letsgoflyers75
Registered User
2017 edit: This thread began in 2007 but updated periodically; however, some info may remain dated. Feel free to ask questions in this thread.
Welcome!
So, you're in from out of town to see the Flyers, or just visiting the city? Well, we're the City of Brotherly Love, so welcome! Here's everything you need to know about visiting Philadelphia.
Getting Flyers tickets
Getting to Philadelphia
Getting around in Philly
Where to stay?
What to do?
NIGHTLIFE (credit to vis):
Irish Pubs/Taverns: McGillin's Olde Ale House ( http://mcgillins.com/ ) and Fergie's Pub ( http://fergies.com/ ) are good places. Fergie's is a typical no frills, no TV pub. Good place if you just want to hang out for a beer without much of a "scene." McGillin's is the city's oldest bar (I think). As the night goes later, the crowd gets younger and there's often a line and cover charge depending on how late you go. If you're looking for "action," go to McGillin's. The Plough and the Stars ( http://ploughstars.com/ ) is in Old City and is an Irish bar for the younger professional and is a bit more "adult" than those mentioned. Not really a "pub" feel, but it's a pretty cool place with good food (not typical pub food, though). Other spots include Fado Irish Pub ( http://fadoirishpub.com/philadelphia/ ) and the always popular Irish Pub ( http://www.irishpubphilly.com/ ). They're most likely to be filled with college students and young professionals as well. Recommend: McGillin's and Plough. Edit 2016-17: A recent voter poll ranked the following -- http://philly.cityvoter.com/best/irish-pub/nightlife/philadelphia
For the best beer selection, IMO, go to Monk's Café (http://www.monkscafe.com/) in Center City for great beer selections if you're into Belgian Ales and Euro beers. Monk's is tiny so it might be tough with 8 guys.
Other Pub/Tavern spots:
As far as clubs... Try Cuba Libre later at night in Old City http://cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia/.
Pizza: If you want a late night slice of pizza, go to Lorenzo's on South Street. Hit it by cab on your way back from Old City or Center City and call in an order for a pie to go. Note: pizza-by-the-slice comes plain only. No toppings. If you order a pie, they will put toppings on it. The line will probably be out the door after the bars close, so I recommend ordering a pie and picking it up on the way back to the hotel. Pizza suggestions on VisitPhilly.com: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/where-to-find-the-best-pizza-in-philadelphia/
Cheesesteaks: Nobody will ever agree on the best cheesesteak. The truth is, they're all good. The two big places are Pat's and Geno's, located right across the street from each other at 9th and Passyunk Avenue. There's also Jim's at 4th and South, Tony Luke's at 39 East Oregon Avenue. Rick's and Tony Luke's are also at Citizens Bank Park if you're catching a Phillies game. Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop http://joessteaks.com/
VisitPhilly.com ranks cheesesteaks: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/top-10-spots-for-authentic-philly-cheesesteaks/
Other food: Reading Terminal Market is heaven if you love food. The definitive guide for food in Philadelphia is located at philadelphiacuisine.com.
More food, again, credit tovis: If you want a good restaurant, go to any Steven Starr restaurant, and I especially recommend Buddakhan if you're in Old City. If you want burgers/frieds/pub grub, just about any of the aforementioned pubs will be sufficient. If you're in Old City and just want a burger, go to Rotten Ralph's at 2nd and Chestnut. Likewise, for typical Mexican in that area, go to Mexican Post just down the street. If you want steak, go to Barclay Prime (Steven Starr restaurant) or try one of the typical chains (Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Capital Grill, etc.). Also, Fogo de Chao is a Brazillian steakhouse that's gotten great reviews. All of the foregoing are in Center City/Rittenhouse area. If you want Italian food, there are too many places to name but my favorite neighborhood place is Scannichio's at Broad and Porter. It's small and you'll need a reservation, but it's a good no-frills place. Try the sausage and figs in balsamic as an appetizer. There's a bazillion other Italian places.
Official visitor's guide to restaurant options by cuisine: http://www.visitphilly.com/restaurants-dining/
Options for Sports Bars
Tickets to Philly area teams
BOOKS:
Since we get many suggestions regarding Flyers' publications, here's a list of what known.
DVDs:
Miscellaneous:
Welcome!
So, you're in from out of town to see the Flyers, or just visiting the city? Well, we're the City of Brotherly Love, so welcome! Here's everything you need to know about visiting Philadelphia.
- Official city visitor's website -- www.visitphilly.com
Getting Flyers tickets
- Wells Fargo Center: http://www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com/team-pages-flyers.aspx
- Stub Hub: http://www.stubhub.com/philadelphia-flyers-tickets/
- Seating Map and prices: http://flyers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=35701[/size][/font]
Getting to Philadelphia
- By AIR: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main centrally located airport.
- By RAIL: Amtrak's Northeast Corridor runs through Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. Amtrak is ridiculously expensive, if you're not already aware of that, but it's very convenient. 30th Street Station is located in Center City Philadelphia.
- By BUS: Greyhound Bus Lines serve Philadelphia through Market East Station in the heart of Center City. Market East is located at 12th and Filbert Streets. Greyhound is only 23 dollars round trip between Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC and Philadelphia.
- By CAR: No need to explain this, right?
Getting around in Philly
- SEPTA runs the subway system in Philadelphia. They also run regional rail lines out of 30th Street Station. Regional Rail connects to each airport terminal and quickly takes you to Center City, so there's no need to rent a car if you're flying in. SEPTA Transit System Map
- The Sports Complex is located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, which is the last Southbound stop on the Broad Street Line (orange).
[*]The subway in Philadelphia is nothing to fear. Don't feel adventurous and stray off of it (especially the Broad Street Line) unless you're right in the middle of Center City or near the Sports Complex, but the subway itself is very safe. - Center City Philly is also very walkable.
Where to stay?
- If you're just in town to see the game and nothing else, you might want to stay right in the Sports Complex. Mod edit: One suggestion is the Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard ( http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phlcs-courtyard-philadelphia-south-at-the-navy-yard/).
- I wouldn't suggest staying at any of the airport hotels because you have to switch trains a few times after the game to get back that way. It's not difficult, but unnecessary.
- If you want to experience the city a little more, stay in Center City. There's plenty of options here.
- There are really tons of options on where to stay. For a full listing: http://www.visitphilly.com/hotels/
- Mod edit 2015: Trip Advisor suggestions -- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60795-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania-Hotels.html
What to do?
- HISTORY: Well, Philly is the birthplace of America, so there is much history here. Most of the historical sites are located in the Independence Mall/Old City area. Old City is absolutely beautiful. This neighborhood is home to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the United States Mint, and a ton of other stuff.
- PLACES TO VISIT: The Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky steps) is world famous. There's the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and Eastern State Penitentiary. Inside the Franklin Institute, there is an awesome IMAX theater and they just about always have something interesting playing. Mod edit 2017: Another suggestion is the Mutter Museum http://muttermuseum.org/
[*]SHOPPING: There's Antique Row (on Pine St between 10th and 18th), Fabric Row (on South 4th Street between South and Catherine Streets), Jeweler's Row (on Sansom between 7th and 8th and on 8th between Chestnut and Walnut), Rittenhouse Row (from Broad Street to 21st between Spruce and Market Streets) , and South Street between Front and 8th. The King of Prussia Mall is freakin' huge, and about a half hour from Center City by car. The Italian Market is located on 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater Streets. Delaware is home to tax-free shopping and only 15 minutes south!
[*]OUTDOOR ICE RINK: The Blue Cross River Rink is an outdoor ice rink located at Penn's Landing (located along Delaware Avenue/Columbus Blvd primarily between Market and South) during the winter months. During the summer months, various activities go on at Penn's Landing, including concerts.
[*]PARKS: If you like the outdoors, you can also check out Fairmount Park.
- CASINOS (mod edit 2017): Sugarhouse Casino ( https://www.sugarhousecasino.com/ ), Parx Casino ( https://www.parxcasino.com/ ), Harrah's Philadelphia ( https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-philly ) or Valley Forge Casino ( https://www.vfcasino.com/ ).
- CITY TOURS: Philadelphia Trolley Works, http://www.phillyducks.com/http://www.phillyducks.com/Ride the Ducks
Restaurants, Cuisine, Food, Bars
NIGHTLIFE (credit to vis):
Irish Pubs/Taverns: McGillin's Olde Ale House ( http://mcgillins.com/ ) and Fergie's Pub ( http://fergies.com/ ) are good places. Fergie's is a typical no frills, no TV pub. Good place if you just want to hang out for a beer without much of a "scene." McGillin's is the city's oldest bar (I think). As the night goes later, the crowd gets younger and there's often a line and cover charge depending on how late you go. If you're looking for "action," go to McGillin's. The Plough and the Stars ( http://ploughstars.com/ ) is in Old City and is an Irish bar for the younger professional and is a bit more "adult" than those mentioned. Not really a "pub" feel, but it's a pretty cool place with good food (not typical pub food, though). Other spots include Fado Irish Pub ( http://fadoirishpub.com/philadelphia/ ) and the always popular Irish Pub ( http://www.irishpubphilly.com/ ). They're most likely to be filled with college students and young professionals as well. Recommend: McGillin's and Plough. Edit 2016-17: A recent voter poll ranked the following -- http://philly.cityvoter.com/best/irish-pub/nightlife/philadelphia
For the best beer selection, IMO, go to Monk's Café (http://www.monkscafe.com/) in Center City for great beer selections if you're into Belgian Ales and Euro beers. Monk's is tiny so it might be tough with 8 guys.
Other Pub/Tavern spots:
- Dark Horse - This is a great Irish food and a big place located on 2nd street just North of South Street. More adult and young professional crowd. Beer selection is good, too. The "scene" is OK, but it's a good place to "hang" with an older group.
- The Public House - Located in Center City, this place is always packed. Some great "scenery" here. Big place, lots of TVs, probably going to be a line to get in. If you're in Center City and want a bar that's somewhat of a scene go here.
- Tir Na Nog - Center City and close to the Public House. Irish pub, but the menu can be expensive. Good place to hang after work, but haven't come often for the bar scene later at night.
- Nodding Head - Great homebrews and good food. Been here a few times after work.
- New Wave - I had to sneak this in because it's my favorite "neighborhood" bar located in Queen Village. It's a good walk South of South Street. Good crowd, might be a little tight, but a good local set. Food is pretty good, too. If you're driving, parking can really suck. It's probably not suitable for what you want to accomplish since there's not much else around it unless you want to walk or cab it. Just thought I'd toss it in there...
- Black Sheep - Get's some good press, but I'm not a huge fan. Can be really tight inside.
- Oh, I forgot - Drinker's is a good place, especially for a group of dudes (two locations, Old City and Center City).
As far as clubs... Try Cuba Libre later at night in Old City http://cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia/.
Pizza: If you want a late night slice of pizza, go to Lorenzo's on South Street. Hit it by cab on your way back from Old City or Center City and call in an order for a pie to go. Note: pizza-by-the-slice comes plain only. No toppings. If you order a pie, they will put toppings on it. The line will probably be out the door after the bars close, so I recommend ordering a pie and picking it up on the way back to the hotel. Pizza suggestions on VisitPhilly.com: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/where-to-find-the-best-pizza-in-philadelphia/
Cheesesteaks: Nobody will ever agree on the best cheesesteak. The truth is, they're all good. The two big places are Pat's and Geno's, located right across the street from each other at 9th and Passyunk Avenue. There's also Jim's at 4th and South, Tony Luke's at 39 East Oregon Avenue. Rick's and Tony Luke's are also at Citizens Bank Park if you're catching a Phillies game. Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop http://joessteaks.com/
VisitPhilly.com ranks cheesesteaks: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/top-10-spots-for-authentic-philly-cheesesteaks/
How to order a Philly Cheesesteak (from gophila.com):
When ordering a cheesesteak, the idea is to let the cashier know a.) that you would like a cheesesteak, b.) what type of cheese you want, and c.) whether or not you want fried onions. And you have to be as concise as possible while doing so.
Locals have become so adept at this practice that they basically have it down to three words: saying “one wiz with” to the person behind the counter means that you would like one cheesesteak [denoted by the “one”] with Cheeze Wiz as your choice of cheese [denoted by the “wiz”] and with fried onions [denoted by the “with”].
Similarly, saying “one provolone without” would secure you a single cheesesteak [one] made with provolone cheese [provolone] and without fried onions [without].
Locals have become so adept at this practice that they basically have it down to three words: saying “one wiz with” to the person behind the counter means that you would like one cheesesteak [denoted by the “one”] with Cheeze Wiz as your choice of cheese [denoted by the “wiz”] and with fried onions [denoted by the “with”].
Similarly, saying “one provolone without” would secure you a single cheesesteak [one] made with provolone cheese [provolone] and without fried onions [without].
Other food: Reading Terminal Market is heaven if you love food. The definitive guide for food in Philadelphia is located at philadelphiacuisine.com.
More food, again, credit tovis: If you want a good restaurant, go to any Steven Starr restaurant, and I especially recommend Buddakhan if you're in Old City. If you want burgers/frieds/pub grub, just about any of the aforementioned pubs will be sufficient. If you're in Old City and just want a burger, go to Rotten Ralph's at 2nd and Chestnut. Likewise, for typical Mexican in that area, go to Mexican Post just down the street. If you want steak, go to Barclay Prime (Steven Starr restaurant) or try one of the typical chains (Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Capital Grill, etc.). Also, Fogo de Chao is a Brazillian steakhouse that's gotten great reviews. All of the foregoing are in Center City/Rittenhouse area. If you want Italian food, there are too many places to name but my favorite neighborhood place is Scannichio's at Broad and Porter. It's small and you'll need a reservation, but it's a good no-frills place. Try the sausage and figs in balsamic as an appetizer. There's a bazillion other Italian places.
Official visitor's guide to restaurant options by cuisine: http://www.visitphilly.com/restaurants-dining/
Options for Sports Bars
- XFINITY Live! -- http://xfinitylive.com/
- P.J. Whelihan's -- http://www.pjspub.com/locations/
- Chickies and Petes -- www.ChickiesandPetes.com
- Misconduct Tavern -- http://www.misconducttavern.com/#about
- Field House Philly -- http://www.fieldhousephilly.com/
- Buffalo Wild Wings -- www.BuffaloWildWings.com/locations/Detail/0310
- Fox & Hound Sports Tavern -- http://www.foxandhound.com/locations/philadelphia/
- The Green Turtle -- https://thegreeneturtle.com/
- A review of 30 sports bars -- http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/best-sports-bars-in-philadelphia/
Tickets to Philly area teams
- Philadelphia Flyers -- National Hockey League -- http://flyers.nhl.com/
- Philadelphia 76ers -- National Basketball Association -- http://www.nba.com/sixers/
- Philadelphia Phillies -- Major League Baseball -- http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=phi
- Philadelphia Eagles -- National Football League -- http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/
- Philadelphia Soul -- Arena Football League -- http://www.philadelphiasoul.com/
- Philadelphia Union -- Major League Soccer -- http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/
- Philadelphia Wings -- National Lacrosse League -- http://www.wingslax.com/
Philadelphia Flyers Books, DVDs
BOOKS:
Since we get many suggestions regarding Flyers' publications, here's a list of what known.
- "Full Spectrum: The Complete History of the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club" by Jay Greenberg.
- "Score!: My Twenty-Five Years with the Broad Street Bullies" by Gene Hart.
- "Bobby Clarke and the Ferocious Flyers" by Stan Fischler.
- "Orange, Black and Blue" by Chuck Gormley.
- "Walking Together Forever: The Broad Street Bullies, Then and Now" by Jim Jackson.
- "Pelle Lindbergh: Behind the White Mask" by Bill Meltzer & Thomas Tynander.
- "The Broad Street Bullies: The Incredible Story of the Philadelphia Flyers" by Jack Chevalier (though this is rare and expensive).
- "Philadelphia Flyers Encyclopedia" by David Sherman.
- "The Greatest Players and Moments of the Philadelphia Flyers" by Stan Fischler.
- "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Philadelphia Flyers: Heart-pounding, Jaw-dropping, and Gut-wrenching Moments from Philadelphia Flyers History" by Adam Kimelman.
- "100 Things Flyers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" by Adam Kimelman.
- "Jonesy: Put Your Head Down & Skate" by Keith Jones.
- "Journey Through Risk and Fear" by (Bernie) Parent, Paiva & Smith. Link -- http://bernieparent.net/blog/2011/01/journey-through-risk-and-fear/
- "Philadelphia Flyers: Superman of the Ice" by Stan Fischler.
- "Open Net" by George Plimpton. A must for any hockey fan. The book is mostly about the author's tryout with the Bruins but it includes the notorious Flyers-Bruins' late 1970s preseason game brawl at the Spectrum and that alone is worth the read.
- "Fred Shero: A Kaleidoscopic View of the Philadelphia Flyers' Coach" by Rhoda Rappeport.
- "Shero: The Man Behind the System" by Fred Shero and Vijay S. Kothare.
- "Hockey For The Coach, The Player, And The Fan" by Fred Shero and Andre Beaulieu
- New for 2016: "The Philadelphia Flyers at 50: The Story of the Iconic Hockey Club and its Top 50 Heroes, Wins & Events" by Jay Greenberg -- https://www.amazon.com/Philadelphia...8&qid=1480373470&sr=1-1&keywords=flyers+at+50
- "Keith the Thief" by Blake Allen -- http://cedartreebooks.com/catalog/1-books/144-keith-the-thief
DVDs:
- Philadelphia Flyers 10 Greatest Games DVD Set
- History of the Philadelphia Flyers
Miscellaneous:
- 50th Anniversary feature -- https://www.nhl.com/flyers/50thanniversary
- Philadelphia Flyers' Alumni: http://www.flyersalumni.org/
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