Okay, first I need to say that I've never had food here, so I can't grade it. I'm only going by the atmosphere on Thursday, karaoke night. I am a fledgling rock star, and so to overcome my stage fright I have been trying to get out to karaoke. We chose this place because we heard it was fun. I was disappointed to get there and see that there were only maybe 6-9 people in the bar. So I was kind of sad that my awesome performance was barely noticed, but nobody else's was really either, so okay. It did get more crowded as the night went on. By the time I did a second song, I got lots of applause and cheers. (Unfortunately I was rapping, so I could not take it as a testament to my powerful voice.) I love that you can smoke in here. I believe bars should all allow smoking, like the good old days. Get over it. If you can stand a bunch of drunk people, you can stand the smell of cigarettes. But if you are sensitive to that or have asthma or something, don't come here I guess. Also, they make their White Russians with Bailey's..I was familiar with Kahlua, milk or cream, and vodka..this place, when I found my drink too strong and asked for some milk, was like "We don't have any. We use Bailey's." Uh. What? That's bizarre. No milk or cream? Who the hell uses Bailey's in a White Russian? So, that turned me off. The Malibu Bay Breeze I had subsequently was good, though. Also, they don't have any Scotch. I mean literally none. That's really strange, and something they need to fix. My boyfriend had bourbon instead and he really doesn't like it and felt sick afterward. The photographer was very friendly, but he kept talking about putting pictures up on Facebook. When I went to Facebook, the page for this place doesn't even have any posts. Just bare-bones information. So..wondering when those pictures will appear, since their Facebook's almost pointless.. The karaoke DJ is very nice, and sings songs herself. It was a nice, chill place for my first time singing in public in many years. A low-pressure environment for anyone with stage fright, but at the same time you might not get the enthusiastic reception you desire.
(3)
Angela D.
Awful. Awful. Awful. The Absolute is actually bottom shelf Vlady, the Ciroc is Pinnicle, and all the whisky is bottom shelf well. The owner openly is a racist, and God forbid you're attractive and female, because he will hit on you all night. Don't touch the bar, he's paid women to have sex there. Don't touch the bathroom, the underpaid and unqualified janitor sometimes cleans it for beer while being called a n-word and a slave (which the owner is very proud to say). All of the employees work for free, and unless you know someone the service is awful. A prime example of what gives South Philly a bad name.
(1)
Kelly W.
Interesting, this place. Service has been hit or miss. Almost all of the bartenders are cute as a button. Crowd is so mixed it boggles my mind. Pluses: pool table, fireplace, outdoor seating, good beer selection, cheap. Haven't had any negative experiences here.
(4)
Peter B.
I don't get this place. First of all, every night I have gone there, it's almost always empty...including Saturday nights...is it a later-night (12-2) place? Second, what's the deal with the two bars? I guess it's odd looking considering that it's always been empty when I've been there. It's not entirely clear what crowd they are going for here: I originally thought it was the hipster Newbold spillover from SPTR, but recently it seems to be the local south philly kids crowd (read: lots of lame-ass pop dj's playing lame-ass top 40 music really incredibly LOUD). Could it be that Newbold just does not have the population to support two gastropubs? The place looks like it's trying to be like SPTR, but without the underground cachet or good food...this place just can't seem to find its own identity. Knowledgeable staff, friendly, good beer selection, decent bar food. Dark atmosphere and cool juke box a plus and booths are also huge plus. The food is not exactly gastro-pubby: it's more like standard-issue bar food with some pretension to gastro-pubby. You want gastro-pub food in the area go to SPTR. But otherwise ok food for cheap. Drawbacks: they LOVE having all the TV's on all the time, with the volume cranked...it's really annoying if all you want is to hang out and drink with some friends and not be forced to pay attention to the "Extreme Skateboarding Championships" blaring in the background. Re: Pool table: They removed it/them. Used to be downstairs where the second bar is. Now this means there is NOWHERE to play pool in south philly and drink in a nice bar with good food. Thanks. I had the feeling this place was just getting its sea legs and might have improved over the last few months. More and more, it's looking just lame. Put the pool tables back. Get the hell rid of the dj's. And for god's sake, stop catering to the annoying as hell delaware avenue crowd. Until you do, I'm heading to SPTR one block away.
(2)
Joshua H.
Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable priced drinks. Food is pretty good, and a great quizzo with a variety of questions. Has a juke box, fake fireplace, and pool table. Recommend for a chill night out - Tuesday night is quizzo night (call and check as it changes occasionally).
(4)
Howie C.
Decent place. Dropped in to see a band perform. Dark and cozy setting. Was confused with the inclusion of two bars. Noise level is moderate. Heard there used to be pool tables, but not when I was there. Bummer. Word of warning, this place has indoor smoking, so if that's not your thing, be aware. Overall, not a bad spot to get in and grab a drink if you're in the area.
(4)
John V.
The copious amounts of smoking occurring at this South Philly revamped corner bar is out of control. I recently saw a gig there, my first time at this place. I was aware smoking was allowed inside, which is beyond me how that is legal? Regardless, the bands playing was enough to get me in this place. It was aesthetically pleasing, nice decor, somewhat friendly staff. The place is too small and narrow to have gigs requiring larger venues, as was the case this past weekend. It was obstructed views of the band at best, with tons of smoke being blown around. The people smoking there reminded me of crack addicts who are allowed to smoke crack in public. They were like kids in a candy store, going to town, smoking like perpetually operated smoke stacks. It was ridiclous. The beer selection was very average, as was the bar food selection. Another annoyance at this joint, was this woman selling chocolate covered strawberries to raise money for her child's computer purchase. I believe the "new computer" was a metaphor for fueling her booze habit. She looked and acted a bit mental. I want to see a gig not be solicited on site. Great gig, but a bad location. If I lived around that area, and there was no smoking involved, the place wouldn't be half bad. But with that said, it is a dead issue for me. I would not waste my time going back to that joint, unless I want to tempt fate with second hand smoke fueled cancer. Get with the times people, smoking in public in Philly, is illegal and dangerous for us non smokers. Go smoke in an iron lung.
(2)
Bill D.
I know they're out there, but the Station is the only wild bar I still frequent. The weird, perennially plastered regulars get tossed out on a nightly basis, and the rowdy youngin's roll around on the floor wrestling and knock shit over. Be prepared to drink anything, because they run out of everything. My first two or three choices are usually not in stock. Sometimes I just say "what DO you guys have?" And I'm not just talking about nice stuff like wanting a Chimay and after several other picks of incrementally lesser quality ending up with a PBR. That happens too, but sometimes, you just want to pound shitty beer with friends and end up having to order pitchers of Stella Artois.
(3)
Carolyn G.
This place is awesome.... I walked in two weeks ago for my first time and Brand New was playing on the juke box... fabulous. They have a relatively good beer list for a reasonable price. The guy who was bartending, Adam, was a total babe and super friendly and just all around made the experience great. My only complaint would be the bathrooms... they're tiny! But, they were clean so that's all that matters :) GO TO THE STATION!
(4)
Bill M.
Could give a VERY solid 3-4; but have to curve to 5 simply because The Station hooks up a vibrant & upcoming South Philly spot for local music when its really needed. I first came across hearing about Station Bar when The National Rifle and Univox (look them up and embrace the welcoming new music that flows throughout your ears!) hosted a show here, and was instantly under the impression that it was going to be held at a random DIY house venue. So when I reached my destination and found a bar with no visible signage aside from a standard Corona bottle and other brews marked on its windows I was instantly confused. Toss in the neighborhoody crowd of regulars that watched the Seahawks (!!!) deliver a trouncing, the fact that you could smoke inside, and the fact that the first 4 beers that I tried to order off the tap list ended up being unavailable; and I clearly felt like I was in the wrong place. But as I got reacquainted with the bands and gave it some time I was ready to embrace it and warm up to some awesome perks. Under Flash Mob Productions they manage to line up 1-3 solid live shows a month that feature plenty of solid local bands that you've seen grace the likes of Johnny Brenda's and Kung Fu Necktie. it also has the standards like quizzo and karaoke that you know and love. the tap list also features a better than average variety that ranges from $3-6 a pint. The crowd is especially eclectic; from average Joe Neighborhood, to other bands whseo musicians who came out to see their brethren perform. So overall you get a colorful bar with something to see, and plenty of drinks to enjoy during it. Bonus points for the random cigar smokers mural on the wall! And that adds up to plenty of things that make it worthwhile. And there might just be a big show to look forward to coming soon ;)
(5)
Vinny P.
Went here for McThrill's birthday bash. Pros Good beer selection No cover Nice, helpful bartenders Cons Smoking So, that's it really. It's not a bad place by any means. I just know that my clothes still smelled like smoke the next day.
(3)
J. R.
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. One of the bartender there is completely racist and got into it with a young mexican man, refusing to serve him, then following him out to his house threatening to beat him up and calling him racial slurs. I could not believe the way this guy acted. And further more I will never support a racist business. Horrible business.
(1)
Santhana M.
Been meaning to check this place out and it was a quiet and chill Thursday. Our welcoming & spiffy bartender Net was awesome and pleasant. The place has been recently renovated and I must say it is quite charming. Seatings galore, whether you prefer outside, booths, bar, and the space is pretty fair. Not sure when its crowded. Amenities include one pool table, jukebox, TV! I did have the burger and onion rings and they were actually darn tasty for bar food. CASH ONLY! ATM available inside. Will be back !!
(4)
Marissa B.
Went here on Thursday with a couple friends. It was an alright place. Dark, but, didn't really feel that cozy. That is just me, though. My one girlfriend said she wanted to play pool, but, I don't remember if there was even a table there. I didn't see one anyway and also recall an unused 2nd bar. The rest of the seating in addition to at the bar is high tables and booths. Drink prices were alright I suppose. I didn't buy them, but, nobody in my group complained. They were out of Coors Light, though. I'm actually surprised there was food. Perhaps they stop serving it earlier on weeknights? We didn't get there until almost 11. I was never told about any specials or offered a menu. Would return. It's a pretty average neighborhood bar that I wouldn't mind hitting up once more.
(3)
Elizabeth J.
This is the worst bar. Is that fake Mexican circus music playing on Sunday nights? Yes, I believe it is. SO FREAKING LOUD. And for what, five people at the bar? WHY? Dingy, dim, and lacking in beer selection, the Station is like a dive bar with zero charm. Which makes it a dump. An ugly, loud, dump.
(1)
Steph H.
Good times have been had here at the Station. I'm surprised that SOMEONE has not been reviewing this place, seeing as how HE/SHE works QUIZZO here.. I digress.. This is a really cool, somewhat under the radar place that I think people will enjoy. It has a center city bar appearance (everything is nice, clean and new) but with a dive-bar atmosphere (which is a good thing!). Take the trip down to so-fine-so-phill and stop by the station!
(4)
amber r.
do not go to the station. the decent interior decor may fool you. terrible service (if any). uninformed staff (if any). tons of dudes being rowdy and annoying. no atmosphere. i went home stinking like a greasy spoon. go to the tap room up the street and get a real meal and a real beer from a much friendlier staff.
(1)
Phil P.
The Station has the beset quizzo I have ever been to. The hosts are totally awesome and come up with the greatest questions. They always have an interesting music or picture round. The questions range from sports to nerd things like video games and comic books. They have it every Thursday night from 9-11.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Gloria G.
Okay, first I need to say that I've never had food here, so I can't grade it. I'm only going by the atmosphere on Thursday, karaoke night. I am a fledgling rock star, and so to overcome my stage fright I have been trying to get out to karaoke. We chose this place because we heard it was fun. I was disappointed to get there and see that there were only maybe 6-9 people in the bar. So I was kind of sad that my awesome performance was barely noticed, but nobody else's was really either, so okay. It did get more crowded as the night went on. By the time I did a second song, I got lots of applause and cheers. (Unfortunately I was rapping, so I could not take it as a testament to my powerful voice.) I love that you can smoke in here. I believe bars should all allow smoking, like the good old days. Get over it. If you can stand a bunch of drunk people, you can stand the smell of cigarettes. But if you are sensitive to that or have asthma or something, don't come here I guess. Also, they make their White Russians with Bailey's..I was familiar with Kahlua, milk or cream, and vodka..this place, when I found my drink too strong and asked for some milk, was like "We don't have any. We use Bailey's." Uh. What? That's bizarre. No milk or cream? Who the hell uses Bailey's in a White Russian? So, that turned me off. The Malibu Bay Breeze I had subsequently was good, though. Also, they don't have any Scotch. I mean literally none. That's really strange, and something they need to fix. My boyfriend had bourbon instead and he really doesn't like it and felt sick afterward. The photographer was very friendly, but he kept talking about putting pictures up on Facebook. When I went to Facebook, the page for this place doesn't even have any posts. Just bare-bones information. So..wondering when those pictures will appear, since their Facebook's almost pointless.. The karaoke DJ is very nice, and sings songs herself. It was a nice, chill place for my first time singing in public in many years. A low-pressure environment for anyone with stage fright, but at the same time you might not get the enthusiastic reception you desire.
(3)Angela D.
Awful. Awful. Awful. The Absolute is actually bottom shelf Vlady, the Ciroc is Pinnicle, and all the whisky is bottom shelf well. The owner openly is a racist, and God forbid you're attractive and female, because he will hit on you all night. Don't touch the bar, he's paid women to have sex there. Don't touch the bathroom, the underpaid and unqualified janitor sometimes cleans it for beer while being called a n-word and a slave (which the owner is very proud to say). All of the employees work for free, and unless you know someone the service is awful. A prime example of what gives South Philly a bad name.
(1)Kelly W.
Interesting, this place. Service has been hit or miss. Almost all of the bartenders are cute as a button. Crowd is so mixed it boggles my mind. Pluses: pool table, fireplace, outdoor seating, good beer selection, cheap. Haven't had any negative experiences here.
(4)Peter B.
I don't get this place. First of all, every night I have gone there, it's almost always empty...including Saturday nights...is it a later-night (12-2) place? Second, what's the deal with the two bars? I guess it's odd looking considering that it's always been empty when I've been there. It's not entirely clear what crowd they are going for here: I originally thought it was the hipster Newbold spillover from SPTR, but recently it seems to be the local south philly kids crowd (read: lots of lame-ass pop dj's playing lame-ass top 40 music really incredibly LOUD). Could it be that Newbold just does not have the population to support two gastropubs? The place looks like it's trying to be like SPTR, but without the underground cachet or good food...this place just can't seem to find its own identity. Knowledgeable staff, friendly, good beer selection, decent bar food. Dark atmosphere and cool juke box a plus and booths are also huge plus. The food is not exactly gastro-pubby: it's more like standard-issue bar food with some pretension to gastro-pubby. You want gastro-pub food in the area go to SPTR. But otherwise ok food for cheap. Drawbacks: they LOVE having all the TV's on all the time, with the volume cranked...it's really annoying if all you want is to hang out and drink with some friends and not be forced to pay attention to the "Extreme Skateboarding Championships" blaring in the background. Re: Pool table: They removed it/them. Used to be downstairs where the second bar is. Now this means there is NOWHERE to play pool in south philly and drink in a nice bar with good food. Thanks. I had the feeling this place was just getting its sea legs and might have improved over the last few months. More and more, it's looking just lame. Put the pool tables back. Get the hell rid of the dj's. And for god's sake, stop catering to the annoying as hell delaware avenue crowd. Until you do, I'm heading to SPTR one block away.
(2)Joshua H.
Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable priced drinks. Food is pretty good, and a great quizzo with a variety of questions. Has a juke box, fake fireplace, and pool table. Recommend for a chill night out - Tuesday night is quizzo night (call and check as it changes occasionally).
(4)Howie C.
Decent place. Dropped in to see a band perform. Dark and cozy setting. Was confused with the inclusion of two bars. Noise level is moderate. Heard there used to be pool tables, but not when I was there. Bummer. Word of warning, this place has indoor smoking, so if that's not your thing, be aware. Overall, not a bad spot to get in and grab a drink if you're in the area.
(4)John V.
The copious amounts of smoking occurring at this South Philly revamped corner bar is out of control. I recently saw a gig there, my first time at this place. I was aware smoking was allowed inside, which is beyond me how that is legal? Regardless, the bands playing was enough to get me in this place. It was aesthetically pleasing, nice decor, somewhat friendly staff. The place is too small and narrow to have gigs requiring larger venues, as was the case this past weekend. It was obstructed views of the band at best, with tons of smoke being blown around. The people smoking there reminded me of crack addicts who are allowed to smoke crack in public. They were like kids in a candy store, going to town, smoking like perpetually operated smoke stacks. It was ridiclous. The beer selection was very average, as was the bar food selection. Another annoyance at this joint, was this woman selling chocolate covered strawberries to raise money for her child's computer purchase. I believe the "new computer" was a metaphor for fueling her booze habit. She looked and acted a bit mental. I want to see a gig not be solicited on site. Great gig, but a bad location. If I lived around that area, and there was no smoking involved, the place wouldn't be half bad. But with that said, it is a dead issue for me. I would not waste my time going back to that joint, unless I want to tempt fate with second hand smoke fueled cancer. Get with the times people, smoking in public in Philly, is illegal and dangerous for us non smokers. Go smoke in an iron lung.
(2)Bill D.
I know they're out there, but the Station is the only wild bar I still frequent. The weird, perennially plastered regulars get tossed out on a nightly basis, and the rowdy youngin's roll around on the floor wrestling and knock shit over. Be prepared to drink anything, because they run out of everything. My first two or three choices are usually not in stock. Sometimes I just say "what DO you guys have?" And I'm not just talking about nice stuff like wanting a Chimay and after several other picks of incrementally lesser quality ending up with a PBR. That happens too, but sometimes, you just want to pound shitty beer with friends and end up having to order pitchers of Stella Artois.
(3)Carolyn G.
This place is awesome.... I walked in two weeks ago for my first time and Brand New was playing on the juke box... fabulous. They have a relatively good beer list for a reasonable price. The guy who was bartending, Adam, was a total babe and super friendly and just all around made the experience great. My only complaint would be the bathrooms... they're tiny! But, they were clean so that's all that matters :) GO TO THE STATION!
(4)Bill M.
Could give a VERY solid 3-4; but have to curve to 5 simply because The Station hooks up a vibrant & upcoming South Philly spot for local music when its really needed. I first came across hearing about Station Bar when The National Rifle and Univox (look them up and embrace the welcoming new music that flows throughout your ears!) hosted a show here, and was instantly under the impression that it was going to be held at a random DIY house venue. So when I reached my destination and found a bar with no visible signage aside from a standard Corona bottle and other brews marked on its windows I was instantly confused. Toss in the neighborhoody crowd of regulars that watched the Seahawks (!!!) deliver a trouncing, the fact that you could smoke inside, and the fact that the first 4 beers that I tried to order off the tap list ended up being unavailable; and I clearly felt like I was in the wrong place. But as I got reacquainted with the bands and gave it some time I was ready to embrace it and warm up to some awesome perks. Under Flash Mob Productions they manage to line up 1-3 solid live shows a month that feature plenty of solid local bands that you've seen grace the likes of Johnny Brenda's and Kung Fu Necktie. it also has the standards like quizzo and karaoke that you know and love. the tap list also features a better than average variety that ranges from $3-6 a pint. The crowd is especially eclectic; from average Joe Neighborhood, to other bands whseo musicians who came out to see their brethren perform. So overall you get a colorful bar with something to see, and plenty of drinks to enjoy during it. Bonus points for the random cigar smokers mural on the wall! And that adds up to plenty of things that make it worthwhile. And there might just be a big show to look forward to coming soon ;)
(5)Vinny P.
Went here for McThrill's birthday bash. Pros Good beer selection No cover Nice, helpful bartenders Cons Smoking So, that's it really. It's not a bad place by any means. I just know that my clothes still smelled like smoke the next day.
(3)J. R.
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. One of the bartender there is completely racist and got into it with a young mexican man, refusing to serve him, then following him out to his house threatening to beat him up and calling him racial slurs. I could not believe the way this guy acted. And further more I will never support a racist business. Horrible business.
(1)Santhana M.
Been meaning to check this place out and it was a quiet and chill Thursday. Our welcoming & spiffy bartender Net was awesome and pleasant. The place has been recently renovated and I must say it is quite charming. Seatings galore, whether you prefer outside, booths, bar, and the space is pretty fair. Not sure when its crowded. Amenities include one pool table, jukebox, TV! I did have the burger and onion rings and they were actually darn tasty for bar food. CASH ONLY! ATM available inside. Will be back !!
(4)Marissa B.
Went here on Thursday with a couple friends. It was an alright place. Dark, but, didn't really feel that cozy. That is just me, though. My one girlfriend said she wanted to play pool, but, I don't remember if there was even a table there. I didn't see one anyway and also recall an unused 2nd bar. The rest of the seating in addition to at the bar is high tables and booths. Drink prices were alright I suppose. I didn't buy them, but, nobody in my group complained. They were out of Coors Light, though. I'm actually surprised there was food. Perhaps they stop serving it earlier on weeknights? We didn't get there until almost 11. I was never told about any specials or offered a menu. Would return. It's a pretty average neighborhood bar that I wouldn't mind hitting up once more.
(3)Elizabeth J.
This is the worst bar. Is that fake Mexican circus music playing on Sunday nights? Yes, I believe it is. SO FREAKING LOUD. And for what, five people at the bar? WHY? Dingy, dim, and lacking in beer selection, the Station is like a dive bar with zero charm. Which makes it a dump. An ugly, loud, dump.
(1)Steph H.
Good times have been had here at the Station. I'm surprised that SOMEONE has not been reviewing this place, seeing as how HE/SHE works QUIZZO here.. I digress.. This is a really cool, somewhat under the radar place that I think people will enjoy. It has a center city bar appearance (everything is nice, clean and new) but with a dive-bar atmosphere (which is a good thing!). Take the trip down to so-fine-so-phill and stop by the station!
(4)amber r.
do not go to the station. the decent interior decor may fool you. terrible service (if any). uninformed staff (if any). tons of dudes being rowdy and annoying. no atmosphere. i went home stinking like a greasy spoon. go to the tap room up the street and get a real meal and a real beer from a much friendlier staff.
(1)Phil P.
The Station has the beset quizzo I have ever been to. The hosts are totally awesome and come up with the greatest questions. They always have an interesting music or picture round. The questions range from sports to nerd things like video games and comic books. They have it every Thursday night from 9-11.
(5)