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A shot and a beer — which was said to have originated from Bob & Barbara's. Bob & Barbara's, 1509 South St., Wednesday, August 24, 2022
A shot and a beer — which was said to have originated from Bob & Barbara's. Bob & Barbara's, 1509 South St., Wednesday, August 24, 2022Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer

Bob and Barbara’s Lounge

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Bob & Barbara’s is among Philly’s best dives not only for its top-notch live music, that cushiony Naugahyde rail along the bar, and a decades-long drag-show tradition. It also originated the Special, the dirt-cheap shot-and-a-beer combo that spread across the city, hence becoming “the citywide.”

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The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.