Best of Philly 2009

By,
Erica Brooke Fajge

Now that the year 2010 has officially begun, let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping venues that Center City, Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs had to offer in 2009. Please note: These responses are in no way representative of all Philadelphia residents; rather, they represent the opinions of myself, as well as some friends who all reside in Philadelphia.

1. Best New Bar in Center City: Ladder 15

2. Best Steven Starr Restaurant in Center City: Continental Mid-Town and Buddakan

3. Best Irish Pub in Center City: Fado Irish Pub

4. Best Karaoke Bar in Center City: Yakitori Boy and Moriarty’s

5. Best Nightclub: G Lounge

6. Best Overall Bar/Club in Center City: Continental Mid-Town and Fado Irish Pub

7. Best Rooftop Bar in Center City: Apothecary Lounge, Continental Mid-Town, Vango Lounge and Skybar

8. Best Drink Specials in Center City: Marathon Grill; also Lucy’s Hat Shop, Drinker’s Tavern, and Oscar’s

9. Best Bar Outside of Center City Limits: L’Etage (Queen’s Village); also N. 3rd (Northern Liberties), Buckhead Saloon (Northern Liberties), Urban Saloon (Fairmount)

10. Best Bowling Alley in Center City: Lucky Strike and North Bowl

11. Best X-Mas Eve Party in Center City: To Life Party (Cuba Libre and 32 Degrees)

12. Best Halloween Party in Center City: Vampires and Vixens (Lucky Strike) and Haunted Ball (Sumo Lounge)

13. Best Thanksgiving Eve Party in Center City: Turkey Ball (Tavern on Broad)

14. Best Bar Outside of Center City: Whiskey Tango (Northeast Philadelphia); also Kildare’s (Manayunk and King of Prussia) and the Keswick Tavern (Glenside)

15. Best Bar/Club for Celebrating a Birthday Party in Center City: Fado and Marathon Grill; also Public House and Cuba Libre

16. Best Coffeehouse in Center City: Starbucks

17. Best Dessert Café/Restaurant in Center City: Max Brenner

18. Best Wine Bar in Center City: Tria

19. Best Brewery in Center City: Triumph Brewing Company and Eulogy

20. Best Movie Theatre in Center City: Ritz Theatres

21. Best Shopping in Center City: Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square

22. Best Shopping Outside of Center City: King of Prussia Mall

23. Best Hidden Gem of a Restaurant in Center City: Alahambra’s and Dimitri’s

24. Restaurant with the Best Atmosphere in Center City: Continental Mid-Town; also Positano Coast, El Vez, Buddakan

25. Best BYOB in Center City: La Viola

Happy New Year! Here’s to a fabulous 2009 and an even better 2010!

Other suggestions or comments? Email me at EBF82@aol.com.