|
|
Comparable Schools'
Nightlife Grades:
Quick StatsUseful Resources for Nightlife
- Flyers
- School newspaper
- www.digitalcity.com/philadelphia
- www.philadelphia.citysearch.com
- www.phillymag.com
Student Favorites
- Blarney Stone
- Cavanaugh's
- Copa Banana
- Smokey Joe’s
Primary Areas with Nightlife
- Center City
- University City
Other Places to Check Out
- Laff House Comedy Club
- Sisters Karaoke
Favorite Drinking Games
- Beer pong
- Beirut
- Card games (A$$hole, Kings)
- Flip cup
- Power Hour
Cheapest Place to Get a Drink
Blarney Stone
College Prowler Take
Students really enjoy the endless array of nightlife possibilities that Penn’s location has to offer. Nearby Bars like Smoke’s and Blarney Stone are a staple for many students, while others venture further into the city to dance to every type of music from disco to techno. For a change of pace, some students enjoy karaoke or concerts, but no matter how you choose to spend your weekend nights, being under 21 years of age can definitely narrow your options. If you are into the bar or club scene, then going to school in Philadelphia is probably a smart decision. There are a number of bars scattered around University City, and there are clubs all over Center City and downtown. Most fraternities and sororities will have an event at a city club at some point, so if you are planning to join the Greek system, plan to experience this part of city nightlife as well. Because most Greek organizations strongly encourage their new members to attend all the events (even at over-21 venues), and because bars and clubs tend to be strict about carding, some students say that a fake ID is a very useful thing to possess. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
I’m more of a rocker than a...
I’m more of a rocker than a clubber. Philly is great for concerts. Every band comes through here. Since I came to Penn, Pearl Jam, Disturbed, Stone Temple Pilots, A Perfect Circle, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Incubus, Live, Wallflowers, Everclear, Puddle of Mudd, Bruce Willis, Less than Jake, and Bad Religion have all been here. The club scene is here, and there are also some underage ones. Again, it’s not my scene, but I know they are there. As for bars, an ID is critical. Once you have that, there are thousands to go to. |
Anonymous says: |
Philly is a big city with almost...
Philly is a big city with almost every type of bar and club you’re looking for. Campus bars like Smoke’s and Blarney are a good time during the week, and when you’re sick of the Penn scene, there’s plenty to explore downtown. Philly also has a great live music scene; it’s a major stop for all different types of performers. |
Anonymous says: |
In downtown, there are bars for...
In downtown, there are bars for all ages, but those for the 18-and-over crowd it will be a little harder to find places to go. If you’re good with bouncers, you should have no trouble getting into a 21-and-over club, even if you’re not of age. Most clubs are either found near South Street or on Delaware Avenue near the Delaware River. One thing I hate about Philly is that clubs tend to close at 2 a.m. The really good clubs like Transit and Evolution sometimes stay open till 3:30 a.m. There are ‘after hours’ clubs, but they don’t advertise to the public. Usually, they roam bars at about 1-2 a.m. and pass their fliers around. |
Anonymous says: |
We are right next to downtown...
We are right next to downtown Philly, so access to clubs and bars is pretty easy (granted you are 21). The on-campus bars are pretty standard—beer and grub. Pod has a pretty extensive bar and is pretty trendy. If you want to buy your own liquor, stores are close-by. |
Anonymous says: |
I don’t know much about the bars...
I don’t know much about the bars because I am under 21, and they tend to card fairly heavily . . . at least for guys; girls tend to have an easier time with those things. Club-wise, I have to say I am not a big fan of Philly clubs. I only go on 18-and-older nights. |
FactsClub Crawler
Philadelphia is home to quite a few clubs, which are frequently utilized by Penn students for fraternity or sorority events or simply a night out with friends. The following are some popular clubs among Penn and other Philadelphia college students and provide a great off-campus weekend option, even if you’re not 21.
Bar Prowler
Bars can be found in great abundance all along the edge of Penn’s campus. They attract Penn students and faculty regularly. Even though they mostly close at 2 a.m., the location of these bars places you steps away from the closest frat house, allowing you to easily continue your night out even after last call.
Organization Parties
Clubs and organizations often throw parties. Sometimes they are for members only and their guests, but other times, they are theme parties open to the public, in which case, the organization will usually hand out flyers to alert people to the event.
Club Listings
An old bank-turned-nightclub, Transit has a party vibe to liven up any Philly night, with different sounds pounding different areas of the dance floor. Transit sometimes hosts theme nights like Goth Night. Transit Nightclub 600 Spring Garden St. (215) 925-8878
Dance to hip-hop, classic house, and techno on Shampoo’s three dance floors, and drink up at one, or all, of it’s five bars. You only have to be 17 to get in on Sundays, although the club is open Thursday–Sunday for 21-year-olds. Shampoo 417 N. Eighth S. (215) 922-7500
Envy boasts “1 club, 2 DJs, 3 levels, 4 dance floors, 5 bars, and 6 rooms.” This one club can be the hotspot for people looking to add some variety to their nights of drinking and dancing. Envy 27 Bank St. (215) 922-3020
Evolution attracts a more mature crowd that most Delaware Avenue clubs. The 3:20 a.m. closing time keeps the nightlife going long after the other bars and clubs end their nights. Evolution 1517 N. Delaware Ave. (215) 634-0100
On college nights at Egypt, discounted admission is granted to students with a student ID ages 17 and up, 21 to drink. Music is dance, house, and hip hop. Dress code is normal club attire, no athletic clothes or work clothes allowed. Specials: Drink specials
This club is a touch nicer than your run-of-the-mill college dance club. The $7-$10 cover change gives you access to a more adult-oriented dance atmosphere, with beautiful views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The Eighth Floor 800 N. Delaware Ave. (215) 922-1000
This club plays Brazilian, Latin, and Caribbean dance music. Discounted cover prices if you eat downstairs. Specials: Wednesday – Latin Night with dance lesson ($5) from 9 p.m.-10 p.m., Fridays – Latin night from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. ($10), Saturdays – International Night with different bands, Latin-Brazilian-Caribbean, ($10) from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Brasil’s 112 Chestnut St. (215) 413-1700
Bar Listings
Blarney Stone is a great place to get cheap drinks and have a good time, at least until 2 a.m. Specials: Karaoke, Quizo Blarney Stone 3929 Sansom St. (215) 222-5340
Considered by some to be the best bar in University City, New Deck Tavern continues to draw a large portion of its crowd from Penn’s student body. Specials: Karaoke, Quizo
If you’re looking for the Old World feel of a tradition Dublin pub, Fergie’s is your best bet. The extensive Irish beer listing makes this the perfect spot for a relaxed beer break. Fergie’s Pub 1214 Sansom St. (215) 928-8118
Penn students and faculty make up the bulk of this bar’s clientele. Affectionately called “Smoke’s,” bar-going students flock here for a drink and an active social scene. It was rated “best college bar” by City Search in 2001. Specials: A “Pennstitution,” there are pictures of Penn athletes on the walls and the bar is steeped with red and blue. Smokey Joe’s 208 S. 40th St. (215) 222-0770
Rated the ‘Best Gay Neighborhood Bar” by city search, Woody’s is a great place to dance away the night to top 40s dance in Center City. Specials: Lounge and cyber bar Woody’s Bar 202 S. 13th St. (215) 545-1893
Stop by the Rotunda for a drink and some great live music. Local bands play here often, so you may end up going to support a friend or, if you’re any good, playing there yourself. Specials: Live music The Rotunda 4012 Walnut St. (215) 573-3234
Thirsty students can grab a beer here, while hungry students can obey their appetite with a great Philly cheesesteak or hoagie at this popular Penn stop. Practically always packed with Penn students on weekend nights, Copa Banana is a fun place to go to start off a night of frat-hopping. Copa Banana 4000 Spruce St. (215) 238-1512
This bar is quite popular among students on Monday nights because of the Monday night special. From 8 to 10 p.m. you get unlimited beer and wings for $12. Mill Creek Tavern 4200 Chester St.
You only have to be 18 to get into this neighborhood restaurant/bar. Students enjoy the friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Specials: Pitcher specials beginning at 4 p.m. every weekday Cavanaugh’s Restaurant 119 S 39th St. (215) 386-4889
What to Do if You're Not 21
The following places permit students ages 18 and above either regularly or for special events (details can be found on previous pages): Cavanaugh’s, Egypt, Shampoo, Smokey Joe’s, and Woody’s.
Write for Us! College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more >
|
|
