Need a rec for 15 people with free parking, not in a mall

[brightman]

My first thought was Alla Spina, but they told me their upstairs space is for 12 max. Looking for a "cover the table with delicious food" type of place.

[brightman]

It looks like Le Virtu is the choice. Thanks for all your recommendations.

[barryg]

Different kind of food but Nam Phuong at 11th & Washington has a parking lot, large tables, and its easy to cover the table with delicious food.

[cwdonald]

Distrito in University City has lots of street parking near it, (and a lot that I do no think charges on weekends.. someone correct me on this). Good Haute Mexican.

Re Sweet Lucys.. they do a buffet on Mondays that is a good value.

+1 for Nam Phuong if you like Vietnamese food.

My favorite cheap parking tip is the lot at 16th and Vine. After 5 its five dollars, and its five dollars on the weekends as well. Definite best value in the city, close to the broad street line if you want to go to South Philadelphia and easy to walk to lots of restaurants, especially the 13th street restaurant row.

[Bob Loblaw]

I used to be afraid that too many people would start to know about that parking lot, but I've been using it for years. that $5 is a great deal, esp. for someone who enjoys walking a bit around the city.

For straight-up "free" parking, you'll have to leave center city. I'd also add that if I were parking near Osteria, I'd be sure to not leave any bags or valuables visible in the windows.

Farther out, this is less of an issue. If you look at any threads on Chestnut Hill, those will all have ample street parking near them, and the area is still Mall-Free. I suspect that C-Hill's Iron Hill could accommodate you, though it might be lacking in deliciousness. In Mt. Airy, Earth has an awesome large table - think a cross section of a big-*ss tree trunk - though I don't know if you can reserve it, and parking there, while, mostly free in the evening, can be a bit of a hassle.

[urbanfabric]

" I'd also add that if I were parking near Osteria, I'd be sure to not leave any bags or valuables visible in the windows."

If you read the Wash West Civic Ass'n's crime report, you wouldn't leave any valuables visible when you parked your car in Center City, even in an attended lot. I'm always amazed how many people have their window smashed for phones, GPS units, even wallets. Who leaves their wallet in the car?

Anyway, do you need a semi-private space? Osteria seems like a good bet. But you could also do something in NoLibs (free parking at the Piazza could get you to Bar Ferdinand).

[Bob Loblaw]

When I lived in Wash West, I used to leave the car empty; face removed from my stereo; glove compartment open and empty. No matter: someone stole the whole car.

So, yes, I'd apply those rules anywhere downtown, but the OP probably isn't going to be eating anywhere downtown.

Actually, now that I'm thinking of leaving wallets in cars - lots of cars get broken into near Valley Green, some with joggers' wallets inside. But the Inn there wouldn't be a bad choice. Haven't eaten there for a while but they've got a few rooms that would be good for a party of 15, parking is free (but don't leave your valuables visible!) and the spot is awesome.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Right next to Alla Spina is Route 6, huge place, should be able to do it.

[FrankJBN]

Sweet Lucy's Barbecue on State Roaad

[cwdonald]

Osteria just up the street has private dining, the parking is free unless you valet park.