August 26, 2015

Best weeknight party spots in Philly

For those with odd schedules who still want to have fun

By Daniel Craig
PhillyVoice Staff

It's Saturday night, and all your friends are headed to the bar or club for a night of dancing, drinking, and socializing.

You? You're just beginning the overnight shift, hoping to catch some sleep after getting off at 4 a.m. Or maybe you're already in bed, resting up to begin work early in the morning. Either way, partying is not an option.

According to a 2014 survey, Americans are more likely to work nights and weekends than laborers in any other country. Those who fit into that category know it can put a damper on your social life.

Yet that doesn't mean you can't have any fun. In Philadelphia especially, there are plenty of regular specials and themed nights at many local bars and clubs from Sunday night until the early morning hours of Friday.

So, for those who earn their money when others are enjoying themselves, here are five regular parties in Philly to hit up when the rest of the world is working 9-5 schedules.

Sunday - Karaoke at McGillin's Olde Ale House

1310 Drury Street

Ok, so you can't really sing. That doesn't mean you can't have fun trying. Plus, $7 Yuengling pitchers from 5 p.m. until closing at 2 a.m. will give you enough confidence to belt out your favorite tune to a house that's usually packed. They also hold their karaoke night on Wednesdays, in case Sunday night doesn't work for you. For Eagles fans, you can grab one of their special mugs for $5 and refill them with Bud Light for $1 during games all season long. So grab your birds gear and ready those vocal pipes. Who knows, maybe you'll be serenaded by Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux.

Monday - The Barbary's Tigerbeats

951 Frankford Avenue

With the second floor "Barbellela" finally reopened after a battle with the city over permits, Tigerbeats, aka The Barbary's Monday night dance party, is back to form. The weekly event is essentially a hipster frat party, which takes the best of both those stereotypes for a night of serious dancing. Add dollar beers and $3 well drinks until 11 p.m. and a reasonable $3 cover, and you've got the perfect way to get rid of that dreaded case of the Mondays.

Tuesday - $2 Drafts at Fox & Hound

1501 Spruce Street

Here's one for the beer lovers. Every Tuesday, all day, every draft beer is $2. That's actually quite something for a place like the Fox & Hound, which features a huge selection of craft and domestic brews. They've also got a good menu of bar food staples and have plenty of seating. Be prepared for Autumn, however, because as soon as Philly colleges are in session, the place is regularly packed wall-to-wall with students trying to "go up on a Tuesday," as ILoveMakennon would say.

Wednesday - The Dolphin Tavern's Drake Night

1539 South Broad Street

This is only a monthly affair, but it's worth the wait. Twelve times a year on a select Wednesday, this dance club and bar in South Philly honors Drizzy with a blowout party, complete with a photo booth with the Toronto rapper as the background. With relevant rap from 10 p.m. until midnight and all Drake until 2 a.m., this is the perfect event for fans of dancing and the former "Degrassi" star alike. The cover is free until 10 p.m. and $5 after that, but be warned. Ever since the beef between Philly's own Meek Mill and "Champagne Papi" heated up, the event has gained even more popularity, meaning you're better off buying advance tickets to ensure entry.

Thursday - The 700

700 North Second Street

There aren't any specials for "Thirsty Thursdays" at this Northern Liberties spot. However, there's no better place to start an early weekend than at The 700. With a full bar downstairs, a jam-packed dance floor upstairs, and a rotating cast of DJs each Thursday of the month, it's a reliable choice if you're looking to sweat through a night of blaring music. Plus, there's never a cover charge, meaning you can pocket that extra cash for a late-night burrito after partying.