Bars and Cafes in Center City (Philadelphia)

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant

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.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

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.

Happy Rooster

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.

Audrey Claire

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.

Trocadero Theatre

Some nights Bob Dylan plays here, some nights there's reggae, and a lot of nights there are very loud bands playing to young audiences. Some of these acts, such as Southern Culture on the Skids, are well known from college radio. This former burlesque theater holds 1,000. Upstairs, the Balcony room has a separate music schedule, usually starting late, after the show in the main room is done. Admission varies according to performance.

Mahogany on Walnut

'One step into Mahogany on Walnut and you realize that this is not your average cigar bar...this is the genuine article', says Cigar Aficionado. Dark, rich wood and plush antique furnishings create the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy one of the 30 premium cigars. A state-of-the-art ventilation systems keeps the two club rooms smoke-free. A lighter fare menu is served from noon through late night. Some selections include stuffed portabella mushrooms, pheasant pate, oysters Moscow and Beluga caviar. The grand mahogany bar is stocked with premium cognacs, wines, microbrews and more than 40 single malt scotches.

Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant

Big, full bodied, balanced beers(brewed on the premises by the renowned Brandon Greenwood) served along with a dozen of the world's best beers, fine wines and a full-service bar. Savor the likes of venison stew, lemon sage roasted chicken, grilled salmon, vegetarian shepherds pie or enjoy one of their unique, yummy sandwiches or burgers with fresh cut frites. Located above the Sansom Street Oyster House in Center City.

Portofino's Restaurant

Experience luxury dining at the cost of cooking at home at this Center City Italian Ristorante. Feel at home as you enter a warm, casual environment. Enjoy classic Central and Northern Italian specialties. Select from milk-fed veal, seafood purchased fresh every day, prime meats, poultry and pasta made fresh daily in the restaurant's own kitchen by native Italian chefs.

Pompeii

Pompeii, on Center City's Avenue of the Arts, is the newest restaurant from Chef Joseph Tucker, known for his Italian cuisine served with warm Philadelphia hospitality. Joseph calls his cuisine 'Contemporary Italian' and uses an array of the seafood, poultry and meats found fresh in the Italian Market each day. His creative preparations are imaginative new twists on classic favorites.

Turf Club - Center City

Off-track betting on local horse races is conducted in two different atmospheres on the Turf Club - Center City. The upstairs "Clubhouse" contains comfortable lounge areas with individual televisions. High rollers can routinely be seen laying it all on the line in this area. Plush chairs and booths in the lounge allow for a pleasurable afternoon of wagering. Hats and sneakers are not permitted. Some people are more at home in the Grandstand area where the plush lounge seats and air of refinement are replaced by chain link fences and the worry of losing the rent money. Beers and snacks are available, but don't expect the most pristine environment in the world in which to enjoy them.

Fergie's Pub

Nestled in the heart of Center City, Fergie's Pub is home to all the best of a real Irish pub: warm, friendly atmosphere and creamy Guinness on tap. Recently voted the Best Neighborhood Bar in Philadelphia, Fergie's is a great place to unwind with friends. The traditional Irish menu includes favorites such as shepherd's pie, fish and chips and burgers. Tuesday and Thursday nights showcase the local favorite Quizo game, a trivia contest. A variety of live music can be seen here Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at no charge. Close proximity to the Convention Center and the Marriott.

Moriarty's

Located up the street from the Forrest Theater and numerous hotels and residential buildings, locals and theater patrons favor this pub for a draft after work or a show. The Irish bartenders (and they really are from Ireland) pour drafts of Harp and Guinness under a collection of Playbills from the local theaters. Friday happy hours are very popular.