Copabanana (40th and Spruce)

4000 Spruce Streets, 19104 (215) 382-1330

I used to work at this "lovely" "restaurant" and I must say that it has greatly improved! First, it seems as though they had (in stock) everything on their menu and that they have actually put some thought into. Their menu is a Carribean Cuban fusion with specialty burgers, fish dishes, jerk sauces and the all famous Spanish fries!! But honestly, I could give a rat's ass about the menu because the drinks have won my heart!! I could be eating bean sprouts and it wouldn't matter because this is the place that you go to get drunk off your ass-off of one toxic drink mind you! Their famous margarita's, that come with their own shaker filled with extra goodies has 3 shots in a single order!!! YAAAAASSSSS! You can also order this margarita in a double portion which will certainly put you where you need to be in life. Ha! Tequila not your fancy? Try the Copa Lemonade or the Copa Pink Lemonade which features vodka, triple sec, sour mix and a raspberry liqueur. Oh Baby! My mouth is watering as I type.

A popular hangout for the locals and college students, Copa is open most nights, if not every not 'till 2am. They feature daily specials including half off margarita night on Mondays until 8. You had better get there early because this restaurant/bar is a favorite amongst most. Friday and Saturday, the place is sure to be crowded but for me it's a good "go-to" when nothing else is going on.

Here is my rating for Copabanana (40th street)

Menu Options: B- Not really diet friendly
Food Prices: B- -Something just doesn't sit right with me. I can't quite put my finger on it.
Drink Prices: C
Service: B- The bartenders have to tend bar AND service bar so when they're busy your put on a waiting list.
Bang for your buck/Special Promotions: B- Depends on the night
Overall Enjoyment: B-
Overall Rating: B-

The Venture Inn

255 S Camac St (Btwn 12 and 13 and Spruce) 19107 (215) 545-8731

So I went to visit my buddy Derrick at one of his favorite spots, the Venture Inn. It is by far one of my favorite places to hang out. Deep in one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods, Washington Square, also affectionately known as the gayborhood, the Venture Inn features colorful characters and wonderful drink prices. Let's see, I had two glasses of red wine and two vodka tonics that came to $15 (after happy hour price). While there, I had a quick bite to eat-bacon wrapped scallops and a side mashed potatoes. The menu is pretty fairly priced as well. It is a gay bar so if you decide to visit, please don't throw any shade! These fella's are very friendly and don't take any shit! This crowd is a little older which makes all the better for just hanging out and enjoying the awesome happy hour.

Check them out online:

Viphilly.com

Menu Options: A- -I think you'll be able to find something you'll enjoy.

Food Prices: B -Not too shabby
Drink Prices: A- -Their pour is AMAZING!
Service: A - The bartenders are very friendly.
Special Promotions/ Bang for your buck: A - I love their happy hour.
Overall Enjoyment: A
Overall Rating: A- (The bar area is a little tight, needs more seating)

Bob and Barbara's

1509 S. St., Tel. 215.545.4511

Ok, on my weekday excursion from work one day, a friend of mine suggested that we sneak away to a bar that she was a little familiar with. This bar, Bob and Barbara's-which I thought was called the Pabst Bar due to all of the paraphernalia-is actually pretty cool. What's so cool about it you ask? Well for one- I got pretty damn tipsy off of only $8.That's right! You read it correctly! I got pretty damn tipsy off of $8!!

Here's my pound for pound round: Pabst beer $2 and some change, Vodka tonic $4.I know, I know, getting tipsy off of 3 drinks (if you've done your math correctly) is amateur-I assure you I'm not! Then again, it was 3 in the afternoon and I don't think I had much to eat that day.Anywho, the only flaw that I found with this joint was that they didn't have any food for me to munch on-only small bags of potato chips. Bummer.

Bob and Barbara's is certainly full of regulars so get there early to claim your spot. Also, remember I said that I was there at 3 in the afternoon-coincidently every time that I've been there has been around 3. I've heard that on Thursday's they have drag shows and other classy ass events like porn bingo. Can't wait to check that out!!

Feel like visiting? Check out their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bob_and_barbaras

*Word to the wise-If you order a mixed drink-check the ice!!

Here is my grade for Bob and Barbara’s (Daytime rating):

*I'll let you know when I visit in the evening

Menu Options: N/A

Food Prices: N/A

Drink Prices: A++

Service: A - No razzle dazzle really, just ask for a drink and ye shall receive

Special Promotions/ Bang for your buck: A

Overall Enjoyment: A

Overall Rating: A

Ms. Tootsies

1312 South St. 215-985-9001

Tisk, Tisk, Tisk...
As an African American I would really love to give this restaurant gold stars across the board...Unfortunately, I cannot and will not!! My friend and her family were visiting from Cleveland and this is the place that they chose to dine at. I would have much rather that they'd take the drive to Warm Daddy's but to my annoyance...Ms. Tootsie's it was.

1. Well, there was a half hour wait which for most popular restaurants isn't a big deal AS LONG AS YOU HAVE SOMEWHERE TO WAIT. We were told that there wasn't a waiting area so we would have to wait outside. What hell!? It was actually pretty chilly that night so that reallllllllllyyy sucked.
2. There was a huge 'after-work' party going on upstairs so people were walking through the restaurant-which is about the size of an average bedroom or studio apartment!
3. The tables were so close together that you could here everyone's conversation AND bump into them on the way to the bathroom.

Needless to say Ms. Tootsies is on my shit list.

Here is my grade for Ms. Tootsies:
Menu Options: C
Being as though it's one of the only Soul Food restaurants in Philly can we get a little innovation. Fried chicken, fried fish, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and yams does not a menu make!!
Yum-Factor: C
A bunch of hype
Food Prices: C
The standard price that you would pay for an entree at a mid-level restaurant.
Drink Prices: N/A I didn't waste my time. I heard that they were too expensive for the over-crowded atmosphere provided.
Cocktails: N/A
Service: C
Special Promotions/ Bang for your buck: F
Overall Enjoyment: D

Overall Rating: D

Womp, womp!

Pico De Gallo

1501 South StPhiladelphia, PA 19146-1635
(215) 772-3003‎

This hidden jewel is becoming one of my fave "go-to" places. A week ago I entertained a buddy of mine from Cleveland here as our happy hour get-away. I was pleasantly surprised with the awesome deal we scored! For $13.95 (all together) we got a yummy burrito, quesadilla and tortillas with a delicious bean dip and jalapeño’s, all of which we found to be just enough to fill our bellies (We had a dinner date later that evening). IN ADDITION to the platter for two- we were given a bucket of five 7oz bottles of Rolling Rock and 2 Tequila shots. Needless to say we were pleasantly pleased!

*Side note - Outdoor seating is awesome!!

Here is my grade:

Menu Options: B Great place to go if you're craving some quick Mexican food.
Yum-Factor: B- Great Flavors
Food Prices: B+ Dishes are definitely large enough to share-beware of the share charge though ($3)
Drink Prices: A- My buddy Dan and I got a shot of Tequila and a draft beer (their choice) for $4.50 all together!!
Cocktails: N/A
Service: B
Special Promotions/ Bang for your buck: A+
Overall Enjoyment: A-
Overall Grade: A

You should definitely put Pico De Gallo on your list to visit!