By now, you know the drill. Spend countless minutes (not to mention dollars) on hold with said ticket sales company, only to find that available seating is either classified as ‘nosebleed’ or is completely unaffordable. Don’t fret, Philly music fans. We’ve got the perfect guide for those of you who wish to get an earful of good music in a place that doesn’t double as a pro-ice hockey rink during the colder months.
The Khyber
Despite its’ central location in Old City, The Khyber embodies everything you’d expect from an “indie” bar. Between the dart board, wide selection of brews, and always-active live music scene, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place more authentically Philadelphia than this. Expect under-the-radar local bands, cult-like national bands, and a crowd of people just like yourself. Whether you’re into metal, rock, or just plain music- this is one of the few venues that will satiate all of your needs. 56 S. 2nd St., 215.238.5888
The Barbary
Oh, The Barbary. Not only do they have a photo booth (who doesn’t like snapping pictures of their drunken debauchery?) but they’ve also got a space large enough to actually dance. Don’t let the taper-jeaned hipster crowd intimidate you, we’ve found that most who frequent this Northern Liberties hot spot are there for all the right reasons- cheap drinks, good music, and the (albeit fashionable) company of friends. 951 Frankford Ave., 215.634.7400
The First Unitarian Church
You know those bands that manage to garner mass media hype well before they’ve released their debut album? That’s exactly who you’ll find at the The First Unitarian Church. Though the crowd ranges from high school-aged kids to thirty-somethings, it’s definitely a spot to visit strictly for the musical selection. Simply put, there’s no beer, no age limitations, and no way to determine whether that cute girl to your left is legal or not. But, to their credit, you’ll be able to hear bands like Dr. Dog or Vampire Weekend well before your peers. 2125 Chestnut St., 215.563.3980
Starlight Ballroom
Similar to the somewhat undiscovered bands it hosts, the Starlight is a bit ‘under the radar’ in its’ own right. Though they serve beer (even at 18+ shows), we’ve been haggled on more than one occasion for attempting to leave the designated drinking area. That aside, the Starlight always offers a well-chosen selection of local and national bands, often ones who are visiting the city of Brotherly Love for the first time. Keep tabs on this place if you’re looking for something new and good to listen to. 460 N. 9th St., 215.769.1530
Other places to check out:
Doc Watson’s 216 S. 11th St., 215.397.3040
Johnny Brenda’s 1201 Frankford Ave., 215.739.9684
The Fire 412 W. Girard Ave., 267.671.9298
