Visiting Philly (Philadelphia, Reading, North Wales: appointed, best neighborhood, rental) - Pennsylvania (PA) - City-Data Forum

Neraida · 12-02-2009, 06:35 PM

Hello!

My husband and I are going to be visiting Philadelphia for a week this month, from London.
We're going to be staying downtown and working during the day, so out at night mostly.
Aside from the obvious visits to the Reading Terminal market during the day for good lunches; I wondered if any of you can recommend evening/night time spots for food and drinks.
Of course I am totally ignoring any negative things I have read about safety and would not like to spend the entire week quivering in the hotel restaurant, but am keen not to stray anywhere 'dodgy'

Any good advice out there?
We both love just about any cuisine, though particularly Italian.

Thanks

PS We are renting a car for the week

maf763 · 12-02-2009, 07:06 PM

The car may not be worth your while if your hotel is in Center City.

If you like a good pub, try the Kite & Key on Callowhill and 18th or Fergie's on Sansom St. One of Fergie's owners also has Monk's on 16th St. which is known for Belgian beers. For Italian, I like Oesteria on Broad St. near Fairmount, nice place but within a couple of blocks of a seedier area. There are a number of nice places near the Art Museum, if you can get out earlier and spend an hour or two at the museum first you can try Rembrandt's, Brigids, London Grill or any of a number of other places nearby for dinner.

Neraida · 12-02-2009, 07:10 PM

Thanks for that. I have read the London Grill was a good place to eat and drink, even though it sounds like home...
We have the car, as we're flying in and out of Newark and want to visit NYC before we go. I realise it's probably not going to be needed in the city though.
Something I read about Tony's Pizza in North Wales (really? North Wales) has got the tummy rumbling too...
Not fussed about European places to eat, of course will be trying out cheesesteaks too, how could we not...?

Thank you for the reply.

toobusytoday · 12-02-2009, 08:09 PM

You might want to check out this forum too Philadelphia Restaurants: Read Philadelphia Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

Neraida · 12-02-2009, 08:19 PM

Wow. Good stuff! Thank you very much. As they say, the food can make or break a place, no matter where you go. I don't think I will be disappointed.

bryson662001 · 12-02-2009, 10:22 PM

Please don't go all the way to N Wales for pizza. South Broad St and Walnut St west of Broad have the most resturants although there are many others pretty much everwhere. Old City is the best neighborhood for bar hopping. Maybe you could give up your car when you arrive and then rent another just to return to Newark at the end of the trip. Most rent a car companys have downtown offices at the train station. Hotel parking is very expensive and it is easy to hail a cab in the street.

FindingZen · 12-03-2009, 06:07 AM

You probably won't need a car when you arrive in Newark as there are national (Amtrak) and regional (NJ Transit) train options to take you into NYC. Your rental would be even more of a liability in the Big Apple than down in Philly.

Neraida · 12-03-2009, 07:15 AM

Thanks for the advice, particularly about the car.
Unfortunately, being married to a man who absolutely has to drive an American 'muscle car' in the US, kind of rules out cabs and public transport as a sole means of getting around.
I am aware of the price of hotel parking, but that's what expenses accounts are for innit....

FindingZen · 12-03-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neraida

Thanks for the advice, particularly about the car.
Unfortunately, being married to a man who absolutely has to drive an American 'muscle car' in the US, kind of rules out cabs and public transport as a sole means of getting around.
I am aware of the price of hotel parking, but that's what expenses accounts are for innit....

Fair enough: I just hope your husband is up to "muscling" his way through the Lincoln Tunnel to Manhattan etc.

At least it won't be quite as bad coming back towards Philly, although I'd avoid traveling the NJ Turnpike during rush hour. Bonus that your parking will be covered!

Bookmen · 12-03-2009, 07:33 AM

Besides Osteria, for Italian in Center City check out Ernesto's 1521 and Branzino (a BYOB). A few of my other favorites are Fork (American), Buddakan (Asian fusion), Zahav (Israeli), Amada (tapas). I also Like Friday, Saturday, Sunday for something more casual. Parc (French bistro) is very popular on Rittenhouse Square. For pizza, Stella is good (on Headhouse Square) You can check reviews and menus on Menupages. Philadelphia Restaurants, Philadelphia Menus, Ratings, Reviews, Philly Restaurants Guide