Tag Archives: Rittenhouse

Stir it Up

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A bar is definitely cool when the only way you can find it is because of the popping music and large crowd gathered outside. Stir, Picture 48located in a tiny alley off of Rittenhouse Square, may be small and unassuming from the outside, but inside it’s a swank and super hip lounge made for partying.

With arguably the cheapest, strongest drinks you can get in Philly, Stir offers your favorite classic cocktails along with ever changing specialty cocktails for the more adventurous palettes (How does “Sticky Fingers” or “The Angry Beaver” sound to you??). And make sure to come from 5-7 daily to get $2 off that interesting drink of yours. Keep in mind that just because this is a gay bar, it doesn’t mean that everyone isn’t welcome; Stir packs in an awesome crowd every night of all the people Philadelphia has to offer.

Posh and Indulgent at Barclay Prime

When you order a cut of beef at most steakhouses, the server just asks, “baked potato or mashed?” but when the server at Barclay Prime also gives you a selection of German and Japanese knives in order to cut your prime beef, you know you’re getting a unique and glamorous twist on the traditional steakhouse. Picture 45

Set inside the chic 1929 Barclay building in Rittenhouse Square, this new Stephen Starr masterpiece is as aged and rich as the top quality NY strip being served. Before diving in to your meal, have a martini- Mad Men style- in the mahogany, 1960’s boutique-inspired bar. After, indulge with traditional steakhouse favorites, from every cut of beef imaginable to decadent a la carte sides such as truffle mac & cheese. Yummy seafood is offered for the less carnivorous ones, along with some contemporary American treats- the Kobe Beef Sliders being a favorite. If indulgence and luxury is what you’re seeking for the evening, you will find this posh spot completely worth the trip!

Boyds – Dressing Philadelphia for 70 Years

Boyds is a clothing store in the heart of Rittenhouse Square that opened seventy years ago and continues to offer the finest and most exclusive clothing from around the world to its customers. Built Picture 8on a firm foundation of customer service and attention to detail, Boyds is the go-to place for the finest clothing in Philadelphia.

Inside the mood is classy, with Oriental-style rugs, high ceilings, thick Greek columns and detailed crown moldings. Boyds has a men’s and women’s department that offers the best designers available, from Catherine Malandrino to Armani, Hugo Boss and Alberta Ferretti. Accessories, Boyds has it covered, with Manolo Blahnik’s straight out of SATC and classy handbags that beat the trend, like Lanvin and Gucci.  The services department is unparalleled, offering free alterations from the best European tailors state-side.

Don’t worry about figuring out how to get there – Boyds has always offered free valet parking for store visitors. And if you get hungry while you shop, pop into Boyds’ cafe Raw for a soup and salad or some refreshing sushi. Because there is nothing wrong with a wasabi lobster roll on the side of your Ike Behar.

Chic Club Fun at Vango

As the warmer months are fast approaching, everyone starts talking about Vango and its uber-sexy Skybar roof deck lounge. Vango offers several different atmospheres throughout the club and lounge. If you’re in for a night of high-rolling and sophisticated fun, oPicture 16rder the bottle service and receive top-notch attention in the reserved area. Or if you’re looking for an evening filled with house music and calorie-burning grooving, the dance floors inside will not fail you. The DJs always keep the mood going all through the night – be sure to check out the color-coded calendar on the website so you can choose the tunes you’ll be dancing to.

Vango is more than just a club and killer roof deck (although with 8,000 square feet, it’s a whole lot of club), it also offers an enviable menu. The styles of chef Michael Fee (from Nobu) and owner Dia Sawan (from the family who gave us Philadelphia’s Mediterranean gems Byblos and Fez) meld Japanese and Mediterranean classics wonderfully; there aren’t many places you can begin with hummus for an appetizer, eat a main course of yellowtail jalapeño and spider rolls, then finish off with an order of baklava.

Get your Couture for Cheap at Second Time Around

If you lust aftPicture 11er Oscar de la Renta, but can only really afford Old Navy, then Second Time Around may be your favorite find of 2010. Second Time Around is a consignment shop near Rittenhouse Square that only sells designer merchandise (Dolce, Betsey, Versace, and the like) that is up to snuff with the shop’s high standards. The clothing must be no more than two years old, and in pristine condition, so with standards like that you are bound to find a steal at 30-70% off original prices.

This boutique gives- and receives. If you’re looking to ditch some duds for extra closet space and some weekend martini money, stop into the shop with three or more items and see if your garb is up Second’s alley.

Insider Tip: If you become a member, there’s an added bonus of getting first dibs with the online wishlist!

Hotel Palomar – Luxury with a Twist

Picture 8After a long afternoon of flights, taxis and bustling streets, how do you feel about starting your stay with an in-room full body massage? The Hotel Palomar offers unique twists on the basic amenities most luxury hotels have to offer. For no extra change, you and your VIP (Very Important Pet, that is) can stay with you and also receive the pamper package via pet sitting, grooming, walking and massages.

Hotel Palomar is an eco-friendly hotel that up and down sets an example for a better environment. The hotel has been recognized for a multitude of green things, like design innovation, water and energy efficiency, and opening the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered restaurant in the city, Square 1682.

Center City’s Anthropologie Is All That & More

PHIanthropologieThere aren’t many retailers that are as fabulous as Anthropologie, but four stories of it? It’s like Christmas came early! Anthro started out near Philadelphia and boasts one of its most beautiful stores in Center City.

Located on the coveted corner of 18th and Walnut on Rittenhouse Square, this store takes your breath away as you walk up the oversized central spiral staircases. Even if you end up without a purchase (this branch has only women’s apparel and home goods), a look around the building will be a treat in itself. Even boyfriends and husbands won’t mind taking a peak around this impressive building. This is a definite stop while in the Rittenhouse sector.

Luxury and Elegance at The Rittenhouse Hotel

There’s a reason that celebs like Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Willis call this their home away from home when staying in Philadelphia. The Rittenhouse Hotel is the #1 Hotel in Pennsylvania, as voted by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and boasts more amenities and perks than one could imagine.

For guests staying on the weekend, the hotel offers a complimePHIrittenhousehotelntary champagne reception on Friday and Saturday afternoons, with butler service and scrumptious treats that would make even the most skeptical person feel warm and welcome.

The Adolf Bieker Spa and Salon is located within the hotel and has a fantastic reputation. Employees of the spa recommend the “Aroma Glow” treatment and have absolutely perfected the basic Swedish massage.

The Mary Cassatt Tea Lounge is located on the first floor and looks out onto a beautiful outdoor garden; it’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. The Rittenhouse even has a hopping bar, Bar 210 at Lacroix, that overlooks Rittenhouse Park and serves handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeurves.

There’s no question – the Rittenhouse Hotel will make every stay in Philadelphia as fabulous as you would hope, with elegance and style!

See & Be Seen at Parc

One of the newest editions to Stephen Starr’s empire- of Buddakan and Morimoto fame- is Parc. This chic restaurant allows a bit of escape while still soaking in the beauty and bustle of Rittenhouse Square. Parc pays homage to the brasseries of Paris, doing so with its own charm and style. Parc

In the upcoming winter, warm up at the large zinc bar inside with one of their signature and delicious cocktails. When the weather starts to warm, you’ll be lucky to snag a seat at the outdoor bistro tables that are prime for people watching.

Parc serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, and with everything from a delicious brioche french toast with apples and hazelnut butter to a classic steak frites, there’s not much you can go wrong with on this all-star menu.

No matter what time or what season, there’s no reason to miss out on this popular, chic café. Vive la France!