spending the night at the Loews on market street---a monday nite..

looking for unique and good food at reasonable prices....

will have a car

thanks

bob

There are probably 200 restaurants within walking distance of your hotel (though I can think of at least a few that aren't open on Monday nights).

To that end, a bit more information-- likes/dislikes, what type of food you have an abundance of at home/what cuisines are unique to you, preference for liquor license or BYOB, and (most obviously) what you consider "reasonable"-- would help us answer your question.

Also, having a car in Philadelphia is a liability, not a benefit.

Hi Bob- Welcome to Philly

How about a nice Thai restaurant? (only joking - you get enough of the real thing).

A good, unique, reasonable restaurant in your area is hard to find.

Suggestions:

Soto Varalli - seafood ($44) Zagats' est.
Upstares at Varalli - Italian - ($43)
Valanni - Mediterranean - ($40)
Portofino - Italian - ($41)

What would please your palate and pocketbook?

my pocketbook is about 1/2 of what you quote for this extended trip (florida drive trip)...

something unique and simple....not dining, just supper...

beer and wine are fine...and preferable...think screw top....

fancy philly cheese steak?? i'm not john kerry who wanted special cheese....

ethnic is fine, american also fine...no seafood, we have tons of that....

$40-60 max for two with a beer and glass of wine...

now you know why karen calls me cheap...

If you happen to be here on a Tuesday, Chick's Wine Bar at 7th and Kater (a bit south of you but not a bad walk in decent weather or a very quick cab ride) has $5.00 grilled cheese night that is fabulous. The food is v. good and fairly reasonable other nights, but this is a great, fun deal. http://foobooz.com/2008/11/grilled-c...t-chicks-cafe/

Or, for an outstanding gastropub any day or night, go on restaurant.com to purchase a discounted GC for the Good Dog at 15th and Locust. There are other great gastropubs throughout the city, but this is close to your hotel and with the GC, a really excellent deal.

Also, you are just a few blocks from Chinatown -- try Vietnam (not Vietnam Palace) on N. 11th or Sang Kee Duck House on N. 9th.

Consider:

Hard Rock Cafe 1131 Market St
Rick's Steaks 1 N 12th St
Lolita Restuarant 106 S 13th St.
El Vez Rest., 121 S 13th St.

All close to Loews. You can scout them out.

Just some additional guidance on Jed's suggestions:

Hard Rock Cafe - Philadelphia is one of the best restaurant cities in the country. Please, please, please don't come here and go to a chain, particularly one with overpriced bad food.

Rick's Steaks - This was in the Terminal Market. It is now closed. If you want something uniquely "Philly" in the Terminal, order a "Roast Pork with rabe and sharp" from DiNic's.

Lolita - BYOB (actually, BYOT) with great mexican food. Closest State Store is on Market bet. 12th and 13th. Be prepared for limited selection and higher prices than you are used to. Also note that you can't buy beer at a State Store so if you want beer instead of wine or margaritas with dinner, go to the Foodery at 10th and Pine for mix and match beer by the 6 pack, but be prepared to pay a whole, whole lot more than you do at home.

El Vez Rest. - A bit sceney and on the expensive side of your price range. Entrees are priced in the $20s. Full liquor license

Not sure where my brain is, but the State Stores near your hotel are on Chestnut (not Market) bet. 12/13 and there's a small, not well stocked store next to Reading Terminal.