Post # 1
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
Please help me brainstorm rehearsal dinner locations. I’m looking for center city or reasonably close to my venue at 19th and Walnut.
The tricky part is this – we need a bathroom on the main floor. We have a very important guest in a wheel chair. She can do a couple of steps up to get into the restaurant if need be. However she cannot do a full set down to a basement bathroom which is so common here.
No cuisine restrictions. No real budget restrictions. Friday Night, September 27th. Thans gals!
Post # 3
Member
45534 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Post # 4
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
@julies1949: Yep, I tried googling. I thought I could get some personal recommendations from gals who have been through the rehearsal dinner venue hunt before or just who love to eat out.
I’m considering Audrey Claire. Anyone host a bigger party there?
Post # 5
Member
45534 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@Andyisgreat: Chowhounds is a Board for foodies.
Post # 6
Member
140 posts
Blushing bee
Let me know what you hear about Audrey Claire! I read somewhere that they have a crazy high restaurant buy-out price (in addition to the cost of food). If you inquire, please share!
Vernick might be a good try, though I don’t know how they handle big events. Estia has private rooms, though I don’t know about the bathroom issue. How far are you willing to go? Do you want walking distance?
Post # 7
Member
5425 posts
Bee Keeper
Audrey Claire is byo, cash only, no reservations on any other night. I imagine they will be expensive.
Post # 8
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
@MASPA: Buyout price on Audrey Claire is $8k. And the search continues!
Post # 9
Member
140 posts
Blushing bee
@Andyisgreat: HOLY COW!!! That was one of our top choices…but I guess our search will continue, too! That’s insane!!!
Post # 10
Member
473 posts
Helper bee
Here’s a blog from someone in a wheelchair and he mentioned XIX: http://travelinginawheelchair.com/accessible-restaurants.html
It makes me think of other similar restaurants (with elevators used for access): Bistro St. Tropez, R2L, Davio’s.
Post # 11
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
@sweetpea1813: Yeah, I though “Oh, BYO. We’ll save money!” Nope, not at 8k. That was for a Friday night FYI.
Looks like it’s going to be Continental Midtown. On the roofop oddly enough, because they have an elevator so our guests in wheelchair won’t have any issues.
Post # 12
Member
140 posts
Blushing bee
@Andyisgreat: I mean, that is just crazy! I guess they’re really raking in the dough on an average Friday night. My RD will be on the 4th of July so I was thinking maybe they wouldn’t be as busy on that night so they might be willing to lower the buy-out…but even if they cut the buy-out in half (which I’m sure they wouldn’t), it’s still crazy expensive if it doesn’t include food!!! Continental is a good choice! I think our top choice is now Zahav, even though it’s not within walking distance of the hotel.
Post # 13
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
@sweetpea1813: My understanding was that the buyout amount does include food. Basically, you have to cover the amount that they normally make on that night. So to get the entire restaurant we had to spend $8k on food, and if we didn’t our bill would still be 8k.
I found a lot of restaunrants to be around 4k. Looking both in South Philly and Center City. Ultimately we wanted to keep it easy for our guests, most of whom are staying at the Westin or Sofitel so center city made way more sense since everyone can walk.
Post # 14
Member
140 posts
Blushing bee
@Andyisgreat: Yes we are doing Sofitel, also. Good to know that that includes food, but I still don’t think we are looking to spend $8K + alcohol 😉 $4K is much more reasonable!!
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