar??
(2)
Joe G.
I ordered a burger to go cooked well done. I don't know if they don't like 30 something yuppie types or what but the burger was extremely and I mean inedible extremely rare. The young attractive bar tender who was the only one I saw working there took my order. What the heck? Based on my experience do you really want to take a risk ordering food here tonight when there are so many great bars and restaurants in Philadelphia that you already know are good? Signed, Frustrated that after a tough week my dinner was bad
(1)
Krystal A.
Quiet during the day, more up beat at night-- new cook as of Fall 2011 Bill he's great!!
(5)
Jason M.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars sounds about right. It's nice to have a bar like this in the neighborhood. Solid beer selection, fairly reasonable prices, and a bar menu that does the trick if you don't feel like making dinner when you get home from a long day. The bar itself has a nice casual atmosphere, and there is outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. The staff is also pretty friendly.
(3)
Carly P.
I discovered this place at Fairmount Fling in 2011. Since then I've been going every few weeks. Prices are decent (not great) but I like the dive bar atmosphere. The pub fries are delish and so are the sandwiches. My only complaint is that the new bartender doesn't know how to make a martini. I ordered a dirty kettle with extra olives, she looked at me like I had 20 heads, and then goes "what's that?" uhhhh shouldn't you know these things miss bartender? After trying to teach her how to make one I gave up and just ordered a vodka soda. Very disappointing on a Friday afternoon after a long week but the pub fries did make me happy. I'll still be back....just not for a martini. (PS -they also sell 6 packs which is a huge plus)
(4)
Joyce K.
Went for a late lunch. Had to ask the bartender to come over and get a drink for us every time. She was too busy talking with three other people. There was a total of 5 of us at the bar in the entire joint. Even had to get up from the stool and say can we please have the check. Guess it's because she did not "know" us, however I live in the hood and my cousin was raised there. Did not like feeling like an outsider. Not a local yocal friendly bar!
(2)
Laura R.
Terrific new chef. Highly recommend the weekend brunch. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced. Also enjoyed some appetizers at happy hour and am looking forward to going back for dinner as the menu looked great, and I've enjoyed brunch and appies and have only heard good things from friends and neighbors about the food, too.
(4)
Barbara P.
The new chef is great. Wonderful crab cakes and imaginative pub fare. Great weekend brunches.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No By Appointment Only : No
Dan D.
Only $.50 off domestic bottles at happy hour is weak. It seems that this bar wants to be on board with the craft beer selection, but draw people in with a lower prices or an awesome happy hour. This bar has the potential to be great and that is why it has 3 stars. Yes they still cater to the locals, which is great, however, it is off the main line and needs to change. Chicken Parm sub was delicious and the fries were pretty damn good as well. This could be a very good bar. I will still go back $3 miller light drafts...not bad
(3)Nyota W.
I visited this bar during a bar crawl. It was one of many stops. Seems like that neighborhood bar that you stumble into when you live around the corner. That not being my story, it seemed somewhat uninviting. Additionally when I order a drink I'm not looking to pass out from alcohol poisoning, but I would like to be reminded that there are perks in having aged beyond 21 and validation that whatever amount that I spent (their prices are actually really reasonable) was not better spent on a plain juice. The drink was damn near alcohol free. After paying for the round of drinks a few people in the group barely touched their drink once they realized the drink was alcohol-lite. Hmmm...Now that I think about that previous comment, it actually sounds horrible and should make me question the priorities of my friends, but.....hey. In the bartender's defense, she did come outside to ask if something was wrong since one friend just left the drink at the bar after one sip, but she didn't do anything to fix the issue once we explained what was wrong. Long story short, I'll be skipping this place next time.
(1)Mel C.
Loud & trashy. There is just no other way to put it.
(1)Christopher L.
Food is great by the new chef. Bartender Dave always carries a great conversation with you if he's not to busy with customers. He has written a few books also.
(5)Ashley C.
Place is such a nuisance in a great neighborhood otherwise, I heard there are a few petitions to get it shut down and re zoned!!
(1)Marie M.
They have since gotten a digital jutebox and now I don't have any complaints about brown street pub.
(4)DanaJoy88 ..
NIce neighborhood corner bar. We ended up watching the Eagles game there and playing pool in the back room with a private TV, it was great. The service is good and while the beer selection isn't great, they at least have more options than bud light or miller lite and overall seem like they are trying. This place is just small and never seems to be too busy so I think it holds them back a little. I look forward to going back to help them out.
(3)Kelly V.
Brown Street Pub holds a special place in my heart because I used to live down the street and I love a good dive bar. Saturday nights are the best because there's karaoke and it's always a great crowd. It's not the fanciest bar in town, but the beer is reasonably priced and always willing to sing (and dance, if I have anything to do with it) along. BSP was my favorite thing about living in Fairmount!
(4)Kendra H.
My boyfriend and I live on the block and this place is gross. We call it the "Brown Street Meth Lab" or the "Brown Street Dump." I like a good dive bar, but one that has personality or other merit.
(1)M N.
I've debated even writing this review since it's a trusted business in the neighborhood, but my most recent experience is what it is. My friend and I were looking for a place to go find a beer on a Friday night and didn't want to travel outside the 'hood. We decided on Brown Street, and were even excited at the music we could hear blaring a half block away. We get inside and were disappointed to see such a small crowd - there were two older men at the bar, one DJ and two young bartenders. We were served immediately but it didn't take long for the club music to get annoying (play to the crowd next time, maybe?) and for me to loose my appetite while watching the two young female bartenders switch between slicing lemons and limes to playing with their hair in the mirror behind the bar (no hand washing in between). This went on about 1/2 hour. Made me happy I ordered bottle and not draft. Overall I'm sure we would have stayed longer if the music was lower (so we could talk), maybe something other than motorcross on the TV. Can't speak for the food aspect of the place as we didn't smell anything, see any food or be offered a menu.
(2)Jon W.
This local dive bar transforms into a loud dance club on the weekends for no reason. Bill the former chef here, was fired back in September and the food has gone down hill from there. There used to be good specials on their craft beers, but those have also gone, along with friendly service. Go to The Bishop's Collar, they have much better food and beer specials and are 2 blocks south.
(1)Colleen R.
A cool local joint for good music on Fridays and karaoke on Wednesday/Saturdays. It doesn't seem to get too crowded. I guess people just go elsewhere because it's so local. Good craft beers on tap, 6 pack crafts to go, which is harder to find in this area for a decent cost. Beware, they just removed the pool table. I've never eaten here but the food looks good. My friends had no complaints. I moved to Fairmount in April and have gone 3 times so far.
(5)Regina F.
The bottled beer selection is quite nifty: I do love me some Elderberry Magic Hat beer. A prototypical small town bar, Brown Street pub is adorned with oaken bar stools, high top tables and an ancient shuffle bowl - the best 25 cents you'll spend in Philadelphia. There's also a giant, flat, touch screen juke box that offers hits from any genre modern or ages passed. It takes credit cards, and you're sure to find whatever you're search for whether it be George Michael, some incomprehensible metal band from the mid-90s or Loretta Lynn. The warm crab dip is creamy and laden with chunks of crab meat. It's cheesy enough to satisfy your inner grease monster, but not so much that it'll induce a heart attack within a few minutes. Mega props to the chef for whipping us up a batch of homemade potato chips - add these to the menu, please!
(4)Jamie N.
This place is so odd, in such a good way. Every time I go here I think to myself "what the hell is happening?!" at least six times. I usually go here on Saturdays for karaoke, is really laid back and has a generally fun crowd that doesn't take themselves too seriously. Every 1 in 3 singers is actually good, the rest just do it for fun. The crazy thing is is there is one point in the night, almost always, that everyone just starts dancing! It seems so odd and out of place but it really lightens the mood (and makes singing for people the second most embarrassing thing you'll do that night). The bartenders are great, but Saturdays do tend to get a little crowded, so getting another beer can come with a bit of wait. They also always have a pretty solid beer special to go along with a pretty solid night.
(4)Brad P.
The local neighborhood pub with a good heart, above average food, and shuffle bowl. You can't go wrong here. If you're looking for a glamorous atmosphere where you can pop bubbly and sleep with strippers, you're in the wrong place. If you're looking for a local bar with a friendly atmosphere and cheap prices, you are in the right place. They have a 2 dollar taco special and here's the catch - The fish tacos are pretty damn good! The crab dip is good. The hot wings are pub wings. I've got to give props to the chef who, upon hearing that we wanted chips to dip into the crab dip, cut up a potato and fried it, free of charge. Free, homemade potato chips that are as great as any potato chips I've ever eaten? Yes, please.
(4)Beau M.
Beer selection was good. Informed they had a new chef and new menu, though they were out of Chicken Noodle soup that two of the party ordered. Buffalo Chicken Soup was.....interesting. Bacon Burger was supposed to have the cheese and bacon inside the burger, yet the two of us that ordered it did not happen to find either of these inside. Finally the Pub Fries ( Cheese, bacon, Jalapeños ) were ordered without the cheese on them, just on the side, due to a mild food allergy. Needless to say, they with cheese and the server said 'sorry, thats just how they are made' after they came out of the kitchen. Bartender was nice, lots of TV's, they put on the game for us, and big open clean space, but the food wont be bringing us back.
(2)P K.
This place downright sucks. Other reviewers have already mentioned the really bad super loud music at night, the below mediocre food, and the staff that could care less. I'm adding the following: If you want to feel like you've walked into some mobster's private party and you weren't invited, then go to Brown Street Pub. There's so many places in the neighborhood that have nicer staff and much better food - Bridgid's, Bishop's Collar, etc. I avoid this place at all costs and so do most other locals - it's no wonder there's only ever 3 drunk old guys in there flirting with the barwoman and the only time anyone comes in is to buy a sixpack to go...
(1)Myra S.
I have been at the Brown Street Pub many times, and usually just get a beer. The food is okay, and the service usually quick and friendly. I was annoyed that the bartender charged us $9 for a well bourbon on the rocks this Saturday. I mean, we could have gone to the Four Seasons' Bar (which we passed on the way home) for that kind of pricing. $9 for a shot of cheap bourbon and a little ice in a neighborhood dive bar??
(2)Joe G.
I ordered a burger to go cooked well done. I don't know if they don't like 30 something yuppie types or what but the burger was extremely and I mean inedible extremely rare. The young attractive bar tender who was the only one I saw working there took my order. What the heck? Based on my experience do you really want to take a risk ordering food here tonight when there are so many great bars and restaurants in Philadelphia that you already know are good? Signed, Frustrated that after a tough week my dinner was bad
(1)Krystal A.
Quiet during the day, more up beat at night-- new cook as of Fall 2011 Bill he's great!!
(5)Jason M.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars sounds about right. It's nice to have a bar like this in the neighborhood. Solid beer selection, fairly reasonable prices, and a bar menu that does the trick if you don't feel like making dinner when you get home from a long day. The bar itself has a nice casual atmosphere, and there is outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. The staff is also pretty friendly.
(3)Carly P.
I discovered this place at Fairmount Fling in 2011. Since then I've been going every few weeks. Prices are decent (not great) but I like the dive bar atmosphere. The pub fries are delish and so are the sandwiches. My only complaint is that the new bartender doesn't know how to make a martini. I ordered a dirty kettle with extra olives, she looked at me like I had 20 heads, and then goes "what's that?" uhhhh shouldn't you know these things miss bartender? After trying to teach her how to make one I gave up and just ordered a vodka soda. Very disappointing on a Friday afternoon after a long week but the pub fries did make me happy. I'll still be back....just not for a martini. (PS -they also sell 6 packs which is a huge plus)
(4)Joyce K.
Went for a late lunch. Had to ask the bartender to come over and get a drink for us every time. She was too busy talking with three other people. There was a total of 5 of us at the bar in the entire joint. Even had to get up from the stool and say can we please have the check. Guess it's because she did not "know" us, however I live in the hood and my cousin was raised there. Did not like feeling like an outsider. Not a local yocal friendly bar!
(2)Laura R.
Terrific new chef. Highly recommend the weekend brunch. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced. Also enjoyed some appetizers at happy hour and am looking forward to going back for dinner as the menu looked great, and I've enjoyed brunch and appies and have only heard good things from friends and neighbors about the food, too.
(4)Barbara P.
The new chef is great. Wonderful crab cakes and imaginative pub fare. Great weekend brunches.
(4)