SUPER BOWL REMATCH - THE BAR BATTLE Football Is Over, Now Which Town Has the Best Dive Bar?

They will toast to victory in Philly and drown their sorrows in Boston. The Eagles were a 4.5 underdog in Super Bowl LII, but went ahead and won the game outright 41-33. Surely Brady was deflated after the loss. It was reported that the husband of supermodel Gisele Bündchen, didn’t shake the hand of Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, after the game – perhaps Tom was in a rush for the pub?

Football fans everywhere are still perplexed as to why Bill Belichick AKA “The Hoody,” didn’t let starting Patriots defensive back Malcom Butler play a single defensive snap. Halftime performer Justin Timberlake said it best, “cry me a river.”

“Win or lose, we still booze,” is the battle cry in Philadelphia and Boston. Regardless of allegiance, here are quality watering holes in both Super Bowl cities.

Philly


Bob and Barbara's Lounge, 1509 South Street
Since 1969, Bob and Barbara's Lounge has been a go-to. This gem claims ownership and creation of the "Citywide Special," a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam. It don’t get anymore Philly than that.



The El Bar, 1356 N. Front Street Dive bars are the best bars. This place has it all: karaoke on Mondays at 9 p.m., live jazz on Tuesdays at 8 p.m., open mic on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and something both Eagles and Patriots agree on – happy hour Monday thru Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.


Ray's Happy Birthday Bar, 1200 E. Passyunk Avenue This spot is on Philly holy ground – Ray’s is not far from world famous Geno's and Pat's Steaks. Ray’s has been around for 75 years, which must mean something. There is weekly and monthly entertainment such as karaoke by DJ Lars, open mic nights, comedy, live music and more. And of course, come in on your birthday and receive a free drink (ID required) – there’s never a cover either, never.


Beantown


Sullivan's Tap, 168 Canal Street Since 1933, “Sully's” has been the official watering hole for before and after Boston Garden (TD Garden) basketball, hockey and concerts. The price is right here, a Jameson and ginger is $6, Captain and coke is $6.25, Rolling Rock is $3 and PBR is $3 also.


The Tam, 222 Tremont Street “Pleasantness not guaranteed,” is a credo here. It’s one of those places where the bartenders are characters and don’t take sh*t from anyone. This place cranked the sound for the presidential debates and bar goers shouted, “Melania! Blink twice if you want us to save you!” And just when you didn’t think you could love this dive bar anymore, Justin Beiber has been here. Yes, it gets the standard of approval from The Beebs.


Brick & Mortar, 567 Massachusetts Avenue Prime location in Central, this is a quality spot to start and end the evening. It’s a flashback to prohibition days, it is an unmarked bar. Quality drinks at Brick & Mortar include White Mercedes Coupe, Daiquiri Time Out and The Disco Nap. Join the Cambridge folks and try to get to the bottom of it, “where did it go wrong in Minnesota?”

These two cities are separated by 300 miles, but it’s the Vince Lombardi Trophy that is the clear difference this year. The Lombardi went to Philly.

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