Pennsylvania Restaurants

The food hasn't changed and that is a good thing--the burgers and fries are still delicious and affordable, and the Beer Bible is still exciting.

Now that Michelle Obama's made her cameo at this Capitol Hill burger joint, don't be surprised to wait in long lines. The burgers are fine; the fries are forgettable, but the shakes—especially the Toasted Marshmallow one—are amazing. I've been here too many times for my own good, having tried almost every item on the menu. Whatever you do, skip the salads and order a shake! Best meal: Colletti's Smokehouse burger, $6.69; fried onion petals, $3.49; and the toasted marshmallow shake, $5.25.

Best Dish: Soupe à l’oignon, $9.95

I suppose anything covered in this much Gruyère cheese would get me excited, but this French onion soup is really a knock-out. The bowl comes smothered in cheese, filled with broth-soaked croûtons and chunks of caramelized onions. Supplement the soup with a few pieces of their crusty French bread and you have dinner.

The Cocoa Grill (or maybe it's Cocoa Diner as the huge sign out front indicates although all of the menus say "Cocoa Grill"), was another one of the infamous Hershey hangout spots. No doubt we made one too many of the waitresses mad as we would hangout for hours and only order coffee. The Cocoa Grill's major appeal to young people when it first replaced the Denny's was that it allowed smoking inside. This was awesome considering not many places (besides bars) allowed this sort of thing. But then, once they stopped allowing smoking inside my crew and I decided to transfer our allegiances to the Colonial Park Diner (about 15 minutes away). But now that Pennsylvania passed the statewide smoking ban and the Colonial Park Diner no longer allows smoking we decided to shift back to the good ol' Cocoa Grill. Many a grilled cheese, mozzarella stick, and coffee have been consumed at the Coca Grill on my part. Mmmmm...

Housed in an 18th century granary, this elegant, old brick restaurant Bistro Romano has been a Philadelphia dining mainstay since 1988. Located in the historic Society Hill district, it is a favorite of the local media and ranks amongst the area's top restaurants. The Smoked Chicken Ravioli and the Veal Rosini are two of the menu's more popular entrees. On weekends, diners can enjoy cocktails in its piano bar, or for a change of pace, take part in its acclaimed Mystery Theater.

Raise the Union Jack and grab a pint and fork. The Elephant & Castle offers an authentic British pub-style menu featuring everything from Fish 'n' Chips to Bangers and Mash, Shepherd's Pie and Yorkshire Pudding. The décor is traditional gleaming wood and brass. British pop plays continually. The entrees and varied selection of ales bring visitors a little closer to the British Isles. If you ever visit England, the original pub, located across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament, is still in operation.

Looking to impress your clients with a big and decadent meal? Then Ruth's Chris in Center City is your restaurant. Here, you get tender, flavorful steak that is never frozen. The richly marbled, corn-fed, US prime beef is hand-cut daily, broiled to perfection and served sizzling. The restaurant also serves seafood, fresh vegetable dishes and eight kinds of potatoes. Select from an assortment of wines and homemade desserts. Valet parking available.

Simple elegance and classic cocktails make Happy Rooster one of Philadelphia's most popular martini bars. Add in white-tuxedoed bartenders and waiters and one almost feels like being on the set for Casablanca. Though the bar is small, its wine cellar is amazingly vast. During the day the bar menu includes caviar, hinting that this is not your average watering hole. Those hungry for dinner can enjoy everything from Black Angus beef to smoked salmon.

The front counter of I C Dreams Inc has great ice cream, milk shakes and sundaes. The back counter serves vegetarian Indian lunches. What could be better? Eat something healthy and then have an ice cream cone. In warmer weather many people stop by for something to take to Rittenhouse Square, where they can sit on a bench and feed the leftovers to the pigeons (if anything's left). Catering can also be provided.

Enjoy eclectic American cuisine, relax in the intimate setting or linger till the wee hours in the lower music lounge at Filo's in historic Old City. Savor imaginatively prepared favorites including filets, Chilean Sea Bass, Tuna Steaks, Duck, Rack of Lamb, Penne and more in the upper dining room. Retire to the lower music lounge as Philly's faves spin Rap, Funk, Techno, Reggae, House and Hip-Hop tunes.

The tin roof looms over a fusion of Irish and American flags and knick-knacks. Simple but sturdy bar stools and chairs keep patrons who have had one too many Guinness's from hitting the floor. The crowd, generally on the low side of 30, is just looking for a good time. Of course the big boys of Irish beers are on tap: Harp, Guinness and Bass. Hearty Irish and American grub is on the menu. Corned beef and cabbage and Shepard's Pie are joined by cheeseburgers and New York Strips.

Located on Rittenhouse Square, the outdoor seating at Rouge offers a fresh environment to dine on French fare and sip a glass of fine wine. Wines of exquisite vintage enhance the delicate entrees of traditional and contemporary French seafood, poultry and beef dishes. Prices tend to be on the high side but are not exorbitant for a restaurant in the Rittenhouse area. Popular day and night, the casual yet elegant Rouge appeals to sophisticates and culture-seekers of all ages for lunch, dinner or drinks. Restaurateur Neil Stein has given locals a hip spot to enjoy the park's greenery.

A small open-air French café in downtown Philadelphia? Yes. Good luck getting a seat. The menu is generally Mediterranean: hummus, olives, several choices for meat and fish, and a long list of focaccia variations. The decor is minimalist: bare white walls, stainless steel ducts, and cool green window frames. The windows are the dominant feature here. In summer, they're wide open, and a cool breeze carries the flavors from one small table to the next. Sitting here is so pleasant, it's a great place for people-watching.

The owners of this quaint cafe started in the coffee business as roasters. Now, La Colombe Torrefaction is well-known for their home made blends of coffee beans and for its delicious cappuccino made on the premises of its two Philadelphia locations. The one in Manayunk has pastries, Biscotti, panini grilled sandwiches, soup and salad. Lounge and try their tasty cappuccino or, if you are in a hurry, get some coffee by the pound.

Jake's has held a comfortable position in Manayunk for more than ten years. Come and sip cocktails before or after dinner in its quaint storefront bar that overlooks Main Street. Though the menu consists of specialties such as fried yams, New Zealand venison, and Dutch striped bass, you must indulge yourself with Jake's veal dish that comes with delicious lobster mashed potatoes. The appetizers offer a wide range of choices including a duck salad with beets and goat cheese, grilled jumbo shrimp and Pan-seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras.