togie Joe's Passyunk Tavern is a place for cheap bites and good times with the neighborhood crowd. Staff Photo By Greg Bezanis
William Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." Certain neighborhood pubs and taverns remind me of a play in progress with an amusing and diverse cast of characters, especially if conversation is encouraged, no one is watching the TV on mute, and the jukebox decibel level is just right.
Stogie Joe's Passyunk Tavern is a local stage. I had so much fun watching its players, chatting with patrons and Katie, the affable, petite barkeep, the so-so food did not matter. Three young men with enough body art to qualify them for the next production of "The Illustrated Man" were drinking Heinekens from the bottle, alternated with shots of Johnny Walker Black. An elderly, quiet, white-haired, blue-eyed man plucked from a Norman Rockwell painting and in a red plaid flannel shirt sipped a whisky neat, while a middle-aged couple pretended they were in Paris. From time to time, they went outside to hug and kiss under the street lights.
Edward and I could not believe a good-sized martini was just $5.25. I almost fell off the bar stool. As we sipped, I also saw a family tucking into a pizza, a man arrived for takeout while the illustrated men were kibitzing with nearly everyone in the place. (One asked me to dance.)
Unfortunately, the clams casino ($10) were not clams casino. Six top necks were coated with a thick layer of bread crumbs and cheese. I could see tiny specks of bacon, but could barely taste them. The dish was made with whole clams and minced onion and peppers topped with small slices of bacon, and run under the broiler.
Edward tried the hot-and-sweet sausage ($8), which was rather strange because they arrived cut up and were black as charcoal. The barbecue sauce did little for the flavor of the sausages, which were overcooked and dry.
The large Caesar salad ($7) on the other hand was not too bad. The romaine was cold, crisp and fresh-tasting. The dressing was creamy and nicely seasoned, but I'm not sure if ground anchovies were used in its preparation. The dish was big enough to share and arrived in an ersatz wooden bowl.
As we noshed our salad, a gentleman about 60 years old slid onto the stool next to me. He ordered a glass of chianti, and we chatted for the rest of the night.
Linguine with white clam sauce ($13) has always been a favorite of mine. Unfortunately, the pasta was overcooked, but the whole and chopped clams were tasty and not a bit rubbery. I thought the sauce could have used a little more sauteed garlic and onions, but a sprinkling of hot pepper flakes added zest.
Edward and I shared a pint of Yards ($4) because it tastes terrific and we like to support locals and their products. The price also was agreeable.
The half-rack of barbecued ribs ($9) was OK. They had that boiled flavor and the pork fell from the bone. The sauce was light, but I prefer Tennessee- and North Carolina-style dry rub ribs. It would have been nice to munch some coleslaw or fries.
The food at Stogie Joe's Passyunk Tavern needs some work. I read Kristian Leuzzi is the owner, and I have nothing but fond memories of his superb cucina at Kristian's, his authentic Italian trattoria. All he has to do is give his cooks at Stogie's some pointers.
Still, I can't remember a more fun-filled evening at a local pub. The drinks were well-made and downright cheap. The company was the hit of the evening. It was a fine curtain going up in South Philly.
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1. J. DeFrancesco said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 06:21AM
“I've eaten there on several occasions and I think the food is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The tender ribs are some of the best I have ever had! You should try the homemade soups, stromboli and meatballs! The prices are great too. What about the pizza? It's the best around.”
2. loraneely said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:22AM
“But they have beer right? They'll do fine! It's fun to see the neighborhood grow and change.”
3. Tommy said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:30AM
“The food is great, the company is great, the drinks are great. Best Pizza and stromboli in South Philly.”
4. bigredmachine said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:33AM
“The food at Stogie Joe's is great........this person has no clue about food”
5. bigredmachine said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:35AM
“Along with Great Food and cheap drinks Joey and Alice do Quizzo on Tuesday nights..........drink specials and prizes......this tuesday theme will be tv shows..................”
6. Anna said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:41AM
“BBG sausage receipe has been a Tavern tradition for the last (at least) 40 years. Many generations of South Philadelphia locals love those little nuggets. My favorites are the homemade soups and Friday night specials especially the crab gravy. The meatballs are delicious. It is always an enjoyable experience to dine or just hang out in the Tavern. ”
7. bigredmachine said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:43AM
“Tuesday night Quizzo............”
8. bigredmachine said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:47AM
“ Did anyone try the BBQ Pulled Pork?.......................WOW”
9. Nikki said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 08:58AM
“Next time your there try the stoggie joe stromboli! You'll be impressed. I live a block away from there and order all the time. The stromboli and the house salad. Perfect match as well as plently for lunch the next day. Compared to the other "pubs" around passyunk ave. Stoggie joes is by far the best! ”
10. L DiRenzo said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 10:43AM
“I am extremely dissatisfied with your current reveiw on Stogie Joe's Tavern. As a frequent patron of this tavern I have only good things to share. I have two young boys, ages 4 and 8 ,that pester me every friday night to attend. If you like homestyle comfort food then this is your place. I think french fries and cole slaw might work for churches chicken, but for this to be a low point on this establishment shows me there isnt a concrete negative to write on. As far as the menu goes whats not to like. The house salad is to die and one of the city's best. As for the barbecued sausage goes, you have obviously never experienced such a treat. This particular style and flavor of the barbecued treat smothered in the tangy and sweet sauce has become a staple in the south philly community. Lets talk pizza, the white with hot sausage is off the charts and the red is my kids favorite. The mussels red are a must as well as the clams white. Lets not forget the nightly specials, for example the parmesan crusted tilipia which I still can't stop talking about. For a neighborhood establishment the staff and owners treat you as their own, a real warm feeling that you'll never get in all these over priced center city restaurants. Maybe you should have your taste buds checked and revisit when feeling better !! ”
11. Jim Cain said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 10:45AM
“I absolutely LOVE Stogie Joe's... The food is incredible, the drinks are amazing and the owners are the nicest people.. The atmosphere is SO much fun. I encourage everyone to try Stogie Joe's... I guarantee you will fall in love with the place and eventually call it your home bar... See you there!!! ”
12. Dan Joyce said... on Mar 19, 2009 at 05:35PM
“First i want 2 say that STOGIE JOE'S is one of the BEST place on Passyunk Ave, from the food, the drinks the people.....ITS ALL AMAZING....2nd don't get ur review, You talk about calms casino and say there's bacon in it or on it...um no....I eat there several times a week and one of my favorite thing 2 to order and can assure u there is no "bacon" on it...So dont know if ur confused?....The salads are great...The sausage is great and is a staple of the place...If u dont get it then, thats on you....As far the pasta, always cooked to perfection, as r all the sauces and gravy....The Ribs cant get enough....If u want fries and salw, Poepye's is on broad....maybe u should go there....The Pizza and Stromboli are the absolute BEST I have ever tasted....From the food on the Menu on a daily bases, to the specials each week I have never, ever, ever had a bad or "so so" meal there...Stogies is place where everyone knows ur name, welcomes you, and serves amazing food at amazing prices...Have recommended the place 2 family and friends and all have love STOGIE JOE'S....So in my review, keep everything just the way it is because everything is absoluetly amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! So to everyone at the tavern keep up the great work because on the nites i'm there and the place is packed....Umm i would say u all, r doinf one hell of a job!!!!!!!”
13. Jamie N. Jarzemski said... on Mar 20, 2009 at 06:49AM
“I just read the review Stogie Joe's received and I have to admit I was shocked. While the reviewer hit the nail on the head when speaking about how great the prices, staff and patrons are she couldn't have been more off the mark when talking about the food. I have had the sausage, clams casino, pork sandwich, caesar salad, potato wedges, pizza and of course, the stromboli and I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal in the place nor have I ever heard anyone else say they have. I am actually looking forward to trying their NY Strip next. The only possible explanation I think of why the reviewer felt the way she did was because she was either having a bad day or had a head cold which threw her taste buds off. Keep doing what you guys are doing at Stogie Joe's. If it ain't broke, don't fix it… Jamie N. Jarzemski ”
14. Donna Capone said... on Mar 20, 2009 at 11:56AM
“I just got done reading the review and must say that I could not believe my eyes. I have eaten there at least once a week since they opened if not more. I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal. From the salad to the wings to the pizza(to die for) everything is great. I have been there with 5 other couples at the same time and everyone at the table loved their meal. How many restaurants can please a party of 12 with no complaints. I agree with one thing and that is the prices. In these hard times having two children of my own it is hard for my husband and I to go out and get a great meal for a reasonable price and that's exactly what Stogie Joe's provides. I can only hope that everyone tries it for them self. You know what they say about opinions........everybody has one.”
15. terri_d said... on Mar 20, 2009 at 03:25PM
“We're new to South Philly by way of So. Cal. and we may not sometimes get what's going on with the food, but we love Stogie Joe's. And the Yards and the martinis and the company. So, Tuesday night quizzo?”
16. Jay Gaultieri said... on Mar 26, 2009 at 05:45AM
“I've been going to Stogie Joe's Passyunk Tavern since it was just "The Passyunk Tavern" with no sign outside, Pat was the bartender and I was the only guy under 70 in the place. My girlfriend recently moved to South Philly from the Upper West Side of NYC and loves it. We like the food, the crowd, the jukebox, the bartenders, and the service by waitresses Natalie and Tina is outstanding. ”
17. diana47 said... on Mar 31, 2009 at 03:45PM
“Though I have walked past this establishment for months on my way to the subway, I did not really "see" it. The other day I happened upon this review. I was introduced to what I loved from my past, A neighborhood tavern!! I was excited. I read the review, every word, and was not put off by the "mediocre" comments on the food. Why?? The description of the tavern itself sounded so good. Like in "when love was in bloom, good" So I went, and went again. I was very pleased. The food was the best of the surprises. Perfect in fact, from the taste to the presentation to the smiles from the staff. Don't you just miss that? I do, but NOT anymore. As they say, I'll be back--again and again. Thanks reviewer, I'm not sure of what you wanted to acheive with your review, but you found for me a special place. Thank God, I'm no longer at the mercy of the rude people at Marra's, and the food at Stogie's is BETTER.”
18. gabriella said... on Apr 30, 2009 at 01:26PM
“you are rite ”
19. gabriella said... on Apr 30, 2009 at 01:29PM
“i go thar all the time with my poppy and garndmommy i love the burger and pizza the first time i wass scard and then i met the people I LOVE IT .......................................SO MUCH .......................AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH hi tinna or tenna lol”
20. ron said... on Feb 7, 2010 at 04:27PM
“i'm afraid to tell you how much i love this place, because i fear it being over taken by the cantina/pope crowd. this place is the perfect neighborhood joint. great food, service and fantastic atmosphere. i've never had a bad meal there and the price is always right.
i don't think there's a better place in south philly to share a pitcher, eat some pizza and watch a phils game with your friends.”
21. BILLIE FRM S.W.PHILLY said... on Jul 2, 2010 at 07:37PM
“I HAVE GOTTIN FOOD FROM THERE A FEW TIMES, AND ...THEY WERE GREATTTTTTTT...THE CLAMS CASINO WERE AWESUM, AS MATTER OF FACT..I JUST ASKED MY DAUGHTER TO PICK ME UP SUM, AND THEY ARE SOLD OUT = (
THE ATRONS ARE SOOOO FRIENDLY...MADE ME SUM NEW FRIENDS, LAST TIME THERE
I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK AND TRY SUMTHING NEW
STOGIES UR THE BESTTTTTTTTTTT”
22. Family Diners said... on Jul 25, 2010 at 01:50PM
“My family and I are frequent diners at Stogie Joe's. We love it there and love the food. We feel like we are dining with family. We have never had anything we didn't like. their specials are always something good and we like to have new options when we dine there. the salad is the best, the pizza and stromboli are fabulous. The ribs are so good we can't stop eating them. Rigatoni Bolognese to die for. I could go on and on but I think you get it. Try it and you'll love it.”
23. antny said... on Sep 14, 2010 at 07:40AM
“WHAT R U KIDDIN ?????? the bbq sausage is one of the things that keeps people going back i was introduced to the tavern 15 years ago when Pete would swing the door to let Pat know an order was up and always ,always had the sausage w/hot sauce and a nice bowl of spaghetti(oil and garlic) hey Sonny and kids keep up the good work,Antny”
24. day said... on Oct 26, 2010 at 07:56PM
“Remember one thing people if you are looking for a good place to eat and drink(STAY AWAY FROM STOGIE BLOWS ) THE REVIEWS U SEE ARE ALL WRITTEN BY FAMILY MEMBERS AND THERE FRIENDS WHO DO NOT KNOW GOOD FOOD. Anyone who knows food would stay away from Stogie Blows! They cook like there IRISH not ITALIAN,”
25. Melanie said... on Dec 10, 2011 at 09:01PM
“My son's friend recommended Stogies Joe's pizza. We have been looking for good pizza since we moved to Philadelphia three years ago. Finally!!! The crust is amazing, chewy with a nice flavor. The sauce is excellent. It's the best pizza I have had in years.”
26. Joe Vance said... on Feb 16, 2012 at 02:38PM
“Best FOOD in SOUTH PHILLy and ------not even close!
No PIKERS----
NO PRACK sackers---------
-----Just good FOOD!”
27. ericw said... on Feb 16, 2012 at 02:42PM
“after a long day of banning people, I enjoy a nice beer and some wings at this CoP place.”
28. Tjc3844 said... on Feb 17, 2012 at 12:23AM
“Thanks Oyster and burrs but she didn't make it.”
29. UncleBill57 said... on Feb 17, 2012 at 12:46AM
“While in H.S. Lax parents let him go skiing in Montreal. No more moguls. Mouphn did o.k. Other guy didn't wear #13.
”
30. Drew Miller 99 said... on Feb 18, 2012 at 12:52PM
“Typical trashy CoP place -- For me, after a hard fought game of ice hockey on the mean ponds of Bergen County, I enjoy a fine scotch at my local Tenafly watering hole which is light years above the rift raft found in this place.
As a chief officer of a smug digital design company in the CoDB, I've earned the finer things in life -- eating at this place would not be one of them.”
31. wcburrs87 said... on Feb 18, 2012 at 06:23PM
“I've DJ'd here many times. Place is as underrated as Jimmy Rollins' defense which is very underrated.
I miss the showers they used to provide for employees and LaSalle players though. :-(”
32. Eric Twatkins said... on Feb 19, 2012 at 11:22PM
“Wish I had mod powers here. I'd delete the last 10 comments because the stick in my ass told me to.”
33. Little Donny Miller said... on Feb 20, 2012 at 11:30AM
“No rolling rock so I didn't like it. Normally places in the Philth have Rolling Rock so I was quite surprised. There's nothing like kicking back in front of a Wawa and pounding a few. My telemarketing job at MLB taught me well.”
34. Tracy Mitchell said... on Mar 16, 2012 at 09:57AM
“THE.BEST place that I have ever been to and it has become my regular spot. Sometimes MORE than once a week I find myself there. Food is mouth watering and the service there is superb. So much so that you feel like you are going to your friends or families place when you walk through their door.”
35. Gretchen said... on Apr 22, 2012 at 08:26PM
“If my owner didn't neglect me and make me die of parvovirus, maybe I would have lived to eat leftovers from this place.”