The Citywide Special — it's a Philadelphia tradition like no other.
Though it varies slightly by bar or restaurant, at its core it's the same — a beer and a shot, cheap.
It’s simple, it’s affordable, and for generations of Philadelphians, it’s been the great equalizer: a drink you can count on whether you’re a regular, a first-timer, or just passing through.
The formula hasn’t changed much. A 12-ounce beer. A shot of whiskey. Low price. But in a moment when inflation has pushed up the cost of nearly everything else, how has the Citywide stayed so cheap?
“It’s very important to us that we keep the Citywide price the same as it's always been, $4," says Rose Capozzoli, owner of Rays Happy Birthday Bar. "It’s one of the things we’re known for. It keeps our regulars coming back and bringing their friends."
As distributor prices fluctuate, Capozzoli says the bar sometimes rotates beer options or buys in bulk to make the numbers work. It can be frustrating — especially now — but for Ray’s, the tradeoff is worth it. The Citywide isn’t just a special; it’s part of the bar’s identity.
That sense of identity runs deep across the city. Many trace the modern Citywide’s roots to Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, the South Street staple where a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam became synonymous with the deal.
For decades, the formula there hasn’t wavered much — and neither has its appeal. Today, the special costs $5 (it was $3 in the mid-’90s), and it remains the bar’s top seller.
“We’re known as the originators,” says general manager Oskar Duvas. “It’s become so popular because it’s accessible to everybody. If you have $5, you can get a drink, blow off some steam, talk to good people and have a good time.”
The Citywide’s rise wasn’t just about price — it was about community. A former Bob and Barbara's bartender recalls the crowds that helped cement its status.
“There's a lot of history here to unpack about the Citywide," says Bob. "The rockabilly kids kind of started it, but I do really think (bike) messengers put it on the map. When I used to work at the bar, there were about 20 to 30 bike messengers trying to get a Citywide."
The traditional Citywide Special consists of a 12-ounce beer and a shot of well whiskey, and according to longtime Philadelphians, the ideal Citywide should cost between $4 and $6. However, for a number of bars in the city, trying to maintain a low price point isn't of the utmost importance.
In the ever-changing bar and restaurant scene, there have been a plethora of changes within the beverage and spirits realm. Establishments have been moving toward more trendy, attractive, and “fun" beverages. This new wave features seasonal cocktails, new specials and for many, their own versions of a Citywide Special. Many feature higher quality beer and liquor, and tend to be, on average, much more expensive.
These days, the Citywide is evolving — even as it holds onto its roots.
Over in Bella Vista, The Dive serves up its version of the Citywide Special — a PBR and any well shot for $7. The owners decided to add more variety with different varieties of the special — combinations like a Miller High Life and shot of Fernet for $9; a Kenzinger and Old Grand-Dad for $8; or a Modelo and well tequila shot for $7.
Not every bar has kept the tradition alive. 12 Steps Down in South Philly used to serve a Citywide Special, but suspended it for cost and safety reasons. Located in the Italian Market, 12 Steps Down originally offered a $5 Citywide, then increased it to $7 before axing it.
“There were several reasons why we didn't have one for a while, but one of the main ones was mostly because people were just getting intoxicated too fast," said Mario Cabral, who works the bar at 12 Steps Down. "We didn't have the right deals with different liquor companies."
Still, even as prices creep up and menus evolve, the spirit of the Citywide endures.
“We get a lot of regulars and tourists. Our biggest seller is the special," said Duvas of Bob and Barbara's. "It's become so popular because it's accessible to everybody. We don't have plans to change our price.”
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