Casual restaurant for dinner in Philadelphia?
 

We'll have one night free for dinner in Philadelphia later this month. We are staying at the Embassy Suites near the Franklin Institute and would love a place within walking distance. We will have our children (ages 4 & 5) with us so some something casual and family friendly, but GOOD! My kids are pretty adventerous eaters for their age, so ethnic food could be an option (greek, mexican, thai) or local Philly favorites (though we already plan to have cheesesteaks for lunch one day). Any suggestions?

For Chinese, I like Sang Kee
238 N 9TH STREET

For Malaysian, I like Penang
http://www.penangusa.com/location_philly.html

(Both are in Chinatown)

For Greek, I like Dmtri's
2227 Pine St

For Latin, I like Valanni
1229 Spruce St

Jones. Stephen Starr's homage to the 70's and comfort food. Shag carpet, etc. Fun menu. Fine for kids. Plus the food's good.

http://www.jones-restaurant.com/

All the places offered so far are good choices, but not within walking distance for 4- and 5-year-olds. Still, your hotel is in a location for catching a cab to a walkable neighborhood and then cabbing back. Chinatown, as yk mentions, for example. You could also walk south on 17th to Walnut, have a pizza at Pietro's (www.pietrospizza.com), walk 2 blocks west to Rittenhouse Square, play in the park, cab or walk back to the hotel.

Yes, I agree with some of the others. Jones would be fun with the kids and it is only a cheap cab ride away. Dimitri's is also one of my favorites. You may also want to check out Jack's Firehouse in the Fairmount Section which is also a cheap cab ride away:) Have fun!

Casual near Rittenhouse Sq.: Portico, Rouge, Brasserie Perrier. Rouge is right on the square, Portico and Perrier are right around the corner on Walnut.

Chestnut, between 17th and Broad has a few chain restaurants.

Broad, near City Hall: Maggiano's (Filbert St.) Reading Terminal Market (Filbert St. entrance) McCormick/Schmick, Capital Grille.

If you want fabulous pastries, head to Miel at 17th and Walnut, across from Papyrus.

There are a ton of cafes for sandwiches/soups all in Center City.

I need to cast a vote for Maggiano's for dinner. For the real cheese steak lunches, consider walking south on 9th street, thru the Italian Market to Geno's or Pat's at the end.

snowroos - you might want to try Continental Mid-town at 1801 Chestnut St. Good food and drinks, but funky retro decor so you see couples with their kids their for early dinners.

I do like Maggiano's, but we have it here in Cincinnati. I'm actually leaning towards Cuba Libre - I know it isn't within walking distance but we will have a car so I guess that would work. I've never been to a Cuban restaurant before and the menu looks awesome. My other thought is Dmtri's, because I really love Greek food. Could we walk to Dmtri's? If we are totally wiped out it might be an easier option. Thanks!!

With a 4 and 5 year old I'm not sure the walk to Dmtri's is very doable, especially if you're completely wiped out. It's probably just over a mile away.