Dinner and a show? Try these pre-theatre dinner ideas in Philadelphia and the suburbs

-Courtesy of Punch Media
Almyra’s Spanakopita Manti by Gab Bonghi

As the curtains rise on Philadelphia’s buzzing arts and entertainment scene this spring, so does one’s appetite to complement the experience. Looking for some conveniently located pre-show dinner spots? From cozy gastropubs to chic seafood houses, elevate the pre-show dining experience with these options:

Ocean Prime (124 South 15^th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102) the classic steak and seafood-forward modern American restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, invites show attendees and early diners alike to partake in their Early Dining Menu, available Monday through Friday from 4 – 6pm. Priced at $60 per person, this posh, three-course pre fixe boasts classic menu highlights in the starter section such as Lobster Bisque, with butter-poached lobster and Ocean Prime House Salad, comprised of romaine, field greens, granny smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts, topped with a sherry mustard vinaigrette.Followed by choices such as Branzino, with artichoke, broccolini, celery root purée, and lemon caper jus, and 8 Oz Filet Mignon, served with buttered asparagus and Cabernet jus, and dessert offerings of Five Layer Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Torte, and a rotating Chef’s selection of Ice Cream or Sorbet. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable. 

Red Owl Tavern (433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) the contemporary kitchen and bar located across from Independence Hall in Old City, presents Dinner and a Show, a three-course meal experience priced at $45 per person. This offering allows guests to select one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert from a curated menu. For starters, indulge in the Potato Pierogi served with maitake mushrooms, cippolini onions, and chive crème fraîche, or savor the Crispy Meatballs complemented by marsarpone polenta, grant padano, and basil. Moving on to the main course, the savory Chicken Schnitzel is served with brown butter spätzle, parmesan fondue, and braised greens, and the flavorful Sweet Potato Risotto featuring miso pumpkin butter, crispy sage, and spiced pepitas. Additionally, a vegan option of Cauliflower Shawarma crafted with farro, pomegranate, and tahini verde is available to cater to diverse palates. Followed by dessert options like Butterscotch Parfait paired with diplomat crème and gingersnap, and Vegan Olive Oil Gateaux topped with citrus marmalade. 

Square 1682 (121 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) the modern American restaurant and award-winning bar located on 17th and Sansom Streets, extends a warm welcome to theatre aficionados with its exclusive Theatre Pre Fixe menu. Priced at $55 per person, this four-course meal is available exclusively Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 6 pm. The menu begins with a welcoming course of Cornbread with honey butter, followed by a choice of Shrimp Cocktail, Grilled Caesar Salad, or Wedge Salad for the first course. For the second course, guests can select from options such as 12 Oz NY Strip Steak, Pan Seared Salmon, Roasted Chicken, or Coconut Curry. To conclude the meal, dessert offerings include Warm Apple Crisp or Mango Parfait.

Oloroso (1121 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107) Philadelphia’s premier Spanish tapas restaurant and sherry bar in the heart of Center City, is conveniently situated near a slew of Philadelphia’s renowned theaters making it the perfect locale for a pre-show meal. The menu showcases an enticing variety of small plates, including the Shishito Peppers ($10) and Charred Octopus ($22) accompanied by muhammara, fennel, black olives, and mombasa, as well as larger options like the Crispy Pork Belly ($18) served with fennel, turnip, nora pepper, peach agrodolce, and almonds, and the Wood Grilled NY Strip ($22) accompanied by roasted peppers, green onion, and salsa verde.

The Hayes (1123 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107) a contemporary American tavern and gastropub in the heart of Midtown Village and a part of the acclaimed Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group, presents a diverse selection of small and large plates conveniently positioned in the theater vicinity. Among the small plates offered are Steak Tartare accompanied by fingerling chips, cornichon, and roasted garlic aioli ($18), Spicy Charred Broccoli ($15) with furikake and chili oil, and Baked Feta served with cherry tomatoes and confit garlic Castelvetrano olives ($12). Larger options include the Gnocchi Bolognese ($24) served with whipped ricotta, and the Seared Salmon ($28) accompanied by confit fingerling potatoes, leeks, and frisée.

Almyra (1636 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103) is only an eight-minute walk to the Kimmel Center,, Rittenhouse’s new modern Greek restaurant and bar from the acclaimed Estia Restaurant Group, is the perfect spot to pop in to enjoy a pre-show bite or cocktail. Enjoy Mezze such as the Almyra Chips ($15) served with tzatziki; Spanakopita Manti ($14) composed of spinach, feta, leeks and served with tzatziki; or Charred Octopus ($18) with fava, capers and vinaigrette. For those who would like to enjoy a libation before the theatre, sip on flavorful cocktails such as Petalouda ($15) with vodka, mastiha, elderflower and butterfly pea tea; Anthos ($14) made with gin, grapes, rosemary and lillet; and the Zesto ($16)with chipotle tequila, mezcal, pineapple and lime. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made here. 

Panorama (14 Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) Philadelphia’s premier wine bar boasting a Guinness World Record wine keeper offering over 120 wines on tap, is ideal for those on the hunt for freshly made pasta and elevated Italian cuisine before (or after) enjoying a show at the Arden Theatre. A two-minute walk from the auditorium, play goers are encouraged to taste Italian staples and classics like the Burrata ($16) with cow’s milk burrata, blood orange fig and chestnut honey; Gnocchi Tartufo($29), homemade pillows of potato & ricotta Gnocchi, truffle cheese, and local cream; and Lobster Ravioli ($34), homemade ravioli filled with lobster & ricotta in a lobster reduction with a touch of cream. Indulge in either a delicious cocktail such as the Rosé Negroni ($18) with Bluecoat Gin, Istine Organic Sangiovese Rosé Vermouth BitteRoma Bianco & Rosso, Orange Twist served over ice, or one of Panorama’s featured wine flights, composed of five, 1.5oz glasses of each one.

Stella of New Hope (50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938) Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located in the Ghost Light Inn with 180 degree views of the Delaware River, is located conveniently next door to the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, an hour outside of Philadelphia. Guests can enjoy a meal riverside with flavorful dishes such as the Pan Roasted Day Boat Sea Scallops ($41)with curried cauliflower, beluga lentils, purple cauliflower, cilantro-macadamia nut pesto and pickled golden raisins; Parisian Gnocchi ($18) with stilton blue & fig jam sauce, Asian pears, toasted walnuts, crispy prosciutto, black pepper and truffle honey; and Mole Spice Roasted Baby Squash and Zucchini ($28) with sweet corn arepa, roasted tomato salsa roja, pepita pesto, chevre filled squash blossom and cotija cheese. The menu pairs perfectly with pre-show cocktails such as the Orchid Beach ($17) made with vodka, grapefruit, rosemary & honey, citrus, the Back Pocket Dogma ($17) with rye, applejack, sherry, orange-cardamom, and bitters and Stella Spritz ($17) made with cranberry vodka, apple cider, amaro, and sparkling wine.