Here are new restaurants, bars, a dedicated event space, and a museum suitable for off-site meetings, client entertaining, or even large-scale events in Philadelphia.
A popular American pub in University City, City Tap House opened a second location in Logan Square in November. The rustic, beer-centric venue features reclaimed wood, a Planar video wall, 40 beers on tap, two cask engines, and an open kitchen. Private and semiprivate rooms hold 50 guests for receptions or seat 40. A full buyout seats as many as 130.
Consistently ranked as one of Philadelphia's top restaurants, Vetri in Washington Square West converted its second-floor office space into a private dining room and kitchen in July. The elegant dining area holds 30 guests for receptions or seats 16. Across the hall, cooking classes can be customized for groups of as many as 10 people in the demo kitchen. The new spaces evoke the same rustic charm and elegance as the main dining room but offer the benefit of a dedicated kitchen, chef's counter, dining space, and service staff.
The Franklin Institute debuted the most significant expansion in its history in June. The state-of-the-art Nicholas & Athena Karabots Pavilion, a 53,000-square-foot addition, houses the signature “Your Brain” exhibit, a series of traveling displays, and the Laureates Conference Center. The first-floor conference facility measures 5,000 square feet and includes two classroom spaces and two adjoining event rooms. In total, Laureates holds as many as 200 guests for receptions or seats 150. The meeting site offers audiovisual capabilities, a dedicated concierge staff, and cuisine from longtime Franklin Institute catering partner Frog Commissary.
Formerly a Civil War-era textile mill, Moulin at Sherman Mills opened in May as a 20,000-square-foot dedicated event space. After a slew of building renovations, from a new roof to interior paint jobs, the East Falls venue is well-suited for large gatherings of as many as 750 guests. The industrial-chic space is a blank canvas that can be customized. Brûlée Catering by chef Jean-Marie Lacroix provides locally sourced, creative cuisine. It offers flexible set-up times and built-in audiovisiual capabilities.
CoZara brings an upscale sushi experience to University City. Chef Hiroyuki "Zama" Tanaka, of popular eatery Zama in Rittenhouse Square, opened the spot in April. The 3,400-square-foot B.Y.O.B. restaurant holds as many as 160 guests. A terrace and the interior offer several private areas for small groups.
Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn and his family opened a Philadelphia outpost of their D.C.-area chain Good Stuff Eatery in May. Located near Rittenhouse Square, the casual spot specializes in burgers, fries, and shakes with a modern twist; think toasted marshmallow shakes and hamburgers topped with dairy-fresh cheese, bacon, and a fried egg. The 2,600-square-foot venue seats 80 or holds 170 for receptions. Communal tables on the second level allow for individual plates or family-style dining.
