AAA Destination Guide: Philadelphia

Jog to the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and—likeRocky Balboa in the movie—pump your arms in the air! Once you catchyour breath, enter the museum to enjoy one of the world’s premier artcollections.Stroll down South Street between Front and 9th, the “hippest street intown.” After checking out the funky boutiques and tattoo parlors, pull up achair at one of the outdoor cafés or bars. In the City of Brotherly Love,this is where you go for people watching, and you’ll see it all—preppies,punk rockers, old hippies, pierced skateboarders and lawyers in businesssuits. #Philadelphia #Pennsylvania #PA
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AAA Destination Guide: Official AAA maps,  
travel information and top picks 
AAA Destination Guide: Philadelphia includes trip-planning information 
covering AAA recommended attractions and restaurants, exclusive 
member discounts, maps and more.Â Â 
Early to bed, early to rise as Benjamin Franklin advised? Not in 
Philadelphia. Native son W.C. Fields once joked, â€œLast week, I went to 
Philadelphia, but it was closed.â€ Now Philly boasts more than a place in 
American history. Itâ€™s hip. Itâ€™s open all hours. Stroll along myriad streets 
and discover upscale galleries and fine boutiques, elegant haute-cuisine 
restaurants and gritty fast-food jointsâ€”Philly cheesesteak, anyone? In 
warm weather, dance in open-air clubs to river lights and a view of the 
Ben Franklin Bridge. This Colonial enclave has transformed itself into a 
city so happening that even old Ben would stay up past his bedtime. 
But donâ€™t forget history. Philadelphia is the 
â€œCradle of the American Revolution,â€ after all. 
No dry civics lesson hereâ€”this is where 
Independence Hall stands, where the Liberty 
Bell rang out (and cracked), where the 
Declaration of Independence was signed and 
our war for freedom began. Walk down Market 
Street, and youâ€™re following in the steps of the 
founding fathers. 
The neighborhoods in the City of Brotherly Love are exciting, too. In 
South Phillyâ€™s Italian Market, Main Line socialites bicker over the price of 
basil, while commuters and families wait in line to order famous hoagies. 
On South Street, musicians play on the sidewalks and hipsters buy the 
latest fashions in trendy stores. All over town, bleary-eyed students sip 
lattes after late-night clubbing on Delaware Avenue. Thereâ€™s so much to 
do in Philly, both Ben and W.C. would be amusedâ€”early in the morning 
or late at night. 
Essentials 
Jog to the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art andâ€”like 
Rocky Balboa in the movieâ€”pump your arms in the air! Once you catch 
your breath, enter the museum to enjoy one of the worldâ€™s premier art 
collections. 
Stroll down South Street between Front and 9th, the â€œhippest street in 
town.â€ After checking out the funky boutiques and tattoo parlors, pull up a 
chair at one of the outdoor cafÃ©s or bars. In the City of Brotherly Love, 
this is where you go for people watching, and youâ€™ll see it allâ€”preppies, 
punk rockers, old hippies, pierced skateboarders and lawyers in business 
suits. 
For romance, hail a horse-drawn cab at Head House Square. As the 
horse trots down Society Hillâ€™s 18th-century cobblestone streets, enjoy 
the sights: Colonial and Federal architecture, row houses and intimate 
courtyards. 
Think about itâ€”or go to the Rodin Museum and leave the pondering to 
Auguste Rodinâ€™s best-known sculpture, â€œThe Thinker.â€ While youâ€™re here, 
tour the museum and discover other sculptures to consider, contemplate 
and regard. 
Cheer for one of Phillyâ€™s teams. If thereâ€™s a nip in the air, you can head to 
Lincoln Financial Field and take your chances on tickets for an Eagles  
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
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game. And if footballâ€™s not your thing, applaud at Wachovia Center as a 
Sixer dunks the ball or a Flyer hooks the puck. In spring and summer, go 
to a Phillies game at Citizenâ€™s Bank Park and catch a foul ball on the third 
base line. Warning: Philadelphia sports fans are very loyal to their teams. 
Essentials Map 
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Essentials Details - Get additional information on AAA.com 
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members 
 
  - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
   FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated 
1. Philadelphia Museum of Art  
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy  
Philadelphia, PA 19130  
Phone: (215) 763-8100 
 
 
 
2. Rodin Museum  
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy & 22nd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19101  
Phone: (215) 763-8100 
 
3. Lights of Liberty Show 
150 S Independence Mall  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (877) 462-1776 
 
 
 
4. Independence National
Historical Park  
145 S 3rd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (800) 537-7676 
 
 
5. Pat's King of Steaks  (FYI) 
1237 E Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 468-1546 
 
6. Geno's Steaks  (FYI) 
9th St and Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 389-0659 
 
7. MÃ¼tter Museum  
19 S 22nd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 563-3737 
 
Spend some Benjamins in the Center City district known as Antique Row. 
From Jacobean armchairs to rare Victorian jewelry to Jetson-style patio 
sets, youâ€™ll find anything and everything hereâ€”from kitsch to high quality. 
Enjoy music the old-fashioned way at Macyâ€™s daily Wanamaker Organ 
recital. Campy, yes, but a great time. One of the largest musical 
instruments in the world, this grand organ fills the store atrium with 
classical and contemporary tunes from seven floors above the cosmetic 
counters, downtown at 13th and Market streets. 
Experience history from the inside. The Lights of Liberty Show, a multi-
media walking tour, is the best way to see and hear the drama of the 
American Revolution. Wearing a digital headset, youâ€™re wired for sound, 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
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music and thrilling narration on a moonlit walk through Independence 
National Historical Park.  
Chow down on a Philly cheesesteak, the famous hoagie made with thinly 
sliced rib eye, melted cheese and grilled onions. Most South Philly 
sandwich shops are open 24-7-365 (and most claim they cooked up the 
original idea). Two of the best are Patâ€™s King of Steaks and Genoâ€™s 
Steaks. 
Gawk at the MÃ¼tter Museumâ€™s strange, spine-tingling exhibits. Exhibits at 
this College of Physicians of Philadelphia museum include the Soap 
Lady, celebrity body parts and casts of patients who suffered from 
gigantism, eye diseases and other deformities. And thatâ€™s just the 
beginning of the bizarre sights. Not for weak stomachs! 
Philadelphia in 3 Days 
Three days is barely enough time to get to know any major destination. 
But AAA travel editors suggest these activities to make the most of your 
time in Philadelphia.  
Day 1: Morning 
Begin your first day in the City of Brotherly Love at Independence Visitor 
Center in Independence National Historical Park located at the corner of 
6th and Market streets in Center City. If you arrive early, youâ€™ll be ahead 
of the crowds. Get free tickets and sign up for a National Park Service 
walking tour. 
Head to Independence Hall then to Liberty Bell Center. Continue touring 
Independence National Historical Park and see the National Constitution 
Center, Congress Hall and the Second Bank of the United States Portrait 
Gallery.  
Afternoon 
Walk north on 5th Street. Stop at Christ Churchâ€™s modest burial ground, 
where Benjamin Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of 
Independence are interred.  
For lunch, dine in an Old City restaurantâ€”take your pick of places, from 
casual diners and sandwich joints. Try Fork and Fork: etc. (Fork: etc. is 
the casual restaurant of the duet of eateries and is on Market) or Sonnyâ€™s 
at 2nd and Market. Fancier establishments include Fork (Fork etc.â€™s big 
brother next door) or Amada at 2nd and Chestnut. If youâ€™re in the mood 
for a Philly Cheesesteak, why not visit the most popular place in the 
neighborhood? Hoof it to Jimâ€™s Steaks at 4th and South streets. Youâ€™ll 
also discover lunch trucks serving the famous sandwich on just about 
every corner.  
After grabbing lunch, walk (or bus it) back to Christ Church. This time go 
inside to see where the American Episcopal Church got its start and 
where some of the Founding Fathers worshipped. After a church visit, 
head over to the Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street. And then make 
your way to Elfrethâ€™s Alley, the oldest continually inhabited street in 
America. The visitor center is free and is at number 124.  
In the late afternoon, walk southeast to Head House Square (Lombard 
and S. 3rd streets). How about resting your feet? Take a romantic horse-
drawn carriage ride. Meander through Society Hillâ€™s 18th-century 
cobblestone streets. The architecture, row houses and intimate 
courtyards cast fabulous shadows as twilight beckons.  
Evening 
For dinner, try one of Old Cityâ€™s restaurants or head back toward 
Independence National Historical Park. If youâ€™re in the mood for some hip 
Asian cuisine, try the fusion Buddakan at 3rd and Chestnut. And the 
comfortable yet chic Mexican Xochitl, 408 S. 2nd St., is a great spot for 
authentic tacos or more exotic South-of-the-Border fare. If meatloaf or 
macaroni and cheese are more your speed, head to Jones.  
After dinner, between March and December when the weatherâ€™s 
pleasant, work off your meal by experiencing the ambulatory sound-and-
light extravaganza, Lights of Liberty Show. Make your way back to 
Independence National Historical Park for the show. Afterwards, nab a 
cocktail on â€œThe Hippest Street in Town.â€ The popular songâ€™s lyrics donâ€™t 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
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lie: as you amble down South Street between Front and 9th, youâ€™ll find 
plenty of bistros and bars where you can swill that nightcap.  
Philadelphia in 3 Days â€“ Day 1 Map 
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Day 2: Morning 
Begin in Center City and visit the Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts 
and its huge collection of American art. After a few hours of soaking up 
the visuals, walk south on S. Broad Street toward City Hall, glimpsing a 
bronze statue of William Penn perched on top, then duck into Macyâ€™s, 
a.k.a. the John Wanamaker Building. Every day at noon, the Wanamaker 
organ, the largest operational pipe organ in the world, blasts out a 
dramatic concert within the department storeâ€™s seven story court.  
  
 
 
Day 1 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
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1. Independence Visitor Center 
1 N Independence Mall  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 965-7676 
 
2. Independence National 
Historical Park 
145 S 3rd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (800) 537-7676 
 
 
3. Independence Hall 
Chestnut St & 5th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19 
 
 
4. Liberty Bell Center  
6th St & Market St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19 
 
 
5. National Constitution Center 
525 Arch St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 409-6700 
 
 
6. Congress Hall 
6th St & Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (267) 519-4295, ext. 19 
 
 
7. Second Bank of the United 
States Portrait Gallery 
420 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (800) 537-7676 
 
 
 
 
8. Amada  
 
217 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 625-2450 
 
9. Christ Church 
20 N American St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 922-1695 
 
 
10. Betsy Ross House  
239 Arch St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106 
Phone: (215) 686-1252 
 
11. Elfreth's Alley  
126 Elfreth's Alley  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 574-0560 
 
12. Buddakan  
 
325 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 574-9440 
 
13. Jones  
 
700 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 223-5663 
 
14. Lights of Liberty Show 
150 S Independence Mall  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (877) 462-1776 
  
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
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 Afternoon 
For lunch, walk east to Reading Terminal Market, where you can taste 
true Philadelphia eats such as the highly regarded cheese steak or 
buttered soft pretzels. Try some Amish sassafras jelly or ginger snaps. Of 
course, dozens of food stalls offer plenty of edible options, including lo 
mein and pizza. (The market is closed on Sundays.)  
Now head back toward City Hall and walk east on Market to find the 
strangest, most wonderful museum in town: the MÃ¼tter Museum at the 
College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The museumâ€™s better than 
watching a forensic television program, as visitors find anomalous and  
 
Philadelphia in 3 Days â€“ Day 2 Map 
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aberrant medical oddities on view, such as a womanâ€™s corpse whose 
body turned to soap. Be warned: the MÃ¼tterâ€™s bizarre displays are not for 
weak stomachs. Head north to the The Franklin Institute, which offers 
four floors of interactive exhibits. Walk through a model of a human heart, 
watch a film in the Tuttleman IMAX Theater and or gaze at blinking stars 
in the Fels Planetarium.  
Day 2 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
 - GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members 
   - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
1. Pennsylvania Academy
of the Fine Arts 
118-128 N Broad St  
Philadelphia, PA 19102  
Phone: (215) 972-7600 
  
 
 
2. City Hall  
Broad St & Market St  
Philadelphia, PA 19107  
Phone: (215) 686-2840 
 
3. MÃ¼tter Museum  
19 S 22nd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 563-3737 
 
4. The Franklin Institute 
222 N 20th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 448-1200 
  
 
 
5. Tuttleman IMAX Theater 
222 N 20th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19105  
Phone: (215) 448-1111 
 
6. Fels Planetarium  
222 N 20th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19105  
Phone: (215) 448-1200 
 
7. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant 
 
224 S 15th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19102  
Phone: (215) 985-9600 
 
8. Tria 
 
123 S 18th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 972-8742 
 
9. Lacroix At The Rittenhouse 
 
210 W Rittenhouse Square  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 790-2533 
 
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
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Evening 
From the museum, turn back toward Rittenhouse Square, where visitors 
will find bars, restaurants and plenty of shops. Youâ€™ve got a wealth of 
choices here. For great burgers, fries, beer and a homey atmosphere, try 
Good Dog Bar & Restaurant. Looking for a chic but comfortable tapas 
restaurant that serves great wine and brewskies? Head to Tria. Want 
romance, a splendid view of the historic grassy square and acclaimed 
cuisine? Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is the ticket.  
After dinner, mosey around Pine Street and make your way along 
Antique Row, where the window shopping is superb.  
Day 3: Morning 
Sure, everyone remembers the exciting scene in the movie â€œRocky,â€ 
when the browbeaten boxer runs up the stairs at the Philadelphia 
Museum of Art. But step inside the museum for the real excitementâ€”here 
youâ€™ll find a huge collection of art. And this mammoth place is easily 
navigated. Spend a couple hours wandering the collections, and youâ€™ll 
see major paintings by major painters, such as Pablo Picasso, Claude 
Monet, Edgar Degas and Peter Paul Rubens, to name just a handful.  
 Afternoon 
After soaking up some high culture, youâ€™ve earned your appetite. There 
are a few choices close to the museum. Try Illuminare for brick oven 
pizza and towering salads. Or dine alfresco (weather permitting) while 
you down a crab cake sandwich at Jackâ€™s Firehouse Restaurant. And for 
some spice, Rose Tattoo CafÃ© brings the heat with their Cajun cuisine, 
burgers and quiche.  
If you donâ€™t mind bussing it or driving, and you havenâ€™t yet experienced a 
Philly cheesesteak, head to South Philly where it all began. On Passyunk 
Avenue diehards will find two of the best (and original) sandwich shops in 
town, Patâ€™s King of Steaks and Genoâ€™s Steaks. Place your order â€œwidâ€ or 
â€œwidoutâ€ (onions and Cheez Whiz that is).  
After lunch, if you didnâ€™t go to South Philly for cheesesteaks, youâ€™re still in 
the Museum district, so visit the Rodin Museum, where youâ€™ll find the 
largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France.  
If you couldnâ€™t resist the cheesesteaks and youâ€™re already in South Philly, 
head to the Italian Market. Grab a cappuccino from any of the local cafÃ©s 
and soak up the local atmosphere. Right off the docks, venders hawk 
their fruits and vegetables to passersby. Cheese shops dole out large 
samples of olives and brie. And the people-watching is a delight. Donâ€™t 
miss Sarconeâ€™s Bakery, whose Italian bread is heavenly.  
Evening 
To understand Philadelphians, one must understand their passion for 
sports. Take in a game and cheer for one of cityâ€™s teams. Grab a dog, a 
soda and some peanuts and take part in one of Americaâ€™s favorite 
pastimesâ€”sports. During football season, nothingâ€™s more fun than an 
Eaglesâ€™ game at Lincoln Financial Fieldâ€”if you can score tickets. Want a 
little court or ice action? Watch the Sixers dribble or the Flyers skate at 
Wachovia Center. When the weatherâ€™s balmy, donâ€™t miss the Philliesâ€™ 
boys of summer playing at Citizenâ€™s Bank Park. One important point to 
note: Philadelphians are fiercely loyal fans, so be on your best behavior.  
If sports arenâ€™t your game, how about treating yourself to what many say 
is the primo restaurant in town: Le Bec-Fin. Though luxurious and 
seriously upscale, the staff is friendly and the prix fixe dinner is 
legendary. If you want a little culture but more casual eats, head to 
Center Cityâ€™s Asian district to the Vietnam Restaurant for delicious noodle 
dishes.  
 
 
 
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
7Â 
Philadelphia in 3 Days â€“ Day 3 Map 
Get maps and turn-by-turn directions using TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com 
 
 
Day 3 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
 - GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members 
   - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
  FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated 
1. Philadelphia Museum of Art   
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy  
Philadelphia, PA 19130  
Phone: (215) 763-8100 
  
 
 
2. Illuminare 
 
2321 Fairmont Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19130  
Phone: (215) 765-0202 
 
3. Jack's Firehouse Restaurant 
 
2130 Fairmount Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19130  
Phone: (215) 232-9000 
 
4. Rose Tattoo CafÃ© 
 
1847 Callowhill St  
Philadelphia, PA 19130  
Phone: (215) 569-8939 
5. Pat's King of Steaks  (FYI) 
1237 E Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 468-1546 
 
6. Geno's Steaks (FYI)  
9th St and Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 389-0659 
 
7. Rodin Museum  
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy & 22nd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19101  
Phone: (215) 763-8100 
 
8. Vietnam Restaurant 
 
221 N 11th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19107  
Phone: (215) 592-1163 
 
Restaurants 
The first question for most visitors to the City of Brotherly Love is not 
â€œWhereâ€™s the Liberty Bell?â€ Instead, tourists want to know the best place 
for a Philly Cheesesteakâ€”a hot topic of debate among the locals. (See 
Insider Information.) 
According to legend, Pat Olivieri created the first cheesesteak on his hot 
dog griddle after getting bored with the same old lunch. His new 
sandwich became so popular that he opened Patâ€™s King of Steaks in 
South Philadelphia. As with any good idea, competition quickly rose with 
the opening of Genoâ€™s Steaks on the opposite corner. When the craving 
for a cheesesteak hits, natives head down Passyunk Avenue. 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
8Â 
Ordering your steak is almost as important as paying for it, so be sure to 
scrutinize the instructions at the order window before getting into line. 
Any hesitation and youâ€™ll be expelled to the back (either by the staff or the 
patrons behind you). Toss a coin and take your pickâ€”both eateries serve 
up a fantastic sandwich and an entertaining crowd, 24 hours a day. 
With thick bread, sharp provolone and juicy 
sliced beef, the cheesesteak at Tony Lukeâ€™s 
Old Philly Style Sandwiches is definitely in 
the running for the cityâ€™s best. Unlike many of 
its steak-peddling brethren, this restaurant 
also serves a variety of equally tasty items, 
including a sinful roast-pork sandwich and 
even a few vegetarian offerings. This is one 
of the few steak shops with indoor seating; 
service is quick and surprisingly friendly. 
Check out the â€œWall of Starsâ€ to see who else 
dropped by for an Old Philly-style sandwich. 
When the locals want a good beer and a great burger, they go to Good 
Dog Bar & Restaurant. The burgerâ€”stuffed with Roquefort cheese and 
topped with caramelized onionsâ€”is not for the faint of heart. Service is 
exceptional, and the menu is one of the most reasonably priced in Center 
City; people-watching is a bonus. Here youâ€™ll see the after-theater crowd 
mixing with tattooed Gen-Xers in a kitschy setting. Try out the Internet 
jukebox, or come on a Thursday night to share your knowledge of trivia 
during a game of Quizzo. 
After a long day at work, young professionals flock to Tria for a world-
class beer or a selection from an extensive list of wines by the glass. For 
a quick bite or a full dinner, the tapas menu features fresh salads, 
decadent cheeses and scrumptious desserts. Soulful music, a genial staff 
and candle-lit dÃ©cor lend to an unpretentiously cool atmosphere in trendy 
Rittenhouse Square. Reservations arenâ€™t accepted; expect a half-hour 
wait on weekends. 
With a spectacular view of the Square and an equally spectacular menu, 
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is one of the areaâ€™s most acclaimed 
restaurants. The staff is cordial while maintaining the service standards 
expected of a formal dining establishment. Every course is a visual work 
of art, with imaginative flavors to tempt the palate. At the chefâ€™s table, 
guests have a first-hand view of how a gourmet kitchen works. The 
inexpensive weekday brunch is a great way to enjoy one of the cityâ€™s best 
culinary experiencesâ€”for a steal. 
Since entrepreneur Stephen Starr added Barclay Prime to his dazzling 
string of local restaurants, the acclaim from critics and patrons alike has 
been lavish. If youâ€™re looking for the most expensive cheesesteak in 
Philadelphiaâ€”$100, featuring Kobe beefâ€”youâ€™ll find it at this gem on 
Rittenhouse Square. The combination of formal dining and 
mouthwatering steaks and chops makes Barclay Prime the perfect choice 
for a night on the town. For a cost-effective sampling of the menu, the 
Lunchbox includes soup or salad, an entrÃ©e, a side dish and dessert.  
Le Bec-Fin sets the gold standard for fine dining in Philadelphia. The 
intimate, elegant dining room is appointed with ornate fabric 
wallcoverings, carved gilt moldings, silver chandeliers and fresh floral 
arrangements. Thereâ€™s no reason to be intimidated by this luxury 
establishment; the warmth and charm of the waitstaff creates an ease to 
be envied by other restaurants. The star here is clearly the food; the 
sumptuous prix fixe dinner has been drawing crowds for more than three 
decades. For diners on a budget, come for lunch to sample French 
delicacies from the a la carte menu. 
With a clean and comfortable atmosphere, Vietnam Restaurant is popular 
with everyone from college students to the crowd from city hall. A wide 
variety of noodle dishes, vegetarian options and an unexpectedly large 
appetizer menu only add to the appeal. This Center City favorite serves 
beer and wine, with a decent list at fair prices. Reservations are not 
accepted, but those in the know are more than willing to wait. For a 
memorable sunset view, ask for a seat on the third floor. 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
9Â 
An imposing gilded statue of Buddha greets patrons at Buddakan, a 
modern and decadently designed establishment in Olde City. A 
communal 22-seat table glows at the center of the restaurant, affording 
its guests a view of the stylish, well-dressed crowd. Start out the night 
with a shared pitcher of Zen-gria or any of the barâ€™s ever-changing 
cocktails. All the Asian fusion dishes are large enough to shareâ€”a 
blessing when the menu includes so many creative and flavorful choices.  
Restaurants Map 
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The signature dish is Angry Lobster, served in a nest of mashed potatoes 
with wok-charred vegetables and coconut curry sauce. Desserts are 
works of Zen art, sculpted into gravity-defying shapes. 
Modern art, neo-Japanese cuisine and pop culture come together to 
create the experience that is Morimoto. TVâ€™s â€œIron Chefâ€ Masaharu 
Morimoto has brought his innovative Japanese cuisine to this sleek, 
modern space near Independence National Historic Park. Deciding on 
Kobe beef, black cod miso or an extensive selection of sushi and sashimi 
can be daunting, which is why many patrons order the Omakase, a multi-
course guided tour through the dayâ€™s specialties. 
 Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/DiamondsÂ 
FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluatedÂ 
1. Pat's King of Steaks  (FYI) 
1237 E Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 468-1546 
 
2. Geno's Steaks  (FYI) 
9th St and Passyunk Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 389-0659 
 
3. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant 
 
224 S 15th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19102  
Phone: (215) 985-9600 
 
4. Tria 
 
123 S 18th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 972-8742 
 
5. Lacroix At The Rittenhouse 
 
210 W Rittenhouse Square  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 790-2533 
 
6. Barclay Prime 
 
218 S 18th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 732-7560 
7. Vietnam Restaurant 
 
221 N 11th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19107  
Phone: (215) 592-1163 
 
8. Buddakan 
 
325 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 574-9440 
 
9. Morimoto 
 
723 Chestnut St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 413-9070 
 
10. Ristorante La Buca 
 
711 Locust St  
Philadelphia, PA 19106  
Phone: (215) 928-0556 
 
11. Dimitri's 
 
795 S 3rd St  
Philadelphia, PA 19147  
Phone: (215) 625-0556 
 
12. Matyson 
 
37 19th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19103  
Phone: (215) 564-2925 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â PhiladelphiaÂ 
10Â 
Restaurants Map 
Get maps and turn-by-turn directions using TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com 
Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/DiamondsÂ 
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13. Tony Luke's Old 
Philly Style Sandwiches  (FYI) 
39 E Oregon Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19148  
Phone: (215) 551-5725 
 
14. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant 
 
229 S 45th St  
Philadelphia, PA 19104  
Phone: (215) 387-2424 
15. Blue Ox Brauhaus 
 
7980 Oxford Ave  
Philadelphia, PA 19111  
Phone: (215) 728-9440 
 
16. Nifty Fifty's 
 
2555 Street Rd  
Bensalem, PA 19020  
Phone: (215) 638-1950 
 
For the best in underground dining (a new category in food reviews), 
donâ€™t miss Ristorante La Buca. The name means â€œcaveâ€ in Italian. 
Decorated with warm colors and frescoes of the ownerâ€™s native Tuscany, 
this space hardly feels like a basement. Philadelphians know theyâ€™ll never 
have a bad meal here, especially with a fresh seafood selection. After an 
enjoyable afternoon at Washington Square Park or historic Independence 
Hall, youâ€™re only a short strollâ€”and a long flight of stairsâ€”away from a 
hearty Tuscan meal. 
If youâ€™re in South Philadelphia but not in the mood for cheesesteak, try 
the Mediterranean fare at Dimitriâ€™s. The meals are delicious, the portions 
are large, and savory smells from the open kitchen will make your mouth 
water. This small Queens Village restaurant is BYOB (take along your 
own wine or spirits). Dimitriâ€™s has a devoted following and doesnâ€™t accept 
reservations, so count on a wait, especially on weekends. Put your name 
on the list and enjoy a drink at a local bar, or make a run to an ATM for 
the cash-only tab. 
Another of Philadelphiaâ€™s many BYOBs, Matyson offers American bistro 
fare. Come on a weekday for the fabulous prix fixe five-course meal. This 
Center City restaurant is known for its flawless combinations of savory 
and sweet flavors, so it would be a sin not to have dessert (especially the 
bittersweet chocolate sâ€™mores). 
In a neighborhood full of African restaurants, University Cityâ€™s Abyssinia 
Ethiopian Restaurant stands out with its quality ingredients and 
hospitable staff. The authentic Ethiopian platters of meats and vegetables 
are perfectly prepared, and the heat of these deliciously spicy dishes can 
be adjusted to suit your taste. Fans of the ethnic restaurants in the 
Adams Morgan district of Washington, D.C., will feel at home in 
Abyssinia. 
A standout for years in the Northeast, Blue Ox Brauhaus is one of the 
areaâ€™s few restaurants serving hearty German food and beer. The 
building dates from the 1600s, with an interior tastefully adorned in rich 
wood and Bavarian memorabilia. An accordion player often frequents the 
dining room, playing traditional German tunes to set the mood. The