Best of Gay Philly 2012
Best of Gay Philly: Where to Play in Midtown Village
Best Happy Hour
Stir has some of the friendliest bartenders in the city serving up seasonal sips. The lesbian-owned bar welcomes the Rittenhouse crowd seven days a week. To learn more about the Best Happy Hour in Gay Philly: Stir, 1705 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, 215-732-2700.
Best Saloon
Dirty Frank’s isn’t gay—but it isn’t straight either. The regulars know a good thing when they see it: cheap drinks, great conversation and work by emerging artists for sale on the wall every month. To learn more about the Best Saloon in Gay Philly: Dirty Frank’s, 347 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, 215-732-5010.
Best Piano bar
Dinner, drinks and songs by the piano take us back to the old days. Walnut Street Supper Club channels the classics with a new twist on the gay piano bar scene. To learn more about the Best Piano Bar in Gay Philly: Walnut Street Supper Club, 1227 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-923-8208.
Best Roof Deck
ICandy’s remodeled roof deck was worth the wait; it’s the perfect place to sip a frozen drink well into the cooler months—even if it’s raining—thanks to a new awning, bigger bar and true tiki style. To learn more about the Best Roof Deck in Gay Philly: ICandy 254 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, 267-324-3500.
Best Party Outside of the Gayborhood
NSFW is a queer go-go dance party, hosted by Paul Blore and Marquise Lee, that started at the newly refurbished Trestle Inn and moves to new venues throughout the city this season. To learn more about the Best Party Outside of the Gayborhood in Gay Philly: NSFW, Nsfwparty.com.
Best Up-and-Coming Queen
If you’ve heard her tear up “Proud Mary,” then you know why we love Tammy Faymous (real name: Alexander Kacala). She sings, she dances, and she has the hairiest chest this side of Martha Grahamcracker. To learn more about the Best Up-and-Coming Queen in Gay Philly: Tammy Faymous, @tammyfaymous
Best Film Fest
Every September, Gender Reel kicks off with a collection of movies about the transgender experience. Thanks to founder Joe Ippolito, it’s one of the largest festivals of its kind. To learn more about the Best Film Fest in Gay Philly: Gender Reel, Genderreelfest.com.
Best Personal Trainer
Noe Espinosa will kick your butt or any other body part that needs work at 12th Street Gym. To learn more about the Best Personal Trainer in Gay Philly: Noe Espinosa, 204 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, 215-985-4092.
Best Casino
Gambling has gone gay at Resorts in Atlantic City. Not only does the casino have a gay nightclub, Pro Bar, but it even introduced a piano bar this year. To learn more about the Best Casino in Gay Philly: Resorts, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 800-334-6378.
Best Drag Night
Mimi Imfurst headlines Dollhouse Revue every Wednesday at Voyeur. This RuPaul Drag Race alum and her Dollstars bring down the house with drama, comedy and no shortage of sequins. To learn more about the Best Drag Night in Gay Philly: Dollhouse Revue, 1221 Saint James Street, Philadelphia, 215-735-5772.
Best Day Drinking
Bartender by day (drag star by night), Ian Morrison will put on a puppet show, pour your favorite elixir and get the party started—all before noon at Uncles. To learn more about the Best Day Drinking in Gay Philly: Uncles, 1220 Locust Street, Philadelphia, 215-546-6660.
Best Bar in the ’Burbs
The Beagle Tavern in Norristown continues to kick out parties each week, including drag shows and its very popular Sunday brunch. To learn more about the Best Bar in the ‘Burbs in Gay Philly: The Beagle Tavern, 1003 East Main Street, Norristown, 610-272-3133.
Best Yoga Studio
Stretch out your inner spirit at Blue Banyan in oh-so-gay Mt. Airy. The spacious studio is ideal for beginners and disciplined yogis alike. To learn more about the Best Yoga Studio in Gay Philly: Blue Banyan, 7153 Sprague Street, Mt. Airy, 267-974-6527.
Best Kid-Friendly Park
Grab a sandwich at Milk and Honey and get your feet wet at Sister Cities Park—the best new destination for kids in the city. Bonus: free wi-fi. To learn more about the Best Kid-Friendly Park in Gay Philly: Sister Cities Park, 18th Street and the Parkway, Philadelphia, 215-665-8600.
Best Gym
Yui Giraldo and Jeff Shablin, the guys behind Optimal Sport Health Club, have four locations, but their newest—Optimal 1315—gives back to the LGBT community: New members can direct a portion of their dues to the Mazzoni Center or the William Way Community Center. To learn more about the Best Gym in Gay Philly: Optimal Sports Health Club, 1315 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-735-1114.
Best Renovation
Woody’s was the first bar in the Gayborhood to have windows, but this year, the longtime nightclub took it a step further by refashioning the downstairs bar into an open-air lodge and the upstairs into a sleek lounge. To learn more about the Best Renovation in Gay Philly: Woody’s, 202 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, 215-545-1893.
Best Massage
Matt Taylor definitely has the right touch. His studio, Taylored Touch, puts a relaxation session within reach of our favorite Gayborhood haunts. To learn more about the Best Massage in Gay Philly: Taylored Touch, 1223 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-667-0040.
Best Hair Salon
André Richard Baldini knows hair. Ask about the new all-natural treatments at his André Richard Salon. To learn more about the Best Hair Salon in Gay Philly: André Richard Salon, 1218 Locust Street, Philadelphia, 215-735-1590.
Best Team
Philadelphia Falcons Soccer brings together players of all skill levels. Not only is it co-ed, but it’s a great way to get to know other LGBT jocks outside of the usual bar scene. To learn more about the Best Team in Gay Philly: Falcons Soccer, Falcons-soccer.org.
Best Gallery
Ever since Butch Cordora (of In Bed With Butch fame) took over as resident curator, Ven and Vaida has been spotlighting well-known and emerging LGBT photographers. To learn more about the Best Gallery in Gay Philly: Ven and Vaida, 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, 215-592-4099.
>>Click here to read Best of Gay Philly: Where to Shop in Midtown Village
