Whether you’re local to Philadelphia or flying into the city to celebrate your wedding day, your rehearsal dinner and/ or wedding welcome party will kick off your festivities. Because it’s known as the first wedding experience for your wedding party and immediate family, we’re asked often to offer advice on some of the best rehearsal dinner locations in Philadelphia. So, we decided it was time to update our original rehearsal dinner list and share everything you need to know about 15 spots below! These locations include venues perfect for intimate dinners, private parties, and experiences unique to Philadelphia. Take a look, and let us know where you plan to dine.
Intimate Dining:
Audrey Claire: One of our favorite features about Audrey Claire is their open kitchen. From the space, which is located near Rittenhouse Square, they serve a unique Mediterranean menu and it’s also BYOB. As a note, parties of 24 and less are considered “large parties”; however, groups of 45 can rent out the space.
Lolita: A recommendation for excellent Mexican is a requirement for a Philadelphia rehearsal dinner list, and Lolita is our top choice. Their menu features Mexican favorites, like margaritas, tacos, and enchiladas. But, expect to also find innovative salads, taquizas, and carne asada. Located steps away from Broad Street and City Hall, the location feels quintessentially Philly.
Talula’s Daily: If a cozy feel is what you’re envisioning, look no further than Talula’s Daily. The restaurant is a cross between a local neighborhood market and a café, and their menu is filled with options that offer a taste of innovative home cooking.
Private Party:
Barbuzzo: One of our favorite spots to dine is also a great option for rehearsal dinners! Barbuzzo offers Mediterranean style cuisine, and they recently revealed their second-floor renovation. The space now offers a new private dining area for seated receptions for up to 55 guests.
Continental Midtown: Continental Midtown is known for its modern décor and tapas style menu featuring bold flavors. You can easily reserve space in their main dining room or a semi private space for a larger dinner. However, it’s their rooftop deck that offers the most unique Philadelphia experience!
Harper’s Garden: Gardens always feel like a welcome respite in Philadelphia, and Harper’s Garden provides diners with the option to celebrate inside or outside. Regardless of where you and your rehearsal dinner guests sit, you can expect to experience a locally sourced and seasonally inspired menu of dishes and plenty of signature cocktails. Harper’s Garden is located in Rittenhouse Square.
Hotel Palomar: We wanted to make sure to highlight a hotel, and Hotel Palomar always offers a more boutique experience. Located in between City Hall and Rittenhouse Square, Hotel Palomar offers couples the opportunity to share their rehearsal dinner with friends and family during a private dining experience in the venue’s library.
Little Nonna’s: When friends, family, or couples are visiting from out of town, we’re often asked to provide restaurant recommendations. Little Nonna’s is always at the top of our list! Known for their classic Italian dishes, this venue is a wonderful option both for their menu as well as your ability to buy out the space for a truly private dining experience.
Osteria: In 2010, Chef Jeff Michaud earned the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Mid Atlantic” thanks to the menu and experience he creates at Osteria. Known for their innovative take on Italian cuisine, everything included on Osteria’s menu is authentic and homemade. The interior is industrial, and there are private dining rooms to create a more intimate environment to dine with your rehearsal dinner guests.
Positano Coast: Positano is one of the most popular cities to visit along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and Positano Coast’s menu and interior spaces are reminiscent of the area. Their menu can be customized for your rehearsal dinner, and the Sirenuse room is a great option because it can accommodate up to 30 guests. Of course, they also have larger spaces should you need more room.
Pub & Kitchen: When you think of Pub & Kitchen, farm-to-table should definitely come to mind. They have created both a menu and environment that truly feels like a neighborhood pub. We love that it’s located steps away from Rittenhouse Square, and we also love the upstairs Pabbit Room that can host up to 30 guests for a seated meal.
Unique Experience:
Harp & Crown: Operated by Philadelphia favorite Schulson Collective, Harp & Crown’s space features soaring ceilings and chandeliers mixed with statement wallpaper, and the menu is highlighted by New American cuisine. Although you and your guests cannot go wrong with anything you order, the true star of the show is the two-lane bowling alley located under the main room.
Heritage: We recommend Heritage for a few different reasons. First, their menu features an ever-evolving variety of craft beers and a menu that’s locally and seasonally sourced. Plus, there’s live music, and Heritage is located in a cool neighborhood with a very local feel – Northern Liberties.
Philadelphia Distilling: To take a note from their timeline, in 2005 Philadelphia Distilling became “the first craft distillery to open in the State of Pennsylvania since Prohibition”. Now, they are known for their gin, absinthe, and vodka, which are all made at their distillery in Fishtown. Cocktails are obviously on the menu, and they also offer items such as clams, oysters, burgers, and more. Plan to host your rehearsal here on a Thursday or Friday night – parties of 10+ cannot be accommodated on Saturdays.
Yards Brewing Company: Known as “Philly’s Brewery”, Yards Brewing Company specializes in craft beer. As one of the most well-known breweries in Philadelphia, hosting your rehearsal dinner at Yards Brewing Company will offer your guests a true taste of the city in a completely unique space. The Garage will be your best bet for rehearsal dinners of up to 45 guests, and their locally sourced menu paired with shuffleboard, pool, and widescreen TVs promises a more relaxed vibe.
