Philadelphia travel and eating

We are due to visit Philly in October and would like to know if there are any problems, or problem areas en route, using Metro or other public transport from airport to city centre.

Also if anyone can recommend good eating places near to Marriott hotel, which I think is near City Hall.

Philadelphia travel and eating

The subway is fine to use from the airport to Center City, I think it costs $5.50 one way or you can get a taxi for a flat rate of $26.50 (not a bad idea if you have a lot of bags.)

There are many, many restaurants near the Marriott (not sure which one you are staying at, there are three Marriott properties near City Hall) but they are all in the same neighborhood, so restaurant choices would be the same. Not sure of what you prefer in terms of cuisine and price range, but here are some of my recommendations:

Reading Terminal Market - great marketplace for breakfast or lunch, many eateries housed under one roof - it%26#39;s a must-see when in Philly

El Vez - trendy Mexican, good food, I love the mahi mahi tacos and the homemade guacamole

McGillin%26#39;s - oldest pub in the city, great and inexpensive food (and beer too)

Morarity%26#39;s - the best buffalo wings in Philly and excellent burgers

Nodding Head - microbrewery with good bar food and sandwiches

Vetri - high-end unique Italian in a beautiful brownstone - reservations are a must and hard to get

Monk%26#39;s Cafe - Belgium brews, mussels and frites all done right

Capital Grill - I am not a steak fan, but my husband swears these are the best steaks to be had in Philly

Morimoto - high-end trendy sushi and Japanese from the Iron Chef

The Grill at the Ritz Carlton - excellent food in a beautiful dining room, almost reminds one of a private club atmosphere - if you decide not to dine there, it is worth it to have a cocktail in the lobby lounge in the Rotunda - they also offer afternoon tea and light dining as well

Upstares at Varalli - offers the best view of Avenue of the Arts - try to get a window seat and enjoy reasonably good Italian cuisine

Marathon Grill - love it for breakfast - best banana french toast ever

Chinatown is also nearby. Some good places include Imperial Inn (for dim sum), Charles Plaza, Vietnam

I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;ve left out a few - someone else will chime in with suggestions!

Good luck!

Suzanne

Philadelphia travel and eating

Ah, the Marriott, I know it well, having run several events there. It%26#39;s not a stretch to say there are probably about 75-100 decent places to eat within walking distance of there, so before I start tossing out names, is there any specific type of cuisine? Also are you looking more for experience dining, or on more of a budget?

As far as taking the train from the airport, no worries at all with transit, the R1 goes right from the Airport to Market East Station, which is literally at the hotel. (Please note I am assuming you mean the main Marriott, off of Market street, There is also a Courtyard nearby, but this still holds, just one block further walk. One thing I will note, if you have a LOT of heavy luggage, or more than 3 people you might want to consider a cab, the cost is only a little more and you dont have to haul bags out of the station)

Depending on what your plans are, you may not need to take public transit again, a lot is within walking distance.

Okay, Suzanne, we have GOT to stop this cross typing :)

Loonbeam,

LOL, at least we are on the same page!

Suzanne

A restaurant nearby that we also love is Lolita ~ it is a BYOT ~ Bring your own Tequila.

Heather,

I have yet to try Lolita, yet have heard tons of great recommendations for the restaurant. Every time I walked by, it has been packed - must be a good sign! And, who doesn%26#39;t love the absolutely brilliant concept of BYOT?

Back to the shore for the last week (came up home last week because the weather was so miserable) - here%26#39;s hoping the sun gods are with me before the kids head back to school!

Suzanne

If you are looking for a fun breakfast or snack try the restaurant Cereality http://www.cereality.com. Picture a ice cream place with all sorts of topings for ice cream sundaes and then replace the ice cream with cereal. It is a fun place and right near the bookstore.

My husband and I felt like kids again and you sit family style so there is opportunity to meet many students.

OK please disregard my previous post. I was trying to reply to someone looking for restaurants on the University of Penn Campus and I unfortunately clicked the wrong thread.

Oops.

Sorry for any confusion.

Check out ';19'; at the top of the Bellview. It can be a little pricey, the menu is eclectic and well thought out. The views of the city are second to none. If your looking to impress someone this is the place to go.

Thanks all - am re-assured regarding using the Metro.

We hope to try some of the restaurant suggestions made and really value the advice of other travellers. Looking forward to it now - roll on October.

vb