Chickie and Petes

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Chickie's and Pete's
AddressMultiple locations (original: 4010 Robbins Avenue)
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodVarious
WebsiteOfficial site
CuisineSports bar, American
Price range$$
Established1977
OwnerCiarrocchi family
HoursVaries by location
Chickie's and Pete'sSports bar, American$$Multiple locations (original: 4010 Robbins Avenue)PhiladelphiaPAUS

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]

  1. ↑ "Chickie's and Pete's". Chickie's and Pete's. Retrieved December 31, 2025

External Links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Chickie_and_Petes&oldid=1306"