Center City Restaurant Week is coming up September 18—30, offering diners a three-course dinner for $40, and (at some places) three-course lunch for $25 at dozens of great restaurants around town. Participating restaurants are offering their multi-course prix-fixe menus for dining in (both indoors and outdoors). As debuted last year due to Covid, some restaurants are continuing to offer the option to take advantage of the deals with takeout as well.

 

While this modification is due to Covid limitations and concerns, it has a secondary effect for parents. In normal times, Restaurant Week means either hiring a babysitter (canceling out the discounted menu) or—with our expert help—being strategic and picking kid-friendly menus and places. Which is great, and which we are still going to help you do, because going places is very exciting these days, let’s be honest. Plus, since much dining is outdoors, you might be able to be a little more flexible in where you take the family (though you’ll definitely need a reservation since seating is very limited).

 

But, additionally, if you can’t grab that reservation—or if you just want to eat some fancy adult food and cocktails at home while you hand your toddler a PB&J —we are including a section on that below too! So, mask up, pack extra hand sanitizer, tip well, and let’s get started!

Dining Out

Bud and Marilyn’s

1234 Locust St.

 

Participating in dinner and takeout, this retro American comfort food spot has plenty of options for your inner child and your actual child. The cheese curds are a must! Since they’re located on the corner, they wrap around with plenty of outdoor dining options, and indoor dining is also available. They’re also offering takeout!

Devon Seafood Grill

225 S. 18th St.

 

Participating in lunch, dinner, and takeout, this Rittenhouse Square standby lets you get fancy with views of the park—so why not? Lunch is probably a better deal (and vibe) if you’re bringing the kids; though if your little one isn’t interested in the fancier courses, get them chicken tenders or mac & cheese off the kids’ menu, and treat yourself—plus a cocktail or two. Even better, you can dine on the sidewalk (be sure to get reservations) or do takeout and have a picnic in the park!

Bai Wei

1038 Race Street

 

Offering both lunch and dinner, Bai Wei’s extensive dim sum menu has everything. The menu also has favorites like soup dumplings, General Tso Chicken, fried rice, and much more. This is one of the Restaurant Week spots with way more options per menu course, so if your family members have many different preferences, it’s a great place to try.

Gran Caffe L’Aquila

1716 Chestnut St.

 

Gran Caffe L’Aquila really gets us, because their $25 lunch and $40 dinner menus have optional wine pairings listed for each item. So in addition to Italian favorites like bruschette, burrata, arancini, and many pastas, you can have an expertly selected wine, whether you choose to dine in or takeout. If you’re dining out with kids, the lunch menu is probably the more accessible, but both have great choices and end with desserts like gelato and more favorites.

LaScala’s Fire

615 Chestnut St.

 

Offering $40 dinner with indoor and outdoor seating, this place is sure to please kids and adults alike with its wood-fired pizzas and other Italian favorites.

The Twisted Tail

509 S. Second St.

 

Offering four courses for $40, The Twisted Tail’s Restaurant Week menu has everything from mussels to fried chicken and beyond. There is a wide variety of options, and you’ll definitely leave full. In addition to the specials, The Twisted Tail has a $9 kids’ menu, so if your kids are picky (or don’t eat much), you can still bring them along and enjoy the deals yourself. This restaurant also offers takeout for Restauarant Week.

Takeout

Now it really gets fun, because if the grownups want to indulge in an impromptu at-home date night after bedtime (or just eat more complex foods than the kids will tolerate), you can get takeout just for you!

Cuba Libre

10 S. Second St,

 

Offering a three-course dinner for $40, Cuba Libre’s Restaurant Week menu features favorites like Pineapple Guacamole Cubano, Black Bean Soup, Empanadas, and classic Cuban entrees. For dessert, choose between Tres Leches or Cuban Flan.

Caribou Café

1126 Walnut St.

 

This popular French bistro is participating in Restaurant Week for both lunch and dinner, with takeout options. So put the kids to bed, pour some wine, and dine on pate, escargots, steak frites, and many more options (including vegetarian picks) for a fancy at-home date night.

Indeblue

205 S. 13th St.

 

This upscale Indian restaurant has a fantastic dinner menu for dine-in or takeout. You’ll find favorites like chaat, paneer, and makahani with lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options as well. For dessert, you don’t have to choose– you get pumpkin ice cream with crumble and chocolate pot de creme!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead photograph courtesy of Visit Philly.