philly bars
 

Hello,
Me and a bunch of friends - females, in our late 20's are going to Philadelphia for a weekend. Being from NY, I haven't been to Philly and don't know what the good bars are, don't know the area at all. We're staying not to far from the Liberty Bell, at a Radisson. If anyone knows of happening places to go out at night that are nice, but not too boring, that has some good music (not hip hop) please let me know! Thanks!!

I love Alma de Cuba on Walnut and the "new" Continental by Rittenhouse Square.

Head to Old City, which is the area between Front and 5th streets, and between Race and Chestnut, which should be near your hotel. Some of the more popular (trendy) ones are Glam, 32 Degrees, the bar at Cuba Libre, Continental, Plough and the Stars... there are many more so I'm sure just by walking around the area you'll find ones that suit your taste.

Eulogy's Belgian Tavern is in the area Mcat recommends. If you like beer, this is the place. Have one of their "Arrogant Bastards" for me.

Good food, great frites and mussels. ((b))

Check out 20 Manning in the Rittenhouse Square area--great spot for dinner that has a great vibrant bar scene at night, sometimes with a DJ, but still retains a low-key vibe.

Here's another vote for the Continental. The food is very good too...you order lots of small plates and share them. And they make a great martini. Great, funky decor.

Old City would be the closest cluster of bars/clubs to where you are staying, but it isn't one of my favorite areas. If you want to go out close to your hotel, just walk around between Market and Walnut, and Front and 2nd streets. Bar hopping is easy in this area and there are enough places with no cover charge to be able to do that. These are my options for fun but not too pretentious, places:
Eulogy: Chestnut between Front and 2nd--ditto what Budman said
Plough and the Stars: 2nd and Chestnut--Irish pub, good food
Khyber: 2nd between Market and Chestnut--live music, grungy, but fun--there's a cover charge downstairs for the live acts but upstairs is free
Soma: 3rd between Market and Chestnut--dance club with no cover, the most fun after midnight
Cuba Libre: 2nd between Market and Chestnut--fun atmosphere, great dinners and drinks
Tin Angel (with Serrano restaurant downstairs): 2nd between Market and Chestnut--live music venue w/ various cover charges--the bar/restaurant downstairs is very cozy

If you want to try a different section of Philly, take a cab about 14 blocks west to the 16th and Walnut area. This section of the city isn't as crazy, but there's still quite a night life. My favorite bars in this area:

Black Sheep Tavern: 17th and Latimer--cozy, good beer
Nodding Head Brewery: Sansom between 15th and 16th (upstairs from the Sansom Street Oyster House)--small, fun atmosphere, good microbrewed beers
Alma de Cuba: Walnut between 16th and 17th--more upscale, great drinks

Thanks everyone,
Sounds like some great suggestions..going this weekend so we'll see what the verdict is..I'm excited now!

If you like jazz: http://phillyjazz.org/jan.html

I agree with Mcat, try Olde City! Cafe Spice, The Continental, Glam, Cube Libre, etc. Buddakan is a great place t have dinner. Try going to Philadephia Magazine: http://www.phillymag.com/dining/FullSearch.php