Guides
You’re seeing the show of a lifetime. What are you going to have for dinner?
By Alexandra Jones·
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Okay, you’ve shelled outfor ticketsfor Hamilton(or gotten lucky in the $10 lottery). We’re not sure that any meal could measure up to the performance, but you’ll want to strategize dining optionsconvenient to the Forrest Theatre at 11th and Walnut before and after — whether you’replanning a full-out itinerary for this special occasion or simply need quick sustenance between work and showtime (which is 7:30 p.m.). Here are our picks for the best places to eat before (or after) you see Hamilton in Philadelphia.
Where to Eat If You’re Bringing the Kids to Hamilton
Reading Terminal Market | Wikimedia Commons
We can only imagine that the process of corralling a brood through pre-theater dinner and into their seats on time is only marginally easier than getting Hamilton tickets in the first place. In that case, you’ll want to eat somewhere (a) close and (b) kid-friendly — why add more stress to what should be a magical evening?
If your kids can handle getting a little bit fancy, head to Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse, where they offer a kid’s menu version of their epic salad bar and meats carved tableside — and it’s just a block from the theater. Midcentury-inspired comfort food spotJones at 8th and Chestnut is another nearby place with lots of kid-friendly items on its dinner menu.
Another option: head to Reading Terminal Marketat 5 p.m. so everyone canchoose their own quick-serve, budget-friendly bites.Take aquick detourthrough Washington Square Parkto give the kidsa chance to run around and work out pent-up energy, thencircle back to the theater with plenty of time for bathroom breaks and getting the youngsters settled. If they’re good, everyone gets a treat from Scoop DeVille orBig Gay Ice Creamafter the show.
Where to Eat If You’re Going All-Out for Hamilton
Alpen Rose | Photo provided
If you put up the big bucks for tickets, you might as well go big with your pre-theater meal. The obvious choice for an unmatched experience is Vetri, just five blocks from the Forrest, or go with old-school glamour at Alpen Rose on 13th Street. Looking for an extra-specialvegan or vegetarian meal before the show?Make a reservation at Vedge,then go for post-show drinks at dark, sexy, plant-based Charlie Was a Sinner.
Where to Eat If You’reSeeingHamiltonfor Date Night
Talula’s Garden | Facebook
There’s no better excuse to do date night rightthan seeing Hamilton. Treat yourselves to the downstairs omakase at Double Knot on 13th Street, or make an early reservation on the patio at Talula’s Gardenon Washington Square for a farm-to-table feast.Hit Kanella Grill at 10th andSpruce for wood-fired Cypriot fare, or head to one of Safran Turney’s spots on 13th Street: Bud & Marilyn’s for fried chicken and frosé is our current favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with Mexican at Lolita, Spanish at Jamonera, Mediterranean at Barbuzzo, or red gravy Italianat Little Nonna’s.
If you’re on a budget — whether you got lucky in the $10 lottery or simply becauseyou spent all your cash getting tickets — hit up Sansom Street Kabob House at 13th and South, which offers romantic vibes and excellent Afghani fare a few blocks from the theater. Paprica on the 800 block of Sansom Street does great pide (Turkish pizza on the menu) and steak doner kebabs, or you can roll through the original Cheu Noodle Baron 10th Street for pre-show noods with your sweetie. Afterwards, hit Franky Bradley’sfor a nightcap or dancing.
Where to Eat If You’re Running Late to Hamilton
Wawa meatball hoagie
Hoagies. You’ll be thanking your lucky stars for the Wawaon Walnut Street between 9th and 10th when you’re racing against time to eat and get in your seat before the house lights go down. Don’t have time for the touch screen? They stack those soft pretzels right by the register for a reason.
If you’re squeezed for time but not desperately late, Spanish spotOloroso is practically across the street from the Forrest, and French bistro Caribou Cafe is just up the block.
Where toGet Drinks AfterHamilton in Philly
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For a casual hang and craft beers before or after the show, hit up Strangelove’s, just around the corner from the theater on 11th, orgrab some wings and a pint atMoriarty’s, just down the street from the theater. Head toTria Cafe at 12th and Spruce for wine, beer, and cheese boards curated by Philly’s own Madame Fromage.
If you’re heading north, walkthrough Chinatownto Hop Sing Laundromat for killer co*cktails afterwards (just make sure to bring your ID and brush up on the rules before you go).
