Bash
Bash is one of the city's many posh nightclubs. It's a good place to sip a martini and just listen to music under crystal chandeliers or dance on the spacious dance floor. The club is 18-and-over to enter, and 21-and-over to drink. Doors open at 10 p.m.
450 N. 6th St.
(215) 232-2274
Fluid
The dance floor isn't huge, but the overall ambiance is very stylish, and the club is always packed with devoted club-goers. With a different party every night of the week, and regular notable guest DJs, this is the club to go to if you want to hear the best dance music. Fluid brings talented DJs to Philly to spin everything from drum and bass to hip hop to rock and punk. Cover charges vary, but range from $5 to $12.
Sisters
Sisters is a Philly landmark. It caters to the lesbian community and boasts one of the only establishments of its kind on the East Coast to be open seven days a week. They have happy hours Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but Thursday and Saturday are the hottest nights for dancing. It's 21 and over every day.
Woody's
One of the city's biggest gay bars, Woody's is part restaurant, part bar, and part disco. Wednesdays the dance bar is 18 and over with a $5 cover. Saturday nights are the biggest party for those who are 21 and over, also with a $5 cover.
Brownies
Don't count on getting in if you are under 21, but it's possible. If you get in, you'll enjoy 10-cent wings, one dollar Bud Lites, and a Main Line band. Brownies can get packed and the bands have been known to get people dancing.
23 E. Lancaster Ave.
(610) 649-8389
Dave and Buster's
Thirty percent bar and 70 percent arcade, this establishment is one corporate chain that Philadelphia is lucky to have. If alternating drinking and skee-ball is the kind of excitement you seek, this is your place!
Grog Restaurant and Bar
The Grog is an appealing pub that draws students for the drinks and the food. The inside is bright and brassy, and the prices are high for a pub in close proximity to four colleges. Mawrters still go here because it is a quick walk from campus.
Khyber
Some come for the beer and stay for the music, others come for the music and stay for the beer. Either way, this is a great place to drink exotic lager and listen to great local, regional, and occasionally national rock bands. They are strict about age, so you have to be 21 to enter. Covers depend on the band, but are generally five to fifteen dollars.
Roache & O'Brien's
Roache's is something of an enigma: it is a bona fide dive in a town where expensive restaurants and upscale baby clothing stores are the norm. This is its charm. They make a great burger and serve good, cheap drinks. The selection isn't fantastic, but it's better than most would expect. The staff is usually very friendly and appreciative.
560 W. Lancaster Ave.
Haverford
(610) 527-6308
What to Do if You're Not 21What's This?
Club Egypt
Egypt is not a classy club, but it's popular because of its 17-and-over nights. For your $10 cover charge, you can dance to hip hop and house among the egyptian-themed décor.
520 N. Delaware Ave.
(215)-922-6500
House Parties
Bryn Mawr's residence halls throw regular parties, particularly Radnor and either Pembroke East or West. Smaller houses like Perry and Batten also have parties a few times a year. Bryn Mawr's party policy allows students of all years to attend, and students are under the Honor Code when it comes to serving themselves alcohol if they are under 21.
The Point
The Point brings in some well-known acts in a very intimate setting, complete with living room sofas and bookshelves. They also serve food and have weekly open-mic nights.
Shampoo
With its four themed dance floors, Shampoo is one of the nicest looking and most popular clubs in Philly. The smaller dance floor and several bars are downstairs, with the main floor above. Nocturne Wednesdays features `80's top 40, alternative `80s hits, classic, modern Goth, and even a little punk. You can count on the place being packed with well-dressed club-goers.
417 N. 8th St.
(215) 873-0222
Unitarian Church
This venue brings some very hip music at very affordable prices and is another great place to see a show. The setting is a stark church basement, and for less than 10 dollars, you can hang out with Philly kids and hear a few bands playing the coolest music around. See Web site for shows.
2125 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia
(215) 925-6356