While driving or walking down Broad Street in South Philly, you might catch glimpses of a disco ball shining every so often when a door opens or the sound of music and laughter while passing one iconic city spot.
That electric enjoyment and noise you hear is courtesy of The Dolphin Tavern.
Known as a spot for locals to hang out, dance, drink, eat and enjoy— something that was hard to come by during COVID times—now, the dive bar meets nightclub has reopened its doors, and Philadelphians have been lining up (literally) to check out what’s going on behind the doors of this curious venue.
“We are thrilled to announce the re-opening of one of South Philly’s most beloved dance clubs,” said FCM’s Special Events Director Neina Langford. “During the shut-down, Dolphin Tavern’s team was working behind the scenes to add to the experience with a new food menu and kitchen, new stage, more programming and other surprises. As a welcome back, we are offering a $1 taco menu for the remainder of the summer. Nothing says summer, celebration and feel-good vibes quite like dollar tacos to add to the party.”
According to a release, after being closed due to the pandemic, Dolphin Tavern returns with theme dance parties, a disco-vibe dance floor, painted murals, quirky wall art and music entertainment. Additionally, locals can now flock to this corner bar before the lights go down for happy hour drinks and quintessential bar bites, including a $1 taco menu. This marks the first-ever food menu that the establishment has ever offered.
The taco menu features four taco options including a vegetarian verdura taco, slow braised suadero, carnitas taco, crispy pork and a classic tinga de pollo taco— all of which come on corn tortillas topped with fresh garnishes. Other menu options now being served up in addition include nachos, chips with salsa or guacamole, burritos (choice of brisket, chicken, veggie or pork carnitas) and quesadillas (add chicken tinga, pork carnitas, or roasted vegetables.) As the “perfect pairing” for dollar tacos, Dolphin Tavern will also offer a special summer happy hour Wednesday to Saturday, from 4 to 7 p.m., with Tecate for $2 and Margaritas (rocks/frozen) for $4 each.
In addition to the food, The Dolphin will also debut more live music acts to their already popular DJ entertainment, quizzo, karaoke and theme night schedule, all through an intimate stage environment. According to the release, Dolphin Tavern has shown an investment into its live music endeavors which can be seen in the structural addition of a stage, and the purchase of the former Boot & Saddle’s sound system. Boot & Saddle, the indie rock venue that permanently closed its doors in November due to the pandemic, was a crucial part of the music scene since 2013 in South Philadelphia. The Dolphin hopes it can help offer local acts, especially indie rock acts, a new, much needed place to call home.
Just a few examples of what audiences can expect in terms of live entertainment coming up includes: BET UNCUT: The Party on July 23, Goodie 106 on July 24, The Early Show featuring Midnight Creeps/Those Troublemakers/Happily Deranged on July 29, Fvture Favorite: A Hyperpop Party on July 30 and more with a full list updated online.
Evenings with The Early Show, featuring rotating local live music acts, are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. with entry cost around $15, depending on acts. Guests can anticipate DJ entertainment and a cover charge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9 p.m. ranging from $5 to $15.
Full special musical acts and performers can be found by visiting DolphinPhilly.com or by visiting their facebook page. Select dates will offer pre-order tickets to accommodate anticipated high demands. To find more information on The Dolphin Tavern (1539 S Broad St.), visit dolphinphilly.com
