The curse of Billy Penn

If you've ever watched a Philadelphia sports team blow a championship you've undoubtedly heard about it. In the late 70's and early 80's Philadelphia was a city of champions with the Eagles making a Superbowl appearance, the Flyers winning the Stanley Cup and the Phillies bringing home a World Series Title. Then, in 1987, a gentleman's agreement that had stood since the city's founding was broken and Liberty One and Two extended above the head of the city's founding father. For 20 years these beacons have stood as the tallest points in the city until now. This past year the Comcast Center topped the Liberty buildings and upon the top they placed the hopes that the city will once again win a title.

From the Phillie's Official Website:

Liberty Property Trust, the center's builder, made an effort to mollify the sports gods by affixing a 25-inch statue of William Penn to the structure's highest point. The Penn statue -- albeit a much smaller one than the official City Hall statue -- is once again enjoying the top perch in the city. It was all part of the plan, said Jeanne Leonard, a spokeswoman for Liberty Property Trust.
"To reinforce that the building would lift whatever curse there is, we decided that he would take his rightful place at the top of the city again," Leonard said.

I never thought I'd be giving any praise to Comcast, but this is fantastic.

Pheeling the Pheaver for the Phlaver of the Phillies

To be a true phan, everything "F" must be replaced with a "PH." In the interest of public service I will now recommend places to watch the remainder of the world series.

Sidecar: 22nd and Christian

Good beer, good food but a little pricy for my tastes and not close to my house. When I was there they had the game on, but only a portion of the patrons were actually interested. No smoking (this isn't a value judgement, just a fact). Probably the best spot in the area, but not my favorite.

1601: 1601 south 10th street (at Tasker)

1601 opened a few years ago, probably as a part of the East Passyunk Crossing renaissance. It's a nice place with great beer--many deliciously on tap. Prices are reasonable and happy hour is a great deal. The food went downhill for a while, but the old chef is back and it's on the upswing. Highlights are 25 cent wings on Sunday--not only a great deal but the best wings I think I've ever had. It generally doesn't get too crowded, but if it does it can be a pain in the ass. It's not a very long bar and there is only one smallish TV. The seats are really uncomfortable. You can't smoke inside, which is good and bad, but you can see the TV from the door. All in all, decent if you want good beer and good food but can get a little annoying if you want a little dirt and a comfortable seat.

Rays Happy Birthday Bar: Passyunk and Federal (Near Geno's and Pats)

A depression-Era south philly tavern which got it's name from owner Ray Capozzoli always greeting patrons with "Happy Birthday" when the walked in the door. There's no food at the bar but plenty to eat in the neighborhood including not so good pizza at J&J's, expensive alright Mexican, and Racist cheese steaks at Gino's. All that within a 10 foot radius. If you want to extend to a 20 foot radius you can also hit Pats.

The bar itself is nice good. A sufficiently surly bartender who treats you right if you're not an asshole. The beer is decent--Philadelphia Brewing Company if you want to be a little fancy, PBR is $2.50 if you're on the cheep. You can smoke inside which is nice when you're drunk but you definitely leave smelling like an ashtray. The TV is big and loud and so are the patrons for the most part. The only complaint is the occasional crowd of hipsters that wonder in. Thankfully the Phillies Fans by far outnumbered them. All in all, a nice open room to watch the game with friends.

Bonnies Capistrano Bar: 13th and Dickenson

I'd have to say this was my favorite spot. $2-$3 draft pints of lager, highlife, bud light and miller light. Fancier beer in bottles if that's your preference. It was pretty empty but everyone there was friendly and excited. There's not generally food, but sometimes they make stuff. Even cooler--they have a whole stack of menus and allow you to just order your own meal from the wealth of take out options in the area. There's three TV's so you won't miss a play. You can smoke inside and in this instance we had the whole back room to ourselves. Excellent.

and finally...

My House: Tree Street

They ran out of beer, you have to make the food yourself, you can't smoke inside unless you're really drunk and don't want to get up and the Phillies lost. Although generally a lovely place for a gathering, in this instance it is not recommended.