Swilladelphia - Hittin' the Bars

-Plan Ahead

Before you run around Philly for the great bar scene, make sure you know your situation. Do you have the cash? For a night of heavy drinking, prepare to drop upwards of 75 dollars. Add in to that any transportation costs. Make sure you’re not throwing your budget out of whack for just one night.

-Know Your Scene

What kind of night are you looking for? Are you up for a party or some quiet drinks with friends? Are you a beer fan, or do you prefer your drinks with little umbrellas? Different bars offer different specialties and ambiances. For example, if you’re looking for a quiet night with a few beers, consider Bridget Foy’s or Jon’s. For more of a party, hit up Wooly Mammoth’s or O’Neal’s. Do some research ahead of times for things like Happy Hour specials and bar specialties.

-Dine Well Beforehand

Before a long night of the sauce, make sure you have a good meal. Bar food is expensive (unless they’ve got great happy hour specials), and can kill a good buzz. If you must eat while on the go, indulge in light fare like appetizers, and nothing that might turn your alcohol-laced stomach. On the other hand, make sure to drink plenty of water while on a bender. There ain’t nothing worse than a hangover, my friends, and some good old agua can allay that from happening.

-Make a TouchTunes Account

If you’re anything like me, a good night at the bar is topped off by great music. Many bars around the city are now equipped with TouchTunes digital jukeboxes. A far cry from the disk-spinning, neon behemoths of old, these little guys usually hang unobtrusively on a wall. By visiting MyTouchTunes, you can sign up for a free account and make a playlist of your favorite tunes to enjoy whilst you indulge. To enjoy some of my favorites, visit my profile.

-Know Your Ride

Finally, make sure you know how you plan to return to your domicile after your night of debauchery. Put a cab fare into your budget, and make sure everyone ponies up some for the ride. Know the local SEPTA routes, or keep a well-sobered DD on hand so that everyone gets home safely. Also, remember to warn the cabbie to stop before you puke out the cab door.