Channel Your Inner Irish: Crafting Your Erin Express Bar Crawl Route

As the chill of winter begins to thaw, the city of Philadelphia starts to hum with anticipation. And there's a very, very good reason why, my fellow bar-crawlers. St. Patrick's Day - a day dedicated to endless revelry and festivities, painted in shades of green. An annual celebration that gives us the perfect excuse to party all day (and perhaps, all night) long. Smack dab in the middle of the fun, there’s the amazing Philly tradition that brings the city's top pubs together: the epic Erin Express Bar Crawl. Are you ready for it? 

The Erin Express is more than just an extended pub run. It's an annual celebration of Irish traditions, friendship, and some good old beer-guzzling! And it's no single-day event. No. This is a weekend-long, city-wide celebration!

Intrigued already? Hang on, because we've got the guidebook to planning, navigating, and absolutely nailing your Erin Express experience. From choosing your favorite watering holes to devising the most efficient crawl route, we're going to map it all out. So get set to paint the town green, Philly style!

Your journey begins with understanding exactly what the Erin Express is. Launched over thirty years ago, this green-hued extravaganza, which is now a staple of Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day festivities, is a tour-de-force through some of the city's most popular bars. Imagine a sea of green-clad revelers, all hopping, skipping, and sometimes stumbling from one bar to the next in the spirit of the Irish - that's the Erin Express for you. 

But how do you ace a crawl that spans across two days and 16 bars, you ask? That, my fellow Philly dwellers, is where proper planning comes in. Set a meeting point, gather your squad, and organize your transportation ahead of time. 

Now let's turn to the fun part—choosing your bars. With offerings like the lively Howl at the Moon or the cozy Green Room, and plenty others in between, the Erin Express accommodates every pub preference. Want a classic Irish setting? Head to Cavanaugh's Headhouse or New Deck Tavern. Or maybe you're up for a more modern vibe? Try Wicked Wolf or Milk Boy.

Let's break it down further. If coming from the University City side, you might want to start at Landmark Americana or The Post. As you make your way through the city, make sure to hit The Wayward, NoChe, or Ladder 15. 

For those starting from the east, Originators like Paddy Whacks and Woolly Mammoth set the mood for the day. Be sure to check out Finn McCools Ale House and Bonner's Irish Pub for a pinch of authenticity. Then, head towards the center, exploring Lucy's and Tradesman’s for a pint. 

Territory planning adds another layer of fun to your adventure, preventing backtracking and ensuring each pub experience is unique and enjoyable. With over 30 participating bars, the only limit to your crawl experience is your imagination.

Keep in mind the primary aim of the Erin Express - a community celebration. It's not a race, and while it's fun to get to as many bars as possible, quality experiences trump the quantity of drinks. Savor the Irish drinks, enjoy the specials, and bask in the joyful St. Paddy's Day camaraderie.

But wait! Don’t forget to engage in some St. Patrick’s Day traditions! How about raising a toast with a pint of emerald green beer, or sampling traditional Irish delights? And of course, don’t forget to wear your finest green attire. 

And now my final piece of advice: know when to say ‘sláinte’ (that's cheers in Irish!) and when to call it a night. All good things must come to an end, after all. Keep yourself safe and show respect to your fellow crawlers while enjoying the lively sense of community that comes with being part of Erin Express.

So here's to your Erin Express adventure! Seize the day, and may the luck of the Irish be with you. Remember, we too want to hear about your experiences, your tips, and your fun little stories from the crawl, so feel free to share those with us!