Restaurants in Philly - need suggestions

[dtuleya]

We'll be heading to Philly on Friday and staying at the Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing. We have tickets to see Cirque - Alegria on Friday night and doing the sightseeing thing on Saturday and some of Sunday.

It will be me, DH, and sons 15 & 10. If anybody has any fave restaurants in the area, I'd love to hear about them. We like seafood, steaks, italian - the basics. I'm sorry to say the men in my family aren't very adventurous when it comes to food. Nothing to foo-foo though since my youngest DS is a very picky eater and can't live without chicken fingers, pizza, ff, burgers, etc.

 

[Cindy B]

I've heard a fun, family friendly place on the waterfront just opened. Its name is Sammy's BBQ. I have not been there yet, but have heard it advertised.

Also on the waterfront area is the Spirit of Philadelphia, if you are into dinner,show/cruise thing. I haven't been there in a while, so I don't know what exactly they are serving nowadays.

There is a Dave and Busters at the waterfront as well, with a restaurant inside. (We've gotten pizza and drinks there).

If you are into Italian, there is a Spaghetti Warehouse near 10th and Spring Garden (maybe a 10 minute drive in Center City). The plus with Spaghetti Warehouse, is that it has free parking (very very hard to find in Philly)

There is also a Reading Terminal Market across the street from the Convention Center.. there are tons of little shops inside there, but its not exactly a sit down place.

If you were thinking of Reading Terminal, there are TONS of restuarants in Chinatown. There are tons that are really really good!

IN the waterfront area, there are some pretty fancy places, like the Chart House (in a ship).

 

[Saffron]

We love City Tavern. It was the tavern of choice for Ben Franklin and George Washington etc. Lunch is very casual, although the tables will be set with china and pewter and the wait staff will be wearing period costumes. The meals served there are delicious and reasonably priced. You might call ahead to see if they have something that will please a picky eater. It's great for ambiance, price and a little bit of traveling back in time. Here is a link to their website.

Have fun in the city! Penn's Landing is hopping with all kinds of activity during the summer!

 

[drclaws]

Originally posted by Cindy B
IN the waterfront area, there are some pretty fancy places, like the Chart House (in a ship). [/B]

I think you're thinking of Moshulu (sp??) which is the ship (is it open?). Chart House is a stand alone restaurant right along the Delaware.

Also for a view there's a Chinese-named restaurant in the same building as Dave & Busters. They used to have a nice brunch, can't speak to the regular menu, but a GREAT view of the river.

City Tavern is a good choice. All sorts of little places to eat along South Street...and an interesting people-watching experience. Somewhere near 4th or 5th and South is a Johnny Rockets to satisfy the burger, fries and cherry Coke needs in the "old fashioned" way.

 

[huey duey & luey]

I was also going to suggest the City Tavern, really a coll place.
Tara

 

[goofygirl]

Chart House is not a ship but it is on the river and there's a big waterfall inside. Its very nice and has seafood and steak.

South St area has places to eat too- like Downey's.

I also agree Spaghetti Warehouse is very good.

If you want to go the direction of Ben Franklin Parkway area, there's TGIFriday's. That should make everybody happy!

 

[phillybeth]

Is the Planet Hollywood on Market Street still open? That would be a good choice.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I've been wanting to try this place
http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/
Chart House is good too.

 

[Patty3]

I would have to go with a good ole Philly Cheesesteak. You can go to South Philly and get one at Pat's or Geno's or you can get them at Reading Terminal Market. If you have not been there, it is a real experience and something for everyone.

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by Tiggeroo
I've been wanting to try this place
http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/
Chart House is good too.

I think Cuba Libre would be too much for the kids, it's a rather trendy place, not a tex-Mex place a family would enjoy.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I think Cuba Libre would be too much for the kids, it's a rather trendy place, not a tex-Mex place a family would enjoy.

Aack, didn't see the kids on the list. Sorry. Yep we like the Spaghetti Warehouse. I think ChartHouse would be too much too. Take the kids for cheesesteaks and pizza. Or go to Chinatown. My boys didn't like the City Taven. But they have their menu online, I think.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the wonderful replies! I think we might try the Spaghetti Warehouse, Johnny Rockets and City Tavern. I guess it all depends on what area we are going to be in around meal time.

We'll probably be stopping in a few of the taverns in the area to check them out. We heard there are quite a few good ones in the area.

We'll definitely stop by both Pat and Genos and do a little taste test of our own to decide which is our fave.

Thanks so much for all the great ideas. Better finish packing.

 

[Barb]

We were just at Penn's Landing this past weekend. Some of the 75th Anniversary Mickey Statues were there! I don't know how long they're there, but maybe you'll be lucky to see them while you're there. Have fun!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I love The Chart House, and Spaghetti Warehouse too.

Philly has lots of fun things to do.

The Chart House has lunch specials where you basically get the same thing as dinner for a much better price.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Another thumbs up for the Hard Rock Cafe. We try to visit there at least once a month. The service is very good, and we've always had great meals.

 

[Cindy B]

Thanks for clearing up Chart House, Mushulu.. I couldn't remember which one was the right one. I get them confused.

My kids like Spaghetti Warehouse. If I remember right, they have a pool table, video games, and a balcony to stand around in if you have to wait. I just remember the free parking. Mind you the parking is outside parking, so use normal caution there.

 

[KingsFanInRI]

for cheese steaks, you can't beat Tony Luke's in South Philly. It's either on Snyder Ave. or Oregon Ave. I forget which, but they have a website, www.tonylukes.com DW and I are going to NYC in September and are tinkering with the idea of driving to Philly just to go there.

 

[Kimnicki]

Yuumm...I LOVE Tony Lukes...there roast beef sandwiches are awesome!




Kim

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Originally posted by KingsFanInRI
for cheese steaks, you can't beat Tony Luke's in South Philly. It's either on Snyder Ave. or Oregon Ave. I forget which, but they have a website, www.tonylukes.com DW and I are going to NYC in September and are tinkering with the idea of driving to Philly just to go there.

Ditto. Beats Pat's AND Gino's by MILES.

 

[goodstarr]

Maggiano's anyone? Great Italian, but that might be a little too foo-foo