Dolphin Tavern

Amazing, queer vibes, great people, and a wonderful time. They have themed nights and awesome DJs. There is actually quite a bit of room on the dance floor and there are tables near the front if you want to sit down. Such a great time here!

Went to Lady gaga dance night. It was so freaking hot inside! No air conditioning in the venue in this hot weather. For a $20 door cover, the least you could is put the air conditioning on when its a room of crowded people! Had to leave an hour into it cause you cant breathe 🫠otherwise is a fun time.

If a place is going to charge a cover, the least they should do is have air conditioning. It was cooler outside than it was inside on an 85-degree night. Dance floor was nice at least, but the sign is quite misleading to anyone on the street as billiards are nonexistent and this is not a tavern.

Spent $15 for an abbarama night with some friends and it was quite crowded, hard to dance, and people just kept shoving past my group. Could not go uninterrupted for 5 mins without someone pushing by. Also had a weak and v sour frozen margarita. And then something smelt like it was burning? Weird night but that’s my experience thus far with Dolphin and I had heard so many great things about this place.

Amazing joint. The drinks are fire! Who else has a happy hour with 5 dollar margaritas from 8-10. Best bar and club in the city. Plus their r&b and hip hop nights are to die for. Keep it coming dolphin! Youre the best in Philly!

Stopped by for the 90s rave. Had a great time! Music was fun, place was comfortably full, staff was ok. Crowd was fun too.Tip:There is a coat closet here but theres no attendee. So its available but not secure.

Truly a one of a kind establishment in Philly. The event themes vary night to night but the vibes, drinks, and staff are always consistent. My friends love getting here early for their cheap happy hour and grabbing a good spot on the dance floor.

This place is awesome! The music is great, the bathrooms are clean and the people are courteous and respectful. This my favorite spot in Philly to come and dance I just wish they had more R&B and HipHop nights!

Dolphin Tavern is among the best dive bars in Philly. Over the years it has been various things, including a go-go bar, and the hangout for the sailors when the Navy Yard was still active military. We went there recently to participate in a fundraiser dance to raise money for a canned food drive and had a blast! If you hit the night right, they play fantastic local techno and house music here.

Went for emo night. Small, nice staff. Good drinks. Parking sucks.

First of this place does NOT have go-go dancers—that google description is from years ago before they changed ownership and thats not the point of the place anymore. BUT what the place does now is awesome! It really is halfway between a dive bar and a club. Ive been here for both dance music nights and occasional concerts and its a great space for both. The lights on the walls are classic. Fairly inexpensive and drinks are surprisingly good. One my favorite spots in town.

The best dance spot in south Philly. Check out the club congress and Lindo parties 🔥

Went here for Lean Back night throwbacks of 2000s hip hop and the DJ was on point with the music. But they really need to get better alcohol and more variety. Also the dance floor was ok the bathrooms need an upgrade big time but if you can expand the dancefloor it would be alot better but overall had a good time.

The quality of my evening at Dolphin is always unpredictable. One night, I could be having the time of my life, exchanging smiles with everyone, the square light show in sync with the music, everybody dancing and drinks flowing. I saw Seth Troxler there in 2021 and it was genuinely top 3 best nights of my year. Sometimes you go in there, it stinks, bouncers have a rotten attitude, people pushing and shoving on the dance floor (not in a fun mosh-pit way). I have had many more fun times at dolphin than not. Just know, its a wildcard and you cant let one bad night there ruin all the nights for yourself there. Its definitely very queer-friendly space and worth going to on different niche themed nights.

Didnt have food there so I cant rate that. But everything and everyone were grate.

I love this place. Excellent lineup of events and DJs. Check out their Instagram or website for the calendar. Other reviews say the cover is $5, but I had to pay $10 per person on Friday night. Drinks are on the pricy side considering they are dive bar quality ($10+ even for well drinks) but they do have sugar free Red Bull which I appreciated. Bring your friends and have a good time.

Great nightclub with a great dancefloor and awesome DJs. I love this place! Never change.Certain nights covers can go up to $20-30 for out-of-town talent but its always worth it.

Truly one of the best times dancing ive ever had. Great bartenders, great music and an overall great time

I love the Dolphin, its my favorite night club and a reliably good time. I brought a big crew to go see one of my favorite DJs, and they turned me away because they thought my (legitimate) ID was fake. The bouncer (not the usual one) wouldnt give a good reason why the ID doesnt work, and was honestly very rude and dismissive. I hope that the dolphin hires better security that knows how to welcome their customers.

They scanned my ID then made me wait for 20 minutes and let 10 people in before yelling at me and my friends for being “fire hazards” for not leaving the entrance. When they finally let us in it was clear that the place was half empty despite the line at the door and had 3 guys to every 10 girls. I guess that’s profitable? The music was questionable, the dance floor small (the whole room). For the size they would be better off as a a dive bar. Thanks for the flashing lights though?

Ive been here twice and its fun if you plan on just dancing and not talking because this place is insanely loud. The first time I was here, it was for an hour and I left partially deaf with ringing ears. I had to, legitimately, bring ear plugs for some relief. Im sure Ill go back cos why not, with free covers, and hopefully when I do there with be a decent DJ playing good music. Its not bad, the music, just nothing Id get down to regularly. Drinks were fine, havent had a problem with that yet.

I was there regularly before the new ownership years ago and then shortly after they reopened under the new ownership. I did have a nice time there five years ago but the prices were high for a dive bar however they did have male and female go-go dancers, good bartenders and it was crowded as its a smaller size bar that goes back further lengthwise towards the dancefloor. It seems a LGBTQ friendly bar.

Ive been here many, many times. Friday I went and the bouncer denied then tried to take my sisters ID - I asked him if he had scanned it, and had said he did but later contradicted that statement. I purchased several tickets in advance and was refused a refund.

One of my favorite places in philly to go out dancing. Cover is always reasonable (or on Wednesday, nonexistent) and the place has a cool throwback vibe, with djs spinning everything from house to goth to old breakbeat and funk hits. Really convenient location next to the Broad Street line and several busses. Staff is always welcoming and the $1 hot dogs are proof god exists and she loves us all equally.

This is my favorite spot. Easily. But it’s astonishing, the service you get if they think you’re drunk.

Ive been to the Dolphin more times than I can count. Not only can I recommend it to anyone in South Philly, but its worth the trip using the Broad St line. Every week, I check The Dolphins website for the upcoming parties, which vary from a drag extravaganza to a surprise big name in techno (e.g., Seth Troxler--squee).I like room to dance, so I show up early or late. The weeknight parties are just my style. $5 cover usually. And I love to people watch. The crowds vary, but theres always a casual, stylish vibe. Couples kissing on the dance floor, head nodders, and a sprinkling of boisterous dancers (wear sensible shoes).I have to give a shout out to Will who is the manager who helped me when someone walked away with my coat. He scoured every inch of the place and then paid for an Uber, so I wasnt cold walking home. And I believe him when he said hed call if the coat was returned.Does this story sour my feelings about The Dolphin? Hell, no. Im not naive. I brought my ugliest, ill fitting jacket. And I kept all my belongings on my person (itd be bananas to leave something in a jacket with no coat check).One incident after attending maybe 100 parties over the years cements my love for this place.

I JUST walked into this bar and not 5minutes later Im walking out. Honestly its not the kind of place you want to be for a fun night out. A friend and I both went up to the bar and off the bat the Male bartender was rude he didnt listen to our orders, then once he finally PAYED ATTENTION he thought he wouldnt notice him NOT adding the liquor to the drinks. When I confronted him he took the drinks and never refunded my money. The dance floor probably had 3 customers and then the rest were security trying to dance with you.

Ive only been to this place a few times, but Ive always had fun here every time Ive gone. Its a bit of a small place, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere. This place is always super busy on the weekends. Hit this place up if you want to dance. Its pretty loud inside, so dont go here if youre looking for a quiet night out.

I really appreciate the weeknight events the Dolphins been having and especially the 9pm start time and affordable entry fee. I can finally go out on a Wed or Thurs night and hear and dance to the best and diverse DJs in the city . Thanks for making my week nights so much fun! 😎🕺😎

The Dolphin has a really great dance floor! They have fog machines, disco ball, strobe light, and more! The walls of the dance area are floor to ceiling led color panels, so the walls pulse different color patterns to the music, which is crazy cool. The bar is expensive with a single beer running you around $5. But theres no cover charge. Definitely a place you go to dance!

Honestly. Ive loved this place for years. Always had a good time. I wish I could gIVe five stars. But. Tonight. It was awful. I dont think they played a good song from 9-12am. It was my friends birthday so I asked if they would do something. Because multiple other djs have. But Elvin and Jada said HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA YOU THINK WELL PLAY YOUR LITTLE SONG. YOU THINK WELL BRING YOUR FRIEND ONSTAGE? OKAY COOL. I said thank you. And thay said JUST KIDDING. WE DONT CARE ABOUT YOUR FRIEND AND OUR PLAYLIST IS SET. PLEASE GO HOME.... My friends and I have drank here for 9 years. We will not any longer. Thanks.

They discriminated against me because I was transgender.. the bouncer was very violent and rude and told me ‘my kind was not welcome’ yeah… I was also shocked…

Great venue pre-covid, but everything has gone downhill since. Theres one bartender that has the worst attitude, sucks at pouring drinks, and changes the cost of drinks everytime I go. Seriously, get your staff in check and spend more time training ppl on how to do their jobs.

This place is basically a lousy dive but they occasionally host events that my friends enjoy so I go there with them. I would never go here voluntarily. Its just a railroad style jawn with a bar up front and a dance floor in the back. The light up walls on the dance floor add a kitschy vibe, but you could get better atmosphere and cheaper booze a hundred other places.

This place is the biggest waste of time I’ve ever been to, they play the same beat over and over again with no change in cadence or Rythm. Not worth the time or the cover they make you pay.

Man I used to have some good times dancing at the Dolphin... Now though its just sad. I almost hate to say it because you know, nostalgia, but the place was nearly empty at 11:30 on a Saturday and the DJ was playing barely tolerable 90s catwalk music; totally undancable. I wish it was still a cool scene.Edit: just read other reviews, its weird you can see it started getting creepy and terrible (even was reminded that people get regularly roofied here) about 2 years ago. Rough.

The bouncers forced everyone to stand in a thunderstorm and didn’t let anyone into the lobby or foyer for over a half hour while they were well below capacity. ten dollar cover wasn’t worth it so we didn’t even go inside. could have been okay if the bouncers weren’t so aggressive and rude.

I love this place. So much. I come every weekend. But their Covid protocols have been confusing and staff has been downright rude. The website of dolphin says that to get in, a “vaccine card or a selfie of you getting the shot will do”. We had a whole debacle of if the vaccine card or the selfie counted even though their website says so. We were denied admission and management said “oh well” even after showing them what their website said. If you’re going to very clearly make a requirement on your website, staff should follow it. It was a bummer to Uber there following the website Covid protocols and then be denied for a reason that was never listed. Just such a buzzkill. We left obviously but I really do love dolphin. Just… if your website says something follow it or take it down!!! So confusing and ridiculous

They over-sell tickets. Impossible to move and get drinks. It felt unsafe.

Its a dive bar that is only open from 9pm-2am. It is iconic with dark lighting, but cheap in price and they made a good drink. Would definitely recommend going at least once.

Went with my real ID they said it was fake and didn’t have reasons, bouncer threatened my friend with punching her.

I had a good time here. Bartender cursed out my whole friend group for not tipping when we were tipping all night. Not sure what his problem was but other than that it was a good experience

$1 PBR late night happy hour to get you in the door. Its usually pretty empty at that point so enjoy the vinyl and company of your bartender.

Great place to go out and dance with friends but the music is hit or miss

Bouncer threatened my friend with punching her after she asked why one of our friends wouldn’t get let in. Rude and dismissive

Superdope venue for intimate concerts. Great drink selection, too. If you dont like this bar, then you really shouldnt be hitting up dive bars in the first place.

Dang I hope its not closed forever... hopefully its just a winter/covid thing. I dont know any other places to dance in south PhillyEdit: 😢😢 I sure hope so

Well, not what the Google reviews said it is. I think it’s a strip club. Went in to have a drink and we’ll…it’s not for this 50 year old guy. :)

Seemed pretty gay friendly inside, walking up to the bar/club we were heckled. Inside was dope, music was fannnntastic. Super crowded though.

Intimate during the week, ultimate dance party Friday & Saturday nights, LGBTQxxx on Sundays. Anything goes social scene with worldwide award winning producers & DJs spinning. Carries Ruby Redbird.#club #nightclub #philadelphiaclub #philadelphiafriday #philadelphiasaturday #philadelphiasunday #happyhour #DJ #rubyredbird #lgbtq #southphiladelphia #beer #dratfs #tecate #coors #whiskey

Cool bar, but Ive heard they have a problem with people getting roofied. Also I think I left my credit card there and they never returned my calls.

Best music nights in the city, bar none. Cheap and nice drink options. Nice efficient staff.

Imagine being in your weird uncles basement, but he charges you for the beer. Thats what this place is like. I feel like the bar is about to fall over at any moment.

This place rules. Dark bar and good music/food.

Prob my fave spot in Philly!!! I love going here with my friends and always have a spectacular time.

Awesome dance floor. Bar placement was very efficient. Bartenders were cool and nice

Fun place to get some dancing in with a bar vibe near the entry and a somewhat trance-like vibe towards the back of the club.

Bad vibes. Yelled at my friend, put some super drunk girl in time out outside….walk in walk out kinda vibe.

Not big on all that dancing stuff. But Murph is the man and 8-10 happy hour is killer.

Good drinks, affordable, space is too small though and gets crowded easily

Music is way too loud for the size this place is. My ears havent stopped ringing since I been here. Thanks for the tinnitus.

You may not know this...but this spot turns into a semi-divey nightclub in the night time. Excellent for cheap thrills.

Great bar, amazing staff

This place is OK, cheap drinks decent djs depending on the night of the week

I Like its my first time i enjoy with dance thanks Evry bady

Very fun and the music is always awesome

Hipster haven. They have dope parties. Shout out to dj Dame Luz.

This place looks awesome, I’m gonna go

Really cool dive bar with an awesome dance floor ^-^

Updated review: I had one bad experience, but several positive ones.

Didnt get in but their ig stories look dope!

This place is lit every weekend and Halloween couldnt get any better...thanks to dolphin tavern

Music is on point at this place. Create visuals for DJs also!

Will not be returning.

Great place expect the bouncer

Chill place for dancing and cheap drinks

I miss this place but i need u girlfriend

Come to dance and drink tecates

Weird, divey, dancey, awesome

The best night of my life

Expensive cover, bad music, dirty

Just a place to grab a cold one.

Fun little hipster dive bar

Hot bartenders

Grate place to dance

I enjoy their service

Did I Z

Love it here

Absolute blast

Ok

They lit!!!

If you say it, Urbano, I believe it.

Good place to go to live

YAAAAS 😻😻