Restaurants 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.

Le Bec-Fin

Dining experiences worthy of Louis XVI consist of six-courses, prix fixe menu with a savory stream of dishes including a triple-tiered dessert cart containing over forty freshly made selections. Since 1970 Le Bec-Fin has been acquiring regional and national accolades for their innovative cuisine and original French cuisine. The restaurant is consistently rated of five star quality by the Zagat Survey and named "The Best French Restaurant in America" by Esquire Magazine. Chef George Perrier's specialties such as Cailles Farcies au Foie Gras et Ris de Veau, Le Bec-Fin and Eventail d'agneau et son chutney au curry de Madras fill the menu.

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.

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.

Dave and Busters

There are a slew of games for adults and kids alike from virtual golf, racing simulations, classic arcade games, slot machines (that pay off in tickets), shuffleboard to pocket billiards. Youngsters can enjoy a bevy of video games, pinball, interactive simulations and virtual reality rides. Dave and Buster sells 'debit cards' that activate most of the games that pay off in tickets redeemable for prizes. Check out their burgers, fries, chicken and fish platters too. You can't miss the spectacular view of the Delaware River waterfront. There's a parking garage under the building.

Ludwig's Garten

If you are looking for mouth-watering German-Bavarian Cuisine such as spatzle, wursts, schnitzels and strudels, you should stop by Ludwig's. This German restaurant, just off of Broad Street in Center City, has a cozy and genuine atmosphere. Owned by an Austrian native and featuring a German chef from Heidleberg, you can't find more authentic German food in this area. Another treat is the beer garten, featuring a wide variety of German beers.

Champions Sports Bar

22 televisions broadcast all ESPN events as well as national and international satellite sports. Food and drink specials are often held for Sunday and Monday Night football. When you don't feel like experimenting with other bars and watching the big game is of paramount concern, Champions Sports Bar is the place to be. Connected to the Center City Marriott and across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this sports bar serves typical American dishes that one would find in many chain restaurants.

Philly Style Pizza

Philly Style Pizza is a welcome exception to the relatively higher priced pizzerias and deli shops in the area. It's nice to know there are still places where you can spend five bucks on a lunch that will satisfy your hunger. Strombolis, hoagies, grinders, Buffalo Wings, and the Philadelphia institution known as the cheese steak round out the menu selections. Dine in one of the booths or get your food to go. Philly Style Pizza is a quick walk from Center City hotels, theaters, and other attractions.