Oscar's Tavern

If aliens arrived in Philly and needed to make a copy of a dive bar to send out into the universe, we’d submit Oscars on Sansom Street. You’re not coming to this Center City bar to drink the best cocktails in Philly or to even think highly of yourself. You’re coming here as soon as exes start calling or after sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-76. The bar and booths will be full of regulars who haven't left their seats since Ed Rendell's mayoral term, or maybe a tourist couple who looked up “Philly dive bars.” Bring cash and order one of their famous, potent Long Island Iced Teas.