North Star Bar has done it: best happy hour in the city of Philadelphia. Four reasons: First, 5:30-7:30. Far too many bars cut happy hour at 6pm. It is hard to find many bars that go until 7pm, and North Star even exceeds that. The time slot is excellent. Second, it's available everyday of the week. Understandably, a lot of bars run happy hour during the week, when the need the boost in business the most. North Star bucks the trend again. Third, $.25 wings, and they are good. When you can get two dozen wings for $6, it's surely a decent joint. Lastly, and most importantly, beer. 1/2 off drafts of a good beer selection that is moderately priced in the first place. I had a Rouge Dead Guy, Stone's Arrogant Bastard, Yard's ESA, and Sierra Nevada Pale ale, and they were all $2 or $2.50.
Other than the wings, I've never had food at North Star, and I will assume that it's good, and nothing more. As far as location goes, North Star is a bit off the beaten path, which isn't too bad and makes parking easy to find. Inside, there are a decent amount of tables and a small bar, all with a nice neighborhood bar atmosphere. They recently opened an upstairs dining room that looks really nice. To top it off, the bartender and the waitress were providing great service.
Last but not least, the North Star bar is an excellent venue. They have a mix of all ages and 21+ shows that are usually in the 8 to 12 dollar range. It has a small stage with an upstairs balcony that gives you a great view. They specialize in intimate and cozy shows, and it's great. I've been to a handful of shows here over the last 4 years and always leave thinking how great a spot this is.
Bottom Line: When compared to the best of the city, the North Star Bar does not hold up. But with awesome shows and happy hour filling the week, and it's gritty local attitude, the North Star Bar manages to establish itself as a stable in Philadelphia, especially the north Fairmount/Brewerytown section of the city, which is starved for decent spots. I'm a fan.
Essentials:
2639 Poplar St (27th and Poplar)
(215) 787-0488
Avg Ent: 6-9
Cash Only: No
Reservations: No
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3 comments:
Have you ever thought of giving each place a rating? 8/10, 3.5 stars etc.
The discussion could go something like this. "We have got to check this place out my buddy (a famous food and restaurant critic) gave this place 8 elbows up (just another example)."
North Star Bar is a decent spot, especially for happy hour. For me, it only loses points because of the fierce local competition. I'm usually trying to hit up Bridgid's if I'm in that neighborhood.
I think Guy has an interesting perspective on ratings. I think that can give an impression of a place quickly. But fundamentally, I disagree with the idea of assigning a rating to something as arbitrary as a bar. A rating is a measurement, which is only useful if it is compared to a standard. I'm not sure a standard exists for restaurants and bars.
best happy hour?!! now way...the khyber has got this place beat so bad it hurts. I can't believe you only gave the khyber four stars on yelp and you give the North Star five.
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