Center City Restaurant for Saturday Night

[Dish]

I can't believe it, but I am drawing a blank on where to take some friends from LA (music types) to dinner on Saturday. It'll be 4 of us. They are requesting a cool atmosphere, great food, not too loud and not too stuffy. Plus, we'll need a reservation...any ideas?

Tangerine was thrown out there. But, I'm kind of over that place.

[TarteTatin]

I've forgotten about Pasion lately!

It's fun to sit at the Ceviche bar and watch.

Delicious food, good atmosphere...

[Mano]

This Saturday? You mean tomorrow?

I don't know if you'd be able to get a reservation at one of the better places unless it's at 5:30 or 9:30. Anywhere in between, try someplace with 100 or more seats and bring along president Grant or Ben Franklin to slip to the right person.

[JasonZ]

Might want to try Davio's (11th? and Chestnut; Northern Italian + steakhouse) or Roy's (15th & Sansome; Pan Pacific) ... both are in former bank buildings, so the environment is cool (wood, marble; high ceilings; indirect light), not stuffy, very good food, quiet; eclectic enough that your friend's tastes should find a match on the menu. Pasion (15th between Sansome and Walnut) fits the bill as well.

Just decide soon (the next 15 minutes) and call to see who can seat you ... if this is for tomorrow night!!

Edited November 10, 2006 by JasonZ (log)

[Rich Pawlak]

My two cents:

1. Mandoline (ask for Chef Todd and mention eGullet when you call!!), 2nd & Chestnut

2. Mercato , Spruce & Camac

3. Rx, 44th and Spruce (also mention eGullet when you call)

4. Standard Tap, 2nd and Poplar (for the jukebox AND the beer and food)

5. Amada

[Dish]

My two cents:

1. Mandoline (ask for Chef Todd and mention eGullet when you call!!), 2nd & Chestnut

2.  Mercato , Spruce & Camac

3.  Rx, 44th and Spruce (also mention eGullet when you call)

4.  Standard Tap, 2nd and Poplar (for the jukebox AND the beer and food)

5. Amada

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I love Mercato, but they want a bar. I also love Pasion...But Guillermo is not there anymore.

Do you think the food is still as good? I don't know anything about Mandoline. Tell me more

[russ parsons]

if i was visiting, i'd want something i couldn't get anywhere else, not just the fanciest restaurant in town. i remember the last time i visited philadelphia my absolute favorite meal was scrapple breakfast.

[Dish]

if i was visiting, i'd want something i couldn't get anywhere else, not just the fanciest restaurant in town. i remember the last time i visited philadelphia my absolute favorite meal was scrapple breakfast.

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I would love to go to Ralph's in S. Philly. But, my dining companion wants more upscale and is a vegetarian. I have a reservation at Pasion.

Fork would be a good option, too!

[NaFairge]

snackbar. 20th and rittenhouse. jonathan makar and jonny mac.

[Rich Pawlak]

if i was visiting, i'd want something i couldn't get anywhere else, not just the fanciest restaurant in town. i remember the last time i visited philadelphia my absolute favorite meal was scrapple breakfast.

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I would love to go to Ralph's in S. Philly. But, my dining companion wants more upscale and is a vegetarian. I have a reservation at Pasion.

Fork would be a good option, too!

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Then Fork would be an excellent choice, as would Standard Tap

[russ parsons]

if i was visiting, i'd want something i couldn't get anywhere else, not just the fanciest restaurant in town. i remember the last time i visited philadelphia my absolute favorite meal was scrapple breakfast.

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I would love to go to Ralph's in S. Philly. But, my dining companion wants more upscale and is a vegetarian. I have a reservation at Pasion.

Fork would be a good option, too!

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god, everything they say about us is true.

[KatieLoeb]

If your friend is a vegetarian take them to Horizons. There's a whole thread about it HERE. A vegan restaurant that even carnivores can enjoy. And they have a bar. Sounds like the ideal solution to your quandry.

[Dish]

snackbar. 20th and rittenhouse. jonathan makar and jonny mac.

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Going tonight...on my way down there now!!!

[Dish]

If your friend is a vegetarian take them to Horizons.  There's a whole thread about it HERE.  A vegan restaurant that even carnivores can enjoy.  And they have a bar.  Sounds like the ideal solution to your quandry.

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Great idea! Thanks Katie.

[Holly Moore]

if i was visiting, i'd want something i couldn't get anywhere else, not just the fanciest restaurant in town. i remember the last time i visited philadelphia my absolute favorite meal was scrapple breakfast.

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So where did you get the scrapple? I'm guessing either the Down Home Diner or the Melrose. Then again, Four Seasons used to scrape together their own, but not any more.