You walk past a nondescript door on Exeter Street and you’d almost miss it. Honestly, that’s part of the charm. Mike's Tavern Reading PA isn't trying to be a fancy gastropub with Edison bulbs and overpriced avocado toast. It's a dive. A real one.
The kind of place where the air feels like it’s seen a few decades of stories, and the wood of the bar has been smoothed down by thousands of elbows. People call it a "neighborhood gem," but that feels too formal. It’s basically the city’s living room, provided your living room has an incredible rotating tap list and a bartender who remembers what you drink after your second visit.
The Vibe at 135 Exeter Street
It is small. Like, really small. Some regulars joke that it’s the size of a closet, and they aren't totally exaggerating. If you bring a group of ten people, you’ve basically taken over the joint.
But that’s the magic. You can’t really be a stranger here for more than twenty minutes. The seating is tight, so you’re going to end up talking to the person next to you. Usually, that person has been coming here since the 80s, or they just moved to Reading and someone told them this was the only place to get a "real" beer.
Why the Beer Geeks Love It
Don't let the "dive bar" label fool you into thinking it’s just lukewarm pilsners and dusty bottles of domestic light.
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Mike's Tavern Reading PA has a reputation for snagging kegs that have no business being in a tiny corner bar. We’re talking:
- Other Half Brewing (those hazy IPAs everyone obsesses over)
- Toppling Goliath (Pseudo Sue is a frequent flyer)
- Maine Beer Co.
- Cigar City
It's a weird, beautiful contrast. You're sitting in a room that looks like it hasn't changed since the 1930s—because it hasn't—sipping on a world-class double IPA.
The Faces Behind the Bar
A bar is only as good as the person holding the pourer. At Mike's, the names you’ll hear most are John, Eric, and Pete.
John is a bit of a legend in the local scene. Watching him handle a packed Friday night crowd solo is basically a performance art. He’s fast, he’s efficient, and he actually cares if you like what’s in your glass. If you aren't sure what to grab from the tap list, just ask. They know their stuff.
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Live Music and Saturday Nights
Saturday nights get loud. The Benjamin Vo Band is a staple here, bringing that soulful, bluesy energy that fits the dim lighting perfectly. When the band is "in the zone," the whole room vibrates.
It’s not just about the music, though. It’s the open mics. It’s the comedy nights. It’s the fact that on any given Saturday, you’ll see a mix of boomers, hipsters, and people who just finished a shift at the hospital all nodding their heads to the same beat.
Wait, what about the food?
Okay, let’s be real. If you’re looking for a four-course meal, you’re in the wrong zip code. Mike's Tavern Reading PA focuses on the liquid side of the menu. While there used to be whispers of an old Italian menu back in the day (the 1988 archives mention it being top-tier), these days it’s mostly about the drinks and the atmosphere. If you're starving, grab a sandwich nearby before you settle in for the night.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think a bar that’s been around since the 30s is going to be "cliquey." Like you’ll get stared at when you walk in if you aren't a local.
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Not here.
The greeting is usually some variation of "make yourself at home." It’s a community hub. You might see people stopping in for a quick pint before heading to a Reading Fightin Phils game at FirstEnergy Stadium, then coming back afterward to dissect the game. It's the "pro play" as the locals call it.
The Logistics (Because You’ll Probably Want to Go Now)
- Location: 135 Exeter St, Reading, PA 19601.
- Hours: Usually opens at 3:00 PM. They stay open until 11:00 PM or midnight, depending on the day. Sundays they generally take a breather and stay closed.
- The "Warm Beer" Rumor: Some folks mention the back cooler can be a bit temperamental. If you like your bottles ice-cold, maybe check with the bartender, but honestly, the draft system is where the money is anyway.
It’s a tight space. It’s loud. It’s authentic. In a world of corporate chains that all look the same, Mike's Tavern Reading PA is a reminder that the best places are usually tucked away on a side street, smelling slightly of old wood and fresh hops.
Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out Mike's for the first time, your best bet is to head there on a Saturday afternoon. This gives you a chance to grab a seat at the bar before the live music crowd rolls in. Check their current tap list on Untappd or BeerMenus before you go, as the high-end craft stuff rotates fast. Finally, make sure to bring cash; while many places have modernized, it’s always better to be prepared in a classic neighborhood spot like this.