OT -- Philadelphia Michigan-friendly Bar?

Submitted by Ron_Lippitt on
Hey all, I'm freaking. I'm traveling to Philly unexpectedly tonight (actually typing this in DTW) for work -- on this of all days. This is the worst of all job situations. I actually almost told my client to stick it. I refuse to watch our boys do their thing in a freaking TGI Fridays, looking at TVs with house music playing in the background. I need a Michigan-friendly bar in which I can hang with my Wolverine brethren in a REAL sports environment. I remember a post a few weeks ago where there was a spreadsheet listing Michigan bars across the country, but I'm not able to access it on my phone in the airport. Can anyone make a Philly recommendation to me? Apologies for what is clearly a selfish a desperate-sounding post, but I'm sure some of you understand.

clarkiefromcanada

April 7th, 2013 at 7:49 PM ^

I have been to Fox and Hound on Spruce several times during my tenure in Philly. I am surprised that the choice for meeting location was not Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse which is nicer, imho.

A word of advice: arrive early to get a decent spot for this event. It's not a tiny bar but standing would suck for 3 hours.

Beer selection: B

Food: B

Service: Variable but generally B

Enjoy. 

 

 

nmumike

April 7th, 2013 at 8:19 PM ^

Philly, where are you staying? What part of the city I mean. If you are in the Center City area Cavanaughs Rittenhouse is a good bar, 1823 sansom st. The Public House at 2 Logan sq is also good. Both better than fox and hound IMHO. Would love to be there but I will be at home with the 3 month old son watching the game. Go Blue

gwkrlghl

April 7th, 2013 at 8:32 PM ^

My friends and I used to go Fox & Hound pretty regularly for football. The Michigan section will fill up fast (capacity is probably 75ish) so get there early.

FYI, it's a shared bar. I've seen Texas groups and VaTech groups in there too before. Michigan is definitely largest but it's not "Michigan only" like Buffalo Billiards (DC) or Prof Thoms (NYC)

Bo inside all of us

April 7th, 2013 at 8:34 PM ^

Yeah, Fox and Hound sucks for many demographics, particularly, say, ones who take the game seriously and don't feel like listening to chicks jabber on about nothing when the game is on the line, or dummies who cheer/remark over every single thing that happens.  I'm all for a discussion of an alternate location for the serious fans; the ones who are going to pound a dozen beers while staring intently with clenched jaw until the real critical moments occur.... then go absolutely apeshit, if and when appropriate.  

Who's with me? You don't have to be an old dude in years, but it helps.  

Otherwise, you'll find me at Fox and Hound, well fed beforehand because the food sucks, complaining about the beer selection because this is an awesome beer town and that corporate joint doesn't represent, annoyed by the dummies, taking walks to light up if the stress gets too much,  and making a total fucking scene if all goes as we all hope!!!!

GO BLUE BABY!!!

B-TOWN WOLVERINE

April 7th, 2013 at 8:38 PM ^

We went to Q's BBQ and Tequila bar (in Old City) for all the football games. One of the lamest bars in the whole city (and could very well have ceased to exist), but there was fairly good turnout for the bigger games. They always had dollar off beers for gameday. The owner was kind of a jerk though and refused to order any Michigan beer. There's also a bar that the grayhairs went to out in Conshohocken but that's pretty far out of your way. These are all of my thoughts. Hooray for my first post.

willywill9

April 7th, 2013 at 8:49 PM ^

I'll be in Philly for work too!  I was planning on Fox & the hound.  I'd been there once for a game, it wasn't THAT bad but i'd be open to a better/cooler spot.

wolverineman18

April 7th, 2013 at 8:51 PM ^

I've watched the past three games of the tournament at the fox and hound. Its an incredible atmosphere with great people. You'll have to get there pretty early if you want to get a seat (there were more people standing than sitting yesterday). I got there around 6 on Saturday to get a table, but I do not think you'll have to get there that early tomorrow because there is no first game. The food is weak but it is definitely the place to be to watch the game in Philly tomorrow night.

MfanFl

April 7th, 2013 at 8:51 PM ^

anyone aware of any spots in Jacksonville? seem to run across fans all the time but have never seen any Michigan viewing spots

champ009kd

April 7th, 2013 at 9:26 PM ^

Not sure where your hotel is...but since you said TGI Friday's I'm wondering if you're at the embassy suites?  Either way:

Public House -18th & Cherry; It will be very chill on a monday night. Should be a nice place to watch, especially if you're at the Embassy Suites or Four seasons. 

Fox & Hound - This has been discussed

Fieldhouse - 12th & Filbert (next to Reading Terminal Market)

Smith's - 19th between market & chestnut; 

Urban Saloon 23rd & Fairmount - off the beaten path, but has a projector screen. 

Kelliann's - 16th & Spring Garden- great wings. Townie bar, but everyone is nice. Ive watched games here. 

GoBlueInIowa

April 7th, 2013 at 9:55 PM ^

I am in Philly for work too, trying to decide where to go, I am staying over on City Ave - looks like i am about a 15 min cab ride to the bars mentioned so far in the thread.

I am assuming that you don't have to be an alum to be welcome as long as you bleed blue - correct?

When people are stating to get to the place early (e.g., Fox and Hound), early as in 8 pm or early as in 6-6:30 pm?

clarkiefromcanada

April 7th, 2013 at 10:31 PM ^

That's a ways out my friend though you'd be going against the traffic coming in...always crap on the Schuykill Expressway though regardless of situation/time. I'd say conservatively a 20-25 min. drive into Philly if you are going to the Fox and Hound.

Probably worth it when they win. Have a good time.