There's a certain stigma attached to so-called "college" bars.
For some, imagery of intoxicated undergraduates quickly downing small cups of cheap mixed drinks and desperate freshmen asserting to bouncers that their ID is "totally legit" may come to mind.
Luckily, in Philadelphia, that's not always the case. Surely, some establishments fit the description. However, many bars in and around local campuses defy the stereotypes.
Going to a college bar can be fun for Philadelphians of all ages (that's if you're over 21). Here are five drinking establishments near college campuses that everyone can enjoy.
Temple University - Pub Webb
1527 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
The honorable mentions have their strengths: Your first trip to Maxi's is almost a right of passage for Owls, and the Draught Horse is good for a burger and a draft. However, Pub Webb provides the perfect mix of students, alumni, and North Philly residents for a communal drinking experience. Their late night happy hour on Wednesdays -- $2 Yuengling drafts from 10 p.m. to midnight -- is wonderful. They also recently opened up a new section in the building next door, giving drinkers more breathing space.
Drexel University - Landmark Americana
3333 Market Street
A firepit and spicy-sweet chicken wings are two of the highlights of this University City joint. The Landmark Americana chain (which has locations across the Philadelphia area) gets it right for Drexel students, and also serves as a great spot for sit-down grub, with a nice selection of after-hours eats. Don't forget the drinks, either. Narragansett tall boys for $2.50 and $3 SoCo & Lime shots after 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday? Yes, please.
University of Pennsylvania - New Deck Tavern
3408 Sansom Street
Located across from the University of Pennsylvania's law school along the historic row homes on Sansom Street, New Deck Tavern's old-school atmosphere certainly fits with an Ivy League vibe. They've got a good beer selection that includes selections for those with a taste for English brews, such as Newcastle Brown Ale and Strongbow cider. Plus, their Quizo -- which they hold on Monday and Wednesday night -- is one of the best in the city, and the bar claims they had the very first bar trivia night in Philadelphia.
St. Joseph's University - Manayunk Brewing Company
4120 Main Street
Manayunk Brewing Company is the perfect hangout spot for students and young professionals. They open up a large outdoor seating section during the sweltering summer months and brew their own delicious beers on location, with plenty of seasonal options. Nestled right on the river, there's almost always live music to jam to. Be warned, though, if you come on a Friday or Saturday night. The line to get in becomes very long very quickly.
West Chester University - Ram's Head Bar and Grill
40 East Market Street, West Chester
Their beer selection is vast, and they've got different happy hours for each day of the week, including $7 Yuengling pitchers on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and a beer pong tournament that starts at 10 p.m. Their bar food selection is also diverse, and their nachos were given two thumbs up, a West Chester graduate told PhillyVoice, "by God himself." You can also get a hefty portion of your favorite draft in one of their stylish, customized growlers.
Did we miss your favorite college bar? Let us know in the comment section.