Nightlife (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Penn: hotels, house, school)

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Yo!

I've been to Philly many times, but it was always following my friends who are from there around the city (usually not sober).. This time, after visiting Pittsburgh family, a friend and I are going to go to Philly for the he11 of it since he has never been. We found some decent center city hotels, but where (preferably in walking distance) can we go out at night. We're 22 and 23. Both into music and more indie bar scenes, but will take any casual non-frat type bar scene. Any strips of bars to hop around to? I tried to search the forums but had no luck. Thanks.

[johngoodman]

Old City (2nd and Chestnut) is where the strip of bars are but it's a frat boy/south jersey scene. It's ok if you are looking to pick up sleazy girls otherwise it's a headache. If you want to check out the hipster scene go to the Barbary in Northern Liberties, other options in that area include Johnny Brenda's, PYT and the El bar amongst many others. If you don't want to leave downtown I like Time at 13th and Sansom, it's a jazz bar with a dance floor/dj upstairs.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by johngoodman

Old City (2nd and Chestnut) is where the strip of bars are but it's a frat boy/south jersey scene. It's ok if you are looking to pick up sleazy girls otherwise it's a headache. If you want to check out the hipster scene go to the Barbary in Northern Liberties, other options in that area include Johnny Brenda's, PYT and the El bar amongst many others. If you don't want to leave downtown I like Time at 13th and Sansom, it's a jazz bar with a dance floor/dj upstairs.

thanks

it doesn't necessarily have to be "hipster", but if it is then thats fine. the jazz bar sounds good. I am always in for some good jazz/blues. especially after moving to chicago and being exposed to it a lot here.

What are the main music venues? I know electric factory is one. i also saw a show i was interested in at Worlds Cafe Live...but then realized it would cost me 100 bucks. old city sounds like hell.

[acenturi]

Here's a few. The 1st 2 are lists.
Indie Bar Bars & Clubs - Philadelphia - BlackBook City Guide
R5 Productions
The Blockley
The El Bar - Bar - Philadelphia, PA | Facebook
Note that some of the listed bars and venues are definitly not within walking distance of a center city hotel.

You might want to consider starting out with bars in and around the areas surrounding the "South Street" corridor.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by acenturi

Here's a few. The 1st 2 are lists.
Indie Bar Bars & Clubs - Philadelphia - BlackBook City Guide
R5 Productions
The Blockley
The El Bar - Bar - Philadelphia, PA | Facebook
Note that some of the listed bars and venues are definitly not within walking distance of a center city hotel.

You might want to consider starting out with bars in and around the areas surrounding the "South Street" corridor.

the south street area looks decent. i think ive been there before, but not sure. some of these bars sound vaguely familiar.

[mancat100]

Let's start at the beginning. What hotel will you be staying in? Then we can give you better direction.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Comfort Inn at penns landing...decided against the cc hotel..this one was cheaper and not much farther

[acenturi]

Originally Posted by ForYourLungsOnly

Comfort Inn at penns landing...decided against the cc hotel..this one was cheaper and not much farther

The Comfort Inn is not at Penn's Landing, it's in Olde City. You are a bit over a mile from the start of the South Street corridor at Front and South Streets. It'd be a lot closer to your areas of interest and an easier foot transit, if you were in one of the Penn's Landing hotels (Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Penn's Landing etc..), but unfortunately they are at least twice the Comfort Inn rates. One good aspect about where you're staying is its proximity (1/2 Block) to the "Race Street Pier" - ask the desk for directions. Anyway's, if you must walk (versus a cab), consider continuing South from the Pier on the river side of Columbus Blvd and take an appropriate cross over I95 bridge (Market, Walnut, South, etc..) into Center City (about 1.5 miles). If you decide to start on South Street (Consider NOT ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE ON SOUTH STREET on a Friday or Saturday night!!) and then go into CC, it's better IMO to exit South Street at 7th, turn Right on 7th to Walnut and left on Walnut to Broad - then figure your next move. Keep some $ in reserve for a cab back to your hotel in case you get lost.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by acenturi

The Comfort Inn is not at Penn's Landing, it's in Olde City. You are a bit over a mile from the start of the South Street corridor at Front and South Streets. It'd be a lot closer to your areas of interest and an easier foot transit, if you were in one of the Penn's Landing hotels (Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Penn's Landing etc..), but unfortunately they are at least twice the Comfort Inn rates. One good aspect about where you're staying is its proximity (1/2 Block) to the "Race Street Pier" - ask the desk for directions. Anyway's, if you must walk (versus a cab), consider continuing South from the Pier on the river side of Columbus Blvd and take an appropriate cross over I95 bridge (Market, Walnut, South, etc..) into Center City (about 1.5 miles). If you decide to start on South Street (Consider NOT ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE ON SOUTH STREET on a Friday or Saturday night!!) and then go into CC, it's better IMO to exit South Street at 7th, turn Right on 7th to Walnut and left on Walnut to Broad - then figure your next move. Keep some $ in reserve for a cab back to your hotel in case you get lost.

thanks for the advice. i've been to philly a lot of times but i've always just followed my friends around (who are from there). this is my first trip as the "tour guide" (and a poor one i will be at that ). But back on topic..i don't have any aversion to using cabs or the subway where available. I'd like to go to Northern Liberties for a night, and one night just go around Center City.

[mancat100]

Here are my Center City suggestions: Monks Cafe (best beer bar anywhere) Good Dog (crowded, young, not fratty), Bob and Barbara's (great old school house band plays on the weekends. McGlincheys (a total dive). Dirty Franks (another dive). These are all walking distance from each other.