Cherry Street Tavern Philadelphia PA – A Neighborhood Local For Over 100 Years

While some people may call any local bar a “corner bar” - the Cherry Street Tavern is the real deal, located on the corner of Cherry Street and North 22nd Street since 1905. Mod Betty and Retro Roadhusband made this their go-to en route home from Secret Cinema movies, and we make an excuse to go back there any time we can. We totally groove on the historic decor, beer selection on tap and oh, those delicious sandwiches!

First licensed as a bar over 100 years ago, it was turned into a barber shop during Prohibition, but luckily the antique bar and backbar were reinstalled after Repeal Day.

Owned for years by local footballer John “Tex” Flannery, the tavern has been in the capable hands of the Loughery brothers (Bill and Bob) since 1990. They’ve kept this Logan Square local true to its roots by keeping things very much the same  (though I'm happy to report the tiled trough below the bar's brass footrails is now just a historic touch!)

The wood paneled walls add a warmth to the dining room, and there's a jukebox that was playing The Kinks when I last visited (nice touch!). They’ve got a respectable selection of rotating draft beers to choose from, but what makes this friendly neighborhood watering hole extra special is the fact that they serve food as well.

The Cherry Street Tavern has a small menu of hot and cold sandwiches, chili and hoagies, but trust me and get one of their hot roast beef sandwiches. The Loughery brothers introduced these sandwiches in the 1970s when they started working here, and they're delicious.

OMG there's like an aura of wonderfulness radiating from this tray (sorry veg pals)

Thinly sliced beef roasted daily, piled on a kaiser roll, dunked in juice, add cheese and or horseradish if you like, a spicy pickle on the side and you're all set. NOM.

Not too hungry? Mod B loves the crackers and cheese plate - Ritz crackers just like her dad liked. They also make their own long hots.

While Mod Betty hails from the city with the bar where "Everybody Knows Your Name", in Philly this is one of the places she'd be honored to call her local, and be confident in sending visitors to.

And with all of the construction of new places here in the city, she's extra glad this 100 year old tavern is holding its own. So if you're looking for an authentic vintage bar to belly up to in Philly, tell the folks at Cherry Street that Retro Roadmap recommended them to you!