Getting together

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Give that dog a roam

Four-legged friends don’t need 400-thread count sheets, fluffy pillows or a jacuzzi tub when away from home. Most dogs have one simple request — space to run free and enjoy the warm spring air. In these parts, Columbus Square, 12th and Wharton streets, is where animal-lovers consider the best dog park.

The site, which has received restoration work, including a major clean-up, continues to receive high marks from its dog-walking patrons.

“I think it’s a nice place,” Sam Jefferson of 12th and Wharton Streets, out with his dog Judy, said. “The restorations have been very good — they did a great job.”

Kaki Short, president of the dog park, agrees restorations have not only improved the appearance of the park, but has brought residents closer together.

“Restoring the park made a huge difference,” Short said. “The improvements the City made, followed by the increased time and effort local residents put into keeping the park nice has created a real neighborhood treasure.”

Though many dog owners only walk the perimeter of the fenced-in park, it isn’t difficult to notice people come for more.

“It’s a great place to run into other dogs,” Amanda Bauman, of 12th and Wilder streets, said as she walked her dog, Pickles. “You get to interact with the people who live around you, and it is just a great and neighborly place to be.”

Though dogs may simply view the area as an oversized playground, owners and neighbors can take great pride in the clean, family-friendly park.

Placing a close second was unofficial doggie park Marconi Plaza, while other random pit stops deadlocked at third.

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Ladies and gents …

For those about to tie the knot, Club Risque, 1700 S. Columbus Blvd., is the No. 1 place for a bachelor party, as well as a bachelorette party, according to readers.

“We think that that’s wonderful,” General Manager Connie Innezzelli said.

“It’s nice to hear our customer like us,” Dean Pagano, who owns the club with father, Ted Pagano and Innezzelli, added.

The club — in operation for 13 years — offers a variety of packages such as a range of bachelor options that can include a private room, bartender and host, while the bachelorette parties happen upstairs with a package that consists of champagne, a “naughty” cake and goodie bags.

“It’s a big party place for bachelors,” Innezzelli, who has been in the business for 35 years, said, adding the bachelorette bash is “a real fun time.”

And the clientele ranges from college guys to corporate executives, Dean Pagano said.

“Here we have a great mixture of customers,” he said. “You have blue collar, white collar, you have the Eagles diehard fans … It’s a place that guys come to hang out and feel comfortable. Plus in recent years, we do a lot of female business, a lot of couples, a lot of husbands and wives. That also tells us we’re doing a good job.”

Cheerleaders stripped down to second for bachelor parties while Northern Liberties’ Delilah’s came in third.

For the ladies, Northern Liberties’ The Cave came in second and Chickie’s & Pete’s took third.

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Toast of Pennsport

Second Street is the place to celebrate the luck of the Irish — and Mick Daniel’s Saloon, 2046 S. Second St., in particular, Renee Colbert, a reader who grew up near the bar, said. And the resident of 12th and Shunk streets planned to be at the best place to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day last night to catch up with old friends just as she has for the past 20 years.

“It’s just a good party place,” she said of the St. Paddy’s festivities. “It just brings out all the neighbors and is a lot of fun.”

Each St. Paddy’s Day, patrons enjoy ham and cabbage and the bartenders pour green beer and mix selected Irish cocktails, while the Second Street Irish Society pipers and drummers perform traditional Irish music, owner Mickey Adams said.

“That was a nice surprise,” he said of the win. “With people coming in for the past 21 years for Paddy’s Day and to be recognized with something like that is great.”

The bar was set up by the Adams brothers and is still run by his family, he said, adding sons Michael and Bryan tend bar while daughter Kristie is a manager and Alyson is the entertainment director.

Older brother Kenny helped set up the establishment back in 1988 and it was named after he and younger brother Danny, who one co-owned it, Adams, who lives down the street from the bar, said.

“It kind of spurred an Irish motif from when we began,” he said of the name, “but the bar itself is decorated year-round with the Irish feel to it.”

Paddy Whacks partied at second and McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon celebrated at third.

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A Community Cornerstone

Nestled in the middle of its block, right next to the Fumo Library, sits the Fels South Philadelphia Community Center, 2407 S. Broad St. An unassuming, three-story building, most locals would not guess the center boasts a storied history, as well as the top place for senior activities/programs.

Now under the umbrella known as the Caring People Alliance, Senior Department Director Shawna Lisa said the center is “on cloud nine” about the win.

“I am so proud of all the staff and the members that make this such a family,” she said.

While the facility offers activities for residents of all ages, Lisa noted the variety of programs allows participants to socialize in a cozy atmosphere.

“I think the pool’s a very big draw,” Lisa said of a favorite aspect among members.

Additional facilities include a gymnasium, as well as a kitchen and meeting rooms. There are nearly 50 senior centers in Philadelphia with about a dozen in South Philadelphia. Lisa said the Fels Center’s tremendous win is owing to the continued support shown by all involved.

South Philadelphia Older Adult Center settles in at second place, while the local YMCA stretches into third.

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A game with a view

As dedicated fans of a celebrated sports city, it’s no wonder a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park tied with Penn’s Landing as the most unique place for a first date. Why not enjoy both?

After watching the 2009 National League champions, head northeast to the Delaware River waterfront for a more subdued atmosphere. If you don’t have a chance to make small talk in between innings, a longer conversation under a star-filled sky overlooking the river will definitely add to the mood. Visiting both attractions may even score you high marks for a notable first impression.

“The game of baseball with its natural breaks allows for conversation and puts everyone at ease,” James Trout, manager of marketing programs at Citizens Bank Park, said. “It’s during this action when the pressure of filling in the silence subsides, setting it apart from dinner at a restaurant or drinks at a bar. What’s happening on the field not only grabs your attention, but also boosts conversation topics.”

With the park’s different settings, you can enjoy premium seating in the Diamond Club or experience the sights and sounds of Ashburn Alley with standing- room-only tickets all while grabbing a bite to eat.

“I think the main thing is it’s a fun place to be, ever since we opened the ballpark in 2004, there’s an excitement about it,” he said. “The nice thing is there have been so many fans coming to our ballpark that people have learned it’s generally beautiful.”

Whether you love America’s favorite past time or adore watching your favorite player’s skills, there’s no denying a relatively new ballpark combined with a successful team delivers an unforgettable outing.

“It’s a good place to spend a warm summer night,” Trout said.

Paired with some of the best sights of the city at Penn’s Landing, it could go a long way to landing a second night out with that special someone.

“Penn’s Landing offers the most unique views of the city,” Laurie Heinerichs, director of marketing, public relations and sales for the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., said. “You can enjoy the view of the river, the bridges and the lights of Center City.”

The Italian Market hooked up third.

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Who are these people?

Whether settling down on a bench to take in the scenic view of the waterfront, dining at one of its appetizing restaurants or catching a live show at Festival Pier, Penn’s Landing has something for everyone. Young and old alike benefit from the laid-back atmosphere among the waterfront hot spots. With endless entertainment options, it’s no wonder readers ranked this lively strip as favorite place to people watch.

“The picturesque views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and Delaware River, as well as the cool waterfront breezes and the variety of special events and free or affordable entertainment makes Penn’s Landing a popular destination for residents of the Greater Philadelphia region,” Laurie Heinerichs, director of marketing, public relations and sales for the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., said. “The more people congregate, the more people to observe.”

Part of the waterfront corporation’s function is to enhance the development of Penn’s Landing and the surrounding area for residents and visitors alike. In the midst of revitalizing this area into a top-notch destination, it will no doubt continue to be a place where everyone can be themselves and watch others do the same, whether it’s on a sunny afternoon or an evening stroll.

Amateurs and seasoned veterans skating on the Blue Cross RiverRink ice during the winter months or a bride heading into one of the acclaimed hotels complements the already-breathtaking sites. Locals even can rub elbows with tourists while catching a glimpse of the Gazela and Jupiter tugboat in conjunction with learning about the city’s maritime history at the Independence Seaport Museum.

“The team works hard to maintain this area to create a vibrant recreational, cultural and commercial waterfront for Philadelphia’s residents and visitors,” Heinerichs said.

South Street took second, while Cantina Los Caballitos placed third.

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Well grounded

Not every coffee shop survives and thrives. But Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave., has done both since opening just over three years ago. The corner mosaic tiled café brewed a strong cup of beans to reach the top place to meet for coffee.

Open seven days a week, the pet- and kid-friendly establishment offers a complete breakfast and lunch menu. Whether stopping in for a quick snack to go with your morning cup of Joe or making a trip for lunch, owner Colleen DeCesare prepares everything homemade. This holds true to their mantra of, “If we can make it in-house … we’re all about it,” she said.

Most customers prefer certain items on the menu and often come back more than once a day, DeCesare said.

The fully stocked coffee bar proudly serves local La Colombe blends with medium dark roast being among the most popular. Other decaffeinated favorites include the peanut butter banana soy smoothie, along with a number of signature drinks, such as flavored lattes. Co-owner and barista Jennifer Kaufman brews more than 40 pounds of coffee and five pounds of espresso beans each week.

“People love the coffee,” DeCesare said.

A mixture of regulars and newcomers frequenting the customer-friendly business increases the already-peaceful atmosphere. According to DeCesare, even though the space is small, it’s a haven for meeting friends or business associates.

“Neighborhood people are always in here,” she said.

Above all, DeCesare and Kaufman are dedicated to providing superb customer service and are happy with the results.

“We’re small, but there’s enough room for everybody to be treated the same,” DeCesare said about the welcoming environment. “You don’t see that everywhere you go.”

Café Stella brewed at second, while Oregon Express steamed into third. SPR

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