Bob & Barbara’s Lounge: Philly’s Iconic Drag Show, Jazz & Citywide Bar

Bob & Barbara's Lounge, at Broad & South Street, is a historic Philly nightlife treasure since 1969. Famous for its longest-running drag show, weekend jazz, and originating The Citywide drink (PBR + Jim Beam), it's a vibrant, always-full bar.

Sitting at the junction of Broad and Philadelphia’s renowned South Street (and West one block) is Bob & Barbara’s Lounge. Featuring the city’s lengthiest running drag show (every Thursday evening with Miss Lisa Lisa), founders of Philly’s infamous “Citywide” and standing host to Jazz triads every weekend break, Bob & Barbara’s has been the area to be for over half a century.

The Legendary Citywide Drink

The Citywide, at Bob & Barbara’s recognized simply as “The Unique,” is the signature drink of Philly. From the highest-class hotel to the greasiest dive, bartenders know exactly what you indicate. There’s some versatility in between areas– in some cases the beer or coming with shot modifications. At Bob & Barbara’s they remain true to the original Unique; a container of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam, supplied together. Bob & Barabara’s tale attributes it to Rick D, whose portrait hangs by the front door. The tale goes that required an unique to maintain customers coming back; initially for just one evening’s program, but then again the next, and so forth and more. The remainder is history.

Resting at the crossway of Broad and Philly’s famous South Street (and West one block) is Bob & Barbara’s Lounge. Opened up by the name pair in 1969, the lounge stays among the treasures of Philly’s night life. Including the city’s longest running drag show (every Thursday night with Miss Lisa Lisa), owners of Philly’s notorious “Citywide” and standing host to Jazz trios every weekend, Bob & Barbara’s has been the area to be for over half a century.

The bar has only had one various other owner because Bob & Barbara’s, and the place reveals no indication of reducing down.

Vibrant Atmosphere & History

Bench is humble from the outdoors, snug on a block of independent restaurants, bars, and various other organization– however it illuminate the road after dark, and when the door fractures open, music and mirrored neon light flood the street. On the weekends, there are lines comprised of folks of every ages, waiting on the baby bouncer to check IDs and swing them with. The bar is always full, and the group circles the spotlit band, cautious not to lean on the antique organ. On Thursdays, they wait for Miss Lisa Lisa– her show the signal that the weekend has almost gotten here.

The bar has just had one other proprietor given that Bob & Barbara’s, and the place shows no sign of slowing down. Sprinkling the antique signage and vintage light fixtures are documents of the lounge’s background– photos of Bob & Barbara themselves, well-known Jazz artists, also an old article or 2 about the revelation of the Citywide.