Natalie’s

I really shouldn’t review places that I’ve only been to whilst being completely trashed.
Oh wells.
In yet another extension of Hood Bar chronicles I’ve added Natalie’s to the list. I went here on a Saturday night after leaving a party at City Tap House. While we had an amazing time, City Tap House’s music caters to a bit of a different crowd and a few of the people in the group (myself included) wanted to go somewhere where we could get a few drinks and listen to some hip hop/​and or ratchet music.
Natalie’s isn’t all that large, the bar takes up the majority of space with a sizable small area that acts as dance floor. The crowd here was aged 20 – 30 somethings with a few old heads sprinkled in here and there. What makes this place great are the exceptionally attentive bartenders (that make really awesome drinks btw) and the DJ. I’m not sure if they have a house DJ here, but anytime I’ve been the music flowing is thing that can’t keep people (that aren’t boring at least lol) in their seats. Yes, it’s not fancy but it’s in a prime area (albeit a little ghetto even though it’s near Penn campus) that’s highly trafficked with Penn bike patrol along with regular cops. You can also hop on/​off the el rather quickly which makes the location accessible from a vast range of areas. Out of all of my fave hood bars this is definitely in my top 3 and probably my favorite out of all of them. If you’re looking for any of what I mentioned above, definitely check it out I promise Natalie’s won’t disappoint!

Crowded on the weekends… first time coming here. Really liking it. Fine ladies in the place everywhere.

I come to Natalie’s mainly for convenience. The bar is small and dark which isn’t a problem for me. What is a problem is the drinks. The prices are inconsistent. One bartender charges one price another something different. They also have the terrible habit of putting your drink in a cup the size of a bathroom mouthwash cup. Also the drink making skills of some of the staff aren’t the best. I only order captain and coke. How in the world they messed that up I will never know. If you pay attention you’ll be able to tell who to order from. The music is meh. Its the same hip hop and r&b they play everywhere else. Of course the DJ cuts every song short that I actually like by talking or going to the next song I’ve heard a million times but that’s every bar theses days. Although not in the best area I’ve never had and issue in this bar. The patrons are fairly polite. On a side note, It tends to be a few too many guys in there for my liking.

Reopened with some sweet renovations … nice curvy bar, warm paint job, etc. Great music (often live!), friendly crowd and bartenders, good prices … just what I wanted in a new neighborhood spot … love it! Bear in mind, this neighborhood is still West Philly … and Nat’s could be a lot more diverse … maybe you can help? Nat’s wants you! (seriously, I think they’re really trying to diversify) Bring your own food from the many take out spots in the area … no kitchen.

This place ain’t the Four Seasons, but it doesn’t pretend to be. You can hear some REALLY great jazz played here. Granted the neighborhood isn’t Rittenhouse Square either, but it’s safe enough, and you feel very welcome inside no matter who you are. Legends become so for a good reason. If you take a date here, and they really enjoy it, they are marriage potential.
BTW, as of 1÷1÷1010 the Jams have gone silent.

Plenty of reverse racism to go around. Spare me theblacktitude already. Maybe I’m white but I’ve lived in West Philly for 20 years and even if I didn’t I’ve been «kicked out» of fancier dives than this!

Natalie’s is pretty hilarious for the level of filth and decay that they have let ferment in there. Tight booths, wood paneling, and a funky vinyl-​padded bar offer a glimpse into Carter-​era stagflation décor. Some of the suspended ceiling tiles are so covered with black mold they have started to droop. On cold nights they have to close the front door and there is this weird stale smell with lysol overtones. Our alcoholic friend Bobby, who rarely leaves a half empty bottle in his wake, said to us, «y’know I think I’m ready to go» after about 10 minutes in Natalie’s. This is one of the only bars I know of that sells 40’s.
That having been said I can’t think of a less pretentious place to see jazz. Several musicians I have spoken to say they go to Ortlieb’s to be seen, and to Natalie’s to really play jazz. Music spills out into the street — it is really one of the few redeeming things about 40^th and Market.

The only reason to go here is for the music, and the music is worth it. This is not a good part of Philly to be strollin’ and if you are drunk you might want to pass. Keep your wits about you and check it out. Also, you can bring in your own food. I grubbed on a slice of cheesecake from Naked Chocolate.

In my jazz travels around Philadelphia, Natalie’s revealed itself to me in an unexpected location: 40^th and Market Street, where preppy University City turns into rugged, honest West Philadelphia.
IMPORTANT: If you don’t love live music, you won’t find anything you want at Natalie’s. The neighborhood is uninviting; the ambiance is, err, ambiance-​less; and if you want to order something to nosh on, you’ll be out of luck.
But some great cats roll into Natalie’s to jam. Nobody famous, really. Not a lot of commercial musicians. No, I like Natalie’s because it reminds me of the early days of jazz, when talented, music-​obsessed kids would roll into the club off the street and, sometimes, blow you away with a few choruses over «Donna Lee» or one of the other great bop classics.