Arm Wrestling Tournament

Every Thu., 10 p.m., free, Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., 215-840-3577, ravenlounge.com.

by Jasia Kaulbach

[ games ]

The Raven Lounge's tabletops are covered with more than the usual plates of food, beer and elbows. Games like Hungry Hungry Hippos, Twister, Connect Four, Uno and Jenga also blanket them.

"I originally put them out there because games are great icebreakers," says owner Jonathan Hunter. "They get people talking to each other."

Keeping with that playful spirit, the bar has begun hosting an arm wrestling tournament every Thursday night. Everyone plays, including old folks, young people, guys and girls. That doesn't mean it's any less competitive than a match between two brawny men, though — there are well-kept brackets, as well as prizes, including PBR hats and buttons, champagne and gift certificates.

And if you miss Thursday night's tournament, Hunter says the winners often come back during the week. "They challenge people," he says. "So be prepared."

Every Thu., 10 p.m., free, Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., 215-840-3577, ravenlounge.com.