Port Richmond is working class stronghold nestled between Aramingo Avenue and the Delaware River. The area is filled with blue collar Philadelphians and in the tradition of working hard and then relaxing with a cold one, the watering holes are top notch. Here are some places locals grab a drink once quitting time rolls around.
The Crazy Leprechaun
3589 Richmond St.
The Crazy Leprechaun draws crowds with $32.95 all-you-can-eat Alaskan Snow Crabs Wednesday through Sunday nights at the corner of Richmond and Venango streets. Specialty offerings like Kool-Aid and liquor slushies, the orange creamsicle featuring whipped cream-flavored vodka and an array of takes on the classic Long Island Iced Tea keeps said crowds in the seats.
Byrne’s Tavern
3301 Richmond St.
Potato logs (a cousin of the steak fry served with nacho cheese and sour cream) and a perfectly-poured Guinness are many patrons’ favorites at Byrne’s Tavern right off of exit 25 from I-95. The Irish mainstay is set to celebrate its 38th year in Port Richmond. The larger crowds come out for nightly specials including Quizzo for prizes on Thursday nights at 8 p.m.
Donna’s Bar
2732 Allegheny Ave.
There’s plenty of hustle and bustle along Allegheny Avenue by the on ramp to I-95. Tucked quietly in the Polish heart of Port Richmond, situated between a dentist office and a funeral home, Donna’s Bar is a place to grab a beer and fill up on pierogies. In addition to the old-school Polish delicacy, the bar is renowned for its Friday night karaoke as touted by Philly Mag in 2015 as the best in the city .
Cathy’s Crossing
2537 Ontario St.
Can’t kick the habit? Cathy’s Crossing is a no-frills joint with a mom-and-pop lunch counter feel and a permit to smoke indoors. The bar was named in honor of one of the owner’s past life as a crossing guard around the corner. Owners Larry and Cathy Truszkowski note Cathy’s Crossing is the last bar in the neighborhood to offer a pint and an ashtray under the same roof.
Bonk’s Bar
3467 Richmond St.
The staff at Bonk’s Bar takes pride in their quality of seafood, but the bar’s draw goes beyond that. Though under new ownership since the fall, manager Bobby Rea, an Irish expat, continues his (usually) monthly Irish Whiskey night pairing personally selected whiskeys with a dinner menu full of recipes from his mother back home.
“People come in here and Irish Bobby, they know to ask for him,” said bartender Madison Scola.
– Text and photos by Kevin Hayes and Colt Shaw.
Very nice article. Larry & Cathy
The new bar at Gaul and Clementine is a good spot also. Great food, normal people (they’re hard to find anymore).
When are you going to do tje bars on Fishtown? I visit 1 of tje best, if not the best, bar in Fishtown. Its located at the corners of Aramingo and Norris sts. Stop by, you’ll love it !