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Top Spots For Graduation Parties In Philadelphia

As school winds down, thoughts of graduation parties wind up. The end of high school, college or even kindergarten may mean no more teachers and no more books for most students, but for parents, the months preceding graduation means booking a venue for a memorable celebration. Whether you want an intimate get-together, a friends-and-family festivity or a rollicking rock star reception, the City of Brotherly Love has a party place for you. These are the venues in Philadelphia that will ensure your graduation celebration gets top honors.
POD

3636 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

(215) 387-1803

www.podrestaurant.com

Celebrate your fabulous future with a festive and futuristic graduation party at POD in University City. The ultra-modern restaurant offers delicious Pan Asian cuisine in a Jetsons-like atmosphere. With a capacity of 250 guests, you may rent the whole facility, book a private room or gather a smaller group into a cozy pod. The cutting-edge sushi conveyor belt, molded seats and red foam bar in the lounge area are sure to be a big hit.

World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1400
www.philly.worldcafelive.com

World Cafe Live is well known in Philly as a premier venue for top music artists, but few people realize it's also a first-class facility for private events. Featuring secure parking, an upscale restaurant and a marvelous music space, World Live Cafe provides experienced chefs, bar crews and waitstaff. The smoke-free venue can accommodate from 100 to 650 guests, and a coordinator can help you orchestrate a video or live music element to really make your party sizzle.

Related: Top Sushi In Philadelphia

North Bowl
909 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-2695
www.northbowlphilly.com

Usher in your future with a blast from the past at North Bowl's hip cafe, bar, lounge, game room and bowling alley, all wrapped up in one. Formerly a mechanic's garage, the space has been given a sleek, chrome and glass retro 1950s look. The facility features trendy event spaces with local art, scrumptious menus, full-service bars and bi-level bowling alleys. Pick from party packages that include bowling, beverage and food options, or customize your own party. An events coordinator is on hand to help you through the process.

Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org

For a reserved and elegant affair, the 1,000-acre Longwood Gardens fits the bill. Long banquet tables are set up under the dazzling displays of lush foliage and vibrant blooms in the conservatory. You can choose from dinner stations or a sit-down dinner with open bar. Longwood Gardens, which is a non-profit organization, provides a great education in horticulture as well and has beautiful views that are sure to impress you and the new grad in your life. The Terrace restaurant, famous for its mushroom soup, provides a mouth-watering menu that will make you feel all of the first-class service the Gardens has to provide. The trip is a little under an hour, but it's definitely worth it.

Venetian Club
8030 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-9858
www.venetianclub.com

If you want more of a hand in the hands-on planning of your event, then check out the Venetian Club in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. This affordable facility seats 180 guests. Rent a band to play on the raised stage, then dance the night away on the large ballroom floor. The Italian-inspired club was founded in 1924 and is another non-profit organization that knows how to make its guests feel welcomed. Bar packages are available, as well as kitchen amenities for the caterer of your choice.

Related: Top Bowling Alleys Around Philadelphia

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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