PA Eats team was thrilled to get a “sneak peek” into the new Xfinity Live! center on Tuesday night, March 27, the brand-spanking-new dining and entertainment destination constructed on the site of the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. Upon entering into the center and passing through the “Philly Marketplace,” you instantly feel almost overwhelmed by the expansive space and the gigantic 32-foot Sony LED HD television playing live sports above your head.
Four flagship restaurants, one in each corner of the Xfinity Live! building, act as the foundation for most of the dining experiences. For fans of the craft beer, the most exciting destination is the Victory Beer Hall. Built in the style of a German beer hall, the space is complete with long tables, steins, black iron chandeliers and banners hanging from the hall walls. With only local, craft beer on tap, this will be the place to be for those who enjoy the local brews.
Currently, most of the taps are from Victory, with a scattering of Yards and Dogfish Head, but the venue promises to rotate other local beers, including Troegs, through the taps. The Victory Beer Hall also has the best view of the outdoor stage, or from the deck overlooking the outdoor area as well. Erin Poserina, Sales Coordinator of Victory Beer Hall, explained they will schedule a slew of local acts on the stage located in the hall, and acoustic performers will perform outside on the patio, for a chill, laidback feel.
One of the more rowdy spots inside Xfinity Live! will no doubt be the PBR Bar and Grill. No, PBR doesn’t stand for “Pabst Blue Ribbon” here, but Professional Bull Riding! This restaurant features the only mechanical bull in Philly, and it is actually one that real bull riders for the PBR circuit train on. The bull is also one of the few mechanical bucking bull machines on the east coast!
The “Buckle Bunnies” will serve you Tex-Mex style food, and your beer out of a glass boot, to the sounds of country music and Southern Rock. Large garage doors leading to the outside can be opened during nice summer nights. This is sure to be a great party spot post-games (Dallas Cowboys fans beware…you won’t be allowed in with your jersey on during Eagles games!).
The third flagship restaurant, and the most family friendly, is the Broad Street Bullies Pub. Offering a selection of games, a large patio, and miscellaneous Flyers gear gracing the walls, it promises to be one of the best places to take your family, pre or post game. Don’t let the family friendly atmosphere of this gastro pub fool you however, as there are still 48 beers on tap, and over 100 bottled beers offered here, for adults of course.
The final corner of the Xfinity Live! building is reserved for the “crown jewel” of the center, the Spectrum Grill. The boards from the Flyers hockey rink and pieces of the original floor from the Spectrum grace a store located on the outside of the grill, but inside is pure sophistication. The restaurant promises an outstanding chef, who we were told, is known for his marrow, served three ways. I personally can’t wait to try that. The Spectrum Grill promises to be one of the best steakhouse and cocktail locations in the Philadelphia area.
Besides these great restaurants, patrons can also find some of their favorites in the Philly Marketplace, such as Chickie’s & Pete’s, the Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak Company, Phillips Seafood Raw Bar, and more. Visitors can check out the custom draft tables, and even reserve a specialty draft to be put in for those times that you show up for a special sporting event. Look for players to show up in the posh VIP section that overlooks the marketplace, complete with a large, crystal chandelier, or reserve it for yourself and a group of friends on that special occasion.
There is a large screen outside in the plaza of Xfinity Live!, as well as a stage, and a grass turf field. Lindsay Heck, Director of Sales, promises a multitude of concerts, family film nights and cornhole tournaments in the future for visitors. With only 40 days a year without a sports or entertainment event going on locally, Xfinity Live! will certainly be the go-to venue for many fans and food enthusiasts alike.
For more information, check out their website at: xfinitylive.com or drive down to the site of the old Spectrum and see for yourself. Parking is free for Xfinity Live! an hour after the last event starts at local sports’ arenas.
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