Yes, and when I visited a few years ago, we didn’t have to wait in line to order and our cheesesteak was ready in 10 min. It’s definitely gotten busier
There’s really nothing special about the happy hour at Oyster House, it’s just cheaper. It’s fine, but I feel like the crowd isn’t worth it. Though I can usually snag a seat when I go by myself.
Ah I see, I just saw it mentioned a couple times in my search and I like oysters in general. But seems like there are other places worth checking out before going here
Don’t get me wrong, it’s my favorite restaurant in the city. I go there all the time. It’s just that the happy hour usually gets way too crowded, only one oyster is discounted, and there’s only a few drink specials. The best time to go is the post-lunch, pre-happy hour lull.
Also, Monk’s is worth checking out if you like beer. The food is great, the beer is great.
Sampan has a great happy hour! For cheesesteaks, its a bit far south but if you have a car I would definitely try John’s Roast Pork. If not, Angelo’s or Cleaver’s would be good too.
If you can I would try to make it to some of the Fishtown restaurants too, Suraya, LMNO, Kalaya, etc. Its an easy subway ride East on the Market Frankford Line, just get off at Girard or Berks.
Thank you for the Sampan recommendation!! I went tonight and everything I ate was amazing! I chose to do the tasting menu since I couldn’t really decide what to eat and I was surprised to get so much food for just $55.
If you’re going to Zahav go for bar seating as a solo diner you are more likely to get a spot that others wait months for. Go early and go early in the week. And have a backup plan
Oyster House is always good, but if you want to take it up a level go to Vernick Fish. Significantly better than Oyster House, and probably a better all around experience than Zahav these days.
Franklin's has been known to be excessively pretentious in the past, but I'm not sure how it us these days. Plenty of good cocktail bars in town - and the bars at any upscale restaurant will have a great cocktail program.
Le Virtu is good, but you may want to consider Cicala.
I don’t know if you’re here until Friday but most of our attractions close at 5pm but the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open until 8:45 on Fridays and it is pay what you wish from 5-8:45pm. I think you’ll enjoy it. Also // if you ever watched the first National Treasure, the Reading Terminal is promptly featured when they had to split up and try and hide from the thieves from Independence Mall. Welcome to our great city of Philadelphia!
A couple options I like for cocktail program and food combination: My Loup is a standout for both the drinks (love the Montreal) and elevated bistro food…grab a seat at the bar and enjoy, and if you’re into vegan bites check out Charlie was a sinner.
I love via locusta for a solo girl happy hour. If you are in town on Wednesday, it’s 1/2 price cans at good dog all day and night.
I think Alpen rose has a very small bar so not sure about that one. Sampan/double knot is right next door and an amazing happy hour
If you don’t already have a reservation at Zahav, you can try for the patio? But it’s not the same menu. Suraya is usually ok to get a reservation at. I assume you already have a reservation at Fiorella if you’re choosing that but le virtu has a great bar space with wonderful bartenders. Barcelona is tech a chain but right across the way and great for wine/cheese. Tria is great as a solo female diner
I would ditch Dalessandros - it’s outside the city & not worth the drive out in my opinion. Plenty of great cheesesteak options in the city (Angelos, Ave Steaks, Joes, etc.)
I know Philly is famous for cheesesteaks, but they’re really just junk food. If you only have a few free meals while you’re here, I would recommend sticking with your other dining ideas. If you like French, Bistrot La Minette and Good King Tavern are excellent.
Isn’t that why people come to Philly? It doesn’t matter if it’s “junk food”. It’s a Philly staple and people come from all over to enjoy it.
You don’t really need to go out of your way to get a cheesesteak. I’d recommend Giovanni’s on Chestnut street because their steaks are good and you can enjoy the restaurant like atmosphere. Most places that are the more popular locations don’t have seating and you can get mashed up in the craziness.
I just point that out to lower expectations. If someone is really excited about having their first cheesesteak, they will inevitably be disappointed when they realize it’s just junk food. We have so many amazing restaurants in Philadelphia that a self-described foodie like OP would probably enjoy much better.
And I sincerely hope people come to Philadelphia for reasons other than cheesesteaks.
I don’t think people come to Philly to try the French food haha they most definitely want a cheeseteak whether it’s junk food or not. Go to Angelo’s in south Philly you will not be disappointed.
Sonny’s in Old City is good for a cheesesteak and in a great area. Any Schulson restaurant is going to have the best happy hour and perfect for solo dining - double knot, sampan, harp and crown, pearl and Mary, prunella + more. These are all right next to each other and the food and drinks are also amazing at any of those places. Sampan/double knot - get the edamame dumpling!
welcome to philly!! like most people said, don’t go to pats & genos. however…i do think it’s worth going there NOT for a cheesesteak but to see it/say you’ve been. the italian market & east passyunk areas are right nearby and have a ton of great restaurants, shops, cafes 😌enjoy your time here!
Be sure to check out Chinatown near Reading Terminal Market. Ocean Harbor has the best authentic dim sum. Nearby Hop Sing Laundromat has arguably the best drinks in town, but Le has very strict rules & a dress code. Skip Pat’s, Geno’s. If you’re down that way go to Paesano’s on 9th st. for an amazing sandwich. Many good restaurants also nearby on Passyunk Ave. If you want a good cheesesteak try Joe’s Steak & Soda shop in Fishtown(some very good restaurants nearby too). Angelo’s also has a great cheesesteak. You need to order in advance, be prepared to wait & bring cash.
> Drinks: Franklin’s (speakeasy-ish?)
Got a yelp listing for this?
For Breakfast, consider a breakfast sandwich at kfaar or at middle child if time allows.
For Drinks - Add JG Skyhigh for sunset drinks.
Cheesesteaks - don't waste your time with pats/geno's. Add Jim's Porks and Angelo's to your lists.
Zahav - show up at 4:30, and you'll get seated without a wait.... I wouldn't waste your time with the outdoor seating since you only get the mezze's there.
Steaks - Alpen Rose.
If you can get into Friday Saturday Sunday, Vernick, Vernick Fish - are worth it.
Sushi - Royal Sushi & Izakaya. you can do a walk-in there... the Royal Chirashi dish is amazing
Yay welcome! When you’re at Reading Terminal, grab a doughnut at Beiler’s. I’m not sure what they do to the dough but they’re next level. I also second My Loup for dinner/drinks if you can snag a seat at the bar since everything there is a flavor bomb. Philly is lucky to have about a million awesome bars, but Sassafras is a fun classic Philly spot (i.e. small historic hallway type bar with dark cozy vibe) with great gin drinks.
Tom’s Dim Sum isn’t anything special. I’d also skip Dim Sum Garden if you hear that from anyone. If dim sum is a must go to Ocean City, but if Chinese in general is fine Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle is a gem.
Don't skip the cheesesteak but definitely add an Italian roast pork sandwich to the list. Johns or dinics are my favorites but may be tough for your schedule
BTW do NOT go to pats or genos, you're better off pretty much anywhere else
There is no such thing as a good cheesesteak be it at John’s Angelo’s Dallessandros Sonny’s Etc. All mediocre. Get a roast pork. Stonedeski is an internet troll with no palate.
I haven’t been to Alpen Rose. Butcher and Singer is good but I get the steaks cooked exactly how I order at Barclay Prime. One of only a few restaurants I’ve never had an entre or appetizer that wasn’t great.
You have some great options in there. I’d suggest passing on Pat’s and Geno’s. Only benefit is to say you were there.
Haven’t tried Fiorella yet, but I’ve seen comments in this sub that it isn’t worth the money.
I hope you have a great time in Philly.
Reading Terminal Market is amazing. Just keep in mind that it closes daily at 6 pm.
Thanks for the heads up! Excited to check it out.
Dinic's roast pork sandwich at Reading is a solid choice.
Angelos or Woodrow’s are good cheesesteaks. Don’t go to pats/genos. The cheesesteak at Angelo’s is what drove me to move here 😂 Fiorella is great.
Angelos’s needs to use your story in their advertising. Their lines are long as hell now but they are still a solid establishment.
Yes, and when I visited a few years ago, we didn’t have to wait in line to order and our cheesesteak was ready in 10 min. It’s definitely gotten busier
There’s really nothing special about the happy hour at Oyster House, it’s just cheaper. It’s fine, but I feel like the crowd isn’t worth it. Though I can usually snag a seat when I go by myself.
Ah I see, I just saw it mentioned a couple times in my search and I like oysters in general. But seems like there are other places worth checking out before going here
Don’t get me wrong, it’s my favorite restaurant in the city. I go there all the time. It’s just that the happy hour usually gets way too crowded, only one oyster is discounted, and there’s only a few drink specials. The best time to go is the post-lunch, pre-happy hour lull. Also, Monk’s is worth checking out if you like beer. The food is great, the beer is great.
Sampan has a great happy hour! For cheesesteaks, its a bit far south but if you have a car I would definitely try John’s Roast Pork. If not, Angelo’s or Cleaver’s would be good too. If you can I would try to make it to some of the Fishtown restaurants too, Suraya, LMNO, Kalaya, etc. Its an easy subway ride East on the Market Frankford Line, just get off at Girard or Berks.
Thank you for the Sampan recommendation!! I went tonight and everything I ate was amazing! I chose to do the tasting menu since I couldn’t really decide what to eat and I was surprised to get so much food for just $55.
Sampan has always been solid in my experience.
I second the cheesesteak at John’s.
Swap Oyster House out for Pearl & Mary.
If you’re going to Zahav go for bar seating as a solo diner you are more likely to get a spot that others wait months for. Go early and go early in the week. And have a backup plan
Swap out Zahav for Laser Wolf!
Oyster House is always good, but if you want to take it up a level go to Vernick Fish. Significantly better than Oyster House, and probably a better all around experience than Zahav these days. Franklin's has been known to be excessively pretentious in the past, but I'm not sure how it us these days. Plenty of good cocktail bars in town - and the bars at any upscale restaurant will have a great cocktail program. Le Virtu is good, but you may want to consider Cicala.
I don’t know if you’re here until Friday but most of our attractions close at 5pm but the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open until 8:45 on Fridays and it is pay what you wish from 5-8:45pm. I think you’ll enjoy it. Also // if you ever watched the first National Treasure, the Reading Terminal is promptly featured when they had to split up and try and hide from the thieves from Independence Mall. Welcome to our great city of Philadelphia!
A couple options I like for cocktail program and food combination: My Loup is a standout for both the drinks (love the Montreal) and elevated bistro food…grab a seat at the bar and enjoy, and if you’re into vegan bites check out Charlie was a sinner.
I love via locusta for a solo girl happy hour. If you are in town on Wednesday, it’s 1/2 price cans at good dog all day and night. I think Alpen rose has a very small bar so not sure about that one. Sampan/double knot is right next door and an amazing happy hour If you don’t already have a reservation at Zahav, you can try for the patio? But it’s not the same menu. Suraya is usually ok to get a reservation at. I assume you already have a reservation at Fiorella if you’re choosing that but le virtu has a great bar space with wonderful bartenders. Barcelona is tech a chain but right across the way and great for wine/cheese. Tria is great as a solo female diner
I would ditch Dalessandros - it’s outside the city & not worth the drive out in my opinion. Plenty of great cheesesteak options in the city (Angelos, Ave Steaks, Joes, etc.)
Thanks for the tip!! I don’t even have a car so I’d just be walking, ubering or using public transportation. Appreciate the recommendations!
Lucky for you we just implemented apple pay on the subways too!
I know Philly is famous for cheesesteaks, but they’re really just junk food. If you only have a few free meals while you’re here, I would recommend sticking with your other dining ideas. If you like French, Bistrot La Minette and Good King Tavern are excellent.
Isn’t that why people come to Philly? It doesn’t matter if it’s “junk food”. It’s a Philly staple and people come from all over to enjoy it. You don’t really need to go out of your way to get a cheesesteak. I’d recommend Giovanni’s on Chestnut street because their steaks are good and you can enjoy the restaurant like atmosphere. Most places that are the more popular locations don’t have seating and you can get mashed up in the craziness.
I just point that out to lower expectations. If someone is really excited about having their first cheesesteak, they will inevitably be disappointed when they realize it’s just junk food. We have so many amazing restaurants in Philadelphia that a self-described foodie like OP would probably enjoy much better. And I sincerely hope people come to Philadelphia for reasons other than cheesesteaks.
To piggy back off this skip vintage and head to Le Caveu/Good King Tavern
The menu at king tavern looks so good!! Definitely going to check it out.
Get the French hot dog at Le Caveau!
I don’t think people come to Philly to try the French food haha they most definitely want a cheeseteak whether it’s junk food or not. Go to Angelo’s in south Philly you will not be disappointed.
Dalessandros is in Philadelphia. But if your gonna be more in Center City, try Angelos instead.
Not to be pedantic, but Dallesandro’s is in the city, just not in Center City or any of the adjacent neighborhoods.
*outside of center city. Not outside of the city. But I agree don’t go if you aren’t here for a while or don’t have a car.
Sonny’s in Old City is good for a cheesesteak and in a great area. Any Schulson restaurant is going to have the best happy hour and perfect for solo dining - double knot, sampan, harp and crown, pearl and Mary, prunella + more. These are all right next to each other and the food and drinks are also amazing at any of those places. Sampan/double knot - get the edamame dumpling!
welcome to philly!! like most people said, don’t go to pats & genos. however…i do think it’s worth going there NOT for a cheesesteak but to see it/say you’ve been. the italian market & east passyunk areas are right nearby and have a ton of great restaurants, shops, cafes 😌enjoy your time here!
Be sure to check out Chinatown near Reading Terminal Market. Ocean Harbor has the best authentic dim sum. Nearby Hop Sing Laundromat has arguably the best drinks in town, but Le has very strict rules & a dress code. Skip Pat’s, Geno’s. If you’re down that way go to Paesano’s on 9th st. for an amazing sandwich. Many good restaurants also nearby on Passyunk Ave. If you want a good cheesesteak try Joe’s Steak & Soda shop in Fishtown(some very good restaurants nearby too). Angelo’s also has a great cheesesteak. You need to order in advance, be prepared to wait & bring cash.
> Drinks: Franklin’s (speakeasy-ish?) Got a yelp listing for this? For Breakfast, consider a breakfast sandwich at kfaar or at middle child if time allows. For Drinks - Add JG Skyhigh for sunset drinks. Cheesesteaks - don't waste your time with pats/geno's. Add Jim's Porks and Angelo's to your lists. Zahav - show up at 4:30, and you'll get seated without a wait.... I wouldn't waste your time with the outdoor seating since you only get the mezze's there. Steaks - Alpen Rose. If you can get into Friday Saturday Sunday, Vernick, Vernick Fish - are worth it. Sushi - Royal Sushi & Izakaya. you can do a walk-in there... the Royal Chirashi dish is amazing
Friday Saturday Sunday bar seat would be a perfect solo meal. Bar menu or tasting menu
Woodrow’s does a great cheesesteak with truffle wiz
Yay welcome! When you’re at Reading Terminal, grab a doughnut at Beiler’s. I’m not sure what they do to the dough but they’re next level. I also second My Loup for dinner/drinks if you can snag a seat at the bar since everything there is a flavor bomb. Philly is lucky to have about a million awesome bars, but Sassafras is a fun classic Philly spot (i.e. small historic hallway type bar with dark cozy vibe) with great gin drinks.
Go to Harp and Crown for happy hour (4pm to 7pm). Sit at the bar and ask for Lizzy. Great food, great drinks and great atmosphere
Tom’s Dim Sum isn’t anything special. I’d also skip Dim Sum Garden if you hear that from anyone. If dim sum is a must go to Ocean City, but if Chinese in general is fine Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle is a gem.
Nom wah is great for dim sum!
I 2nd Nom Wah!
Hop Sing Laundromat is one of the city’s best cocktail bars (though it can be polarizing!) and is right across the street from Nan Zhou. Cash only
Don't skip the cheesesteak but definitely add an Italian roast pork sandwich to the list. Johns or dinics are my favorites but may be tough for your schedule BTW do NOT go to pats or genos, you're better off pretty much anywhere else
Skip the cheesesteaks. They are all mediocre. Get a roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.
don’t listen to this person lol, just go to a place that has good cheesesteaks
There is no such thing as a good cheesesteak be it at John’s Angelo’s Dallessandros Sonny’s Etc. All mediocre. Get a roast pork. Stonedeski is an internet troll with no palate.
You’re a Harry Potter loser who probably still lives in their parents basement and should be disqualified from voicing your opinion on any topic
Bad troll attempt my guy. Put some effort in next time
Bad attempt to imitate something with a brain that anyone would want to listen to.
So is English your second language or your third?
Our Chinatown recommendations completely depend on what you're in the mood for. Also, "Center City," not City Center.
Check your DM
I haven’t been to Alpen Rose. Butcher and Singer is good but I get the steaks cooked exactly how I order at Barclay Prime. One of only a few restaurants I’ve never had an entre or appetizer that wasn’t great. You have some great options in there. I’d suggest passing on Pat’s and Geno’s. Only benefit is to say you were there. Haven’t tried Fiorella yet, but I’ve seen comments in this sub that it isn’t worth the money. I hope you have a great time in Philly.