Sunday 19th of May 2013 09:26:38 PM

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At the northern end of the Italian Market District is a dive bar that serves a decent variety of craft beer. You can find free street parking around this two-story brick street-corner building. Descend a dozen concrete steps below street level to enter a loud, lively and smoky atmosphere. In the center of the large room is a three sided 18 chair copper topped bar, with many chairs along the wall. Past that is a frequently used pool table surrounded by several dining tables. Several televisions populate the circumference and chalkboards display the beer list. Tile floors, low ceilings, and poor acoustics create a lively tavern atmosphere. Patrons are more likely to wear tank tops than buttoned shirts, cursing is the norm, and interior smoking is allowed. Simply put, this is not a family friendly bar. The bar offers 10 taps in a variety of styles, but unfortunately most patrons appear to drink common national beers in bottles or cans. The bottled list includes about 75 varieties covering all styles. The service is friendly and attentive. The pub fare menu includes appetizers and sandwiches, but and hope at savory aroma is completely lost in residual smoke. 12 Steps Down seems like a popular place for rowdy locals, but I'd place this near the bottom of my list for craft beer bars in Philly.