With its wooden paneling and knick-knacky paraphernalia, Smokey Joe's tries incredibly hard to provide Penn students with that "neighborhood-bar feel." Smoke's is as much a real neighborhood bar as Anne Taylor Loft is just another local boutique.
For those of us looking for a little more authentic neighborhood bar feel, there is a real one at 44th and Spruce.
There were no jukeboxes or barstools to be found in this reupholstered 50's style diner. In fact, the biggest change from the days of poodle skirts and saddle shoes is that the all-American hamburger isn't served.
Built to Spill / Solace Brothers
Trocadero
1003 Arch Street
Thu, 7 p.m., $17
(215) 922-LIVE
http://www.thetroc.com
How does Doug Martsch write those infectious hooks?
While Firehouse Fish Market -- located at 49th and Baltimore -- isn't exactly the ritziest locale around, its quaint neighborhood feel compensates for the lack of frills.
As my cab drew close to the Laurel Hill Cemetery last Sunday, it became clear I was about to enter a truly magical oasis filled with lush buried riches, sparkling epitaphs, and John Wharton's cold dead body.
Dena Blizzard: Comedy Cabaret
Best Western Hotel
11580 Roosevelt Boulevard
Fri, 9:30 p.m., $15
(215) 676-5653
http://www.comedycabaret.com
While he was confused and all cranked up on crystal meth, some local yokel could only say this about Dena Blizzard: "Is she making fun of Dairy Queen?
Are you a clove-smoking, beret-wearing, finger-snapping beatnik? Do you refer to your friends as "cats?" Perhaps you think John Coltrane is "hip" and Charlie Parker is "bad"-- in the positive sense of the word.
Everything about Fatou & Fama -- West Philadelphia's new Senegalese restaurant -- seems odd. The menu advertises West African, Soul Food, and West Indian cuisine; the wait and kitchen staff are all relatives who appear to be conversing over a family dinner rather than running a business, and the d‚cor is both spare and beautifully adorned with African artwork.
Nebula
North Star Bar
2639 Poplar Street
Thu, 10 p.m., $10
(215) 684-0808
http//www.northstarbar.com
Ex-Fu Manchu band members bring stoner rock to your favorite bar on that street.
ASIMO North American Tour
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20th Street
Through Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., $12.75
(215) 448-1200
http://www.sln.fi.edu
I am the shover robot, pushing will protect you.
Elev8ed Thursdaysbr>
Eighth Floor
800 Delray Street
Thu, 8 p.m., $12
(215) 922-1000
http://www.8thfloor.com
What could be more enjoyable than getting all gussied up to try to hook up with high schoolers using their fake IDs to get in da club?
Unconventional 3-D Art Exhibit
Slought Foundation
4017 Walnut Street
Through Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Free
(215) 746-4239
http://www.slought.org
A wise man once asked the question, "What is art?" I responded, "Hell if I know.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES VS. CINCINNATI REDS
Veterans Stadium
3501 S. Broad St.
Fri & Sat, 7:05 p.m.
Sun, 1:05 p.m.
$10-$28
(215) 336-2000
For the first time in about 50 years, the Phillies are in the playoff hunt.
Man Follows Birds
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Sat, 8 p.m., $5 with PennCard
http://www.ihousephilly.org
Since I'm sure this film at some point depicts a man following birds, there's no attempt here to fool you.