DINNER / BAR RECOMMENDATIONS

This is just a select list based mostly on proximity to the hotels. You can always call me/us if you need more specific recommendations. This is only the Center City West/Rittenhouse Area, so there are plenty more options only slightly further a field.

Monk’s, 264 S 16th StPhiladelphia, PA: I love this place. Even though the attitude and service kind of sucks, they have an epic beer selection and make, what are, quite arguably, the best burgers and fries in town. Mussels and salads and sandwiches are actually all great. It gets super packed in the evenings, so you’ll have to wait for a table, but it is also good if you’re having a drinking lunch. Beer is pricey, but epic and delicious. Burgers run about $8 and you’ll want to order a side of pommes frites to go with.

Audrey Claire, 276 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA: Good little Mediterranean BYO. I remember entrees running in the $14-22 range, but it has been a while since I’ve been there.

Melangrano, 2012 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103: I love, love, love this Italian BYO and it was also the site of our proper first date. You know, for food. It’s code. They make fantastic pastas, but I am particularly fond of the papardelle with mushrooms, truffles and cheese. Pastas I think are in the $14-18 range, and meat entrees are in the low $20s.

The Good Dog Bar, 224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102: I stand by the fact that the Good Dog Burger here is the best in town. That is, assuming, that you order it medium or medium rare---otherwise all the cheese melts out and it loses the magic. Also of note: the grilled cheese, the FRIES are superb, the cheese steak empanadas are truly magnificent. They also generally have a pretty good beer list with some good local beers. This is a little pricier, but more than you can reasonably eat – I think that the burger runs about $9.

Parc, 227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA : I haven’t actually eaten here, but it has gotten pretty good reviews. It is right on Rittenhouse Square and it is a beautiful space. It is an expensive and good bistro with a full bar. It is owned by Steven Starr who is a semi-famous restaurateur in the world, and a well-known restaurateur in Philadelphia. Full bar.

Mama Palma’s, 2229 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA: This place makes super pizza, if you are into the wood-fired, gourmet variety of pizza. It is BYO for wine, but they serve beer (ask Johnny about the beer here). Delicious.

Black Sheep, 247 S 17th St, Philadelphia: Good Irish bar, pretty good food. Site of the Rehearsal dinner after party.

La Viola, 253 S 16th St # A, Philadelphia, PA: Good little Italian BYO and pretty reasonably priced. I remember being particularly enamored by the arugula salad.

Alma de Cuba, 1623 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA. Expensive and fancy Cuban food by Steve Starr. It is fun and they make mean cocktails.

Tequila’s, 1602 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA: Delicious but pricey Mexican in a beautiful setting. Dining room is one of the prettiest in the area. Full bar. Good margaritas.

Pumpkin, 1713 South St, Philadelphia: Great little seasonal BYO that focuses on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. We both really like it.

Tria, 123 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia or 1137 Spruce Street, Philadelphia: Two locations, one near Rittenhouse (19th and Sansom), one in the Gayborhood (Spruce and 11th). Rob proposed to me at the Spruce Street location. Awww. They have a great, reasonably priced list of wines by the glass, a super beer list, great sandwiches, salads and snacks. We love it here.

Porcini, 1137 Spruce Street, Philadelphia: Super teensy Italian BYO. I really like this place, but Rob hasn’t been, so blame me if you don’t like it.

Matyson, 37 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA. Delicious BYO. It is a little pricier than some of the other options, but delicious.

Continental, 28 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA. Hip place by Steven Starr that focuses on comfort food in sort of Jetson’s-ish setting. Great cocktails and is rumored to have a pretty good roof deck (the crowd here can get a little annoying though)

Nodding Head, 1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA: Microbrewery that is at least partly owned by the people at Monk’s. Good beer, great fries, and good food in general.

Shiroi Hana, 222 S 15th St Philadelphia, PA: Good sushi and they have a pretty good lunch special.

La Bistro Baia, 1700 Lombard St Philadelphia, PA. This is the BYO I went to almost weekly while in grad school. It is really good and the prices are totally reasonable. Get the gnocci.

The Fountain 1 Logan SquarePhiladelphia, PA: Rob recommended this. It is fancy and I’ve never been.

Le Bec Fin/Bar Lyonnais, 1523 Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA: I believe that Le Bec Fin is Philadelphia’s only 5-star restaurant. It is the site of the best meal of my life, although it is horrendously expensive. The bar is supposed to be good and much more reasonably priced, but I’ve never been. Totally worth checking out if you want bistro food.

Rouge, 205 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA. Super location (right on Rittenhouse Square), good wine list, good burgers. Expensive. But lovely.

Top 5 Places to Get a Great Cheesteak

1. Jon’s Roast Pork, 14 Snyder Ave., Philadelphia, PA: This is Rob’s favorite. Super easy to get to by car from Center City.

2. Jim’s Steaks, 400 South St, Philadelphia: Ian likes this best. Christine thinks that the meat/cheese ratio is all wrong here though. On the upside, you CAN walk here from Rittenhouse (and you’ll need to after eating a cheese steak.

3. Tony Luke’s, 39 E Oregon AvePhiladelphia, PA. Drivable, not-so walkable. Generally liked by one and all.

4. Delasandro’s, 600 Wendover St Philadelphia, PA. Christine’s favorite because they have the correct meat/cheese ratio. Kind of far – you could take a long bus ride or drive there.

5. Sonny’s Famous Steaks, 228 Market StPhiladelphia, PA