West Philly's Irish anchor.
University City's St Patrick's Day energy centers on Sansom Street, where Penn and Drexel meet at New Deck Tavern.
College town during the day, neighborhood pub by night — mixed crowd, more approachable lines than Rittenhouse.
University City doesn't have the sheer volume of Center City, but what it lacks in bars it makes up for in one truly great one: New Deck Tavern on Sansom, which throws one of the city's best pipers-at-open St Patrick's Day parties.
It's also the smart move if you're staying near Penn, Drexel, or the medical schools — you're one trolley stop from the entire Erin Express route without having to fight the Rittenhouse crowds all day.
White Dog Cafe and City Tap House aren't Irish bars but they're excellent lunch options if you need a sit-down break between pints.
SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line to 34th Street, or the Trolley (11/13/34/36) to 33rd/34th & Sansom. One stop from Rittenhouse.
Philadelphia's longest-running St Patrick's Day bar crawl. 30+ bars, free cover, free t-shirts.