The annual Center City District Restaurant Week (CCDRW) returns on Sunday, September 8, and runs through Saturday, September 21, which means it’s time to plan where to score the best lunch and dinner deals. This year is especially enticing with over 100 participating restaurants, plus new cocktail pairings featuring Suntory Global Spirits brands, A. Overholt whiskey and Tres Generaciones tequila.
For many Philadelphians, Restaurant Week is a rite of passage. And for many restaurants, it’s a much-needed lifeline after a slow summer season where locals are often out of town. In other words, guests play a big role in keeping the city’s nationally acclaimed restaurant scene thriving. After browsing the full list of deals, it's time to make a game plan. Here's how to do Restaurant Week right.
Take advantage of the $20 lunch deals
Philly is finally turning a corner post-pandemic when it comes to mid-day and all-day dining options—but there’s still a long way to go. Now’s the time to take advantage of a treat yo’self lunch outing, especially if you’re looking to sneak out of the office (RTO folks, we’re looking at you). At $20 for two courses, why not make it a Power Lunch with a potential new colleague, mentor, business partner or that person who’s always asking to “pick your brain”?
Experience a high-priced tasting menu for less
Not sure if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a multi-course, multi-hour meal? Get a crash course in formal dining during Restaurant Week. Tasting menus easily cost $100+ and do not include a beverage pairing, so why not test the waters at a more affordable price if you’re new to prix-fixe formats? Restaurant Week has two dinner options for three-course dinners priced at $40 and $60, so here’s your chance to book some high-profile restaurant reservations.
Treat the staff and support local hospitality folks
Philly’s hospitality scene keeps getting national attention—but it’s the folks taking your orders, making your drinks, and greeting you at the door that keeps this industry running. Customer service goes two ways, and restaurants tend to get slammed during Restaurant Week, so make it a point to be friendly and patient and tip at least 20 percent.
Here’s a tip: Small talk at the bar is appreciated when you’re genuinely interested in getting to know the person behind it. Ask a bartender what their favorite spirit is right now or about underrated cocktails; don’t be afraid to ask about non-alcoholic options, most bar programs in this city are well equipped to whip up an interesting mocktail. Ask staff for their recommendations. What are the can't-miss dishes to order? What are sleeper hits? And if you enjoyed their suggestions, say so. Also, feel free to introduce yourself if the vibe feels right. You’ll want to remember staff names and faces for the next time you come back.
Finally, try the new restaurant you've been eyeing
Got a restaurant must-visit list? Here are 20 of the best restaurants in the city to book a Restaurant Week reservation right now. If you’ve been meaning to visit a spot but just haven’t made the time or totally forgot they’re still open, now’s the time to go. With a dynamic dining scene, there is a restaurant for just about every palette in town, even for your gluten-free and plant-based friends.
Consider becoming a regular
If you loved a particular experience, share that feedback with the staff and then book your next reservation before you leave. The best restaurants feel like an extension of home; they’re where you can find community and where you walk away feeling nourished and taken care of.
Restaurant Week can be the reason why you fall in love with a restaurant and become a regular. A successful Restaurant Week isn’t about getting the most bang for your buck; it’s about finding your new go-to neighborhood restaurant that you brag to all your friends and come back to again and again.