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Might some native of the city of brotherly/sisterly love be willing to pick out a good, reasonably-priced restaurant near the concert venue for a meet-up? I'd do it myself, but don't live or know the city that well, and have never been to a meet-up.
I'm going to query Jarkko to see if forum members might be able to meet band members before the concert, as has sometimes been the case.

Hi Goldstei, when you decide, can you count me in please? Can't wait, it's my first concert with a prime seat...
p.s. Didn't Rocky Balboa have a restaurant in Philadelphia? LOL. I am looking forward to seeing and walking (not running) up the steps he made famous in this city...

I work near the Spectrum and know the area reasonably well. The Spectrum is in South Philadelphia near all of the other stadiums for Basketball, Baseball and Football. There are not many close restaurants near the Spectrum. Are you looking for a restaurant and bar combination? There is a Sports Bar called Chickie’s and Pete’s at 1526 Packer Ave that is big enough to house a crowd, get food or something to drink and people can mingle. I was at the Beacon Concert and some of us meet after at an Irish pub and this would be a close match, just 3X larger. This location is where a lot of people meet before they go to an event at one of the South Philadelphia concert or sports venues. You can also get your famous Philadelphia Cheese Steaks here if you need a fix. Its walk able (long) from the Spectrum, but there is plenty of parking and it can be a place for meeting before and/or after the concert. Other nice options are available but you need to move further away from the Spectrum and into South Philadelphia. Please let me know if you need any other options. Glad to help

Thanks much for the very helpful previous post. It does sound like perhaps dining right near the Spectrum won't work out. Can you give us clues about public transport to the Spectrum--i.e. is there a subway stop nearby? Is there a good place to eat in the downtown area near a subway stop that will take us there?

Trish, you are in for a treat! I can't wait either--and I've been to four concerts already!

The Broad Street Subway line runs straight down Broad Street to the Spectrum at the Patterson Station (Station is right next to the Spectrum). Although it’s been years since I took the subway, I looked on the web on the SEPTA web site and found that the train runs every 8 to 10 minutes. One very nice Italian restaurant close to the Spectrum that I recommend is one subway stop north at the Oregon Station and about 100 yards north on the station side. Its called Crinitti’s at 2611 South Broad Street. Great Italian food and you will not be disappointed. Downtown at the City Hall Station (about a 12 minute subway ride to Patterson/Spectrum) you have unlimited options on Broad Street. Just walk down Broad Street and pick your favorite cuisine. Just walk South and there are lots of resturants to support the theater district area. For the Rocky Fans , the film location for Rocky’s Restaurant was the Victor Cafe at 1303 Dickinson St with "Opera seven days a week". Just get off at the Tasker Street Station and walk one block north to Dickinson Street and turn right (East) for about one more block.

Dales, thanks again!

How many people are interested in a meet-up? How does Crittini's sound if you are? Please post or PM me--three weeks to go!!
Bob from Ann Arbor

Meant Crinittis, of course. One problem with the forum is that when you post you can't see what you're responding to--and I obviously got the letters mixed up!
Bob

Hi Goldstei, just wondering what happens now? Is Crinittis still going to work or will we need to go nearer the Tower Theater? So excited about the new venue! Trish

someplace near to the tower would now make sense, but i haven't a clue as i'm not from philly--does a local feel like taking the initiative in organizing something?

Guys- I live in Phila(center city) and unfortunately the Tower is not in a great neighborhood- if you want to do a meet up I woudl suggest somewhere in University city- there is a great bar called local 44 on 44th street - However am not sure how you guysare getting to the venue but somewhere in Univ city might work out.

oh and trrish- are you Irish?

tho i'm totally guessing based on my own situation, my guess is that folks coming from outside will be staying in the downtown philly area, so if university city is not there, it would be pretty difficult for us non-phillystines to go there and then go to another place for the concert. are others interested in a meetup in this situation? or not? if so, might a downtown restaurant be located to make the logistics less complex?

thanks.

bob from ann arbor

Hi Banba, yes I am Irish. One of a few people heading over for the New York gig and decided to take in Philadelphia too. So excited about the new venue!

Will be coming from downtown Philly too. I am not bothered if the area around the Tower is not great - we'll be going there for the concert anyway, and staying in downtown we will have already seen all the best parts of the city

By the way we had a great local meetup in Dublin last night Looking forward to Philly

Here's a site I found which names the restaurants near the Tower Theater: http://www.urbanspoon.com/ps/21/9052/Ph ... eatre.html As I am not a local I can't recommend any. As stated, I am coming from across the river in NJ and would love to take a couple of folks so I don't have to drive by myself. The Trenton or Hamilton Train station would be great as a pickup stop. Lorraine

If you guys ae staying dwontown then that is the best place to meet up.

I would again advise against eating close to the venue