Doobies Bar — Restaurant in Philadelphia

This is the worse bar I've been to ANYWHERE. The service is abysmal. You walk in and instantly feel guilty, as though it is your fault for asking for a menu or trying to order drinks. This was my 2nd time at Doobie's and the owner only got worse. After being rude the entire night, we just wanted to leave, but even that was a hassle. The owner disappeared and the only bartender left for at least 10 minutes. Sick of waiting, we calculated the check ourselves and left money on the table (btw, this place is cash only). We were chased down after leaving for "not paying" even though we left money on the table. We went back in, waiting for them to calculate our check (which took forever) only to find out we left the exact right amount (minus any tip, of course). The owner proceeded to get right up in my face and start accusing me of trying to walk out on the check, saying the bartender was there the whole time. If the bartender was there, why didn't she say anything until we were almost 2 blocks away? Not to mention we had at least 5 people in our party to corroborate our story.

Lastly, if you are thinking this is an "affordable" dive bar, go literally anywhere else in center city to find the exact same deals. Draft beers are $5 minimum, but you do get the added bonus of the worst service I've seen in over a decade. This place should be shut down and the owners should never have a career in the service industry again.

Alternatively, check out Monk's Cafe or Ten Stone if you prefer places with good beer, food, and friendly staff.

NEVER GO...

Love the idea of Doobies and have been there about a few times since I recently moved to Philadelphia. The reason I am only giving two stars is because Patti/Patty is very rude and disrespectful. I am in the service industry and always expect exceptional hospitality and have never had the horrible service she gives. After 7 years in the industry I have never met anyone so terrible and hateful to customers who are the ones who bring business to the establishment. Tonight she made my friend take his beer van out of a dirty trash can because he “put it in the wrong one” instead of placing it on the bar. He thought he was being helpful by not leaving his trash on the bar. Next, when I was leaving the bar I was holding the door open waiting for my friend to come out as well and the lady (Patti) proceeds to actually shove my hand and arm off of the door saying I am “making them all cold”. I get that I was mindlessly holding the door open and it is cold out but she could have politely asked my to close the door. The actual bartender/server I had tonight was so nice and even tried to stop my friend saying she would get the can when Patti TOLD him to remove it. I love this place to play some games and have some drinks to relax after work, but I would rather take my money to an establishment that actually respects you and does not treat you horribly. If Patti wasn’t there the bar would be one of the best little dive bars...

I am a fan of the "dive" type bar. Let's get that said now. I like a place where the folks know each other, the space is clean but with no frills or crazy trendy updates, and the bartenders aren't carving ice cubes for each drink. This is a shining example of the genre. I have been to Doobies several times (though I live out of state) and each time, busy or not, I get a warm welcome from a bartender and a drink right away. The locals are very laid back and comfortable in the space and that calm comfort is infectious. I immediately felt at ease, while still being well aware that I was not a local or a favorite (as it should be!!!). The events (like trivia) are lively and welcoming (nearly won, and found regulars were rooting for the upset). The food takes some time but not any more than you'd think, and what I had tasted exactly as i expected. As far as prices, you're in Philly. Nuff said! but they beat several bars in walking distance on beer and that is all I care about. I figure bar food is supposed to taste good and there for you when you stop caring about where you can get it 75 cents cheaper. In short, go, drink, and soak in the experience. It has won awards and...