Art In Bars

Might I suggest a Cocktail?

It had been quite some time since I had last been to Oscar’s Tavern. The first time it’s reputation had preceded itself. I had several friends who worked as hostesses in various Rittenhouse restaurants through college, and it’s where they used to go after work to relax. And by relax I mean [retracted]. I think I have been twice before, because my previous apartment had two different paper place mats stuck to it with magnets. When I think of Oscars I think of their place mats – completely sincere un-ironic vintage paper place mats with throw back drink suggestions. If these mats were plunked down in front of you at some modern “retro” place it would be a desperate scream of KITSCH, but at Oscar’s it’s just that they’ve used the same paper supplied for decades. I don’t even think you could order a pink lady at Oscar’s if you wanted one. Perhaps it’s not that innocent though – I have seen at least four different designs.

Wings - hot sauce and blue cheese served on the side

Oscar’s is the polished center city dive bar. All the components are in place: oldhead regulars, whatcha have hon waitresses, shockingly cheap drinks (the giant 23oz $3 lager is a staple) and greasy bar food to sop it up. It is dark and narrow, and festooned with local sports paraphernalia. The booths are worn but not shabby. Golly, they even still allow smoking, if that’s your thing. All the elements are there but there’s no threat of ick or disappointment. Perhaps it’s the location – so centralized there are bound to be loads more partiers stopping in to pregame than actual local barflies to support the business.

The Bar and daylight

Rittenhouse is a tony neighborhood bordering a business district – anyone who lives around there is more likely to patron the more high-end establishments, leaving Oscars to the transient restaurant workers who come in after long shifts late at night and the fickle destination drinkers of Friday and Saturdays. I like Oscar’s but I don’t love Oscar’s. If I’m in the neighborhood I’m happy to stop in if someone suggests it. I can’t think of another successful dive in the area.¬† It can get crowded, especially on the prime going out nights, because Oscar’s is no secret; it’s as well known as Rouge or Nodding Head, a venerable institution of the area. It’s certainly a great affordable option in the neighborhood – probably the best. But I’m not leaving my local watering hole to come visit.

Oscar's Tavern

Oscar’s Tavern
1524 Sansom St