Here's a look at the best new Philadelphia restaurants, corporate event venues, hotels, conference centers, and private and party rooms to open for events this summer. These new and renovated Philadelphia venues can accommodate groups large or small for private and corporate events, conferences, meetings, weddings, business dinners, teambuilding activities, cocktail parties, and more.
In March, the Westin Philadelphia completed a $10 million renovation, including a complete redesign of its public spaces and a soft remodel of its 294 guest rooms and suites. The Center City hotel features 17,000 square feet of meeting space and breakout rooms that can hold groups of as many as 700 people. Meeting rooms now offer an open layout that lets in natural light, and PSAV has an office on site to handle audiovisual needs. Guests staying on the property can take advantage of amenities like the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, Winthorpe & Valentine restaurant, and Heavenly Bed and Bath products.
For off-site retreats, consider Camelback Lodge in the Pocono Mountains, a two-hour drive from Philadelphia. The resort opened a 20,000-square-foot Meeting and Conference Center in May, which includes 7,800 square feet of ballroom space, a 4,000-square-foot prefunction area, and a 2,000-square-foot breakout room. In total, the event space holds as many as 625 guests. The 453-room property also features Aquatopia, the largest indoor water park in the Northeast, and offers outdoor personal development and teambuilding activities like a treetop ropes course, mountain Segway tours, and a 1,000-foot tandem zip line. An additional 20,000 square feet of meeting space is available at the resort's nearby sister properties.
Fishtown's popular butcher shop and restaurant Kensington Quarters added a second-floor private dining area in late 2014. The space includes a demo kitchen and can be used for parties, dinners, brunches, and cooking classes. The new space totals 1,000 square feet and seats 20 or holds 50 for receptions. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant has rustic charm, evidenced by the farmhouse-style atmosphere and culinary focus on whole-animal butchery.
Helmed by prolific chef Jose Garces, Garces Trading Company converted its on-site wine shop into a private dining room in May. The enclosed space seats 20 guests, while the entire restaurant seats 130. The menu at the European-style café and bar draws influence from the chef’s travels throughout western Europe, with staples such as artisanal flatbreads, homemade cheeses, charcuterie, and a rotating selection of macarons for dessert.
In April, the Victoria Freehouse renovated its second floor and reopened the space as Front Street Dive, complete with a new bar and dedicated bathroom. The 1,200-square-foot event space seats 20 guests, but it is more conducive to cocktail-style receptions for as many as 50 people. The menu includes British-inspired pub food and house-infused spirits. As its name implies, the Old City spot has a relaxed and casual vibe. Karaoke is available upon request.
Midtown Village welcomed U-Bahn to its roster of bars and restaurants in March. The underground space measures roughly 3,000 square feet and holds 200 for receptions. The bar seats 30 people, but planners can bring in extra chairs and tables as needed. The clubhouse-style venue includes modern and industrial touches, including a 20-foot-long granite bar, old-school arcade games, and authentic railroad ties. As a live music venue, U-Bahn is equipped with sound and video capabilities as well as a built-in stage. Two private alcoves, located in what once were the building's elevator shafts, provide quiet V.I.P. areas.
The Juice Merchant, a contemporary and chic healthy eatery, is slated to open in Manayunk later this summer. While the menu will feature a selection of light bites, salads, sandwiches and, of course, juices, the decor will be inspired by a mid-century soda shop. Vegan, raw, organic, and locally sourced food options will be available. The 1,000-square-foot venue will seat 20 or hold about 40 for receptions. A portion of the proceeds from all juices and smoothies will benefit Philabundance, a local food bank.
With room for 34 seats, Luna Café debuted its renovated space in February. The 800-square-foot café offers a rustic and bohemian atmosphere and is available for buyouts. The seasonal menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and bistro-style dishes.
In March, Helm Byob restaurant opened in South Kensington. The 1,000-square-foot B.Y.O.B. venue seats 40 guests for intimate gatherings. The food offerings change daily, depending on what's freshest at the farmer's market, but the restaurant can work with planners to create a tailored menu.
From the chef and owner of perennial Philadelphia favorite Supper comes Scratch Biscuits, set to open later this month. The casual, Southern-style shop will serve a rotating menu of biscuit sandwiches, side dishes, desserts, and beverages. The 1,200-square-foot space can be reserved for private events and seats 40 or holds 50 for receptions. A Bluetooth-enabled sound system will be available for planners to use.
