Philadelphia's Best Martini

Business casual lounge and bistro balances a down-to-earth bar scene with sophisticated American fare.

Reviews:

• “Never again… (a very sick sunday)”
• “Big Let Down- Skip this one!”
• “Disappointing”
• “Good Date Restaurant !!!”
• “Great steak, Great service”

Derek’s or email Derek’s

Beyond the eye-popping, electric-blue neon sign: old-school drinks and newfangled food.

Reviews:

• “RUDE BOUNCERS”
• “worst place”
• “Worst Club with Aweful Bouncers”
• “Small and arrogant”
• “the computer made me do it”

Tips: You can pay tribute to the titular ’50s cocktail with an array of variations. Especially inviting are the Soprano made with sambuca, the Mintini made with mint schnapps, and the Flirtini made with champagne.

Bleu Martini or email Bleu Martini

Colorful triple-decker lounge for international comfort food and a vast array of martinis.

Reviews:

• “Excellent Food!”
• “Trendy, Fun, Awesome”
• “Consistently good.”
• “Best martini’s and atmosphere”
• “Great place for a date”

Tips: Saddle up a surprisingly comfortable “pony” chair at the upstairs bar.

Continental Mid-Town

A charming corner restaurant right outside the Center City hubbub.

Reviews:

• “Absolutely Wonderful! "
• “ONLY FOR FAKE PEOPLE”
• “Wonderful Surprise, tasty delicious food”
• “LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE THE FOOD IS A BONUS”
• “cool place, not too complicated”

Tips: A cafe menu offers oyster and crab cake sandwiches and burgers as a more casual dining option.

L2 or email L2

Cool place, hot food: Tropical island-fusion fare makes for friendly downbeat dining.

Reviews:

• “Yummy Paella”
• “always a good time!”
• “friendly place!”
• “If your not gay, Stay away”
• “Delicioso!”

Tips: A light menu is available in the lounge until 1am.

Valanni

Dry-goods store turned neighborhood bistro creates New American standards for an eclectic, upscale crowd.

Reviews:

• “does not live up to rave reviews”
• “All a restaurant can be!”
• “Overrated and disappointing”
• “Very good but entree was a miss”
• “Horrible service, 3 tries and couldn’t get my meal right”

Tips: The only exterior identification consists of an icon on the glass front door and a mosaic fork on the ground at the entrance.

Fork or email Fork

Upscale tribute to old-time Cuban soul food.

Reviews:

• “Over rated, over priced, incredibly slow service”
• “Leave your taste buds at the door”
• “Shaun Jolly great bartender!”
• “un-happy hour”
• “Perfect Service wonderful flavors”

Tips: Semi-private parties up to 47 guests can be accommodated.

Alma de Cuba

Refined park-side bistro serves petite French-Asian dishes.

Reviews:

• “service stinks”
• “TOP NOTCH FRENCH FRIES”
• “People Watching at it Best with Good Food”
• “Waste of Time – Strike Three”
• “Great Location, Good Food, Horrible Service!”

Tips: Dinner is served until 1am Tuesday through Saturday and till midnight Sunday and Monday.

Rouge

Sophisticated Old City restaurant and lounge serves New American cuisine, specialty drinks and dessert; Private party rooms available, DJs nightly.

Reviews:

• “I AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING: “The rudest management and owners I have ever met.”"
• “Boooring!”
• “Best BDay Ever!!!”
• “COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE CR@P”
• “Horrible service coupled with illness ruined a birthday night out”

Red Sky

Fusion cuisine and Rat Pack-style cocktails in a swanked-up diner.

Reviews:

• “Super place to eat cheap!”
• “Best Food and Drinks Around—Great Value”
• “very good food!”
• “Worst Brunch in awhile”
• “Good food, brunch”

Tips: Sunday-Wednesday, dinner is served until 11pm; Friday and Saturday until midnight. Seating can be comfy or scene-like, depending on the time of day.

The Continental