Suggestions for Ave. of the Arts pre-theatre drink/meal?

[wisteria1]

I have 2 related question.

1) suggestions for a bar with some decent food, or just a cheap restaurant without a bar but with decent food near the theatres. Nothing very expensive or formal, just somewhere to hang out (quietly) and get a drink and/or a small meal, until showtime at the Academy, Kimmel, Merriam, etc. I am not a chain fan, and a lot of the options in the area are chains (Cosi, Fado, Applebees!!!??) so I tend to rely too heavily on Copa. To narrow it down: I do not like Italian, like a lot of ethnic (is New Samosa any better than the blandness of the old version?) inexpensive, casual, and has a tolerance for quiet lone patrons :)

2) suggestions for slightly more upscale restaurant, not ethnic, can be a nice chain (sigh) and probably should be a steakhouse or basic, non-ethnic cuisine, must have a bar, in the same area as above.

Thanks!

[sylviag]

For the first question, one suggestion is Ted's Montana Grill at Broad and Spruce. Very decent hamburgers (I enjoy their small filet), excellent service, good drinks. Quick; you will always make your show/concert.

Shiroi Hana, on 15th between Walnut and Locust, if you eat Japanese food. They have a bar - serene, pleasant, good service.

For upscale, Estia is a wonderful suggestion. It's on Locust, between Broad & 15th. Capital Grille (yes, a chain) is recommended for steak, good menu choices, nice ambience, etc.
Bliss is not a steak place (on Broad, just above Locust) but usually has steak on the menu. Great French fries - they don't have them on the dinner menu, but they have them at the bar and you can get a side order.

Somewhere between these categories is Valanni, on Spruce between 12th and 13th - Mediterranean, tapas and large plates, good bar.

[rabidog]

to fit the second criteria, have you tried estia at broad and locust? upscale / seafood. the dining room is gorgeous! i would do a nice dinner meeting here or something along those lines.

[lawgirl3278]

Sotto is a nice restaurant on Broad Street. Decent bar too.

[brightman]

Locust Rendezvous and Moriarty's are good options. Copa Too's doors are permanently closed. I always enjoy the Good Dog Burger, and they typically have something seasonal on tap.

[Bride of the Juggler]

Good Dog is a nice pub with good food. Locust Rendesvous is actually a reasonable cheap little bar with a surprisingly large menu of basics. I haven't been to Misconduct Tavern but it's also in the area and might be worth checking out. Thank you.