Philadelphia help
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,657
Likes: 1
I really think you're going to have to walk down Market St to the Old City area to get anything close to what you are looking for. The Convention Center is adjacent to China Town so there are lots of Asian restaurants there nut not much else. Around 2nd & Chestnut is the Triumph Brewing Co. and I know they have private space upstairs. The Plough & The Stars is down in that area as well.
#5
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
The Palomar is at 17th and Sanaom. A block away from the Palomar at 18th and Sansom is the Dandelion Pub, Steven Starr's British-inspired restaurant. No, it's not between the hotel and the convention center; it's a short block away.
I have not been because we prefer smaller BYO's. Dandelion seems to have the more private areas that you are looking for and it seems to get very good reviews.
http://thedandelionpub.com/
http://articles.philly.com/2011-03-2...struction-site
I have not been because we prefer smaller BYO's. Dandelion seems to have the more private areas that you are looking for and it seems to get very good reviews.
http://thedandelionpub.com/
http://articles.philly.com/2011-03-2...struction-site
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 0
McGillin's ticks the boxes for private area and location, but, er, not exactly what I'd call upscale. How upscale would upscale be?
(Actually the words "upscale" and "pub" sound funny together to me...)
http://www.mcgillins.com/home.htm
(Actually the words "upscale" and "pub" sound funny together to me...)http://www.mcgillins.com/home.htm
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#8
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,657
Likes: 1
I googled the Palomar and got the Loew's hotel right across Market from the Convention Center. Now I see that the Palomar is a Kimpton Hotel. Odd google result. Anyway, that does open things up a bit. The Dandelion is a good recommendation. McGillin's is old-time Philly but could be fine. Have fun!
#10
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 6,164
Likes: 0
Hello. When we organized the last Philly GTG, Square 1630 was recommended, and it was great for a group. I'm not sure if it's what you want - it is a private room in a restaurant (not a pub). We had our own room, and the table was large and circular, so it was nice for everyone to be able to see each other. A downside is that they can only seat 15 people in that room, so if your group is larger, that won't work.
From what I recall, Square 1630 is either inside, or next door to, the Palomar.
I hope you enjoy your trip here!
From what I recall, Square 1630 is either inside, or next door to, the Palomar.
I hope you enjoy your trip here!
#11

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 7
That is the Palomar that we had the gtg at but they've redone their restaurants and the last time I was there our lovely room no longer existed. The while place was under construction so they could have redone it.
If you want to look at Chowhound or open table, any of the Rittenhouse Square restaurants are close. I'll give it some more thought but Dandelion is a good suggestion. Is the Happy Rooster still open?
If you want to look at Chowhound or open table, any of the Rittenhouse Square restaurants are close. I'll give it some more thought but Dandelion is a good suggestion. Is the Happy Rooster still open?
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,657
Likes: 1
Oh my goodness, 100 people! In that case, there is a gastropub in Reading Terminal Market that closes at 6PM but I think it's possible that for a group that size, they may open for private parties.
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/7
Thinking back on it, I didn't love that room for our last gtg. It felt very corporate to me. I forgot that it was in the Palomar. I guess I was just tired last night when I couldn't think where that hotel was located.
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/7
Thinking back on it, I didn't love that room for our last gtg. It felt very corporate to me. I forgot that it was in the Palomar. I guess I was just tired last night when I couldn't think where that hotel was located.
#16

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 0
I thought you had forgotten where you were because of jet-lag, Suki. 
My first thought was also The Dandelion but I'm not sure a group of that size would work.
Best of Philly just voted El Vez Best Group Dining.
http://www.elvezrestaurant.com/
A personal Happy Hour can be booked at www.gigiphilly.com.
www.jones-restaurant.com has a special events department you can check with.
Different group options are offered here:
http://www.redowltavern.com/

My first thought was also The Dandelion but I'm not sure a group of that size would work.
Best of Philly just voted El Vez Best Group Dining.
http://www.elvezrestaurant.com/
A personal Happy Hour can be booked at www.gigiphilly.com.
www.jones-restaurant.com has a special events department you can check with.
Different group options are offered here:
http://www.redowltavern.com/
#20

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 7
So you want more of a party space? Drinks etc? The Rittenhouse hotel on the square will close their gorgeous lobby for private parties. It opens onto a lovely patio area. Its next door to a steak house and near all the great restaurants in the area to move on to.

