sunny16

I'm surprising my husband with a little overnight trip to Philly this weekend. I figured that for dinner, we'd just play it loose and find someplace good that's near wherever we are when we get hungry. We're staying at the Alexander Inn, and I imagine we'll be visiting Independence Hall, etc., since he's never seen any of that stuff before.

We're from NYC, but we're pretty low-key. We don't need a fancy night out so much as we need good food and drink.

I went on Yelp for recommendations and made a Google map with a bunch of different restaurants for lunch, dinner and brunch. DH loves his beer, so I put a few gastropubs on the list. Here are the places on my short list for his birthday dinner:

Brauhaus Schmitz
Standard Tap
Varga Bar
Mac's Tavern (I read mixed reviews, but we're big fans of It's Always Sunny)
Sabrina's for brunch

Do these places usually get big crowds even on winter weekends? Thanks in advance!

elberko

For beer and good food, I'd go to Monks, it's never disappointed:

http://www.monkscafe.com/

~Liz

schmerl

Remember...it is Valentine's weekend so places may be crowded. A reservation never hurts.
Check out:
phillyfunguide.com and http://visitphilly.com/?gclid=CLbilI...Fcfe4Aodnh0jbw

MLTimes

I won't bother mentioning BYOB's, since you've proposed a list of bars (some of which have okay food).

Brauhaus Schmitz - Can't recommend.

Standard Tap - cab ride from CC, YMMV but I think the food at No3d and even JB's is better, and if you're in a cab anyway, consider going south to someplace along Passyunk Avenue instead

Varga Bar - Not a huge fan. I like Marcy's restaurants (especially my new favorite, Barbuzzo, and old fave Lolita)better than her brother's place. Sorry, Evan.

Mac's Tavern (I read mixed reviews, but we're big fans of It's Always Sunny) - I won't dissuade you as I assume you aren't in your 20s and/or from NJ, such that you aren't going to get drunk, vomit, scream and drive your muffler-less car around my neighborhood at 2 am.

Sabrina's for brunch - Be prepared to wait at either location. Also consider Cafe Estelle at 4th & Callowhill, Green Eggs (either in S. Philadelphia or No Libs), or everyone's old standby, Honey's Sit & Eat.

sunny16

Thanks for the rec's everyone! Schmeri, I did as you suggested and made a reservation at Triumph Brewing Company. I thought it had the best combo of food and drink that DH would like. I would have loved to have gone to Twenty Manning Grill, but I couldn't get a reservation at the right time.

MLTimes: Ouch about Mac's. I feel your pain. I live a few blocks down from a popular beer garden in NYC. Also, thanks for the brunch recommendations! Cafe Estelle and Honey's are conveniently close to the Edgar Allen Poe Historical Site, so that would be a great way for us to start our day.

sunny16

When I told DH tonight that I'd made reservations, he specifically mentioned wings, which Triumph has. I'll let you guys know how it went next week!