New to Philly and have family coming into town. . . restaurant recommendations for first night? (pub, food)

[RightonWalnut]

Are you willing to drive to Center City or surrounding area? The best restaurants will be there.

[The Ancient Oracle]

Originally Posted by pman

I can't say as I'd pick chickie and pete's for dinner. maybe to catch a game or something. you could take them to pat's and geno's, a tourist must do. lunch at the reading terminal. there is a bar in the terminal that has pretty good food and beer. if you want free parking, some place like the standard tap might be a good place, or the schmiddter at H&J mcnally's in chestnut hill (which might be close to you).

I think your out-of-town guests might have a better experience at a place known for good food than a place where the main draw is that people think it's unique to Philadelphia.

[2e1m5a]

If you're thinking South Philly skip Chickie and Pete's and go to Passyunk Ave. I was recently at a great Italian place called Mamma Maria's but there are other great spots too. Cantina, Stateside, Marras. It was also recently named a Top 10 Foodie street in the country. Maybe go out for a few drinks at The Pub on Passyunk East and do the Pat's/Geno's thing.

Food And Wine Magazine Awards East Passyunk Avenue A Spot On Its List Of 10 Best Foodie Streets In America | Uwishunu - Philadelphia Blog About Things to Do, Events, Restaurants, Food, Nightlife and More

East Passyunk Restaurants - Philadelphia | Zagat

[RightonWalnut]

I agree. Take them into Center City to Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square West or Old City or to South Philly to Passyunk Ave or to University City for a memorable experience, NOT Chickie's and Pete's

[Wyrick510]

Thanks to anyone with a helpful response! I appreciate it

[RightonWalnut]

If you go to Old City for dinner make sure to get desert at Franklin Fountain. They have superb ice cream. Or if you go to Rittenhouse Square for dinner, you can stop at Rita's Water Ice at 15th and Spruce after.

[ja1982]

Originally Posted by Wyrick510

I've only lived in the area for about a month (I'm actually in Montgomery county), but I will be picking up my dad and brother from the Philadelphia airport in a few weeks and want to take them to a fun, Philly-type restaurant afterwards. So something somewhat nearby the airport (20 minutes-ish?). I've heard Chickie & Pete's is pretty cool, but I wanted input from people who know a lot more about the city than I do. Any suggestions are appreciated!


Thanks!

-Marra's if you guys are in the mood for Italian (South Philly)
1734 E Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19148

-Chickies and Pete's is great and even better if you go to a Phillies game before or after.
(If the Phillies are in town)

-Devon Seafood Grill
225 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Rittenhouse)

-Most places in Chinatown


All depends.... Type of food, type of dining (lg/sm restaurant, quick meal, pub like setting, touristy type place, fancy, laid back...??), money you'd want to spend, what time of the day/week....
haha you get my point
Hopefully, I'll be able to help you out with more options.

[ja1982]

Originally Posted by Summersm343

I agree. Take them into Center City to Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square West or Old City or to South Philly to Passyunk Ave or to University City for a memorable experience, NOT Chickie's and Pete's

I know we locals take Chickie and Pete's for granted but every person I have taken there from out of town absolutely loved it. But it's usually when a sport event is on.
I will say, the only other sites surrounding Chickie's location (Broad Street location) is the stadiums. I did factor that in when thinking of a place for out-of-towners that rarely, if ever, come to Philly.

[Sayid Linus]

Era on Poplar Street in the Fairmount section is a great little Ethiopian place. They have some good local beers too.

[sweendog024]

Here is a solid list to start with depending on what you are looking for:

Frankford Hall - German style beer garden opened about a year ago by Steven Starr who has opened several popular restaurants in the Philly area. They are known for their giant mugs of good beer, a combination of german beers with some domestics and craft beers. Great food as well, very casual where you go up to a window and order your food and they give you a number and a waiter comes over and give you your food. This is a place i'd take my dad and my brother if they came and visited me here.

Monk's - Got rated as one of the best beer drinking experiences in the country. It is a belgian style beer cafe that has pretty awesome food...it isn't like a "Philly thing" specifically but it is pretty awesome.

Khyber - Good food, good beer, in old city, lots to do and see if you want to show off the most historically relevant part of Philly.

Bomb-Bomb Grill - Good food where the crowd is very South Philly, combination of bbq and italian.

Pub on Passyunk - I live pretty close to here and it has never disappointed me, very casual with rotating taps but all the good domestics...gotta get your dad and brother to try a lager or two if they haven't had it yet. Good burgers, and its also like 3-4 block walk to Pats and Genos. Lots of other restaurants are on Passyunk as well.

Cheesesteaks: Seperate category

My Personal Favorites
- Phillips 24th and Passyunk (24 hrs)
- Johns Roast Pork (only open between 6-3 on weekdays, 10-4 on saturdays)
- Steves (several locations but the original is in NE Philly in Mayfair)

Tourist Spots
- Jims
- Pats
- Genos
- Tony Lukes