Philadelphia Restaurants and nights spots
 

Can anyone recommend good restaurants and night spots within walking distance of the downtown marriott.

Sorry - In Philadelphia!

There are some fantastic restaurants in downtown Philadelphia. The area known as Center City is quite walkable, so any restaurant in this area will be reasonably close to you. I recommend checking out Zagat's restaurant guide (www.zagats.com) and search Center City Philadelphia; this will allow you to pick a cuisine to your liking. There are ratings based on good people-watching, etc...it's actually worth buying the guide in book form if you prefer. There are many, many night spots for many different types of people. Do you want jazz, classical, blues, rock 'n roll, techno/house, alternative, mainstream, Gay/Lesbian? Philadelphia City Paper (more alternative) (you can find by searching on the web) or the Philadelphia Enquirer should help you figure this out. Tell us which of the above you're most interested in and people may be able to help.

Lots of great restaurants- some choices: <BR>Circa around 1600 Walnut - in an old bank - you can even eat in the vault, <BR>Upstares at Varalli - around Broad and Chestnut - good Italian, nice second floor view onto the street, Pasion - 15th between Locust and Walnut - I've not been there yet but heard the food is great. All easily walkable from the Marriott. If you want to venture a little farther try Old City. About 9 or 10 blocks but not a bad walk. Also the subway (Market-Frankford line) runs right from 12th St to 2nd along Market St which will take you right to Old City. There are many great restaurants there- my favorites are the Plough and the Stars- nice atmosphere and good Irish food, Guiness on tap (with the bar system coming from Dublin, it tastes the way it's supposed to). Also the Mexican Post for reasonably priced Mexican food in a cozy location. Rococo, for good (but expensive) food in a beautiful space. There is also a fairly new restaurant on Market called Tangerine. It's kind of a Morrocan type theme and it sounds like it could be cool. A friend has reservations this week and I can't wait to hear the verdict. <BR>I don't get out to many clubs, but have been to the Five Spot in Old City. The City Rhythm Orchestra plays there frequently and they're great if you like the old big band sound. Five Spot is like a 40's kind of supper club atmosphere with swing dancing on some nights. A lot of fun. <BR>Like Daniel said, let us know your tastes and maybe we can give you better choices. Have fun!

Check this out: <BR>If you walk down Chestnut Street between Front and Second Streets; you'll find restaurants with Brazilian, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, and Afghani cuisine -- all adjacent to each other! <BR>How many city blocks can claim five different national cuisines? <BR> <BR>Other ideas: Lombardi's Pizza (as close to Naples as you'll find) at 132 South 18th St; a REAL Philly cheese steak; a grinder; and (if you're daring) some scrapple for breakfast.

Just a comment on the above post- scrapple should be eaten with ketchup. Don't let anyone convince you to use syrup. I grew up in a PA Dutch household with a mom from Philly- scrapple after church on Sunday! Yumm!

I loved The Striped Bass. I was disappointed at Suzanna Foo. (both on Walnut).