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Top 10 College Bars in Philly
Top 10 College Bars in Philly
As part of our going back to school theme, we decided to put together a list of the best college bars in Philly. Although Philly is home to many colleges and universities, only a couple of campuses have developed the quintessential “college bar.” A place where undergrads go to create memories and grad students and alum go to relive them. Places where you go to get tanked after finals and places to celebrate after a school win (sports). As you will see from the list Upenn’s University City dominates the list as it has been the only real established “college town” in Philly. However, other notable campuses make a cameo on the list. Since it isn’t uncommon for college students to roam other college stomping grounds, many Philly college alum will spark up nostalgia no matter where they went to school.
City Tap House
3925 Walnut St. | 215.662.0105 | UPenn
When you envision an Ivy League college you have to envision plush bars and fancy eateries in and around campus. Well UPenn did a swell job attracting City Tap to University City. Although, City Tap looks more like it belongs in a suburb in Anytown, USA it somehow manages to blend right into the strip along Walnut St. The inside is bright airy with plenty of seating. Food options are solid and the drink options are even better. What sets this place apart from other spots is the cool outdoor seating equipped with fire features. City Tap also does a great job entertaining with special nights such as quizzo night and live entertainment which is why it makes our list of the top 10 college bars in Philly.
Blarney Stone
3929 Sansom St. | 215.222.5340 | UPenn
Speaking ofT op 10 College Bars in Philly, how could we leave out this staple in University City. Considered a “Penn kid” spot Blarney Stone is also frequented by Drexel kids as well. Well known for their awesome quizzo nights on Tuesdays and more than reasonably priced drinks, Blarney is a no frills college bar. This place can get really cramped really fast but that’s the true college experience. Although traditional in the sense of decor almost like this place is an extension of the university, Blarney does offer wifi and cool menu options such as grilled cheese tater tots. Overall, if you’re looking for the prototype college bar this is the place to be.
Masters
1535 N Carlisle St. | 215.787.9933 | Temple University
Masters is the new kid on the block makes our list of Top 10 College Bars in Philly. Masters has all the tools to be the “man on campus.” A cool first floor with a bar, big Tvs, and plenty of seating welcomes you as you walk in. Upstairs is party central with an additional bar, huge dance/party area, seating and a cool lounge corner with large TVs and comfy couches. This will definitely be the spot that will draw college party promoters to throw cool shindigs. If this place lives up to its potential it will be a draw for non-college students as well. Masters marks another step in Temple’s efforts to create a festive and more attractive campus. So far so good.
Landmark Americana
3333 Market St | 215.222.4500 | Drexel University
2481 N 54th St | 610.660.2100 | St. Joseph University
For this slot we are doubling up. Generally we have a no chain policy when it comes to promoting business but you just can’t get around these two bars when it comes to the college bar scene. Landmark’s location on Drexel’s campus is in the heart of food truck alley but holds its own. A cool feature is how this bar opens up to the courtyard where there is plenty of outdoor seating and fire features for night time socializing. The Landmark location on the St. Joe’s campus is definitely the man on campus considering the bar scene around St. Joe’s is pretty dry. Most kids end up traveling down the road to Manayunk and we don’t blame them. However, for those that want to stick around, Landmark offers a cool festive vibe and great drinking and eating options. It’s definitely the go-to spot if you want to throw back a few cold ones.
Drinkers West
3900 Chestnut St. | 215. 397.4693 | UPenn
Drinkers has a lot of things going for it. Food is cheap, drinks are cheap, and it’s very spacious. This is a place that Penn & Drexel kids can pack into and have an almost frat house feel. This bar’s dark atmosphere makes it a perfect place for young college yuppies to socialize when they want to forget about school work. It’s also a pretty good place to watch sporting events as there are plenty of spots to get a good view and the daily drink specials are some of the best in town.
New Deck Tavern
3408 Sansom St. | 215.386-4600 | Drexel University/Upenn
This spot is where the Penn & Drexel students go for a bit of a laid back atmosphere. Although this place can get a bit packed from time to time, generally it’s more of a chill environment. The food is pretty standard for a bar think burgers and fries, but it’s the drink selection and price that brings in the people. New Deck is also another great spot to catch a sporting event with friends or drop in for a fun quizzo night.
Draught Horse
1431 Cecil B. Moore Ave. | 215.235.1010 | Temple University
This place is almost like a right of passage among Temple kids. If you attended the home of the cherry & white then you had to step foot inside the Draught Horse. With the new renovations and additions happening at Temple it’s always good to see familiar places and the Draught Horse provides that sort of comfort. This spot offers a solid beer selection as well as a pretty spacious environment. Although the food is on par with college bar standards, it’s still one of the better sit down restaurants around campus. With specialty nights such as “White Girl Wednesdays” there really is never a dull moment at this place.
Smokey Joe’s
208 S 40th St |
Unassuming pizza joint by day and classic college dive bar by night. This is Upenn’s undergraduate go-to-spot. No frills, no fancy fire features, no fancy courtyard, just good drinks and lively atmosphere. DJs and live music can be found here to crank out tunes on just about every night. Again, this isn’t a list of the best bar foods, so don’t expect to be floored but the pizza here is pretty stellar. Other menu options are more than serviceable. Overall if you want that classic loud frat house feel off campus this is the place to be.
Mad Mex
3401 Walnut St. | 215.382.2221 | UPenn
Tequila, margaritas, tacos, and burritos, are all irresistible to college students. So if you put a place that serves up this winning combo you have a recipe for success. Mad Mex is the break from the “typical college bar” and provides a cool Mexican vibe in the heart of University City. The food is good and the drinks are even better. Mad Mex knows how to party so this place is usually pretty loud and pretty packed. As a side tidbit, this place actually serves up some of the best wings in town.
Pub Webb
1527 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
What was once a hole in the wall on the cusp of Temple’s campus has been slowly winning over Temple students once class at a time. Here you’ll find students, alumni and locals mingling over cheap drinks and an authentic dive bar feel. However, live music shapes this place as local talent provides the vibes you need to make every visit to Pubb Webb a memorable one.
