Bars to Try for Philly Beer Week

I'm a recent graduate of Drexel University and a past patron of the Philly Beer Week, and I will also be there this year for the festivities. Okay, I am actually obliging my girlfriend by going to a wedding in the city which seemed to nicely coincide with the annual celebration of brew. So, this short article will provide some information on two of the best places to enjoy the week-long activities and a third that I will be trying for the first time.

Going to college 5 minutes away from downtown Center City is nice and gives one access to a plethora of pubs, restaurants, and bars; but, sometimes a place just down the street from your apartment. That place would be New Deck Tavern. The Deck, as it is affectionately known by some of the locals, is located on the 3400 block of Sansom Street at 3408 in three renovated second empire style row houses constructed in the late 1800's. The block has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977 and provides a real Irish pub feel.

From 11pm New Deck serves authentic Irish-American food and continues to serve food as well as their large beer selection until 1am, then closes for the night an hour later.

The Deck will be participating from June 7^th to June 10^th. The first day's event will be a happy hour of Pennsylvania's finest lager, Yuengling from 5pm to 7pm Day 2 be in the bar before it gets crowded because starting at 7:30pm Yards Brewery will be providing various free samples while supplies last. The next few days will samplings from Sam Adams, traditional Irish pints, and wrapping up on the final day with Newcastle samples at 10pm.

More information on New Deck can be found at http://www.newdecktavern.com/.

Next is one of my favorite places. The food is great, the beer is plentiful, but the ambiance is what has always been the most drawing feature about this old ale house. Located at 1310 Drury St., it is technically still in Center City Philadelphia but has the Olde City appeal. That's because McGillan's Olde Ale House was founded in 1860, and will be celebrating its 150 year anniversary during Beer Week. McGillan's will only participate in two days of activities with the first being quite a bit more than most want to spend. It is a black tie Beef and Beer event beginning at 5pm and the cost of entrance is $45. The next set of activities will be a local pub crawl starting on June 6^th at 10pm. The reason I mention this establishment is because it stands for everything that a pub should be: good food and beer (some brewed in-house), inviting atmosphere, and fun times with friends.

Hours of operation are Mondays-Saturday 11am-2am and closing at midnight on Sundays. Find out more at http://www.mcgillins.com/.

Finally, there is no available information about the last place because it is brand new. Usually I would go to a place for its reputation or recommendation, however this bar and grill is different. I will be going to the Landmark Americana Bar & Grill at 3333 Market St. because it is located on Drexel University's campus as part of our brand new fitness and recreation center. It is a full service restaurant with a completely stocked bar. So, if you want to experience the college sides of things again, stop on in and hang out with some undergraduate engineers.

Check out all of the participating venues on the Philly Beer Week site at http://www.phillybeerweek.org/, and have a pint on me!