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Writer's pictureIrene Levy Baker

10 Pointers for Restaurant Week + Dates & New Pricing


Amish Roasted Half Chicken at Bank & Bourbon. Photo by @happyhour.philly.


From September 18 through 30, more than 5 dozen Center City restaurants will offer 3-course lunch and dinner menus for indoor dining, outdoor dining or take out. It’s all part of Center City District’s Restaurant Week. Here’s information about Restaurant Week plus pointers for making the most of this glorious gluttonous event.

Spice Finch. Photo by Irene Levy Baker.

Pricing for 3-course lunches has been bumped up slightly from $20 to $25. Three-course dinners increased from $35 to $40.


Despite the price increase, Restaurant Week is one of the most affordable times to visit Philadelphia restaurants and a great chance to try new eateries. It was created by Center City District in 2003 as an economic driver for restaurants during what are often slow seasons. It’s been so successful in Philadelphia that it has spawned similar events in the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs and for types of cuisine. Watch for Philly Vegan Restaurant Week, scheduled for September 24 through October 1 and Dine Latino Restaurant Week planned for October 11 through 15. Some of these pointers are applicable to those events as well, although rules and pricing may be different.


10 Pointers for Making The Most of Center City Restaurant Week:

  1. Plan Ahead. Check current Covid policies by calling restaurants or checking websites.

  2. Win Meals. For a chance to win dinner once a month for a year, register at www.ccdrestaurantweek.com

  3. Save on parking. Get a digital parking pass that reduces parking to $9 or less at select Interpark, Parkway, Philadelphia Parking Authority and LAZ garages.

  4. Over-tip. Tip based on what the dinner would typically cost (not the reduced price), if you can. Servers are doing the same amount of work and it’s been a tough year.

  5. Make reservations. Restaurants typically sell out during Restaurant Week.

  6. Experiment. This is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant - especially expensive places.

  7. Budget wisely. Cocktails, beer/wine, coffee/tea and soda are not included in the price. Tax and gratuity and not included either.

  8. Check rules. Note that some restaurants do not offer the prix fixe menu through the weekend.

  9. Do the math. Some deals are better than others.

  10. Snag hard-to-get-reservations. If a restaurant you’re yearning to try is not participating in Restaurant Week, it might be a good time to snag a reservation there.

Visit ccdrestaurantweek.com for an updated list of restaurants, menus and links to make reservations via Open Table. Don’t miss this chance to try some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants at some of the best prices of the year.


 

by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia.


Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia tells the sweet & spicy stories behind 90 of the area's best restaurants including many participating in Restaurant Week! If you're hungry for a good meal and a delicious story, this book is here to serve you. Click here for signed books. Use promo code TheCityPulse for free shipping.


For more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including information about new attractions, retailers and restaurants and where to find pop-up beer gardens: click here.








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