If you think the Erin Express is all about crowded Irish pubs and traditional pints of Guinness, we’ve got news for you. Sure, we love a good Irish pub as much as the next person, but sometimes you’ve got to mix it up. This St. Patrick’s Day, check out these six unexpected places along the Erin Express route – you’ll be glad you did.

St. Patrick’s Day is creeping up fast, and if you’re gearing up for Philly’s illustrious Erin Express Bar Crawl, you need a game plan. Bar crawls are a blast, but trust me—if you don’t pace yourself, you’ll be the one asking strangers for a piggyback ride by noon. Here’s how to keep the party going without crashing and burning.

Look, St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia is essentially a marathon of green beer, Tullamore Dew, and convincing yourself that Guinness is a food group. But between cover charges, overpriced drinks, and that inevitable 2 AM cheesesteak run, it’s way too easy to wake up the next day with a financial hangover on top of the real one.

Good news? You don’t have to be rich to rage. Here’s how to have an incredible St. Paddy’s Day in Philadelphia without your bank account hating you the next morning.

When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, Philadelphia goes all in. It’s kind of like the Super Bowl of drinking holidays—except with more green, way less coordination, and absolutely zero personal space in any bar within city limits. Walking down any street and you’ll find bars serving up Guinness like it’s water and you’ll hear Dropkick Murphys at least 20 times before midnight. Here’s where to drink in Philadelphia this St. Paddy’s Day.

Okay, so let’s talk Irish coffee—because it just doesn’t get better than caffeine and whiskey in one perfectly cozy, slightly boozy cup. We’re gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day and craving a little pick-me-up, and Philadelphia has plenty of spots serving up a mean Irish coffee. We did the very important research (you’re welcome), and here’s where you can get the best of the best.

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest food days of the year, and Philly is packed with top-notch takeout options to make your game-day spread unforgettable. Whether you're looking for wings, cheesesteaks, burgers, or vegan platters, these top spots have you covered.

Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and we think a romantic cocktail bar with a dreamy date or an anti-Valentine’s night out with your ride-or-die. No boring dinners or cliché roses here—we’re talking candlelit booths, skyline views, and drinks that will make your heart swoon.

We’ve all had that one night where a few too many cocktails gave us the sudden confidence to belt out “Don’t Stop Believin’” like we were headlining Madison Square Garden. And I get it—sometimes you’re that person at the bar who thinks you’re a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered by a record label exec who’s lurking nearby. That’s what karaoke nights in Philadelphia are for: bad singing, feel-good vibes, and memories that leave you cringing and laughing the next day.

Let’s set the scene for a moment. It’s 1:45 a.m., we’re middle of the dance floor, the DJ’s dropping bangers, and suddenly it hits us: Philadelphia clubs start shutting down at 2 a.m. sharp. Tragic. But hold up—this is where the real fun starts. Not ready to go home? Same. Let’s talk about the spots where the night doesn’t end when the clock strikes 2. You down? Cool, let’s go.

Okay, you guys. It’s January 17th. Those of us doing Dry January—congrats, we’ve hit the halfway point! It’s full steam ahead until February 1st, which, BTW, falls on a Saturday (the universe has our back). But here’s the thing: just because you’re skipping the booze doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun. Philadelphia’s nightlife scene is packed with mocktails so good, you might just keep ordering them when February rolls around.

When you think of Old City, iconic cobblestone streets and historic landmarks may come to mind—but did you know it’s also home to some of Philly’s best nightlife? Beyond the well-known bars, Old City offers unique, under-the-radar spots that mix live music, themed cocktails, and dance floors that come alive at night. If you’re ready to shake up your usual plans, here’s where you need to go:

Philadelphia takes its sports seriously—whether it’s the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, or Flyers, game day is a cross city event. And while watching from your couch is fine, nothing beats the energy of a packed sports bar filled with cheering fans and cold drinks. Here’s a guide to Philly sports bars that go above and beyond to make every game feel like the Superbowl.

Some weeks just call for wine. It’s Wednesday, you’ve survived half the week (barely), and the only thing standing between you and complete chaos is a glass is a bottle of wine. But do we feel like dropping a small fortune on vino? Absolutely not. This is Philadelphia, babe. We ball out responsibly. Here’s where you should be popping corks this week:

It’s January, and you’ve probably hit that point where it’s so cold outside that all you want is a night out without  freezing your face off. It’s time to hit a spot with a cozy fireplace! Philadelphia’s got some incredible spots where you can sip on a cocktail, warm up by the fire, and pretend it’s not miserable outside. Here are 5 fireside bars to stop into when you want your drink with a big side of warmth.

Think you’ve seen all Philly’s nightlife has to offer? Think again. The city’s best-kept secrets aren’t above ground—they’re underground. Beneath the busy streets, you’ll find some of the coolest spots, from basement bars to live music venues and everything in between. 

Philadelphians, stop what you’re doing—I just stumbled upon Cellar Dog Philly, and it’s giving everything. They’ve been open for about a month, so, okay, not new new, but new to me, and if it’s also new to you – let’s get into it. Cellar Dog Philly is a hangout making great use of the old Howl at the Moon stomping grounds on S. 15th Street. Come here to hang, to drink, to crush your friends at pool.

Vinyl listening is ritualistic. The tangibility of sliding a record from its sleeve, the soft and exact placement of the needle, the sound of that first crackle as the music starts to flow—​​ hearing every layer, every imperfection, every note the artist intended. It’s almost a form of escapism that takes you out of the digital noise and into something richer, warmer, and so much more deliberate.

In Philadelphia, where music runs deep in our veins, vinyl is alive and well.

A jazzy time is to be had in Philadelphia – if you know where to look. Beyond the dive bars, dance clubs, and beer gardens lies a world where saxophones wail, bass lines walk, and that soulful piano pouring out honeyed melodies that speak to your very soul. These spots prove that live jazz can be cool, modern, and—dare we say it—even sexy. Check out where you can sway to the rhythms that make life in Philly oh so sweet.

The best way to do brunch is to make it into an all day affair - am I right or am I right? For those who love to keep the party going long after the last bloody mary, and as day swaps places with night, these spots easily transition from sleepy morning vibes to late-night tomfoolery. We’re here for the spiked coffee, DJ sets, and even the rooftop cocktails (heated, of course), and these five Philly favorites know how to take brunch to the next level.

Deck the halls and stash the tinsel—this holiday season, Philadelphia's pop-up bars are turning the city into a veritable winter wonderland for those thirsty for festive cheer. The glittering lights, a few thematic cocktails, a cozy atmosphere where even Scrooge would feel merry – I think they call this “The Most Wonderful Time of Year”? You wouldn’t be too hard-pressed to see why in a city that loves this holiday as much as Philadelphia does.