Interesting but casual Saturday night dinner near Hotel Palomar?

[JoanArkham]

Hello! Coming up from the DC area in two weeks for a quick overnight stay at the Palomar. We're looking for somewhere :

that's not crazy expensive, but not hole-in-the wall either
ok to wear (nice) jeans and t-shirts
that accepts reservations (we have evening plans)
with good vegetarian or fish options

I've been to El Vez before, and thought it was fun, but don't want to overlook something new. I haven't been to Philadelphia in ages, and usually stick to Reading Terminal and/or pizza.

Any help appreciated!

[JoanArkham]

Just wanted to stop by and say thanks! We got in later than expected, so we grabbed a quick dinner at Hip City Veg. I had a really good "chicken" ranch sandwich that surprised me with it's crispiness and, well, "chickeness". Husband was happy with his faux steak hoagie, although next time we might smuggle in some cheese.

We did Kanella for brunch the next day, and both enjoyed it quite a bit. We split the trio of dips (the white bean was the stand-out) and I had the Cypriot breakfast, husband had an egg and tomato stew.

The place was packed, and I'm glad we made reservations. Service was friendly, but I have a pet peeve about waitstaff who make comments about "cleaning your plate" or "still working on that". Ew! Anyway, that's pretty common everywhere it seems...just my issue. :)

(Oh, and I also scored some awesome vintage barware from the eclectic little shop across the street!)

[Beulah]

We had dinner at the restaurant in the Palomar during REstaurant Week and it was very good.

[sylviag]

Vernick, if you can get in.

[tfalbo]

While a little bit further from your place (3 blocks), I think Vernick Food & Drink may be a good fit. A variety of seafood & vegetarian options are available.

They take reservations, but I'm not sure what kind of availability there would be on a Saturday night a couple of weeks out. Worth a call if it looks interesting to you.

[cwdonald]

Hip City Vedge is fast food vegetarian about a block from your hotel. Real low key, no reservations necessary.

The Dandelion Pub is a british pub concept restaurant from Stephen Starr, and is more upscale, with great fish and chips, four different fish dishes on the current men (scallops, salmon, mussels, and trout) and four different salads.

If you want high end vegetarian you could consider Vedge over on Locust street (about .6 of a mile.. not a bad walk if the weather cooperates).

Finally the Rittenhouse Tavern might be another choice, .. it is a small plate restaurant and has salad and fish dishes throughout its menu.

[bluehensfan]

You'd probably like Dandelion(a block from your hotel) or may want to consider something like Zavino (a short walk away) for really good pizzas and small plates. It's actually across the street from El Vez.

[JoanArkham]

Thanks, all! Depending on how crappy the drive up is, we may just want to grab something fast, so Hip City Vedge might be perfect.

[bluehensfan]

And if worse comes to worse the food at the Palomar's not horrible either. I did remember that Zavino does not take reservations so nix that one. Also, Tria (a block away from the Palomar behind the Sofitel that is across the street from your hotel has really good small plates and wines by the glass.

[barryg]

If BYOB is ok check out Matyson and Kanella.

[JoanArkham]

BYOB is fine...although now that I look at the menus, I'm intrigued by Kanella for breakfast on Sunday. Thanks!

[bluehensfan]

I know that a lot of people like Kanella on the board but I would be remiss to state that they are zero for three in terms of my meals there (and two of those visits were for brunch). While the meals weren't terrible, they were just mediocre and very salty IMO. Just my two cents.

[barryg]

FWIW one of my favorite brunches in the city.

[Buckethead]

Me too

[phillybakingqueen]

+1