In this part of the city, Doobies is actually a diamond amidst the rough. Just look at the picture above. The average suburbanite heading into Philly wouldn't give such a place even a second glance. The wood siding (probably circa 1980; when this style was "the bomb") belies the pub-like interior.

On the interior, Doobies is comprised of one large room that can probably hold about 50 patrons. The walls are black with a white colored ceiling. There is one TV and one CD-jukebox for your entertainment.

The walnut bar is to the left of center against the back wall. It can seat about 20 card-carrying college students and/or starving artists. The patrons relegated to the 7 tables and chairs that surround the bar don't have it that bad. The tables are made of heavy duty butcher block. I haven't seen so much butcher block since I visited the Reading Terminal Market.

During our visit, the tap accommodated: Red Bell Black Cherry Stout, Guinness, Woodchuck Cider and Yuengling Lager. There are also a few unmentionable bottled brews to whet your whistle and the bartender will even pour you a coffee if you need it.

An interesting aspect of the Doobies experience was the small chalkboard behind the bar. Thereon are posted Doobies' Rules of the Bar:

1. No Cigars or Clove cigarettes.

2. No Checks or Credit Cards.

3. No Coors products (fine by us).

4. No $50's $100's.

5. No Dancing.

With a name like Doobies, you would think they'd be a little more easy going and accommodating. After all a "doobie" is slang for marijuana and the name of the 70's folk-rock group, the Doobie Brothers. Maybe I don't get it, but marijuana & the Doobie Brothers are not synonymous with rigid rules.

If you're in the neighborhood, don't let the faded wood exterior scare you away. Stop in, and for God's sake hit the MAC machine before-hand, just make sure it spits out your withdrawal in $20 increments.

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