What’s the scoop on Big Charlie’s?

Submitted by doughnutsgoat t3_10q2hcc in philadelphia

Context: I grew up in KC and moved to Philly 6 years ago and fell in love with the city—I’m rooting for my hometown but no matter the outcome on SB Sunday, I’ll be thrilled!

My question: if you’ve been there, what are the vibes like at Big Charlie’s Saloon? I live walking distance right now so it just makes sense for me to be there for the big game. It seems like a lot of fun fun but also I’ll be alone and have no Chiefs fans friends to go with—just want to know if it’s a welcoming/friendly sort of environment since I’ll be alone and I can be a bit shy.

Thanks all and best of luck to both teams! Looking forward to Kelcebowl: what is hype may never die.

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tsarstruck t1_j6nwwyi wrote

Philly area local who's been living close to there for 17 years, so I've been a few time for regular season Chiefs games over the years. Good to know in advance that they are all South Philly locals and not KC transplants, but they're nice in a South Philly way. Don't go expecting midwestern smiles and chit chat. I'd strongly recommend going over this weekend, telling the bartender you're from KC, and looking to watch the game next week and see if they have any advice.

Also, get your "best of luck" out of here: I hope you have a long tearful walk back with many Eagles fans laughing at you.

Enjoy.

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PhillyPanda t1_j6ngyxl wrote

It’s friendly and if you want a vibe for the Super Bowl where you’re not out numbered by eagles fans, it’s really going to be the only place to go

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electric_ranger t1_j6noydv wrote

They've actually kept Eagles Fans out for previous Chiefs-Birds games.

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beansjawns t1_j6pgvfk wrote

Interesting. I popped in with Eagles gear for a bit of a Chiefs/Eagles match-up back in 2017 and it was completely fine. TVs went out, though. People were pretty pissed about that.

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DrJawn t1_j6no9j5 wrote

Old man dive bar is accurate.

When you go in for a casual beer, you almost feel like you walked into a private club you're not welcome to. But only almost.

Everyone there is old school and friendly. They will shut down the street and have a huge party for the SB. If you show up in Chiefs gear, you will be welcomed with open arms.

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Wu-Tang_Killa_Bees t1_j6ocl71 wrote

Back in 2016 I was hired by the Chiefs to get footage of the place as they watched the first Chiefs playoff game in a while. I was walking around with a camera on a monopod and people kept asking who the footage was for. When I said that it was for the Chiefs themselves, I became the hero of the bar, everyone was trying to buy me drinks lmao. Long story short, it's a friendly place, don't be intimidated, just wear your Chiefs gear and you'll be welcomed. I'm sure if you just ask someone how they came to be a Chiefs fan in Philly, you'll strike up a conversation instantly. Just get there early, the bar was plenty packed for a wild card game in 2016, I'm sure it will be crazy packed for the Super Bowl

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99centstalepretzel t1_j6nnggu wrote

It's an old man dive bar - so if you're not used to the dive atmosphere, it might be a bit of a culture shock for you.

But like the other commenter said, the folks in there are friendly and hey! You'd be among friends.

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danmyoo t1_j6nqvio wrote

I remember in 2019, they shut down the street and had the game on a big projector outside with a DJ and everything

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Sea-Nique t1_j6oeq9s wrote

Hi neighbor!

I live very close to Big Charlie's, but it isn't my usual corner bar. They had a party atmosphere going on back in 2020 for the super bowl. But I didn't go back for the 2021 super bowl due to covid and family reasons.

It's a typical South Philly corner bar in terms of atmosphere. Read this as very different from the trendy places on passyunk. Go have a beer in the next two weeks before the game to see if you like the vibe.

You will get heckled if you walk around the neighborhood wearing your chiefs gear.

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tasker_morris t1_j6os7os wrote

I can tell you that any big event like this, it will be a private, ticketed event. They’ll have a bar and screen set up outside, but indoors will be wrist band only. Despite that, they’re very friendly and the neighborhood likes them a lot. I’ve never seen or heard of any serious issues there, but they’ve been known to hire private security. If they anticipate big crowds (there will be like 200-300 people there) they’ll have porta-potties set up outside. Even if you can’t get a wrist band, you can probably just BYO and blend in with the crowd. I’m sure someone will invite you inside eventually.

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eggjacket t1_j6nxcx3 wrote

I moved here from KC too! And my dog is a Nnadi Dog that I got from KC Pet Project when the Chiefs won the superbowl in 2020!

Also excited for any outcome on Superbowl Sunday!

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lawgirl3278 t1_j6ohenk wrote

The Last time the Chiefs were in the SB they had tents outside and music. Not sure if it was a ticket or guest list thing, so I would pop in before SBS, say hello and ask.

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