The Bachelor Party
Everyone in Philadelphia planned to hangout on Saturday. It was going to be exciting because; we had sorta plans the entire day. People were going to intermingle where and when they could make it. Our concrete plans included a Oktoberfest in Center City and somewhere to watch the Phillies game. This had the makings of a memorable time.
I awoke awful early. I had to move my car. Thanks to the City, there is no parking around South Street. I eventually placed my car into a garage at 2nd and Lombard. The day was perfect. The sky was sunny and the temperature was mild. We needed to get outside as soon as possible. Instead, we stayed in the apartment and watched soccer games. Sounds about right huh? Around 2pm, we finally drug ourselves into the city.
A quick cab ride, and we were at Midtown Village. The Oktoberfest was part of the Midtown Village Fall Festival, and it closed eight blocks. In each direction, the festival spanned two blocks from a single corner. The Oktoberfest was created by Ludwigs. This bar and restaurant is the oldest German establishment in Philadelphia. They brought in numerous tents and picnic tables. Spatan was being poured by gallon. Setup along the street was a large buffet style line of Roasted Pig, Bratwurst, Sausages, Kraut, Potatoes, and more. Fantastic. Herczeg and I revealed in our new found foody glory. (Thanks Bourdain) I even took a piece of the pig skin. I was disappointed in the taste, but my Bratwurst was stupendous. I love a large plate of German food.
As the festival continued, we exchanged tickets for more Spaten. The atmosphere was truly unique. Attendees varied from full families to twenty somethings. You could stick the kiddies in a moon-bounce. My point being, the crowd was relatively subdued and peacefully enjoying the moment. I could draw slight comparisons from this scene to proper beer gardens in Germany. But I digress, the feeling in the air was just fantastic.
Before long, people arrived from all over the city. The Robeschs, Rob and Dennis, joined the group. Dennis just shaved Rob's head so, they look very similar. Down the street from Ludwigs, we dropped in Fergie's Pub. While I was tying not to fall asleep from my large lunch, Matt and Herb arrived. We didn't spend too long inside the pub. It was too dark, and the daylight was beginning to wane. Back at the Fall Festival, the party wasn't stopping. We realized, the festival carried over to Kildare's. You could walk through an alley from Ludwigs to Kildare's. The Phillies game had started, and all the Philadelphia sports fans wanted to watch. With good reason, I say. For the first time in about 15 years, the Philliers were about to clinch a playoff berth. It had been an exciting weekend to be in Philadelphia, the entire city was a buzz with baseball fever. Unfortunately for the Fightins', they lost this evening. The race was still on... Going into the last day of the regular season, the Phillies were tied with the Mets. Sunday was set to be historic.
Around the end of the game, we decided to exit Oktoberfest. The timing of this festival was an awesome coincidence. The great food, fun atmosphere, decent beer and weather made the afternoon. I couldn't have scripted something better.
Even though Oktoberfest had come to an end, we continued into the night. We started to walk east toward center city. Along the way, we stopped at the the Society Hill Hotel. This corner bar near Independence Hall is immaculately appointed. Its tall ceilings and dark wood bar make for an inviting pub. As we sat at the bar, Mike joined the group. We didn't stay too long, but I would like to revisit the Hotel Bar.
The next stop on our trip was the Las Vegas Lounge on Market Street. It is a dive that caters to a crowd much like our own. They have cheap and tasty beer on tap. There are a few pool tables in the back. True to its name, couches and deep easy chairs abound. I took the opportunity to relax in an easy chair. At that point, we had been out and on our feet for the better part of eight hours. The day had been long.
After a brief rest, we left the Las Vegas Lounge for Lucy's. This perennial Old City favorite is always a good time. We have been frequenting this establishment since the early days of 2001. Sometimes, it can be too crowded, but we lucked out this night. The music can be dodgy, but at least it sets an upbeat mood. You are guaranteed to recognize a few people, and we saw a couple from college. It is just that type of place.
The next stop on our old city tour was Sugar Moms. I've always heard of this bar, but I don't think I have ever been. Apparently, it is very hard to locate. Lucky for me, Rob lead the way. The name Sugar Moms comes from the bar origins. Its in the basement of an old sugar mill. The ceilings are low, and large brick pillars separate the single large room. It is decorated with ancient video games and random things. The jukebox was packed with excellent choices, but the backlog of play lists must have been huge. I didn't hear a single song I choose. Mike and I spent a good amount of time talking about days past. We were reminiscing about the days of less responsibility. I also had a chance to hangout with Problem Solving, Rob's Rock 'n Roll band. Needless to say, we didn't want the night to close.
We left Sugar Moms at last call. The night wasn't completely finished because; we stopped by the American Legion for some pool and music. Its all the way over in University City so, a cab came in handy. By the time we got back to Society Hill, I feel asleep soundly. It was an amazing day. I was very thankful for Herczeg to organize such a great time. I am extremely happy when hanging out with my friends from Philadelphia. I won't soon forget the happenings of this day. They are always the best, Saturdays that meander and find their own way.
