Uwishunu.com

The owners of Connie’s Ric Rac, performing as the Discount Heroes

The Italian Market has long been talked about the way many Philadelphians like to talk about New York: great to visit but I would never want to live there. That might have something to do with the neighborhood’s reputation for having a lot of shops and eateries but nowhere to stay and hang out.

But in the last few years, a new influx of bars, art galleries and music venues have made the area a nightlife destination like never before. And much of that credit can go to Connie’s Ric Rac.

The Ric Rac used to be an electronics store in the early-to-mid nineties before its owner, Connie Tartaglia took her business online, leaving the space empty for storage. Now, her sons have taken the place over and made it into a theater for live music and improv comedy.

The venue is more than just a stage in a room, as one might expect from the lo-fi South Philly ‘hood. Video games line the back wall, open mic nights come through every Monday and the entire venue is BYOB. That’s right, no more $6 drafts. Just walk around the corner to the bodega, grab a six-pack, pay the cover and you are good to go.

Connie’s Ric Rac has welcomed great Philly acts like Black Landlord and Langhorne Slim, as well as comedy troupes like Steal This Show and Secret Pants. So if you like cheap music and BYOB drinking, in the grand South Philly tradition, this is the place for you.

Connie’s Ric Rac
1132 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 279-7587
www.conniesricrac.com