So it’s finally the weekend, and you want to go out. You’ve got a pocket full of money and a car full of people waiting to do something, anything, fun and exciting. So why spend another weekend doing the same old thing around West Chester, when Philadelphia is less than a quarter tank of gas away? The City of Brotherly Love is packed with great places to spend your time and money. Whether you want to chow down, drink up, shop ’til you drop or dance the night away, there is something for you in the city. Happy Hour: Feel like getting the party started a little early? Not a problem; make sure to visit the Las Vegas Lounge, located at 704 Chestnut Street. This homage to Sin City offers no cover on Friday nights and 20-ounce dollar drafts and swell drinks from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The menu is extremely reasonable and offers local favorites like The Elvis Burger and, of course, the Philly cheesesteak.
Dance Clubs: Philly has some great places to go if you feel like shaking it on the dance floor all night. Shampoo, located at 417 N. 8th St. is a place that caters to every musical taste. The huge main room features four bars and plays hip-hop; the White Room offers disco classics to a smaller crowd, and the Velvet Underground Room is strictly VIP only. In the summer, the Groove Garden, a tent-covered outdoor area, opens up and features techno and house beats, a Jacuzzi, and a little foam to really get the party going.
Tiki Bob’s is a Polynesian paradise located at 461 N. 3rd St. where you can dance to top 40 hits (think Q102) under the glare of a huge, glowing Tiki statue. Bob’s features the Tiki Nut – a huge cocktail made of Bacardi 151 and Kool-Aid which may have you doing the hula after too many. Thursday nights are Lava Ladies Night, which means all ladies get in free all night.
Date Night: If you’ve got a date, Cuba Libre at 10 S. 2nd Street is a great place to spend it. Located in Old City, the vintage setting and Cuban menu have made this place one of the most popular spots in the area. The drink menu consists of a long list of Caribbean-inspired drinks. A reservation is needed here, but seating is fast and the service is even better.
Live Music: If you want to hear a great band while you imbibe, The Khyber, at 56 S. 2nd Street, is the place for you. Long known for its great live rock bands, the Khyber claims to be Philly’s oldest continuously operating bar. It is a great place to see new and up and coming artists while enjoying over 100 different beers.
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, at 847 N 3rd St is the best place to hear live jazz in Philly. The venue features some of the city’s best and most respected jazz musicians as well as a delicious Southern-Cajun style menu. But be sure to bring extra money; the entrees here start at about $15.
Fun for Everyone: Dave and Buster’s, located at 325 N. Columbus Blvd., is a Chuck E. Cheese’s for grown-ups. Think of all the games and prizes, with two bars thrown in for good measure. Dine in their restaurant that features entrees of all kinds, from Mexican to Chinese to traditional American, then play all night in the arcade, or rent a pool table for the evening.
This is just a small list of all the great things to do in Philadelphia. Take advantage of the wide array of places to see and things to do, and make a night of it next time you decide to go out.