KEC

Hello,
I am planning an anniversary trip to Philly for Nov 20th. We live in Bucks County, but didn't want to go far because it will be our first night away from our baby.

I have booked (through Priceline) the Hyatt at Penns Landing. I don't remember seeing this hotel, so I am not EXACTLY sure of its location (except that it's on Columbus Blvd). Are there any good restaurants within walking distance? Or, is it easy to get a cab? We will have a car, but prefer not to drive so that we can have some drinks with dinner.

I am interested in a BYOB (tried Django, but they were booked). I think that Chloe and Radicchio might be close by, but I am not sure. It doesn't *have* to be a BYOB, but I don't want to spend a ton (no Le Bec Fin for us!).

Also, my plan is to do the "touristy" Independence area stuff during the day, have lunch somewhere (any suggestions?) & then head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I'd like to go to a nice dinner & then maybe somewhere after (nice bar or comedy club?). Any suggestions?

I'm sure we won't want to stay out too late because we are so tired (baby still doesn't sleep well!).

Thanks for any suggestions or advice offered.

KEC

Oh, and also wondering about a place to have breakfast or brunch on Sunday before heading home. Or, it may be lunch if we can sleep in!

Thanks again!

Scarlett

Hi
We stayed at the Penns Landing Inn which is on Market Street, which is about 4 blocks or so up from the Hyatt. The Hyatt is huge and right on the river.
Walk to Market street and you have a great choice of restaurants and shops and historical sights. Christ Church is there as is Independence Hall farther up Market.
At night, you might want to cab it back to the hotel. It might also be cold enough that you would want cabs in the daytime. But it is a great city for walking.
Off the top of my head, it has been a year since we were there, my favorite restaurants are Friday,Saturday,Sunday. Fork. (both great for a special night out) Cosmopolitan and the Plough and Star (I think the name is) a great pub with a huge fireplace. We had lunch there.
There will probably be plenty of people with great ideas for you, but in the meantime, type in Philadelphia into the text search box and read the threads that come up.
( we did the same thing, we lived in NYC but for the first time away from the baby overnight, we went to stay at the Plaza LOL )
Have fun & Happy Anniversary~

dbenya

The Hyatt is on the river side of Columbus Boulevard and is more near South and Chestnut Streets, which may not be the romantic experience you're looking for. A short cab ride will get you to the area Scarlett mentions. Penns View Inn (www.pennsviewhotel.com/main.htm) is very near a lively restaurant neighborhood on Market Street. In fact, there is an excellent restaurant in the same building as the inn called Panorama. Fork (www.forkrestaurant.com) is great for dinner or brunch. And down the street at Bluezette there's a bar on the second floor where local jazz acts play.

yk

The Hyatt is a huge reason why I avoid bidding for a 4* in Philadelphia on PL, because I don't like its location. It is situated on the "other" side of the I-95 freeway. It is still within walking distance to Old City though, which gives you a huge # of restaurants to choose from.

The restaurants that I like in Old City include:
Continental
Fork
La Locanda del Ghiottone
Chloe
Adriatica
Cubra Libre
Swanky Bubbles

Another BYOB you can try (but be prepared to wait) would be Dmitri's (the one on 3rd street). Or you can always try calling Django back to see if they have any cancellations.

KEC

Thanks everyone! I made dinner reservations at Matyson. I was hoping to find something walking distance to the hotel, but we can take a cab.

Is there anywhere cool to hang out near there afterward? Not a dance club, but a place where we can sit and have a drink and talk?

Also, I plan to do the Constitution Center & Independence Park during the day...any advice about lunch?

I also want to go over to Capogiro for gelato at some point because I heard it's the best outside of Italy. Maybe we'll do that before we check into the hotel.

Thanks!

yk

KEC-

Matyson is excellent. Hope you'll enjoy your meal there.

Place to hang out afterwards:
Grab a window table at either Rouge or Bleu (or even Devon) right on Rittenhouse Sq and people watch.

The new Continental (excellent martinis), though maybe a bit too noisy to have a conversation.

One of my fav bars in the city is Black Sheep on 17th (btw Locust & Spruce).

For Independence Hall, you'll need to stop by the Visitors Center first to get a timed ticket (free) to get into Independence Hall. So make sure you go to the Visitors Center 1st thing in the morning, or the tickets may run out in the afternoon.

To eat around there: you may want to try Jones. Or most places in Old City are also within close walking distance from Independence Hall.

IMO, Capogiro is over-priced and over-rated. I didn't think it was that good, and definitely not worth the price. But it's worth checking out this store a few doors north which sells pretty cool home stuff.