Group Dining in Philadelphia
May 5, 2022
Gather your group for a memorable meal at one of these Philadelphia restaurants, breweries and bars.
Philadelphia is known for its celebrated culinary scene, impressive array of international cuisines, and iconic local eats. Below are just a few of the many area eateries that accommodate groups — large or small — allowing everyone in your party to savor the flavors of the city in an efficient, affordable way.
For a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak and other local flavors, consider Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks in Old City. Located just a short walk from top historic district attractions such as Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution, the family owned deli offers boxed lunches for groups that include cheesesteaks and hoagies — with vegan and gluten-free options available — as well as other only-in-Philadelphia snacks like Tastykakes and Peanut Chews, all individually packaged and labeled to help tour operators distribute meals with ease. Campo’s group meals can be picked up directly from the store, enjoyed at the restaurant, or delivered to nearby locations. For more information, click here.
Additional group dining options in and around Old City include Positano Coast, where seasonal Italian dishes are available in a group menu with inclusive pricing and can be enjoyed either indoors or in the open air on the restaurant’s second floor patio space. More Old City Italian eats await at Spasso Italian Grill, featuring a beautiful group-ready lounge and banquet room, complete with its own bar. Nearby, The Plough and The Stars presents a menu of Irish pub favorites (think: traditional fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, beer battered Irish bangers, and Guinness-braised Angus Beef casserole) in a bi-level space with a second-floor balcony area perfect for groups.
Found just a short walk from from top attractions such as LOVE Park and Reading Terminal Market, McGillin’s Old Ale House — the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia — is a historic setting for groups in the heart of downtown. Pouring pints since 1860, McGillin’s is able to host groups in their second floor dining space, equipped with a private bar, where your group can enjoy their menu of classic Irish pub fare and tap list of exclusive beers brewed in collaboration with Pennsylvania’s own Tröegs Independent Brewing. For more information, click here.
TIP: A must-try is The Emerald Isle sandwich — McGillin’s take on the Philadelphia cheesesteak — made with corned beef and cheddar cheese.
Less than a block away, Maggiano’s Little Italy can accommodate groups ranging in size from 8-200, with private banquet spaces available for larger parties. Their menus of chicken, seafood, pasta and more are available in three-course options for lunch and dinner at multiple price points. For more information for planning a group visit to Maggiano’s, click here. Fogo de Chão’s Philadelphia location is housed within the historic Caldwell’s Jewelry Building just south of City Hall in Center City. The Brazilian steakhouse can seat groups in either a semi-private setting in the main dining room or in one of their private dining spaces, with a menu that can accommodate special dining needs, such as vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free menu items.
In Northern Liberties, Yards Brewing Company can accommodate groups at their 70,000 square foot brewery, which features several group-ready settings, such as The Garage, able to accommodate 60 people cocktail-style and featuring a pool table, darts, and shuffleboard. Here, your group can sip local suds brewed on-site while enjoying a menu of soups, salads, snacks and sandwiches, including cheesesteak egg rolls, a chicken cheesesteak, and a Yards IPA pretzel served with Philly Pale Ale Beer Cheese. As a bonus, Yards has space in their parking lot to accommodate motorcoaches and buses. To learn more, click here.
In South Philadelphia, Xfinity Live! can accommodate groups of any size ranging from 20 to as many as 6,000 people. Conveniently located next to the stadiums, at Xfinity Live! your group will be just a quick walk away from Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Wells Fargo Center, with sweeping views of the Philadelphia skyline. Xfinity Live!’s unique venue space offers an incomparable setting for private events and an exciting alternative to a standard banquet hall. From corporate events to sports watch parties, Xfinity live! is a great spot for any group.
Dining on-site and boxed lunch options
Looking for lunch ideas for your group? Here are some suggestions to make your trip-planning even easier. Some local restaurants, venues, and attractions offer on-site group dining options or boxed lunches.
Restaurants and venues offering dining on-site or boxed lunch options:
Xfinity Live! – located by the sports stadiums
Attractions offering dining on-site or boxed lunch options:
Barnes Foundation – has spaces available for groups to eat on the lower level – reach out to Colleen Delaney
Penn Museum – has multiple spaces available for up to 300 people – reach out to Amanda Grady
National Constitution Center – Delegates Café is reopen only to groups with boxed lunch purchase, max 150 people or reach out to Gina Romanelli or Rachel Peters
Museum of the American Revolution – has space available on the lower level for up to 100 people – reach out to Alison English or Nina Giacobbe
Historic Philadelphia – Franklin Square Pavilion and during the warmer months they have an outdoor tented space – reach out to Kristina Pasquarello
To learn more about group dining in Philadelphia, for a full list of group dining destinations and to help plan your group tour experience, contact the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. For additional Philadelphia group travel resources, click here.
Cover photo: Group dining at Fogo de Chão Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Fogo de Chão.
