Dive Bar Oscar’s Tavern Is Closed for Health Violations

You’ll have to go elsewhere to get a cheap beer and a cheesesteak (and a half) for now.

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Bad news for lovers of Oscar’s Tavern: You’ll have to find somewhere else to grab a beer and a cheesesteak-and-a-half for now.

The city’s Department of Health ordered the beloved cash-only Center City dive bar to cease operations at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. It’s not clear when the bar will reopen – but it must remain closed for at least 48 hours, per a notice posted outside the building.

The department reportedly found flies in the basement and cigarette butts and a live mouse in the prep area. (You know, dive bar stuff.) Reached by phone on Wednesday, general manager Joe Mullan did not comment on the alleged violations but said the bar is looking to reopen on Thursday.

Until then, we’ll (begrudgingly) drink cheap beer somewhere else.