With its motto "servin' em up strong and cheap since 96" boldly printed on flyers sitting atop each booth, it's no surprise that the principal attraction at the Firehouse bar on Broad Street is its drinks.

No bands, no DJs, not even a karaoke machine. Sure, there's a jukebox for music, plus a pool table, a couple of arcade games, a dartboard and a Foosball table, but these are secondary. Everyone on a recent Thursday around the amenities had hit the bar first and had a beer bottle or drink glass in hand. Most were holding a Pabst Blue Ribbon, which cost $1.25 on Thursdays.

Firehouse has a featured drink special each night: $1 Jagermeister shots on Mondays; $4 vodka and Red Bull pints and $2 purple hooter shooters on Tuesdays; $1 Cuervo shots on Wednesday; PBR and $2 kamikaze shooters on Thursdays; and $4 Long Island iced tea pints on Fridays and Saturdays.

The clientele is an interesting blend of ages, races and professions from lawyers and med students to punk rockers and skaters. Most seem to know each other by name; those who don't are still treated like family. There's an incredibly laid-back, friendly ambiance and even the tough guys are cordial.

Jukebox selections are as diverse as the people, with rock 'n' roll, alternative rock, American folk and reggae and artists from Outkast to Slayer. Posters of Mick Jagger, Bob Marley and other musicians line the walls near the ceiling.

Happy hour is 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, with $2 well drinks and 50 cents off all other drinks. Hours are 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday. There is no dress code and never a cover.

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IF YOU GO

The Place: Firehouse, 1145 Broad St. (map)

Popular Drinks Pabst Blue Ribbon, Long Island iced tea and $1 shots

Dress Code: Come as you are

Claim to Fame: Strong, cheap drinks

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