My brother is getting married and his fiance is from Philadelphia, so my parents will be hosting the rehearsal dinner there. Being from out of town, they don't know the city well and are looking for suggestions as to where to hold the rehearsal dinner. Probably about 50 people at a restaurant (private room). Nothing too expensive, but nice. Possibly contemporary or Italian? The wedding will be in the city so places downtown would obviously be most convenient. Any thoughts?

Hmmm. Am racking what's left of my brain to come up with a place, but can't think of one I know that could accommodate 50 people. Some could do a dozen or so, but 50 would be too many for most places I know.

You might consider contacting some of the downtown hotels. They seem best equipped to handle something like that -- especially if a lot of the wedding guests are staying at one of the hotels.

Sorry, that's all I can think of. Maybe others will be of more help.

2 thoughts: 1) Maggiano's and 2) ask your brother's fiancee since she is more familiar with Philly.

http://www.maggianos.com/locations/d...d=001.025.0168

Isn't Maggiano's a chain (we have one in Cincinnati)? I should have mentioned his fiance is 100% Italian so if we go that route I think we best avoid chains (though I do really like Maggiano's!).

check out "chowhound.com" for Philadelphia. They frequently answer questions like this, where to take a big party, what Italian is best etc...

Try Spasso....It's in Old City, Italian, has private rooms and the food is really good. It is very reasonable. Maggiano's is a chain...it's Okay, but I wouldn't want to go there for that.

Also try City Search.

http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/b...5/group_dining

Buca di Beppo

www.theastralplane.com

Buca di Beppo is also a chain - sorry. There's one in W Palm beach Fla and one in Reading PA.

The food is also so-so.

That would be my assessment of Buca di Beppo as well (we have one in Cincinnati), but it's a great place to take kids because it is always SO LOUD anyway nobody hears them if they fuss!!!

Davios ? I know also a chain - but I went to a rehersal dinner there in Philly and its a great room (on a very high floor with a terrace) and there were about 40 - 50 people there - food was good

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds Buca loud - I have no problem with people talking but sometimes it seems like they're trying to outdo the next person by yelling.

And no, I don't like sitting in the kitchen!

I like maggianos--it is a chain but at least here in La--they have great private rooms. And the food is better than most chains and cost effective for 50 people.

We have great Italian food in Philadelphia.....PLEASE don't have your rehearsal dinner at Maggiano's or Buca di Peppo. I originally suggested Spasso, which is great for a big group and everyone I know likes it, but here are more. I am not sure about big parties

Marra's (South Philly)
Risorante Panorama (known for their huge wine cellar, Old City)
Penne (University City, next to Penn)
Tre Scalini (I think is BYOB)
Ristorante La Buca (beautiful inside)

There are many more, but some are very expensive, tiny, not in a great location)

Take everyone to dessert at Capogiro for gelato.

I'm going to second Spasso's. The food is fantastic, they're large enough to accomodate you, and the prices are very reasonable.