For those of you single, dating or even attached in and around Center City
Are you going to be a bride or a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding, or are you at least going to be attending an upcoming bachelorette party? Whether it’s your wedding or a relative’s or best friend’s, read on for some ideas on bachelorette (and bachelor) party locations in Philly (Center City and Manayunk) and Atlantic City, NJ.
When I accepted an invitation from a good friend to be a bridesmaid in her wedding in the summer of ‘08, I knew there were some expenses and duties involved, yet, of course, I wanted to be a part of her big day, along with eight other girls. So, I did what any other good friend would do…I said “yes!”
I could go on and on about this topic, since some brides choose to have their bridesmaids highly involved in the wedding, while others do not. However, I chose just to focus on one particularly enjoyable aspect of the wedding planning experience: the bachelorette party. As the bachelorette party is a fun event that you, as a bride, bridesmaid, friend, or relative, will either be involved with or attending, the following will shed some light with information about the best locations to hold the event.
Since all females are different, all bachelorette parties are different as well. There is something to suit nearly every taste. From a wild night out at a bar or club to an afternoon at the spa, there is something to please just about everyone in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.
Center City (Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Columbus Blvd./Delaware Ave.):
In Philadelphia, there are always some Old City hotspots to check out: the ever-crowded Mad River at 126 Chestnut St. in Old City with its two floors always packed with partygoers. Other notable Old City favorites include Bleu Martini, 24 S. 2nd St., Plough and the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street (a favorite of mine!), and Cuba Libre, 10 S. 2nd Street (a favorite of my engaged friend who loves salsa dancing)!

If you’d rather head over to Rittenhouse Square for its swanky appeal, there is always the ultra chic Continental Mid-Town at 1801 Chestnut St. complete with swing chairs and rooftop bar. A new Rittenhouse hotspot complete with its own rooftop bar is Vango Lounge at 116 S. 18th St. Here, you’ll find a trendy lounge with excellent appetizers and skybar complete with heat lamps and comfy beds. If the outdoor idea appeals to you, also check out Cavanaugh’s River Deck at 417 N. Columbus Blvd. located directly on the Delaware River, the nearby Bamboo Bar at 927 N. Delaware Avenue, complete with a tropical theme amid palm trees and pools.
Or, if it’s an Irish pub you wish to explore, Philadelphia has plenty. If you want an Irish pub with live bands, check out Finnigan’s Wake at 547 N. 3rd St. in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, which features three floors of bars, dancing, and live music every weekend. Or, walk over to nearby McFadden’s, 461 N. 3rd Street. Fado Irish Pub, located at 1500 Locust Street, is one of my personal favorites due to its laid-back vibe, yet there is always a hip crowd of young professionals and an excellent time.
Other city locations include the Walnut Room, 1709 Walnut St., with its ultra-trendy but intimate feel, and Public House, 1801 Arch St., a huge restaurant/bar/club in the heart of the city’s financial district with plenty of space for all your guests. Don’t forget about the swanky G Lounge, 111 S. 17th Street, and Pearl, 1904 Chestnut Street. Make sure to ask about their bachelorette party packages.
For an upscale, but low-key affair, try some afternoon tea at the Swann Lounge within the Four Seasons, 1 Logan Square, or try Rouge, 205 S. 18th St., an upscale, chic bistro for dinner and drinks, or the hip Steven Starr French bistro, Parc, 227 S. 18th Street, right next door.
For a more laid-back approach to a bachelorette party, try an afternoon at the spa at Toppers Spa Salon, 117 S. 19th St. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and bonding with the girls. Make sure to ask about the massage and facial packages. Or pamper yourself and your friends at the Nail Bar, 133 S. 18th St., a full-service nail salon, which serves complimentary wine and champagne.
Manayunk:
If you’re not in the mood for Center City or live closer to the Manayunk/Roxborough area, this is another good choice. The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant (or as most locals like to call it, “The Brew Pub”), Mad River, and Kildare’s Pub are three of my favorite spots in the area. The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant at 4120 Main Street, which has its own outdoor deck overlooking the Schuylkill River, as well as live bands, is a good option. Just practically next door, Mad River Bar and Grille, 4100 Main Street, would provide for a wild night of dancing (with another location in Old City, Philadelphia, as well). Although more of an Irish Pub, Kildare’s Manayunk, 4417 Main Street, is not your average Irish Pub. This place is always packed and is sure to be a good time for all!
Atlantic City, NJ:
For one of those wild nights, try hitting up the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way, in the heart Atlantic City, New Jersey. Enjoy a night of gambling and then choose from one of four bars/nightclubs: Gypsy Bar, B Bar, MIXX, and mur.mur, which features celebrity guest DJs. In the morning, you and the girls might want to check out Spa Toccare, Borgata’s 54,000 square-foot spa featuring rejuvenating treatments along with an indoor pool, fitness center, and salon. Two other hot locations: Dusk Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace, 2100 Pacific Avenue, and the Pool at Harrah’s, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. Also, try The Quarter at Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, where you’ll find clubs, such as Providence, Cuba Libre, and 32 Degrees.
A Few Select Bachelorette Party Packages:
Bleu Martini (24 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia): At Bleu Martini, you’ll find a number of options, including private party areas, free appetizers with party packages, and a number of package options for open bar, drink specials, and full-bottle service.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ): At the Borgata, you have the option of signature table service with a variety of open bar packages at mur.mur, or check out one of the other three nightlife options. Fine dining, a spa, and the casino await you at the Borgata.
Cavanaugh’s River Deck (417 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia): Cavanaugh’s features several open bar packages for ten people or more. Male entertainers also can be arranged.
Nail Bar (133 S. 18th St., Philadelphia): At the Nail Bar, you and the girls will be able to pamper yourselves for the afternoon. Indulge in a manicure, pedicure, or spa treatment, all while enjoying complimentary wine and champagne!
Bachelorette (and Bachelor Party) Location Directory:
For a complete listing of locations, along with their addresses (listed above), phone numbers, and web addresses, look no further (those with an * can double for bachelor parties, too):
Center City, Philadelphia:

Mad River: 215-923-5666; www.madriverphilly.com *
Plough and the Stars: 215-733-0300; www.ploughstars.com *
Bleu Martini: 215-940-7900; www.bleumartinionline.com *
Continental Mid-Town: 215-567-1800; www.continentalmidtown.com *
Vango Lounge: 215-568-1020; www.vangoloungeandskybar.com *
Cavanaugh’s River Deck: 215-629-7400; www.theriverdeck.com *
Bamboo Bar: 215-931-0101; www.bamboobarphilly.com *
Finnigan’s Wake: 215-574-9240; www.finnigans.com *
McFadden’s: 215-253-3216; www.mcfaddensphilly.com *
Fado Irish Pub: 215-893-9700; www.fadoirishpub.com *
Walnut Room: 215-751-0201; www.walnut-room.com *
Public House: 215-587-9040; www.publichousephilly.com *
G Lounge: 215-564-1515; www.thebestlounge.com *
Pearl: 215-564-9090; www.mypearlphilly.com *
Topper’s Spa Salon: 215-496-9966; www.toppersspa.site.dejazzd.com
Swann Lounge: 215-963-1500; www.fourseasons.com
Rouge: 215-732-6622; www.rouge98.com
Parc: 215-545-2262; www.parc-restaurant.com
Nail Bar: 267-687-8117; www.nailbarpa.com
Manayunk, Philadelphia:
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant: 215-482-8220; www.manayunkbrewery.com *
Mad River Bar and Grille: 215-482-2666; www.madrivermanayunk.com *
Kildare’s Manayunk: 215-482-7242; www.kildarespub.com *
Atlantic City, NJ:
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa (Gypsy Bar, B Bar, MIXX, and mur.mur): 866-692-6742; www.theborgata.com *
Dusk: 609-345-DUSK; www.duskac.com *
The Pool at Harrah’s: 609-441-5585; www.harrahsresort.com *
Providence: 609-345-7800; www.providenceclubac.com *
Cuba Libre: 609-348-6700; www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/ac *
32 Degrees: 609-572-0032; www.32lounge.com *
What about strip clubs?
Philadelphia:
The Cave, 700 N. Delaware Ave.; 215-923-3628
Delilah’s Den, 100 Spring Garden St. @ Front St.; 215-625-2800 *
Club Risqué, 1700 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-463-6900 *
Atlantic City, NJ:
Bare Exposure, 2303 Pacific Ave.; 609-449-0999 *
Babes Gentleman Club, 137 South New York Avenue; 609-347-0800 *
I have two weddings to attend in 2010, which means two bachelorette parties, too! I don’t know where they will be, but with so many options, there has got to be somewhere sure to please!
By, Erica Brooke Fajge
Any other suggestions or comments? Contact me at EBF82@aol.com.
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