Pint Sighs: Philadium Tavern
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
A corner bar in shadowns of Chickies and Pete's.
Smoking: No Jukebox/Entertainment: TouchTunes, vintage video poker in the back and a big, green Pennsylvania Lottery machine Bathrooms: Classic gold-swirled South Philly sink and a weird two-toilet situation without a dividing wall Head Count/Tab: Two people, $26.50 before tip: Two screwdrivers, two Heinekens and a roast pork sandwich
Situated just two blocks away from the crab fries and big-screen mecca of South Philly sports watching, Philadium Tavern seems more than comfortable existing in the shadow of Chickie’s and Pete’s. Open since 1978, there’s something about Philadium that feels more wholesome than most corner bars in South Philly. This could have something to do with the two middle-aged bartenders’ Philadium-embroidered polo shirts and shorts, resulting in a vibe more like PE teacher than barkeep. There’s also the cozy fireplace in the back, past the U-shaped bar and a full and far-ranging menu. Sitting at the bar early on a Sunday evening, people are certainly here for football and Yuenglings, but they’re also here to eat. The placemat menus at Philadium list everything from peppers and eggs to seafood platters and liverwurst sandwiches. Their drippy roast pork served on a kaiser roll with slow-braised broccoli rabe and ultra sharp provolone is a serious contender.
“Another free meal at Mom’s tonight?” one of the bartenders asks a regular who is wearing a U.S. Navy aviation jacket and nursing his third Miller Lite. “Nah, but I made tilapia last night,” he replies before launching into the middle-aged dude dinner talk that only happens in South Philly.
PHILADIUM TAVERN | 1631 Packer Ave., 215-271-5220, philadiumtavern.com.
