Philadelphia: A food lover's paradise
July 15-20, 2000
|
|
Philadelphia: A food lover's paradise |
AALL 2000
Annual Meeting & Conference July 15-20, 2000 |
|
|
If you are expecting cheesesteaks, hoagies, scrapple and soft pretzels as your only cuisine offerings while staying in Philadelphia, then check your stereotyping at the door! Locals have long know Philadelphia to be a food lover's paradise. From Moroccan, Indian, Afghan, Irish, Japanese, Thai, Italian, and the just plain eclectic, your opinion of Philly cuisine is about to change. If you are short on time or money virtually all the abovementioned cuisines can be had across the street from the Convention Center at the 100+ year old Reading Terminal Market. But don't stop there. Thousands of unique restaurants can be found in the Center City area as well as trendy spots like Manayunk. Here are some of the local favorites: $=Average entrée under $10.00 Fork- $$; Liquor - yes; credit cards accepted; reservations recommended. Here is place to impress your boss or just enjoy a special meal with your significant other. Eclectic food and atmosphere. Service is outstanding; attentive but not too. Located in Olde City: 306 Market St. Take any bus east on Market to 3rd St. Joe’s Peking Duck House - $$; Liquor - yes; no credit cards; reservations recommended. Some say Joe's has the best duck this side of Beijing. Classic Chinese cuisine with a flair; but don't miss the duck. Located in Chinatown: 925 Race St. Walkable from the Convention Center for lunch or dinner. Siam Cuisine - $$; liquor - yes; credit card accepted. Most creative Thai food in the city. If you like it hot, the chef can do “9 stars” but we recommended “3 stars” for most palettes. Located in Chinatown: 925 Arch St. Walkable from the Convention Center for lunch or dinner. Knave of Hearts - $$; liquor - yes; credit cards accepted. Long time favorite in Philly. Known for fabulous pastries and eclectic dinner choices. Great for Sunday Brunch. Romantic setting. Located in the heart of South St.: 230 South St. Ralph’s Italian Restaurant - $$; liquor - yes; credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended. In South Philly since 1909, this is a long time Philly favorite for authentic Italian cuisine. Located in the heart of South Philly at 760 S. 9th St. Take a cab. Caribou Café - $$; liquor - yes; credit cards accepted. Like being in a Paris bistro. Delicious French fare. Delightful Deco atmosphere. Nice for a drink and a nosh at the bar. But stay for dinner. Located: 1126 Walnut St. Walkable from the convention center. Reading Terminal Market - (215-922-2317) The Reading Terminal Market, which dates back to 1892, is an indoor farmers market that is sure to please everyone. Located at 12th and Arch St. (though there are several entrances) the market is home to over 80 merchants who sell an array of fresh local produce, seafood, meats, baked goods, candy, flowers, gourmet foods, sandwiches, and many ethnic foods. A great place to go if you're looking for good food, but only want to spend $5.00-$10.00. There are tables set up throughout the market. Closed on Sunday. Chris' Jazz Cafe (1421 Sansom Street; 215-568-3131) A good place to go if you like jazz. The menu has a variety of seafood, steaks, burgers, pasta and salads. Live Jazz every night starting at 9:00, with live entertainment starting as early as 5:30 Wed-Fri. Lunch - $7.00-$12.00; Dinner $12:00-$20.00. Full service bar. Hard Rock Cafe (1131 Market Street; 215-238-1000) You've probably been to one somewhere in the world. This chain restaurant serves burgers, steaks, salads and much more during the hours of 11:00 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week. White Dog Cafe (3420 Sansom Street; 215-386-9224) The White Dog Cafe is located in adjoining brownstones in the University City location of Philadelphia, near University of Pennsylvania. Serving contemporary American food in a romantic setting, it is one of Philadelphia's finest restaurants. Lunch entrees range from $7.00-$12.00 and dinner entrees range from $15.00-$25.00. Salads and appetizers are $5.00-$10.00. The menu changes daily. Full service bar. Try the Leg-Lifter Lagger. Arroyo Grille (1 Leverington Avenue, Manayunk; 215-487-1400) Located in Manayunk, which is Northwest
of Center City, Arroyo Grille caters to the fun crowd. Arroyo
serves seafood, chicken and other entrees in a Mexican cuisine.
And of course, they serve many varieties of Margaritas. People
come here for the food and atmosphere alike. You can dine inside
in a more formal atmosphere or outside, with a louder crowd.
Dinner ranges from $15.00-$20.00 for an entree. Unfortunately,
Arroyo is not located on the Main Street in Manayunk. But the
parking is free, so stop in for a bite Vega Grill (4141 Main Street, Manayunk; 215-487-9600) Main Street Manayunk is filled with restaurants,
bars, clothing boutiques and many other types of stores. It is
a great place to go window-shopping. The Vega Grill, located
right on Main Street, serves Latin cuisine. Entrees include vegetarian,
seafood, chicken and pork. Dinner is served until 10:00, Sunday-Thursday
and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. A bar Here are the names of some other "not to be missed" restaurants suggested by Philadelphia locals: (For reviews of these and all Philadelphia area restaurants, see the Restaurant review guide to the Philadelphia Inquirer Le Bec Fin $$$$ BRUNCH SPOTS Here is a sampling of Sunday brunch spots in Philly. Marmont (222 Market Street) Sunday, 10:30 am – 2:30pm. Tapas and seasonal items Cafe Nola (117-119 South Street) New Orleans cuisine Rembrandt's Restaurant (23rd & Aspen) Irish Pub (2007 Walnut Street) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm The Inn Philadelphia (251 South Camac Street) White Dog Cafe (3420 Sansom Street) 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Try these sites for more Philadelphia restaurant listings: Citysearch Philadelphia Restaurant Guide Digital City Philadelphia Restaurants (somewhat out of date) Philadelphia Magazine's Dining Directory Zagat Philadelphia Restaurant Guide Cheesesteaks and Hoagies |
