Pamper Yourself at Nail Bar

Location: 133 S 18TH Street, 2nd Fl. 
Philadelphia, PA. 19103

Hours: Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Contact Info: 267-687-8117

Website: www.nailbarpa.com

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a manicure junkie. It’s my guilty pleasure. For my six months at Penn I have been a loyal Gomo’s customer so I was skeptical about trying a new place. I have, however, been converted.

Walking into Nail Bar, I was greeted by the sound of Shakira ‘s Hips Don’t Lie and asked if I would like a complementary drink. A free drink? This obviously caught my attention. A free mini massage is one thing, but a free drink I was not expecting. I was offered a choice of a mimosa, champagne, white/red wine — and for those of us who have not reached alcoholic status…hot chocolate or tea.

In keeping with the bar theme, in lieu of individual manicure tables, there is a long marble bar for patrons to have their manicures. The basic manicure starts at $15 and can be upgraded for those looking for a little more pampering. For a few dollars more you can get a massage as your nails dry or an exfoliation treatment for your arms and hands. Pedicures start at $30 and can be similarly upgraded. Nail Bar also offers a membership benefit plan. With a one-time membership fee of $10 you receive perks such as 15% off services every Tuesday. Additionally, for every dollar you spend you receive a point, which can be saved up for free manicures and pedicures (450 points each).

Nail Bar won the Best of Philly Award in 2008, and I would have to say, I could not agree more. My only critique is that the color options are slightly limited. Although its location is a little far from campus, it is worth the trip in every way.

By Melissa Urfirer