1 
AAA Destination Guide: Official AAA maps,
travel information and top picks
AAA Destination Guide: Philadelphia includes trip-planning information
covering AAA recommended attractions and restaurants, exclusive
member discounts, maps and more.  
Early to bed, early to rise as Benjamin Franklin advised? Not in
Philadelphia. Native son W.C. Fields once joked, “Last week, I went to
Philadelphia, but it was closed.” Now Philly boasts more than a place in
American history. It’s hip. It’s open all hours. Stroll along myriad streets
and discover upscale galleries and fine boutiques, elegant haute-cuisine
restaurants and gritty fast-food joints—Philly cheesesteak, anyone? In
warm weather, dance in open-air clubs to river lights and a view of the
Ben Franklin Bridge. This Colonial enclave has transformed itself into a
city so happening that even old Ben would stay up past his bedtime.
But don’t forget history. Philadelphia is the
“Cradle of the American Revolution,” after all.
No dry civics lesson here—this is where
Independence Hall stands, where the Liberty
Bell rang out (and cracked), where the
Declaration of Independence was signed and
our war for freedom began. Walk down Market
Street, and you’re following in the steps of the
founding fathers.
The neighborhoods in the City of Brotherly Love are exciting, too. In
South Philly’s Italian Market, Main Line socialites bicker over the price of
basil, while commuters and families wait in line to order famous hoagies.
On South Street, musicians play on the sidewalks and hipsters buy the
latest fashions in trendy stores. All over town, bleary-eyed students sip
lattes after late-night clubbing on Delaware Avenue. There’s so much to
do in Philly, both Ben and W.C. would be amused—early in the morning
or late at night.
Essentials
Jog to the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and—like
Rocky Balboa in the movie—pump your arms in the air! Once you catch
your breath, enter the museum to enjoy one of the world’s premier art
collections.
Stroll down South Street between Front and 9th, the “hippest street in
town.” After checking out the funky boutiques and tattoo parlors, pull up a
chair at one of the outdoor cafés or bars. In the City of Brotherly Love,
this is where you go for people watching, and you’ll see it all—preppies,
punk rockers, old hippies, pierced skateboarders and lawyers in business
suits.
For romance, hail a horse-drawn cab at Head House Square. As the
horse trots down Society Hill’s 18th-century cobblestone streets, enjoy
the sights: Colonial and Federal architecture, row houses and intimate
courtyards.
Think about it—or go to the Rodin Museum and leave the pondering to
Auguste Rodin’s best-known sculpture, “The Thinker.” While you’re here,
tour the museum and discover other sculptures to consider, contemplate
and regard.
Cheer for one of Philly’s teams. If there’s a nip in the air, you can head to
Lincoln Financial Field and take your chances on tickets for an Eagles

Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
2 
game. And if football’s not your thing, applaud at Wachovia Center as a
Sixer dunks the ball or a Flyer hooks the puck. In spring and summer, go
to a Phillies game at Citizen’s Bank Park and catch a foul ball on the third
base line. Warning: Philadelphia sports fans are very loyal to their teams.
Essentials Map
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FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated
1. Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 763-8100



2. Rodin Museum
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy & 22nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: (215) 763-8100

3. Lights of Liberty Show
150 S Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (877) 462-1776



4. Independence National
Historical Park
145 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (800) 537-7676


5. Pat's King of Steaks (FYI)
1237 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 468-1546

6. Geno's Steaks (FYI)
9th St and Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 389-0659

7. Mütter Museum
19 S 22nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 563-3737

Spend some Benjamins in the Center City district known as Antique Row.
From Jacobean armchairs to rare Victorian jewelry to Jetson-style patio
sets, you’ll find anything and everything here—from kitsch to high quality.
Enjoy music the old-fashioned way at Macy’s daily Wanamaker Organ
recital. Campy, yes, but a great time. One of the largest musical
instruments in the world, this grand organ fills the store atrium with
classical and contemporary tunes from seven floors above the cosmetic
counters, downtown at 13th and Market streets.
Experience history from the inside. The Lights of Liberty Show, a multi-
media walking tour, is the best way to see and hear the drama of the
American Revolution. Wearing a digital headset, you’re wired for sound,
Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
3 
music and thrilling narration on a moonlit walk through Independence
National Historical Park.
Chow down on a Philly cheesesteak, the famous hoagie made with thinly
sliced rib eye, melted cheese and grilled onions. Most South Philly
sandwich shops are open 24-7-365 (and most claim they cooked up the
original idea). Two of the best are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s
Steaks.
Gawk at the Mütter Museum’s strange, spine-tingling exhibits. Exhibits at
this College of Physicians of Philadelphia museum include the Soap
Lady, celebrity body parts and casts of patients who suffered from
gigantism, eye diseases and other deformities. And that’s just the
beginning of the bizarre sights. Not for weak stomachs!
Philadelphia in 3 Days
Three days is barely enough time to get to know any major destination.
But AAA travel editors suggest these activities to make the most of your
time in Philadelphia.
Day 1: Morning
Begin your first day in the City of Brotherly Love at Independence Visitor
Center in Independence National Historical Park located at the corner of
6th and Market streets in Center City. If you arrive early, you’ll be ahead
of the crowds. Get free tickets and sign up for a National Park Service
walking tour.
Head to Independence Hall then to Liberty Bell Center. Continue touring
Independence National Historical Park and see the National Constitution
Center, Congress Hall and the Second Bank of the United States Portrait
Gallery.
Afternoon
Walk north on 5th Street. Stop at Christ Church’s modest burial ground,
where Benjamin Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of
Independence are interred.
For lunch, dine in an Old City restaurant—take your pick of places, from
casual diners and sandwich joints. Try Fork and Fork: etc. (Fork: etc. is
the casual restaurant of the duet of eateries and is on Market) or Sonny’s
at 2nd and Market. Fancier establishments include Fork (Fork etc.’s big
brother next door) or Amada at 2nd and Chestnut. If you’re in the mood
for a Philly Cheesesteak, why not visit the most popular place in the
neighborhood? Hoof it to Jim’s Steaks at 4th and South streets. You’ll
also discover lunch trucks serving the famous sandwich on just about
every corner.
After grabbing lunch, walk (or bus it) back to Christ Church. This time go
inside to see where the American Episcopal Church got its start and
where some of the Founding Fathers worshipped. After a church visit,
head over to the Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street. And then make
your way to Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually inhabited street in
America. The visitor center is free and is at number 124.
In the late afternoon, walk southeast to Head House Square (Lombard
and S. 3rd streets). How about resting your feet? Take a romantic horse-
drawn carriage ride. Meander through Society Hill’s 18th-century
cobblestone streets. The architecture, row houses and intimate
courtyards cast fabulous shadows as twilight beckons.
Evening
For dinner, try one of Old City’s restaurants or head back toward
Independence National Historical Park. If you’re in the mood for some hip
Asian cuisine, try the fusion Buddakan at 3rd and Chestnut. And the
comfortable yet chic Mexican Xochitl, 408 S. 2nd St., is a great spot for
authentic tacos or more exotic South-of-the-Border fare. If meatloaf or
macaroni and cheese are more your speed, head to Jones.
After dinner, between March and December when the weather’s
pleasant, work off your meal by experiencing the ambulatory sound-and-
light extravaganza, Lights of Liberty Show. Make your way back to
Independence National Historical Park for the show. Afterwards, nab a
cocktail on “The Hippest Street in Town.” The popular song’s lyrics don’t
Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
4 
lie: as you amble down South Street between Front and 9th, you’ll find
plenty of bistros and bars where you can swill that nightcap.
Philadelphia in 3 Days – Day 1 Map
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Day 2: Morning
Begin in Center City and visit the Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts
and its huge collection of American art. After a few hours of soaking up
the visuals, walk south on S. Broad Street toward City Hall, glimpsing a
bronze statue of William Penn perched on top, then duck into Macy’s,
a.k.a. the John Wanamaker Building. Every day at noon, the Wanamaker
organ, the largest operational pipe organ in the world, blasts out a
dramatic concert within the department store’s seven story court.



Day 1 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
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1. Independence Visitor Center
1 N Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 965-7676

2. Independence National
Historical Park
145 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (800) 537-7676


3. Independence Hall
Chestnut St & 5th St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19


4. Liberty Bell Center
6th St & Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19


5. National Constitution Center
525 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 409-6700


6. Congress Hall
6th St & Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19


7. Second Bank of the United
States Portrait Gallery
420 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (800) 537-7676




8. Amada

217 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 625-2450

9. Christ Church
20 N American St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 922-1695


10. Betsy Ross House
239 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 686-1252

11. Elfreth's Alley
126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-0560

12. Buddakan

325 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-9440

13. Jones

700 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 223-5663

14. Lights of Liberty Show
150 S Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (877) 462-1776


Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
5 
Afternoon
For lunch, walk east to Reading Terminal Market, where you can taste
true Philadelphia eats such as the highly regarded cheese steak or
buttered soft pretzels. Try some Amish sassafras jelly or ginger snaps. Of
course, dozens of food stalls offer plenty of edible options, including lo
mein and pizza. (The market is closed on Sundays.)
Now head back toward City Hall and walk east on Market to find the
strangest, most wonderful museum in town: the Mütter Museum at the
College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The museum’s better than
watching a forensic television program, as visitors find anomalous and

Philadelphia in 3 Days – Day 2 Map
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aberrant medical oddities on view, such as a woman’s corpse whose
body turned to soap. Be warned: the Mütter’s bizarre displays are not for
weak stomachs. Head north to the The Franklin Institute, which offers
four floors of interactive exhibits. Walk through a model of a human heart,
watch a film in the Tuttleman IMAX Theater and or gaze at blinking stars
in the Fels Planetarium.
Day 2 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members
- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. Pennsylvania Academy
of the Fine Arts
118-128 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 972-7600



2. City Hall
Broad St & Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-2840

3. Mütter Museum
19 S 22nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 563-3737

4. The Franklin Institute
222 N 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 448-1200



5. Tuttleman IMAX Theater
222 N 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19105
Phone: (215) 448-1111

6. Fels Planetarium
222 N 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19105
Phone: (215) 448-1200

7. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

224 S 15th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 985-9600

8. Tria

123 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 972-8742

9. Lacroix At The Rittenhouse

210 W Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 790-2533


Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
6 
Evening
From the museum, turn back toward Rittenhouse Square, where visitors
will find bars, restaurants and plenty of shops. You’ve got a wealth of
choices here. For great burgers, fries, beer and a homey atmosphere, try
Good Dog Bar & Restaurant. Looking for a chic but comfortable tapas
restaurant that serves great wine and brewskies? Head to Tria. Want
romance, a splendid view of the historic grassy square and acclaimed
cuisine? Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is the ticket.
After dinner, mosey around Pine Street and make your way along
Antique Row, where the window shopping is superb.
Day 3: Morning
Sure, everyone remembers the exciting scene in the movie “Rocky,”
when the browbeaten boxer runs up the stairs at the Philadelphia
Museum of Art. But step inside the museum for the real excitement—here
you’ll find a huge collection of art. And this mammoth place is easily
navigated. Spend a couple hours wandering the collections, and you’ll
see major paintings by major painters, such as Pablo Picasso, Claude
Monet, Edgar Degas and Peter Paul Rubens, to name just a handful.
Afternoon
After soaking up some high culture, you’ve earned your appetite. There
are a few choices close to the museum. Try Illuminare for brick oven
pizza and towering salads. Or dine alfresco (weather permitting) while
you down a crab cake sandwich at Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant. And for
some spice, Rose Tattoo Café brings the heat with their Cajun cuisine,
burgers and quiche.
If you don’t mind bussing it or driving, and you haven’t yet experienced a
Philly cheesesteak, head to South Philly where it all began. On Passyunk
Avenue diehards will find two of the best (and original) sandwich shops in
town, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Place your order “wid” or
“widout” (onions and Cheez Whiz that is).
After lunch, if you didn’t go to South Philly for cheesesteaks, you’re still in
the Museum district, so visit the Rodin Museum, where you’ll find the
largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France.
If you couldn’t resist the cheesesteaks and you’re already in South Philly,
head to the Italian Market. Grab a cappuccino from any of the local cafés
and soak up the local atmosphere. Right off the docks, venders hawk
their fruits and vegetables to passersby. Cheese shops dole out large
samples of olives and brie. And the people-watching is a delight. Don’t
miss Sarcone’s Bakery, whose Italian bread is heavenly.
Evening
To understand Philadelphians, one must understand their passion for
sports. Take in a game and cheer for one of city’s teams. Grab a dog, a
soda and some peanuts and take part in one of America’s favorite
pastimes—sports. During football season, nothing’s more fun than an
Eagles’ game at Lincoln Financial Field—if you can score tickets. Want a
little court or ice action? Watch the Sixers dribble or the Flyers skate at
Wachovia Center. When the weather’s balmy, don’t miss the Phillies’
boys of summer playing at Citizen’s Bank Park. One important point to
note: Philadelphians are fiercely loyal fans, so be on your best behavior.
If sports aren’t your game, how about treating yourself to what many say
is the primo restaurant in town: Le Bec-Fin. Though luxurious and
seriously upscale, the staff is friendly and the prix fixe dinner is
legendary. If you want a little culture but more casual eats, head to
Center City’s Asian district to the Vietnam Restaurant for delicious noodle
dishes.




Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
7 
Philadelphia in 3 Days – Day 3 Map
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Day 3 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members
- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated
1. Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 763-8100



2. Illuminare

2321 Fairmont Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 765-0202

3. Jack's Firehouse Restaurant

2130 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 232-9000

4. Rose Tattoo Café

1847 Callowhill St
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 569-8939
5. Pat's King of Steaks (FYI)
1237 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 468-1546

6. Geno's Steaks (FYI)
9th St and Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 389-0659

7. Rodin Museum
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy & 22nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: (215) 763-8100

8. Vietnam Restaurant

221 N 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 592-1163

Restaurants
The first question for most visitors to the City of Brotherly Love is not
“Where’s the Liberty Bell?” Instead, tourists want to know the best place
for a Philly Cheesesteak—a hot topic of debate among the locals. (See
Insider Information.)
According to legend, Pat Olivieri created the first cheesesteak on his hot
dog griddle after getting bored with the same old lunch. His new
sandwich became so popular that he opened Pat’s King of Steaks in
South Philadelphia. As with any good idea, competition quickly rose with
the opening of Geno’s Steaks on the opposite corner. When the craving
for a cheesesteak hits, natives head down Passyunk Avenue.
Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
8 
Ordering your steak is almost as important as paying for it, so be sure to
scrutinize the instructions at the order window before getting into line.
Any hesitation and you’ll be expelled to the back (either by the staff or the
patrons behind you). Toss a coin and take your pick—both eateries serve
up a fantastic sandwich and an entertaining crowd, 24 hours a day.
With thick bread, sharp provolone and juicy
sliced beef, the cheesesteak at Tony Luke’s
Old Philly Style Sandwiches is definitely in
the running for the city’s best. Unlike many of
its steak-peddling brethren, this restaurant
also serves a variety of equally tasty items,
including a sinful roast-pork sandwich and
even a few vegetarian offerings. This is one
of the few steak shops with indoor seating;
service is quick and surprisingly friendly.
Check out the “Wall of Stars” to see who else
dropped by for an Old Philly-style sandwich.
When the locals want a good beer and a great burger, they go to Good
Dog Bar & Restaurant. The burger—stuffed with Roquefort cheese and
topped with caramelized onions—is not for the faint of heart. Service is
exceptional, and the menu is one of the most reasonably priced in Center
City; people-watching is a bonus. Here you’ll see the after-theater crowd
mixing with tattooed Gen-Xers in a kitschy setting. Try out the Internet
jukebox, or come on a Thursday night to share your knowledge of trivia
during a game of Quizzo.
After a long day at work, young professionals flock to Tria for a world-
class beer or a selection from an extensive list of wines by the glass. For
a quick bite or a full dinner, the tapas menu features fresh salads,
decadent cheeses and scrumptious desserts. Soulful music, a genial staff
and candle-lit décor lend to an unpretentiously cool atmosphere in trendy
Rittenhouse Square. Reservations aren’t accepted; expect a half-hour
wait on weekends.
With a spectacular view of the Square and an equally spectacular menu,
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is one of the area’s most acclaimed
restaurants. The staff is cordial while maintaining the service standards
expected of a formal dining establishment. Every course is a visual work
of art, with imaginative flavors to tempt the palate. At the chef’s table,
guests have a first-hand view of how a gourmet kitchen works. The
inexpensive weekday brunch is a great way to enjoy one of the city’s best
culinary experiences—for a steal.
Since entrepreneur Stephen Starr added Barclay Prime to his dazzling
string of local restaurants, the acclaim from critics and patrons alike has
been lavish. If you’re looking for the most expensive cheesesteak in
Philadelphia—$100, featuring Kobe beef—you’ll find it at this gem on
Rittenhouse Square. The combination of formal dining and
mouthwatering steaks and chops makes Barclay Prime the perfect choice
for a night on the town. For a cost-effective sampling of the menu, the
Lunchbox includes soup or salad, an entrée, a side dish and dessert.
Le Bec-Fin sets the gold standard for fine dining in Philadelphia. The
intimate, elegant dining room is appointed with ornate fabric
wallcoverings, carved gilt moldings, silver chandeliers and fresh floral
arrangements. There’s no reason to be intimidated by this luxury
establishment; the warmth and charm of the waitstaff creates an ease to
be envied by other restaurants. The star here is clearly the food; the
sumptuous prix fixe dinner has been drawing crowds for more than three
decades. For diners on a budget, come for lunch to sample French
delicacies from the a la carte menu.
With a clean and comfortable atmosphere, Vietnam Restaurant is popular
with everyone from college students to the crowd from city hall. A wide
variety of noodle dishes, vegetarian options and an unexpectedly large
appetizer menu only add to the appeal. This Center City favorite serves
beer and wine, with a decent list at fair prices. Reservations are not
accepted, but those in the know are more than willing to wait. For a
memorable sunset view, ask for a seat on the third floor.
Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
9 
An imposing gilded statue of Buddha greets patrons at Buddakan, a
modern and decadently designed establishment in Olde City. A
communal 22-seat table glows at the center of the restaurant, affording
its guests a view of the stylish, well-dressed crowd. Start out the night
with a shared pitcher of Zen-gria or any of the bar’s ever-changing
cocktails. All the Asian fusion dishes are large enough to share—a
blessing when the menu includes so many creative and flavorful choices.
Restaurants Map
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The signature dish is Angry Lobster, served in a nest of mashed potatoes
with wok-charred vegetables and coconut curry sauce. Desserts are
works of Zen art, sculpted into gravity-defying shapes.
Modern art, neo-Japanese cuisine and pop culture come together to
create the experience that is Morimoto. TV’s “Iron Chef” Masaharu
Morimoto has brought his innovative Japanese cuisine to this sleek,
modern space near Independence National Historic Park. Deciding on
Kobe beef, black cod miso or an extensive selection of sushi and sashimi
can be daunting, which is why many patrons order the Omakase, a multi-
course guided tour through the day’s specialties.
Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated 
1. Pat's King of Steaks (FYI)
1237 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 468-1546

2. Geno's Steaks (FYI)
9th St and Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 389-0659

3. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

224 S 15th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 985-9600

4. Tria

123 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 972-8742

5. Lacroix At The Rittenhouse

210 W Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 790-2533

6. Barclay Prime

218 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 732-7560
7. Vietnam Restaurant

221 N 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 592-1163

8. Buddakan

325 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-9440

9. Morimoto

723 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 413-9070

10. Ristorante La Buca

711 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 928-0556

11. Dimitri's

795 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 625-0556

12. Matyson

37 19th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 564-2925
Destination Guide: Philadelphia 
10 
Restaurants Map
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Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated
13. Tony Luke's Old
Philly Style Sandwiches (FYI)
39 E Oregon Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 551-5725

14. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

229 S 45th St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 387-2424
15. Blue Ox Brauhaus

7980 Oxford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Phone: (215) 728-9440

16. Nifty Fifty's

2555 Street Rd
Bensalem, PA 19020
Phone: (215) 638-1950

For the best in underground dining (a new category in food reviews),
don’t miss Ristorante La Buca. The name means “cave” in Italian.
Decorated with warm colors and frescoes of the owner’s native Tuscany,
this space hardly feels like a basement. Philadelphians know they’ll never
have a bad meal here, especially with a fresh seafood selection. After an
enjoyable afternoon at Washington Square Park or historic Independence
Hall, you’re only a short stroll—and a long flight of stairs—away from a
hearty Tuscan meal.
If you’re in South Philadelphia but not in the mood for cheesesteak, try
the Mediterranean fare at Dimitri’s. The meals are delicious, the portions
are large, and savory smells from the open kitchen will make your mouth
water. This small Queens Village restaurant is BYOB (take along your
own wine or spirits). Dimitri’s has a devoted following and doesn’t accept
reservations, so count on a wait, especially on weekends. Put your name
on the list and enjoy a drink at a local bar, or make a run to an ATM for
the cash-only tab.
Another of Philadelphia’s many BYOBs, Matyson offers American bistro
fare. Come on a weekday for the fabulous prix fixe five-course meal. This
Center City restaurant is known for its flawless combinations of savory
and sweet flavors, so it would be a sin not to have dessert (especially the
bittersweet chocolate s’mores).
In a neighborhood full of African restaurants, University City’s Abyssinia
Ethiopian Restaurant stands out with its quality ingredients and
hospitable staff. The authentic Ethiopian platters of meats and vegetables
are perfectly prepared, and the heat of these deliciously spicy dishes can
be adjusted to suit your taste. Fans of the ethnic restaurants in the
Adams Morgan district of Washington, D.C., will feel at home in
Abyssinia.
A standout for years in the Northeast, Blue Ox Brauhaus is one of the
area’s few restaurants serving hearty German food and beer. The
building dates from the 1600s, with an interior tastefully adorned in rich
wood and Bavarian memorabilia. An accordion player often frequents the
dining room, playing traditional German tunes to set the mood. The