Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Where to Find the Citywide Special

Variations abound
Where to Find the Citywide Special

The Citywide Special has become a Philadelphia institution over the past decade. Traditionally a shot of Jim Beam alongisde a PBR pounder for just $3, variations on the inexpensive beer-and-whiskey combo are now found all over the city. A number of bars have taken credit for popularizing what is now simply referred to as either "The Citywide" or “The Special” but most agree that it was birthed at Bob & Barbara’s... or maybe a different dive bar.

While it’s not quite as widespread as its name suggests (higher-end establishments don’t usually put it on their menus), you’ll be able to satisfy your special craving in almost every neighborhood. Here’s a quick rundown of who’s offering what. (Know another we don't have? Leave us a note in the comments.)

Atlantis: PBR is replaced with a Kenzinger bottle (2442 Frankford Ave.).

The Barbary: Traditional (951 Frankford Ave.).

Barcade: (This only sort of counts) During happy hour, get a pint of craft draft beer with the Beam for $7 (1114 Frankford Ave.).

Bierstube: Narragansett pounder with a shot of Root is the special here (206 Market St.).

Bob & Barbara’s: Traditional – these folks may have started the whole idea, after all (1509 S St.).

Bridgid's: Narragansett is the pounder here (726 N. 24th St.).

Cantina Dos Segundos: The Mexi-version features a can of Tecate with a shot of Sauza tequila (931 N. 2nd St.).

Catahoula: The pounder is Narragansett, $5 with the shot of whiskey (775 S. Front St.).

Dirty Frank’s: Traditional (347 S 13th St.).

The Dive: Traditional (947 E. Passyunk Ave.).

Doobie’s: Sly Fox can takes the place of the PBR and the cost is $5 (2201 Lombard St.).

El Bar: Heaven Hill instead of Jim Beam. Also Kensington Happy Meal includes two hot dogs, a bag of chips, PBR, and a toy for $5 (1356 N. Front St.).

Elena’s Soul Lounge: Traditional (4912 Baltimore Ave.).

Era: Heaven Hill shot and Lionshead bottle instead of the usual (2743 Poplar St.).

Fiume: The Special here costs $4 (229 S 45th St.).

Kung-Fu Necktie: Old Crow is the whiskey shot (1248 N Front St.).

Lloyd Whiskey Bar: Old Grand Dad with Miller High Life for $5 (529 E. Girard Ave.).

Locust Rendezvous: The $2 beer and shot special changes weekly (1415 Locust St.).

London Grill: Traditional PBR pounder with a shot of Old Granddad for $5 (2301 Fairmount Ave.).

Oscar’s: Jack Daniels edges out ole’ Jim as the shot of choice (1524 Sansom St.).

Port Richmond Pourhouse: [Currently Closed] Traditional (2253 E. Clearfield St.).

Queen of Sheba: Traditional (4511 Baltimore Ave.).

Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar: Traditional (1200 E Passyunk Ave.).

WineO: Traditional (447 Poplar St.).

Photo via Flickr user throgers


Tags: Beer, Spirits
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

One of the hottest new cocktail spots to hit the Fishtown neighborhood serves cocktails with no alcohol at all...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 11, 2024
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close