I've followed the Italian restaurant BYOB Philadelphia thread with interest because we are visiting a couple weeks to see King Tut. My questions is whether the wine you bring to the restaurant has to be purchased in Pennsylvania--don't want to carry a bottle from home and not be able to have it because it doesn't have a Pa tax seal or some such thing. Also, any recommendations for BYOB, not necessariy Italian, near City Hall--we're staying at the Residence Inn? Thanks for any help.

Any ole bottle of wine will do. Just be careful if you are flying -- you can't carry on.

Suki will probably be able to help you with the BYOB, or you can check out chowhound.

I'm certain people from NJ and Del. bring bottles into Phila. restaurants all the time without problems.

I'd recommend Matyson
http://www.matyson.com/

It's about 5-6 blocks from your hotel.

Matyson looks intriguing. No, we're not flying but either driving or training. Thanks for the input.

I agree with yk, try Matyson.

Or, if you would like to bring your own tequila, Lolita's at 13th and Spruce is very good Mexican food. And right across the street is Capagiro, a wonderful gelato place & 1/2 block away is the The Naked Chocolate Cafe (yum!)

Thanks, Suki, especially for the gelato recommendation. If it ever warms up here in the East, I'll be tempted.

Ah, yes, if it's cold: Naked Chocolate, if it's warm, Capogiro. You can't lose either way.

Just checking out the Philadelphia official Tourism website
www.gophila.com

They now have an interactive BYOB map - which allows you to choose a neighborhood and the BYOBs pop up! NICE FEATURE!

http://www.gophila.com/BYOBMap/

We ate at Branzino's thanks to a recommendation on this board. www.branzinophilly.com
It was excellent. Reservations are necessary though. Also, I've heard some rave reviews about Pumpkin which is located at 1713 South Street. My nephew who is in the restaurant business and lives in Philly loves Pumpkin.

yk - That's terrific - thanks.

Glad to hear of your experience Mixter603, cause we have reservations for Branzino for this Saturday and there are some less than flattering comments on citysearch. I'll chime back in our experiences next week.