snowrooster

Looking for a casual (but good!) lunch for a family of four near (walking distance) the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. I think I have all my other meals planned - thanks to everyone who has helped! Any suggestions?

ebdlemond02

Depending on the weather you could possbily walk to the Fairmount section of the city. There are several casual places that would be good for lunch. Most recently I had lunch with a couple of friends and their teenage daughter at Jack's Firehouse on Fairmount Avenue http://www.jacksfirehouse.com/
The food was very good and the atmosphere quite different. Of course for a more upscale lunch you could always hit the Four Seasons totally within walking distance of the Franklin Institute.
Have fun!

buongiorno

I would go to Marathon Grill. The food is good and it's not too expensive. There are a few locations that are in walking distance to Franklin Institute.

Shanghainese

We ate at the cafe inside the Art Museum, casual, good and inexpensive; and the art exhibits were extremely impressive.

kg531

If you need to be within walking distance of the Franklin Institute and want something familiar, there is a TGI Fridays on the Parkway (very short walk from the FI).
- only problem is that TGIFs... ugh

Jed

Look at Au Bon Pain on Logan Square.

marginal_margiela

Please do yourself a favor and DO NOT enter that TGIF across the street from the Four Seasons. Instead, walk into the Four Seasons and have a fantastic lunch at Swann Cafe. It is cheaper and more casual than eating in The Fountain. The food is worth the price.

Martrese

I second the deterrance for TGI Fridays. Why on earth eat at a chain when there are so many great independantly-owned restaurants??? When at the Art Museum, I go to Jack's Firehouse (as previously recommended), Rembrandt's across the oval at 741 N. 23rd Street, or Rose Tattoo Cafe at 19th and Callowhill St. All of these are very nice for lunch. Call to make reservations, though. Look them up on Citysearch for details. Have fun!

AnnMarie_C

Last week, I ate inside the Franklin Institute at Ben's Bistro--as Shanghainese said, the food was really good. I enjoyed a yummy bowl of chicken and rice soup.

Martrese

P.S. If you have the time, may I recommend the Eastern State Penitentiary and Mutter Museum? They're not far from the Art Museum and quite exceptional.

schmerl

For anyone coming to Philadelphia, this link offers on line tours you can even download to your Ipod!

http://www.gophila.com/soundabout/