Chickie and Petes
| Address | Multiple locations (original: 4010 Robbins Avenue) |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Various |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Sports bar, American |
| Price range | $$ |
| Established | 1977 |
| Owner | Ciarrocchi family |
| Hours | Varies by location |
Chickie's and Pete's is a Philadelphia sports bar chain famous for its Crabfries—crinkle-cut fries dusted with Old Bay seasoning and served with white cheese sauce. Founded in 1977 by Pete Ciarrocchi in Northeast Philadelphia, Chickie's has grown from a single bar to a regional institution with locations throughout Philadelphia, at Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and beyond. The restaurant has become synonymous with Philadelphia sports culture, serving as a gathering place for Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers fans. Crabfries have achieved iconic status as Philadelphia's signature bar snack.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Founding (1977)
[edit | edit source]Pete Ciarrocchi*** founded Chickie's and Pete's in 1977:
Origins:***
- Original location in Torresdale (Northeast Philadelphia)
- Named for his parents ("Chickie" was his mother's nickname)
- Started as a neighborhood bar
- Family operation
Early Years
[edit | edit source]Chickie's built its reputation:
1970s-1990s:***
- Northeast Philadelphia staple
- Sports bar atmosphere
- Developed loyal following
- Built on food and games
The Crabfries Invention
[edit | edit source]Crabfries*** became the signature:
Development:***
- Old Bay seasoning on crinkle-cut fries
- White cheese sauce
- Simple but addictive
- Became defining item
The Crabfries concept catapulted Chickie's to regional fame.
Expansion
[edit | edit source]Chickie's expanded throughout the region:
Growth:***
- Multiple Philadelphia locations
- New Jersey locations
- Stadium presence
- Airport locations
Stadium Dominance
[edit | edit source]Chickie's became essential to Philadelphia sports venues:
Presence:***
- Citizens Bank Park*** (Phillies)
- Lincoln Financial Field*** (Eagles)
- Wells Fargo Center*** (Sixers/Flyers)
- Essential game-day experience
The Crabfries
[edit | edit source]What They Are
[edit | edit source]Crabfries*** are the signature:
Components:***
- Crinkle-cut fries*** - Specific cut
- Old Bay seasoning*** - Generously applied
- ***White cheese sauce*** - For dipping
Note:*** No actual crab. The name references the Old Bay (traditionally a crab seasoning).
Why They Work
[edit | edit source]The appeal:***
- Salty, seasoned perfection
- Addictive quality
- Shareable
- Perfect with beer
Cultural Status
[edit | edit source]Crabfries have become:
- Philadelphia icon
- Stadium essential
- Bar staple
- Regional identifier
The Menu
[edit | edit source]Beyond Crabfries
[edit | edit source]Food offerings:***
- Wings (various flavors)
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Seafood items
Bar Menu
[edit | edit source]Drinks:***
- Full bar
- Beer selection
- Sports bar standards
- Cocktails
Crab Focus
[edit | edit source]Seafood items:***
- Actual crab dishes
- Crab dip
- Seafood platters
- Seasonal specials
Sports Bar Culture
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Sports Central
[edit | edit source]Chickie's is synonymous with Philadelphia sports:
The connection:***
- Game viewing destination
- Fan gathering place
- Pre-game and post-game spot
- Sports memorabilia
Stadium Presence
[edit | edit source]At the games:***
- Citizens Bank Park locations
- Lincoln Financial Field locations
- Wells Fargo Center
- Pregame and in-game
The Atmosphere
[edit | edit source]What to expect:***
- Multiple TVs
- Loud during games
- Fan energy
- Sports-focused
Locations
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia
[edit | edit source]Multiple Philadelphia locations:
Original:***
- Torresdale*** (Northeast Philadelphia)
- Original location
- Still operating
Other locations:***
- South Philadelphia
- Center City
- Various neighborhoods
Stadium Locations
[edit | edit source]Sports complex:***
- Citizens Bank Park
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Wells Fargo Center
Regional Expansion
[edit | edit source]Beyond Philadelphia:***
- New Jersey locations
- Pennsylvania suburbs
- Airport locations
ESPN Recognition
[edit | edit source]America's Best Sports Bar
[edit | edit source]Chickie's received national recognition:
ESPN award:***
- Named "America's #1 Sports Bar"
- National attention
- Validated local institution
- Marketing boost
The Experience
[edit | edit source]Game Day
[edit | edit source]The optimal experience:***
- Before or during Philadelphia games
- Crabfries mandatory
- Beer included
- Embrace the noise
Regular Visit
[edit | edit source]Non-game times:***
- Sports bar atmosphere maintained
- TVs always on
- Food and drinks
- More relaxed
Tips for Visitors
[edit | edit source]Recommendations:***
- ***Order Crabfries*** - Non-negotiable
- ***Visit during a game*** for atmosphere
- ***Stadium locations*** for convenience
- ***Come hungry***
What to know:***
- Can be very loud
- Game days are packed
- Family-friendly (generally)
- Cash and cards accepted
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Chickie's and Pete's". Chickie's and Pete's. Retrieved December 31, 2025