Girls Night Out

Strike up conversation with your friends while you compete to see who looks cutest knocking down pins or tossing the ball in the gutter. This bowling emporium is about far more than bowling; in fact, many of the nattily coutured "bowlers" are likely more interested in savoring their ultra-premium vodka drinks and keeping their eyes on the hotties in the next lane rather than on the ball.

Still the prettiest spot in Old City--elegant enough to be grown-up, casual enough to be fun.

Practice your scales and channel your best Bette Midler, for at this multi-level Japanese palace, there's nothing between you and the karaoke machine. With several private rooms that fit only a coffee table, some couches, about a dozen amateur singers and a waitress who keeps the drinks flowing, you and your friends will surely sound better and better once the evening wears on.

Work up a good laugh as you and your friends cheer on your favorite drag queen as s/he performs--diva-like, of course--song and sometimes dance for a puzzled and appreciative crowd. There's nothing like this lovable dive for a bachelorette party; it's almost guaranteed that a fun-loving bride will get pulled up on stage to perform along side of these buxom, evening gown-clad entertainers.

Real women drink beer. Big, Belgian beers.

Creep upstairs to this loungey living room, and shake your groove thing and guzzle beers on the sofa--just like at home.

Feel like being just one of the guys? Turn the concept of girls' night out on its head by showing up at this scotch-sipping den of masculinity. Discuss politics or sports, or heck, nail polish if you so desire, while sinking into those deep leather seats, puffing cigars and swilling brown liquor on the rocks.

One of the city's originals in the modern wave of wine bars, this cozy corner spot still keeps the global wine, cheese and beer list as original and inspiring as the first day it opened. If your friends want a distraction-free, well-behaved bar where they can sip wine and nibble some refined snacks while they catch up on the latest happenings in their lives, Tria offers the ideal respite for concentrating on one another instead of on the scene.

Act as girlie as you want at what might be the city's best rooftop bar. This is the place to flaunt your flirty sundress, your painted toenails and your fruity cosmo while making eyes at all of the tanned preppy boys.

Bring your own tequila to mix with fresh-squeezed juice mixers to make the best margaritas this side of the Schuylkill. Groups of friends can order pitchers of the mixers then mix and match with whatever flavor their best friend is drinking. Large portions of contemporary Mexican food make for great sharing dishes.

Bond with your sisters over a crafty activity that results in a cute present for yourself or one of them. At this Old City DIY studio, you play the fashion designer by creating your own bag, be it a strappy purse or a knapsack for diapers. Color, fabric, style, adornments, they're all up to you. Pick 'em out then place your order. Seamstresses will have your new bag ready within a few weeks.

Makeup artist to the stars Ursula Augustine wants to make you look and feel as beautiful as possible. After she closes her cosmetics studio for the day, she opens it up to private parties during which she and her staff serve cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while they teach customized makeup tips to guests. Using her own line of all-natural skin care, Ursula shows ladies how to maximize their facial potential before sending them on their way looking and feeling like the goddesses they are.