The 9 Best Dive Bars in Pennsylvania: A Local's Guide

In a world of craft cocktails and velvet ropes, there's something special about a great dive bar. It’s a place with character, history, and zero pretense—where the beers are cold, the drinks are cheap, and the company is real. Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation's best. From post-prohibition relics in Philly to punk-rock joints in Pittsburgh, here is a guide to the best dive bars worth a visit in the Keystone State.

Philadelphia Dive Bars

1. Dirty Franks

• Location: Washington Square West, Philadelphia
• The Vibe: The undisputed king of Philly dives. A cash-only, no-nonsense corner bar that’s been a haven for artists, writers, and neighborhood regulars for nearly a century.
• Why You Should Go: Opened in 1933 just after Prohibition ended, Dirty Franks is an institution. There's no food, no fancy decor—just cheap drinks, great conversation, and a unique "Off-the-Wall" gallery featuring art from local patrons. It’s the quintessential Philadelphia dive experience.
• Address: 347 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

2. Bob and Barbara's Lounge

• Location: South Street, Philadelphia
• The Vibe: A legendary, jazz-infused lounge where old-school charm meets eclectic energy.
• Why You Should Go: Bob and Barbara's is famous for two things: originating the "Citywide Special" (a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam) in 1994 and hosting Philly's longest-running drag show. With live jazz and a welcoming crowd, it's a must-visit for a taste of authentic South Street culture.
• Address: 1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

3. Ray's Happy Birthday Bar

• Location: South Philadelphia
• The Vibe: A dark, wonderfully dank, and unbelievably cheap neighborhood bar that’s the perfect escape from the nearby tourist traps.
• Why You Should Go: Founded in 1938, this South Philly gem stands in stark contrast to the bright lights of the nearby Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak stands. The tradition still holds: if it's your actual birthday, your first drink is on the house. It’s a true local hideaway.
• Address: 1200 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Eastern & Central PA Dive Bars

4. Jake's Bar

• Location: West Chester
• The Vibe: The ultimate college town dive bar, timeless and comfortably worn-in.
• Why You Should Go: A rite of passage for West Chester University students and a beloved spot for locals, Jake's is all about inexpensive beer and a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. It's the perfect place to feel like a college kid again, no matter your age.
• Address: 549 S Matlack St, West Chester, PA 19382

5. Zeno's Pub

• Location: State College
• The Vibe: An elevated dive bar in a basement, known for its incredible beer list and live music.
• Why You Should Go: Located beneath the Hotel State College, Zeno's is a Penn State institution. It draws crowds with a shockingly vast selection of international and craft brews that goes way beyond typical dive bar fare. The combination of great beer, pub food, and a packed live music calendar makes it a local favorite.
• Address: 100 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801

6. Poor Richards Pub

• Location: Scranton
• The Vibe: Your classic, laid-back bar conveniently tucked inside a bowling alley.
• Why You Should Go: What’s better than a dive bar? A dive bar in a bowling alley. Poor Richards is a Scranton must-stop for cold beer, friendly bartenders, pub grub, and the occasional karaoke night. It's a chill, fun spot that captures the city's down-to-earth spirit.
• Address: 125 Beech St, Scranton, PA 18505

Western PA Dive Bars

7. Gooski's

• Location: Polish Hill, Pittsburgh
• The Vibe: The dive of all dives. A dark, old-school, punk-rock joint with zero pretense and a killer jukebox.
• Why You Should Go: Gooski's is legendary in Pittsburgh. It’s a cash-only spot known for its cheap drinks, friendly-but-no-nonsense bartenders, and surprisingly great bar food (get the pierogies and wings). If you want an authentic, gritty, rock-and-roll dive, this is it.
• Address: 3117 Brereton St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

8. Lefty's

• Location: Strip District, Pittsburgh
• The Vibe: A classic, no-frills neighborhood watering hole with a welcoming feel.
• Why You Should Go: Sometimes you just want a simple, honest bar. Lefty's is exactly that. With affordable drinks and attentive bartenders, it’s a perfect spot to take a break from the bustle of the Strip District for a quiet, cheap beer among friendly locals.
• Address: 2021 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

9. Al Patti's Bar & Grill

• Location: Indiana, PA
• The Vibe: A beloved hometown institution that’s part sports bar, part college hangout, and part steak house.
• Why You Should Go: A staple in downtown Indiana, PA since 1953, Al Patti's is a go-to for students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and longtime residents alike. It's a place where you can get a great steak and a cheap beer under one roof, making it a cornerstone of the community.
• Address: 624 Philadelphia St, Indiana, PA 15701

PhillyBite Magazines Best Lists

How do we choose who is the best? PhillyBite's Best of Philly and regional lists are based on suggestions from our readers and our staff's deep knowledge of the region's cultural history. If you find any errors or have a suggestion of your own. Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff

PA Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places in Philly for great food, entertainment, and more.

Best Pennsylvania Dive Bars