This thread has just made my life much, much easier. Thank you very much for the sticky and all the info, now the question will be more like how many places can we physically get to in 3 days.
Keep letting me know any other hot spots. Thanks guys!!!
Depends on what kind of hot spots you're looking for.
Irish Pubs/Taverns:
McGillin's and Fergie's are good places. Fergie's is a typical no frills, no TV pub. Good place if you just want to hang out for a beer without much of a "scene." McGillin's is the city's oldest bar (I think). As the night goes later, the crowd gets younger and there's often a line and cover charge depending on how late you go. If you're looking for "action," go to McGillin's. Finnigan's Wake on Spring Garden is going to be a college age crowd and will have a cover and a line. Might be a little on the young side for your crowd. But if you like to dance at your pub, go here. The Plough and the Stars is in Old City and is an Irish bar for the younger professional and is a bit more "adult" than those mentioned above. not really a "pub" feel, but it's a pretty cool place with good food (not typical pub food, though). Other spots include Fado (chain irish bar) and the always popular Irish Pub. They're most likey to be filled with college students and young professionals as well. Recommend: McGillin's and Plough.
For the best beer selection, imo, go to Ludwig's or Monk's in center city. Both have great beer selections if you're into Belgian Ales and Euro beers. Monk's is tiny so it might be tough with 8 guys. Ludwig's is probably better for your set (and closer to McGillan's if you go there).
Other Pub/Tavern spots:
Dark Horse - This is a great Irish food and a big place located on 2nd street just North of South Street. More adult and young professional crowd. Beer selection is good, too. The "scene" is OK, but it's a good place to "hang" with an older group.
The Public House - Located in Center City, this place is always packed. Some great "scenery" here. Big place, lots of TVs, probably going to be a line to get in. If you're in Center City and want a bar that's somewhat of a scene go here.
Tir Na Nog - Center City and close to the Public House. Irish pub, but the menu can be expensive. Good place to hang after work, but haven't come often for the bar scene later at night.
Nodding Head - Great homebrews and good food. Been here a few times after work.
New Wave - I had to sneak this in because it's my favorite "neighborhood" bar located in Queen Village. It's a good walk South of South Street. Good crowd, might be a little tight, but a good local set. Food is pretty good, too. If you're driving, parking can really suck. It's probably not suitable for what you want to accomplish since there's not much else around it unless you want to walk or cab it. Just thought I'd toss it in there...
Black Sheep - Get's some good press, but I'm not a huge fan. Can be really tight inside.
Oh, I forgot - Drinker's is a good place, especially for a group of dudes (two locations, Old City and Center City).
As far as clubs...
Try Cuba Libre later at night in Old City. Pure also gets good review. You could also try Fluid. I don't have much exeperience in this department, so you'll probably be on your own here.
For a sort of upscale/martini type place -
Rouge on Rittenhouse is probably your best bet, though it's a little small. I haven't been, but Loie gets good reviews as well. Brasserie Perrier is probably my favorite, by very chi-chi. 32 Degrees is a good place in Old City and so is the Bleu Martini. BP and 32 can get expensive. There's always Continental in Old City (and in Center City).
Grab a cheesesteak before or after the game at Tony Luke's. It's the closest to the stadium. But might be a pain to get to and from if you're not driving (not a lot of cab activity in that area). If you want a late night slice of pizza, go to Lorenzo's on South Street. Hit it by cab on your way back from Old City or Center City and call in an order for a pie to go. Note: pizza-by-the-slice comes plain only. No toppings. If you order a pie, they will put toppings on it. The line will probably be out the door after the bars close, so I recommend ordering a pie and picking it up on the way back to the hotel.
If you want a good restaurant, go to any Steven Starr restaurant, and I especially recommend Buddakhan if you're in Old City. If you want burgers/frieds/pub grub, just about any of the aforementioned pubs will be sufficient. If you're in Old City and just want a burger, go to Rotten Ralph's at 2nd and Chestnut. Likewise, for typical Mexican in that area, go to Mexican Post just down the street. If you want steak, go to Barclay Prime (Steven Starr restaurant) or try one of the typical chains (Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Capital Grill, etc.). Also, Fogo de Chao is a Brazillian steakhouse that's gotten great reviews. All of the foregoing are in Center City/Rittenhouse area. If you want Italian food, there are too many places to name but my favorite neighborhood place is Scannichio's at Broad and Porter. It's small and you'll need a reservation, but it's a good no-frills place. Try the sausage and figs in balsamic as an appetizer. There's a bazillion other Italian places.
If I were you, I'd concentrate one evening on Old City and another in Center City.
If you want gentleman's clubs, there are a few along Columbus Ave. [highlight the rest of this text to read on]First, Delilah's probably has the best looking women and is more upscale and a little tighter about the dress code. Somewhat closer to the stadium is Club Risque which has good looking girls and is a great bar for having a few and watching the game. Both serve beer/alcohol and are topless places. Within walking distance from Risque is Show and Tel which is a skankier, college-type bachelor party place. They have a show bar and private booth area. The girls in the showbar aren't as good looking (lots of tattoos) than the other clubs mentioned, but it's a wilder place. It's also a BYOB and the girls take all of their clothes off. The showbar girls are better looking that the girls in the booth area, though. The booths skeeve me quite a bit. I went here for a bachelor party and had a good time, but wouldn't go there to hang out unless I got wasted at Risque and felt like having a rowdy time. Closer to the stadium and further down the road from S&T, and therefore closer to Tony Luke's, is the Crazy Horse. Imo, it's a very nice place, but it's too big. Girls are OK - not on par with Risque or Delilah's, but better than S&T. They serve beer/alcohol and the girls are topless. Low pressure place with plenty of room, but if you don't sit near the stage, you won't even feel like you're in a gentleman's club. And finally, there's Cheerleaders which is a bikini place that serves beer/alcohol. It's just up the street from Tony Luke's (walking distance, not a terrible neighborhood) and therefore closest to the stadium. Girls get down to their bikinis/lingerie and, imo, are on par with - if not prettier - than some at Delilah's.
If you want good looking girls and an upscale place, go to Delilah's although it's probably the furthest to get to. Risque is second in terms of looks, imo, and Crazy Horse third. Show and Tel is good if your taste isn't highbrow and are willing to trade more skin for lesser looks. If you want convenience and good looking girls and don't care about bikinis, go to Cheerleaders. In fact, go there then go to Tony Luke's and then go to Old City. Also, if you go after a game, see if any of the places give you a discount on the cover (or let you in free) if you show your ticket stub. Pretty sure Crazy Horse let's you in free.
Sorry for the brain dump, but that's pretty much my view of Philly.
Just got my tickets online for Philly/Pittsburgh game on December 11th. Coming down to See Neil young anyways... Flying into New York. Just wondering if anyone could tell me the difference in price between a train ride and bus ride from NY to Philly. As always any info would be greatly appreciated
Just got my tickets online for Philly/Pittsburgh game on December 11th. Coming down to See Neil young anyways... Flying into New York. Just wondering if anyone could tell me the difference in price between a train ride and bus ride from NY to Philly. As always any info would be greatly appreciated
Which airport?
Never mind, I was thinking you would be coming straight from there.
Amtrak is $43 each way from Penn Station to 30th St Station.
NJ Transit/SEPTA is $36.50 round trip.
Greyhound is $40 round trip.
One other thing, with the Canadian dollar being as high as it is, I'm thinking of waiting until I land in Philly to buy a new jersey. Can anyone recommend a good store that could put Poulin, the "C" and 20 on a new jersey in 24 hours.
One other thing, with the Canadian dollar being as high as it is, I'm thinking of waiting until I land in Philly to buy a new jersey. Can anyone recommend a good store that could put Poulin, the "C" and 20 on a new jersey in 24 hours.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they do this at the Wachovia Center.
Just got my tickets online for Philly/Pittsburgh game on December 11th. Coming down to See Neil young anyways... Flying into New York. Just wondering if anyone could tell me the difference in price between a train ride and bus ride from NY to Philly. As always any info would be greatly appreciated
You can usually find a lesser known bus company that goes into china town that does real cheap NYC to Philly trips and the ride takes less than 2 hours
If you do train (unless you want to do Amtrak witch is really expensive), you would need to do NJ Transit from penn station to Trenton NJ, and then take Septa from Trenton to your philly station. It's sorta a pain in the ass, i used to do it when i visited my girlfriend in nyc. It's a good deal though, i think like 15 bucks total each way
I'd say bus is probably the easiest and cheapest way to go
You can usually find a lesser known bus company that goes into china town that does real cheap NYC to Philly trips and the ride takes less than 2 hours
If you do train (unless you want to do Amtrak witch is really expensive), you would need to do NJ Transit from penn station to Trenton NJ, and then take Septa from Trenton to your philly station. It's sorta a pain in the ass, i used to do it when i visited my girlfriend in nyc. It's a good deal though, i think like 15 bucks total each way
I'd say bus is probably the easiest and cheapest way to go
Some of my friends take the chinatown bus to NYC. I usually take Greyhound, online, you can get tickets for 12 dollars one way, or 24 dollars round-trip.
Some of my friends take the chinatown bus to NYC. I usually take Greyhound, online, you can get tickets for 12 dollars one way, or 24 dollars round-trip.
Hmm...I couldn't find one that cheap on there. I did think it should have been cheaper than the train though.
from Penn Station to Trenton it will cost you 25 dollars(round trip). From Trenton to some Philly spot it would cost you about 7 dollars or 9 if you buy the ticket on the train. If you want cheap, you can take the china town bus from NYC to Philly for 10 dollars each way. It's about a 2 hour ride.
Thanks for all the info from everyone. I'm really looking forward to this year's trip to Philly. I'm trying to convince my buddy to stay a couple of extra nights so we can see the Habs game as well. Either way, it's always nice to come down there and cut loose with my Flyer brethern.
thanks for the thread guys! i'll be in town for the game on the 11th vs. the penguins. sitting in section 112, row 10. seems like some pretty good seats! i'll be the only person there in an islanders jersey
thanks for the thread guys! i'll be in town for the game on the 11th vs. the penguins. sitting in section 112, row 10. seems like some pretty good seats! i'll be the only person there in an islanders jersey
:lol were you at Pats Steaks before the game? We saw a guy in an Isles jersey and though he looked out of place
So, you're in from out of town to see the Flyers, or just visiting the city? Well, we're the City of Brotherly Love, so welcome! Here's everything you need to know about visiting Philadelphia.
The Sports Complex
The Wachovia Center, home of the Flyers and the NBA's 76ers, is located in South Philadelphia's Sports Complex, along with the Wachovia Spectrum (home of the AHL's Phantoms), Lincoln Financial Field (home of the NFL's Eagles) and Citizens Bank Park (home of MLB's Phillies).
Getting to Philadelphia
By AIR: Philadelphia International Airport is big. Southwest Airlines has quite a few good deals from other NHL cities (notably Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Boston via Manchester or Providence). AirTran also flies cheap flights to Philadelphia from Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and a few other NHL cities. PHL is really the only area airport that you can fly into.
By RAIL: Amtrak's Northeast Corridor runs through Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. Amtrak is ridiculously expensive, if you're not already aware of that, but it's very convenient. 30th Street Station is located in Center City Philadelphia.
By ROAD: No need to explain this, right?
Getting around in Philly
SEPTA runs the subway system in Philadelphia. They also run regional rail lines out of 30th Street Station. Regional Rail connects to each airport terminal and quickly takes you to Center City, so there's no need to rent a car if you're flying in.
The Sports Complex is located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, which is the last Southbound stop on the Broad Street Line (orange).
The subway in Philadelphia is nothing to fear. Don't feel adventurous and stray off of it (especially the Broad Street Line) unless you're right in the middle of Center City or near the Sports Complex, but the subway itself is very safe.
Center City Philly is also very walkable.
Where to stay?
If you're just in town to see the game and nothing else, you might want to stay right in the Sports Complex. The only hotel in that part of town is the Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium.
I wouldn't suggest staying at any of the airport hotels because you have to switch trains a few times after the game to get back that way. It's not difficult, but unnecessary.
These are most of the big hotels in town, but there are certainly others. There are really tons of options on where to stay. For a full listing, check this page.
What to do?
HISTORY: Well, Philly is the birthplace of America, so there is a lot of history here. Most of the historical sites are located in the Independence Mall/Old City area. Old City is absolutely beautiful. This neighborhood is home to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the United States Mint, and a ton of other stuff . For a lot of these attractions, the wait times are crazy long, so if you're able to, order tickets in advance.
SHOPPING: There's Antique Row (on Pine St between 10th and 18th), Fabric Row (on South 4th Street between South and Catherine Streets), Jeweler's Row (on Sansom between 7th and 8th and on 8th between Chestnut and Walnut), Rittenhouse Row (from Broad Street to 21st between Spruce and Market Streets) , and South Street between Front and 8th. The King of Prussia Mall is freakin' huge, and about a half hour from Center City by car. The Italian Market is located on 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater Streets. Delaware is home to tax-free shopping and only 15 minutes south!
THE JERSEY SHORE: If you're going to be around for more than a few days and want to leave the city, Atlantic City, NJ is only an hour and 15 minutes away by train. NJ Transit runs trains between the gambling mecca and 30th Street Station in Philly. Atlantic City offers gambling, the boardwalk, the beach (free!), and outlet shopping.
NIGHTLIFE (credit to vis):
Irish Pubs/Taverns: McGillin's and Fergie's are good places. Fergie's is a typical no frills, no TV pub. Good place if you just want to hang out for a beer without much of a "scene." McGillin's is the city's oldest bar (I think). As the night goes later, the crowd gets younger and there's often a line and cover charge depending on how late you go. If you're looking for "action," go to McGillin's. Finnigan's Wake on Spring Garden is going to be a college age crowd and will have a cover and a line. Might be a little on the young side for your crowd. But if you like to dance at your pub, go here. The Plough and the Stars is in Old City and is an Irish bar for the younger professional and is a bit more "adult" than those mentioned above. Not really a "pub" feel, but it's a pretty cool place with good food (not typical pub food, though). Other spots include Fado (chain Irish bar) and the always popular Irish Pub. They're most likely to be filled with college students and young professionals as well. Recommend: McGillin's and Plough.
For the best beer selection, IMO, go to Ludwig's or Monk's in Center City. Both have great beer selections if you're into Belgian Ales and Euro beers. Monk's is tiny so it might be tough with 8 guys. Ludwig's is probably better for your set (and closer to McGillan's if you go there).
Other Pub/Tavern spots:
Dark Horse - This is a great Irish food and a big place located on 2nd street just North of South Street. More adult and young professional crowd. Beer selection is good, too. The "scene" is OK, but it's a good place to "hang" with an older group.
The Public House - Located in Center City, this place is always packed. Some great "scenery" here. Big place, lots of TVs, probably going to be a line to get in. If you're in Center City and want a bar that's somewhat of a scene go here.
Tir Na Nog - Center City and close to the Public House. Irish pub, but the menu can be expensive. Good place to hang after work, but haven't come often for the bar scene later at night.
Nodding Head - Great homebrews and good food. Been here a few times after work.
New Wave - I had to sneak this in because it's my favorite "neighborhood" bar located in Queen Village. It's a good walk South of South Street. Good crowd, might be a little tight, but a good local set. Food is pretty good, too. If you're driving, parking can really suck. It's probably not suitable for what you want to accomplish since there's not much else around it unless you want to walk or cab it. Just thought I'd toss it in there...
Black Sheep - Get's some good press, but I'm not a huge fan. Can be really tight inside.
Oh, I forgot - Drinker's is a good place, especially for a group of dudes (two locations, Old City and Center City).
As far as clubs... Try Cuba Libre later at night in Old City. Pure also gets good review. You could also try Fluid. I don't have much exeperience in this department, so you'll probably be on your own here.
For a sort of upscale/martini type place: Rouge on Rittenhouse is probably your best bet, though it's a little small. I haven't been, but Loie gets good reviews as well. Brasserie Perrier is probably my favorite, by very chi-chi. 32 Degrees is a good place in Old City and so is the Bleu Martini. BP and 32 can get expensive. There's always Continental in Old City (and in Center City).
If you want a late night slice of pizza, go to Lorenzo's on South Street. Hit it by cab on your way back from Old City or Center City and call in an order for a pie to go. Note: pizza-by-the-slice comes plain only. No toppings. If you order a pie, they will put toppings on it. The line will probably be out the door after the bars close, so I recommend ordering a pie and picking it up on the way back to the hotel.
Gentleman's Clubs along Columbus Avenue: First, Delilah's probably has the best looking women and is more upscale and a little tighter about the dress code. Somewhat closer to the stadium is Club Risque which has good looking girls and is a great bar for having a few and watching the game. Both serve beer/alcohol and are topless places. Within walking distance from Risque is Show and Tel which is a skankier, college-type bachelor party place. They have a show bar and private booth area. The girls in the showbar aren't as good looking (lots of tattoos) than the other clubs mentioned, but it's a wilder place. It's also a BYOB and the girls take all of their clothes off. The showbar girls are better looking that the girls in the booth area, though. The booths skeeve me quite a bit. I went here for a bachelor party and had a good time, but wouldn't go there to hang out unless I got wasted at Risque and felt like having a rowdy time. Closer to the stadium and further down the road from S&T, and therefore closer to Tony Luke's, is the Crazy Horse. Imo, it's a very nice place, but it's too big. Girls are OK - not on par with Risque or Delilah's, but better than S&T. They serve beer/alcohol and the girls are topless. Low pressure place with plenty of room, but if you don't sit near the stage, you won't even feel like you're in a gentleman's club. And finally, there's Cheerleaders which is a bikini place that serves beer/alcohol. It's just up the street from Tony Luke's (walking distance, not a terrible neighborhood) and therefore closest to the stadium. Girls get down to their bikinis/lingerie and, imo, are on par with - if not prettier - than some at Delilah's.
If you want good looking girls and an upscale place, go to Delilah's although it's probably the furthest to get to. Risque is second in terms of looks, imo, and Crazy Horse third. Show and Tel is good if your taste isn't highbrow and are willing to trade more skin for lesser looks. If you want convenience and good looking girls and don't care about bikinis, go to Cheerleaders. In fact, go there then go to Tony Luke's and then go to Old City. Also, if you go after a game, see if any of the places give you a discount on the cover (or let you in free) if you show your ticket stub. Pretty sure Crazy Horse let's you in free.
Food in Philadelphia
Cheesesteaks: Nobody will ever agree on the best cheesesteak. The truth is, they're all good. The two big places are Pat's and Geno's, located right across the street from each other at 9th and Passyunk Avenue. There's also Jim's at 4th and South, Rick's at Reading Terminal Market (although maybe not for long -- they're trying to kick him out), Tony Luke's at 39 or 26 East Oregon. Rick's and Tony Luke's are also at Citizens Bank Park if you're catching a Phillies game.
The Philadelphia Phantoms traveled to 17 steak shops around the city last summer. For their reviews, click here.
How to order a Philly Cheesesteak (from gophila.com): When ordering a cheesesteak, the idea is to let the cashier know a.) that you would like a cheesesteak, b.) what type of cheese you want, and c.) whether or not you want fried onions. And you have to be as concise as possible while doing so.
Locals have become so adept at this practice that they basically have it down to three words: saying “one wiz with” to the person behind the counter means that you would like one cheesesteak [denoted by the “one”] with Cheeze Wiz as your choice of cheese [denoted by the “wiz”] and with fried onions [denoted by the “with”].
Similarly, saying “one provolone without” would secure you a single cheesesteak [one] made with provolone cheese [provolone] and without fried onions [without].
More food, again, credit tovis: If you want a good restaurant, go to any Steven Starr restaurant, and I especially recommend Buddakhan if you're in Old City. If you want burgers/frieds/pub grub, just about any of the aforementioned pubs will be sufficient. If you're in Old City and just want a burger, go to Rotten Ralph's at 2nd and Chestnut. Likewise, for typical Mexican in that area, go to Mexican Post just down the street. If you want steak, go to Barclay Prime (Steven Starr restaurant) or try one of the typical chains (Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Capital Grill, etc.). Also, Fogo de Chao is a Brazillian steakhouse that's gotten great reviews. All of the foregoing are in Center City/Rittenhouse area. If you want Italian food, there are too many places to name but my favorite neighborhood place is Scannichio's at Broad and Porter. It's small and you'll need a reservation, but it's a good no-frills place. Try the sausage and figs in balsamic as an appetizer. There's a bazillion other Italian places.
For a sports bar near the stadiums, check out Chickie's and Pete's.
