Cheryl's Philadelphia Restaurant Picks

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by Cheryl Russell

Great food is a Philly specialty. Restaurants range from the high-end Walnut Street's Le Bec-Fin to South Street's more eclectic eateries and several Philadelphia-style cheesesteak sandwich restaurants. 

Imperial Inn, 146 N. 10th Street, 215-627-5588, $

Located in Chinatown, the Imperial Inn offers dim sum and other Chinese fare at affordable prices. They made famous the Phoenix roll-lobster, shrimp, crab, chicken, mushrooms, and bean sprouts rolled in batter and fried. Everything is tasty and dependable, and even the non-adventurous diner will love the atmosphere.

Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard Street, 215-925-8800, $

This rustic Italian restaurant offers its famous Caesar salad made tableside, and the unique wine cellar, located under the street and part of the former network of underground tunnels in Society Hill, is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Bistro Romano offers a Mystery Theater on weekends.

Bourbon Blue, 2 Rector Street, 215-508-3360, $

The good times roll nightly at this stone-and-brick restaurant on the Manayunk Canal with its French Quarter theme. Try the oyster sampler, andouille meatloaf, and bananas Foster. There's live entertainment (blues, funk) in the downstairs lounge Thursday to Saturday.

Capital Grille, 1338 Chestnut Street, 215-545-9588, $$

This restaurant will take you back to the '50s when food was guiltless pleasure. This beef palace is pricey but has melt-in-your-mouth meat and an award-winning wine list. Capital Grille dry ages steaks on the premises and is known for its gracious service.

Reading Terminal Market, -$

Directly across the street from the Convention Center is this famous market that provides a selection of 80 specialty food merchants.

Good grazing for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even a quick dinner. Several places to get Pennsylvania Dutch food, Pearl's Oyster Bar, Down Home Diner, Bassett's Ice Cream (a Philadelphia tradition), and Termini's Bakery. Don't miss picking up some of those great chocolate covered pretzels.

Jim's Steaks, 400 South Street, 215-928-1911, -$

At this casual diner, you order directly from the cook who has the stature of a sushi chef. Watch him massaging great mounds of freshly sliced meat onto the grill, then chopping it all up with the long spatula, throwing it on an amoroso roll with Cheez Whiz or provolone, and adding fried onions or any of the other goodies you like on your cheesesteak.

Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut Street, 215-567-1000, $$$$

An evening at Le Bec-Fin is more than simply a dining pleasure-the six-course menu of superlative dishes and the incomparable service are a lingering experience. For each course, silver domes are lifted off in precise unison by refined waiters. Following dinner, the legendary triple-tiered dessert cart overflowing with more than 25 desserts is rolled tableside. Guests are encouraged to select as many dessert varieties as they wish.

Sang Kee Peking Duck House, 238 N. Ninth Street, 215-925-7532, $

This large restaurant is easily one of the city's most popular Asian eateries, but don't expect much from the décor or atmosphere. The menu, however, is full of culinary treasures, topped off by the signature dish-Peking duck.

Striped Bass, 1500 Walnut Street, 215-732-4444, $$$$

Flawlessly prepared regional seafood and shellfish draw crowds to this popular restaurant. Only the choicest items from the daily catch of the fishmonger are offered along with great service and a glamorous atmosphere, so if you don't mind blowing the budget, this is the place to do it.

Cheryl Russell is ASHA's director of Convention and Meetings. She wishes to thank Bobbi and Les Aungst, Amy Goldman, and Sue Petry for their suggestions and insider information. Contact Cheryl at crussell@asha.org.