BY Olivia Kram
Oct. 09, 2024
Eagles game days in Philly are beautiful things, aren’t they? The ability to park your keister in some cozy bar for three-plus hours while drinking beer and eating bar food among fellow citizens of Birds Nation is, next to seeing the team play in person at the Linc just off the 50-yard line, the sweetest of game-day pleasures.
You may already have your own favorite Birds-watching hang. Or, you might be tired of waiting in line to get into the same old, same old sports bar / Irish pub. You may even be in the mood for something that feels more … you. The Philadelphia Citizen is here to help.
Below, 12 Philly breweries, taprooms, dives, refined refuges and “here for the snacks” spots for every vibe.
Figure: Courtesy of Attic Brewing Company via Facebook.
Craving the feeling of a tailgate without having to brave the crowds at The Linc? Or simply prefer the fresh air and a dose of plant life? Attic Brewing Co. — one of The Citizen’s 12 Philadelphia breweries that do good — hosts a weekly Eagles watch party with all of the above and then some.
Watch the game on the big screen, jam out to tunes from a DJ, and win prizes. Plus, you can feel great about spending your time and money here: Attic has donated thousands to local schools and nonprofits, and even gives its spent grain to nearby gardens, farms and bakeries. 137 Berkley Street
Neighborhood: Germantown
Vibe: Shabby-chic beer garden meets cantina. Play lawn games or grab a board game for some added entertainment. (Indoor seating too.)
Food and drink: Snacks from rotating food trucks. And Attic Brewing Co.’s locally brewed craft beer — 14 on tap.
Two Locals Brewing.Brothers Mengistu and Richard Koilor’s University City brewery earns props for its Nubian Brown ale, Prolific Hazy IPA and laid back vibes. On all Saturday and Sunday football game days — not just during Eagles’ games — they charge $5 for lagers and $10 for Bird Gang Whiskey sours. The spot’s officially on Drexel’s campus, but it’s definitely not a college-only crowd. 3675 Market Street
Neighborhood: University City
Vibe: A few big screens, with bigger windows overlooking Market Street, the vibe here is chill and friendly — especially if you’re cheering on the owners’ favorite hometown NFL team.
Food and drink: The cider’s not too sweet, the Nubian Brown is rich and satisfying, and the made-on-premises hoagies come from Liberty Kitchen.
Figure: Craft Hall. Photo by Stephanie Ramones.
Want to make watching the game a family outing without rubbing elbows with the drunken college crowd? Try this family-friendly Delaware Ave. staple. Pool, shuffleboard, skeeball, arcade games are worth the extra $ to keep the kids entertained (plus an actual playground, indoors, with a pirate theme) while you post up and watch the Eagles game on the big screen. 901 N. Delaware Avenue
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Vibe: There’s a little dash of everything at this expansive refurbished warehouse — even for dogs, who can hang out at Unleashed, the bar’s hybrid dog park / beer garden.
Food and drink: Yummy twists on classic Southern BBQ fare include brisket cheesesteak eggrolls, smoked BBQ pizza and jalapeno corn fritters. Mainstay Independent brews a dozen or so house pours, including Penn’s Wood pale ale and Bowline IPA.
Figure: Big Rube’s signature cheesesteak.
Frequent The Citizen readers know our go-to guy for insider knowledge on Philadelphia mainstays: chef, photographer, iconic brand builder and Citizen contributor Reuben “Big Rube” Harley. To sample some of his fare, head to just-divey-enough Pitcher’s Pub where he operates Chef Big Rube’s Kitchen. 4326 Main Street
Neighborhood: Manayunk
Vibe: Manayunkers looking to find some shelter from the St. Joe’s crowd and much louder JD McGillicuddy’s. Feels kinda like Cheers.
Food and drink: Chef Big Rube has mastered classic pub and comfort food. His fried chicken is always the best, but lately, people have been into his halal cheesesteak.
Figure: Figo on an Eagles game day.
Fancy an espresso martini and spicy rigatoni while you watch the Birds? Figo Ristorante offers an elevated Eagles game watching experience. Game day specials include bottomless mimosas and a DJ that plays through commercial breaks to keep the momentum going. Plus, take your pick from indoor or outdoor viewing. 1033 N. 2nd Street
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Vibe: Swanky indoor and outdoor bar with twinkling lights and pinkies out (while you sip your mimosa, of course).
Food and drink: Sunday brunch includes traditional breakfast options plus Italian-American antipasti, paninis, pasta and specialty pizza. Pair your dish with a selection from the lengthy cocktail and wine menu.
Sure, this Main Street spot has Jawn in its name, but that doesn’t mean it’s Philly in the way of someone might flip a table if Hurts throws an interception. Bar Jawn is small, and much better suited for casual viewers who are at least as interested in the Italian comfort food as, if not the final score, then whatever down it is. 4247 Main Street
Neighborhood: Manayunk
Vibe: Part elevated dive bar, part Italian bistro with a prominently displayed “Go Birds” neon sign to snap a game-day Insta-pic next to.
Food and drink: Feeling Philly? Have a cheesesteak and Old Bay cheese fries. Feeling South Philly? Order the chicken parmesan, rigatoni alla spicy vodka and or almost Italian chicken Caesar salad nachos. Go full on Mediterranean vacay-mode with an aperol spritz on the side — or opt for the budget-friendly “Jawnwood” beer, a $4 collab with Kenwood.
Figure: The Post at Cira Garage.
Look, you can’t beat Philly college-crowd institutions like Cavanaugh’s and McGillin’s. But capacity limits are real, and maybe you and your crew are looking for a little more breathing room — and not to have to wait practically an entire quarter to get a drink. This University City watering hole shows the game on 11 screens and serves discounted Hoop Tea and Bud Light. 129 S. 30th Street
Neighborhood: 30th Street Station
Vibe: Airy beer hall decorated with local teams’ regalia. Decompress before or after that big matchup with pool tables, air hockey and skeeball.
Food and drink: Try one of their many burger options or sharable finger food with a trendy cocktail on the side.
Warm up on game day with a toasty bowl of pho and watch the Birds win on wall-to-wall TVs. Bar-Ly seriously dips into global cuisines, with a menu that offers Vietnamese classics, Tex-Mex dishes and classic American fare. Pro tip: Book a table in advance; this popular bar fills up fast. $40 minimum spend per person. Call or text (267) 571-9795 to reserve your spot. 101 N. 11th Street
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Vibe: Handsome sports bar aura meets Chinatown with a huge bar and high ceilings.
Food and drink: Please your whole party with food from around the world and 60 different drinks on tap.
Figure: Tacos at Sancho Pistola’s.
For folks who are tired of the stereotypical tailgate food, mix it up by opting for a south of the border approach. Sancho Pistola’s offers game-day specials on food and drink. This bar is an especially good choice for fans who actually want to hear the calls. They crank up the sound, so you won’t have to guess why a yellow flag was thrown. 19 W. Girard Avenue
Neighborhood: Fishtown
Vibe: Laid-back, no-nonsense corner bar with indoor and outdoor seating and a less boisterous approach to the game watching.
Food and drink: Game-day specials include discounted taquitos, fried Oaxaca cheese curds, discounted well drinks, cocktails and beer.
Figure: Tabu. Photo by Jeff Fusco.
Looking for an LGBTQ+ inclusive space on game day? While there are plenty of places to catch the Birds in the Gayborhood, Tabu is the neighborhood’s favorite sports bar. Watch them play downstairs, then head up to dance on the second floor — or get some fresh air on the third-floor roof deck. It’s the perfect place to spend your whole, entire Sunday. 254 S. 12th Street
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Vibe: Ideal for sports fans who also like to get down at the club.
Food and drink: Pick something off of their short but sweet menu which includes vegan and omnivore sandwiches, salads, wraps and snacks Grab a $4 Coors Light draft or Miller Lite bottle, or a $7 Stoli special.
If you have a group of friends divided into sports fans and folks who couldn’t care less about football, try going to a crowd-pleasing upscale bowling alley that doubles as a concert venue. With no cover charge and plenty of food and drink specials, this spot is perfect for big friend groups who want something to do while they watch the game. Ensure you snag a spot by reserving one. Email [email protected]. 1009 Canal Street
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Vibe: Trendy bowling alley (no funky patterned carpet or claw machines to be found) with a full bar.
Food and drink: Game-day specials include $1 wings and discounted finger foods, plus cheap 12-ounce cocktails.
South Jersey fans are a huge part of Eagles nation. Are you a Jerseyan looking to celebrate the Iggles in the city they call home — but don’t want to pay exorbitant parking fees — or drive after you’ve had a few lagers? Locust Rendezvous (lovingly referred to by patrons as “The Vous”) is literally steps from the 15th/16th and Locust PATCO stop. Get there early because this joint is small and fills up with regulars fast. 1415 Locust Street
Neighborhood: Center City
Vibe: Classic dive bar with well-loved-booths nestled cozily in the city’s hustle and bustle.
Food and drink: Tailgate favs like Buffalo wings and chili, plus breakfast served till midnight — all at affordable prices.
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