Rehearsal Dinner Locations

PharmJen

Our church is near 4th and Walnut, but it's not critical the location be within walking distance (although it would make things easier!).  We're looking into Maggiano's at 12th and Filbert but would like a few other options to compare (I'm not a fan of the $15 parking).  We're looking at about 60 people, preferably Italian but we're open to others.

rumdrinx

60!   big grouptry positano coast (2nd and walnut) - they can make an entire section private.or just stick with maggianos

Mrs.Simpson2010

Hey ParmJen- I know you guys are rehearsing at Old St. Joe's (if my memory is correct), as are we! We're doing the rehearsal dinner at an Italian restaurant called Ava, right off of South St near headhouse sq. Its very walkable from the church, and if you have enough people (sounds like you do), they will give you the whole place to yourself. I also have a friend who did theirs at Ristorante Panorama on the corner of Market and Front. It is very nice, best wine selection in the city, and also very close to the church. Good luck!

jewels2730

How about Positano Coast?  I believe they are Italian and can definitely do 60.  I found them to be very similarly priced to Plough and the Stars, where I had mine.We loved Plough and I can't recommend them enough.  I know it's not Italian, but the food was fantastic.  Our guests could choose from 5 entrees that night and it was a 3 course meal.  We had the whole upstairs for 35 people - not sure if it would seat 60 but it's worth looking into I'm sure.  They did personalized menu's for us with our names and the date on it and they also had a screen upstairs (which we didn't use).We were finished way before the music got turned on for the night and our bridal party ended up staying and partying till 2am.

PharmJen

Thanks ladies!  The numbers add up so quickly (big bridal party/a lot of people involved in the ceremony/a few OOT'ers) - but since FMIL is paying and hasn't forked over a dime for this entire thing, I'm not worried about the head count!  Mrs. Simpson - I have actually been to Ava.  Loved it there when I went for restaurant week one year.  I wasn't sure if they did large groups since it's a small place.  Thanks for the rec!! 

j&p2009

Jen - you could also try Ristorante Panorama. They have a very large private room. They participate in restaurant week and let folks order off the entire menu for $35/person. I would have to imagine they would be able to put together some selections for less than that for your dinner. Great lobster ravioli there. Yum!!!

ooodsie

I am also doing the Plough & Stars.  I can't wait after reading the post above about it.. I hadnt picked it based on any recommendations, just because I had been there before I knew they did RD's.  Yay!  Very good pricing, and as the previous poster said, they give you the whole upstairs section to yourself and will do a custom menu.  I'm very pleased w them so far regarding their quick email responses, etc.  (I actually had a RD booked at another phila restaurant and the owner was sooo slow with replying to emails, phone calls, I gave up and went elsewhere - too disorganized)

kpenne01

Jen, I know I'm a bit late on this, but Spasso on Front btwn Market and Chestnut might work.  It's my fav Italian restaurant in Old City.  They have a private party room, but I'm not sure how many that would accomodate.  The food is great and the prices on the regular menu are VERY reasonable so I would be shocked if the party prices were unreasonable.  Sounds like you already have some good recs, but in case you are still looking, I thought I'd mention this.GL!

PharmJen

Thanks for all the recs ladies!