Ray's Happy Birthday Bar
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Yes, that's its actual name — the owner's father and founder greeted every customer with a "Happy Birthday!" Yes, it's a dive. And yes, it's a true South Philly classic. Unpretentious in the best possible way, Ray's Happy Birthday Bar is a lovable hole-in-the-wall offers dirt-cheap beer and (strong) drinks, live music/open mic/karaoke in a back room, and a photo-covered interior that provides a glimpse into past visitors. Yes, it's super-smoky, but after a couple of beers and a free shot (if it happens to be your birthday), you likely won't care.
Photos: Jared Eberhardt, H. Wechsler
