Atlantis the Lost Bar

Describing the location of Atlantis The Lost Bar is largely in the eye of the neighborhood beholder, the terms Kensington, East Kensington and Fishtown used semi-interchangeably probably on a spectrum of how welcome the more recent waves of Fishtown-area gentrification are perceived to be. Either way, Atlantis The Lost Bar operates in the long cash-only tradition of many Philadelphia dive bars, notable given the relatively fresh look of the space clearly more modern than some of the city’s dustier dives.

Though Atlantis The Lost Bar runs on the younger side by dive bar standards, the building itself dates to 1875 alongside the rest of its largely residential block. A long black awning features the name of the bar in simple text, a mirror of the very straightforward environment found inside that feels very much a part of the grand tradition of Philadelphia dive bars that feel like natural extensions of the residential neighborhoods that they serve.

The almost entirely wood-lined interior sets a warm tone and a long bar commands the front section of a narrow space that clears out just slightly to provide enough room for a pool table. A relatively new addition to Atlantis The Lost Bar’s event calendar is a Wednesday night, paid pool league that pairs up established teams to settle a seasonlong winner.

Low tables and chairs fill in the rest of the space, everything here as low-frills as a Philadelphia dive bar would be expected to be. One natural departure is the mural of a naked, supine woman painted on the paneling behind the bar, just underneath that day’s tap beer and cider selections. Due to the bar’s proximity to nearby Philadelphia Brewing Company, the draft selection here is usually populated by a PBC variety or two.

A further reflection of its surroundings, Atlantis The Lost Bar is inclusive in a number of ways, including welcoming those from the LGBT community. Because no food is served here, patrons are encouraged to bring their own food and menus from area restaurants are often provided by bartenders to encourage visitors to settle in and stay awhile. To set the overall tone, music is provided via vinyl record and requests from the bar’s collection are considered.

And perhaps burying the lede, Atlantis The Lost Bar is well-regarded for affordable drink pricing, particularly for the area. For those so inclined, the Bloody Mary receives particularly rave reviews, often attracting all manner of untenable toppings that add a little visual stimulation in contrast to the rest of the very wood paneling-friendly environment.