The Best Erin Express Stops if You Want to Dance
While Erin Express technically counts as a bar crawl, a lot of people treat it more like a citywide day party that keeps getting louder as the hours go on. If your goal tomorrow is less focused on a quiet pint of Guinness and more geared towards a sweaty dance floor with a DJ playing throwbacks, there are a few stops you’ll definitely want to prioritize.
Philadelphia has plenty of bars participating in Erin Express, but not all of them lean into the dance party energy the same way. Some spots keep things more laid back, while others turn into clubs once the crawl gets moving.
Paddy’s Playground at The Ave
One of the biggest party hubs of the day will be Paddy’s Playground at The Ave, where we’re partnering with the venue to bring serious energy to Erin Express.
The Ave already knows how to throw a party, and tomorrow they’re going all in with DJs, big crowds, and even live bands. If your group wants a spot where the dance floor is guaranteed to be moving, this is going to be one of the main event locations.
Ladder 15
Ladder 15 is always one of the most reliable spots in Center City when it comes to party energy, and Erin Express only turns that up.
With multiple floors and DJs bringing the music all day, Ladder 15 tends to become one of those stops where people show up early and suddenly realize hours have passed. If your group wants a place where the dance floor fills up fast and the crowd stays lively, Ladder 15 is a solid bet.
Lucy’s
Over in Center City, Lucy’s always pulls a fun crowd, and Erin Express is no exception. The space hits that perfect middle ground between bar and dance party, where people can grab a drink but still have plenty of room to move once the music picks up.
Brü Craft & Wurst
At first glance, Brü Craft & Wurst might feel like more of a craft beer stop, but don’t let that fool you. When Erin Express rolls through, the energy ramps up quickly.
Between the music, the crowds, and the constant stream of crawl groups passing through, this spot often ends up becoming one of those places where the vibe changes fast and suddenly everyone’s dancing between rounds.
Cavanaugh’s Headhouse
If you’re crawling through Society Hill or South Street, Cavanaugh’s Headhouse is another stop worth building into your route. The bar has a long reputation for hosting big Philly party crowds, and Erin Express usually brings out the best of that energy.
Plan Your Crawl Accordingly
One of the best parts of Erin Express is that everyone’s route ends up looking a little different. But if dancing is your main objective, Paddy’s Playground at The Ave, Ladder 15, Lucy’s, Brü Craft & Wurst, and Cavanaugh’s Headhouse are all great places to start.
Just be warned: once the music kicks in, the original crawl schedule usually goes out the window….but that’s kind of the whole point.
