Where to have a small social banquet in Center City Philadelphia?

September 22, 2006 3:34 PM

PhiladelphiaSocialFilter: What are my organization's choices for a decent place to have a banquet with good food and a decent social atmosphere?

I'm organizing a banquet for my Toastmasters organization. We are looking for a place in Center City Philadelphia (we need easy access from public transit) that will be able to accomodate at least 20 people in some sort of secluded area (that will allow us to converse). We want a good social area (dancing, maybe) and good food. We are looking to spend anywhere from $40-$60/person.

In the past we've gone to Maggiano's, The Olive Garden, and The Melting Pot. We are looking for a better social atmosphere this time. Any suggestions?

posted by drkrdglo to food & drink (5 comments total)

FEZ!

It's a wonderful place, call for reservations.
posted by onedarkride at 3:58 PM on September 22, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

Good lord, ditch the chain restaurants.

I think you can rent out the back dining room of Nodding Head. It's an absolutely wonderful brewpub in Center City. The food is to die for (and includes stuff for vegetarians). But, the real highlight is the beer. The selection of beers varies by season (and sometimes week-to-week); every beer on tap is brewed in that building. It's exactly in your price range, if you have three or four pints with your meal.

The Standard Tap in Northern Liberties (feh) is also really nice. I don't know about seclusion, but they might be able to accomodate you.

Valanni might work, too.

Hope you find something with a little more charm than the Olive Garden.
posted by Netzapper at 5:45 PM on September 22, 2006

Mmm....Nodding Head.... (If you've ever been to Monk's, that's it's sister restaurant.) I recommend the fries -- the dipping sauce is delicious. (And the point of this post is that I recommend it as well.)
posted by inigo2 at 8:47 AM on September 23, 2006

Uh, this is a really small world..and I don't have an answer to your question..but we're in the same group.
posted by tozturk at 1:20 PM on September 23, 2006

Tulin! It really is a small world! I posted this question while in the officer meeting last week. I really like the Valanni Restraunt that was suggested (above).

Ooh and.. Tulin, I hope your place is okay after that freak accident last week! See ya next week.


And keep the suggestions coming!

Thanks.
posted by drkrdglo at 6:39 AM on September 24, 2006