5 New Venues in Philadelphia for Fall 2020 Meetings and Events

Añejo Philly, an offshoot of Añejo’s two Manhattan locations, opened its doors at the Piazza in Northern Liberties in July. Throughout the 2,800-square-foot space, reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and crystal chandeliers create a stylish atmosphere that complements the modern Mexican menu. Alongside dishes like duck enchiladas, blistered shishito pepper tacos, and octopus tostadas, guests can partake in specialty margaritas, a wide range of tequilas, Mexican Coca-Cola, Jarritos beverages, and Topo Chico. For events, the restaurant seats as many as 60 guests in the main dining room and 30 in the bar area, and the space can be divided for smaller parties. When weather permits, the outdoor patio accommodates as many as 85 seated guests.

Who says a venue has to be just one thing? SET NoLibs, which opened in Northern Liberties in August, is part neighborhood eatery, part sports bar, and part Asian-fusion bar. The decor pays homage to Philly and its hometown sports teams, with decorative light installations, locally made one-of-a-kind art, bright colors, classic sports memorabilia, and more than 10 televisions. Like the atmosphere, the menu draws from a variety of influences, with dishes like jalapeno cheeseburger spring rolls, banh mi chicken tacos, and cajun garlic buttered clams. Spanning 2,400 square feet, the restaurant includes a 48-seat main dining room, a 30-seat private dining room, a bar, and a lounge. For cocktail-style events that utilize the entire space, the restaurant can accommodate as many as 150 guests. Sidewalk and courtyard seating is available when weather permits.

As of July, the Spring Arts District is home to Juno, a 3,000-square-foot Mexican-American restaurant. Scallop ceviche, tacos al pastor, and queso fundito are just a few of the enticing choices on the menu, which features classic Mexican dishes made using locally sourced ingredients. Patrons can also enjoy cocktails that incorporate house-made syrups and infusions; draft wine, cocktails, beer, and cider; and bottles of beer kept cold in ice-filled tableside wheelbarrows. The decor at this open-air spot, which accommodates as many as 120 guests depending on the setup, brings in elements of the outdoors, with a cheerful color scheme, vibrant murals, and live plants and flowers. The space is equipped for live music and DJs, and in colder months a tented roof and heaters make Juno a year-round destination.

Boasting 236 guest rooms, Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City opened in the East Market neighborhood’s historic Stephen Girard Building in August. Planners can host meetings ranging from 16 to 100 people in the hotel’s 3,600 square feet of meeting space, which includes two convertible board rooms, a prefunction room with a full kitchen, an outdoor patio, and the on-site restaurant, The Wayward. The look of the property blends old and new, including Beaux-Arts architecture, bold colors and patterns, and elements inspired by modern street art and hip-hop culture. During their stay, guests can enjoy complimentary bike rentals, a 24-hour fitness center, and locally curated retail products.

Steak 48 expanded to the Philadelphia market in September. Set on Avenue of the Arts, the premium steakhouse offers a refined dining experience, with a menu that includes entrees like USDA prime steaks, ultra-premium wagyu beef, and locally sourced seafood. At the bar, Steak 48 pours specialty cocktails, more than 48 wines by the glass, and 650 by the bottle. Throughout the 12,000-square-foot restaurant, private dining spaces on the ground floor seat between 16 and 52 people and include features like flat-screen TVs and views of Broad Street. The mezzanine and second-floor levels also feature semiprivate dining options. In total, the venue seats as many as 450 diners, who love to watch the culinary magic happen through the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a glimpse into the expo kitchen.