12 Steps Down, Italian Market
16 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/philly, r/philadelphia19 comments cited below
What people say, in short
People recommend 12 Steps Down on Christian Street, including in answers about dive bars and going out alone. One patron enjoyed shooting pool there alone, another suggests it as solo-friendly, and one says its quizzo is a good fit for people who like music. Caveats: one says the music is played too loudly, one says it is nearly always busy except on Mondays, and one finds the drinks overpriced for a dive though the food is good.
Address
12 Steps Down, 831 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to 12 Steps Down, Italian Market, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/djourdjour in r/philly · Apr 2026
Named as a personal favorite that fits the request.
- Recommendsu/tres_sore_fores in r/philly · Apr 2026
Lists it as a fitting suggestion alongside two other bars.
- Recommendsu/Objective_Captain208 in r/philly · Nov 2024
Gives this as a quick, enthusiastic pick.
- Recommendsu/nnp1989 in r/philly · Aug 2024
Recommended in a short bare list answering the question; no further detail.
- Recommendsu/Luna_Soma in r/philly · Nov 2024ambience
Has seen people reading books there.
- Caveatu/Odd-Emergency5839 in r/philadelphia · Jul 2026price
Says the drinks are overpriced for a dive, though the food is good.
- Recommendsu/TheGABB in r/philadelphia · Dec 2025
Lists it as their favorite dive bar pick.
- Recommendsu/nycdk in r/philadelphia · Dec 2025
Says they thought it was a good suggestion, while asking what counts as a dive.
Show all 19 cited comments
- Mixedu/sarzarbarzar in r/philly · Nov 2024ambience
Almost always busy except Mondays; daytime is good.
- Recommendsu/muffinqueen420 in r/philly · Jun 2024
Lists 12 Steps among several picks.
- Recommendsu/housinDylansBurger in r/philly · Jan 2026
Suggests it as an option.
- Recommendsu/Proof-Painting-9127 in r/philly · Apr 2025
Lists it among three spots that each differ but are all fun.
- Recommendsu/stadams21 in r/philly · Nov 2024
Suggests this bar as a solo-friendly option.
- Recommendsu/Welcome2TheSh0w in r/philly · Nov 2024ambience
Enjoyed shooting pool alone on a Saturday afternoon, calls it a great spot.
- Recommendsu/MomentousTime1337 in r/philly · Nov 2024service
Great spot with friendly bartenders.
- Recommendsu/WryAdvantage in r/philly · Feb 2025
Calls its quizzo a great spot, especially for people who like music.
- Recommendsu/Girl-UnSure in r/philly · Nov 2024
Agrees with the 12 Steps Down suggestion.
- Recommendsu/makingburritos in r/philly · Jun 2024
Names this Christian Street bar as a pick.
- Caveatu/BurnBabylon77 in r/philly · Apr 2026ambience
Says the music there is played too loudly.
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Freshness
Details last checked 13 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.