Cavanaugh's Headhouse

The Vibe

Cavanaugh's Headhouse sits in one of the most beautiful corners of Philadelphia, on South 2nd Street in the historic Society Hill neighborhood, just a few blocks off South Street near the cobblestoned Headhouse Square. The two-story tavern has the kind of cozy, multi-room layout that you do not find in modern construction: seven different rooms across two floors, each with its own distinct character and energy. Some rooms feel like intimate parlors, others like bustling pub halls. The result is a bar where you can find exactly the atmosphere you want, whether that is shoulder-to-shoulder intensity during a derby or a quieter corner to watch a midweek fixture.

The Setup

Flatscreens are spread throughout the multiple rooms, and the coverage is comprehensive enough that you can catch just about any game you are looking for. Each room has its own bar and its own vibe, which means the pub can effectively host multiple supporter groups simultaneously without anyone stepping on each other's toes. Sound goes to the main fixture, and the multi-room layout means the audio does not bleed too aggressively between spaces.

Match Day Experience

Cavanaugh's is the official home of the Philly Toon Army (Newcastle United supporters) and also hosts Liverpool supporters. The Newcastle contingent is the more established group, and their match days set the tone for the pub's soccer identity. It is a Newcastle bar first, but all soccer fans are welcome, and the staff make a point of accommodating anyone who walks in wanting to watch a match. Philadelphia Union games are also broadcast with full sound. The atmosphere is carefully curated, the kind of bar where the vibes have been described as "elite" by regulars who have earned the right to make that claim.

Food and Drink

The pub grub at Cavanaugh's has a legitimate reputation, particularly the award-winning wings coated in Cav's signature sweet and tangy sauce made with Irish whisky. The wings are the kind of menu item that people order on their first visit and then order every time after that. Beyond the wings, the food menu is broad enough to keep you fed through a full day of matches. The beer and whiskey selection is solid, and the pricing is fair for the quality and the neighborhood.

Who Goes There

Newcastle fans in black and white, Liverpool supporters, Philadelphia Union faithful, and a general soccer crowd that has discovered the bar through word of mouth and Philly's growing soccer scene. The Society Hill location attracts a slightly older, more settled crowd compared to some of the rowdier bars in the city, but the energy on match days is genuine and the passion is real. Kids are welcome, which makes it a family-friendly option for weekend morning Premier League viewing.

Insider Tips

For Newcastle matches, arrive early and head to whatever room the Philly Toon Army has claimed, that is where the atmosphere will be strongest. The wings are not optional. Street parking in Society Hill can be tight, especially on weekends, so consider the nearby SEPTA stops or walking from South Street. The seven-room layout means you should explore beyond the first room you walk into. Each space has a different feel, and finding your preferred spot is part of the experience. If World Cup 2026 brings you to Philadelphia, this is where you want to be.