- Ava - Named for Chef Michael Campagna’s seven-year-old daughter, this family-owned Italian BYOB serves up homemade gnocchi and the popular fish bronzino. Currently, it’s dinner-only. 518 S. 3rd Street, (215) 922-3282
- Bliss - Contemporary American and Asian-style dishes, such as sweet and sour crispy red snapper, are served at this modern, upscale restaurant located steps from The Kimmel Center on the Avenue of the Arts. 224 S. Broad Street, (215) 731-1100
- Cafe Lift - Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this airy BYOB bistro, serving eclectic, Mediterranean fare in the suddenly hip Loft District just north of Chinatown, has quickly become a popular staple for the area’s new residents - and the word is spreading. 428 N. 13th Street, (215) 922-3031, www.cafelift.com
- Johnny Brenda’s - The owners of Standard Tap have branched out into Fishtown with this corner bar that offers local beers on draught and serves large portions of inexpensive and delicious fare from a menu that changes daily, much like its sibling restaurant in Northern Liberties. 1201 Frankford Avenue, (215) 634-8923
- Matyson - A simple, yet elegant space complements the eclectic fare well at this warm and popular new BYOB a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square. 37 S. 19th Street, (215) 564-2925
- Next - Chef Terry Owens serves creative continental cuisine including entrees such as olive-studded chicken and bacon-wrapped Monkfish "Osso Bucco" at this 55-seat new Old City BYOB on South Street. 223 South Street, (215) 629-8688
- The Orchard - The Orchard is the first restaurant of chef/owner James A. Howard who has worked in the kitchens of Le Bec-Fin and Buddakan. This 45-seat BYOB in Delaware County specializes in New American cuisine. 503 Orchard Avenue, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1100
- Pad Thai - This casual, family-friendly restaurant near South Street offers a wide selection of Thai and Bangkok cuisine, including pad thai and many curry dishes. It is presently a BYOB until a liquor license is obtained. 606 S. 2nd Street, (215) 592-1168
- Tragos - A premium tequila bar that features an extensive tapas menu provided by Las Locas, this luxe lounge is the latest entry to the area just north of Rittenhouse Square that is quickly becoming one of the city’s newest hotspots. 38 S. 19th Street, (215) 636-9901, www.tragoslounge.com
In the Countryside
- Bridgetown Mill House - Find old-fashioned charm and new creative American cuisine at this historic Bucks County restaurant. The $35 "Innkeeper’s Special " is a three-course dinner offered Tuesday through Thursday that might include Maine lobster soup, aged filet mignon and homemade sorbet. In addition, the restaurant serves a $24 prix-fixe lunch Tuesday through Friday and an $85 six-course tasting menu Tuesday through Saturday. 760 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, (215) 752-8996
- Fayette Street Grill - This cozy, New American BYOB offers a $29.50 prix-fixe dinner daily that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Diners can choose from a choice of seven appetizers, eight main courses and five desserts. Sample entrees include Chilean sea bass, New York strip steak and duck breast. 308 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, (610) 567-0366
- Restaurant Taquet - This well respected French restaurant hosts a six-course tasting dinner priced at $75 per person and a three-course business lunch for $20 per person. Lunch and dinner served Monday through Saturday. Wayne Hotel, 139 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (610) 687-5005
- Roux 3 - Arrive early to take advantage of the "Dine At Dusk" menu at this sophisticated 160-seat restaurant in Delaware County. The two-course $15 menu includes soup or salad and a choice of one of two entrees selected by the chef. Some sample entrees include apple honey-glazed pork loin and seared salmon. 4755 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 356-5976
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia's official regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region's economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com. For information about arts and cultural attractions in the region, click on the CultureFiles link.
