Friends don’t let friends eat at bad restaurants. We crowdsourced ACEP members who live near Philadelphia to help you make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love during ACEP23. Read more Philly insider recommendations and save $50 on registration with promo code ACEPNOW50.

Favorite bar or restaurant for catching up with old friends? 

“Parc—bustling French Bistro on iconic Rittenhouse Square.”

—Edward T. Dickinson, MD FACEP

“Graffiti Bar Happy Hour” 

—Angela Cai, MD, MBA

“Laser Wolf is fun because they have great cocktails, and it is easy to order for a group because everything is family style. The Goodbye, Horses cocktail is spicy and delicious.” 

—Julie Cooper, MD, FACEP

“Vedge (vegetarian) or Zahav (Mediterranean). Any Steven Starr restaurant, any Michael Solomonov restaurant, any Schulson restaurant.” 

—Mark Zwanger, MD, FACEP

Top cheesesteak spot?

“Steve’s Prince of Steaks in the Reading Terminal Market. It’s close to convention center, as good as any other steak in the city without traveling.” 

—Bernard Lopez, MD, MS, FACEP

“Dalessandro’s Steaks. It is a bit out of the way in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, but worth the 20-minute trip from the Convention Center. There is often a line to get in, but you will understand why when you taste your cheesesteak (with sauce and onions).” 

—Steven M. Selbst, MD

“Get the roast pork at John’s instead. Also, Paesano’s on Passyunk has really interesting and delicious sandwiches.” 

—Julie Cooper, MD, FACEP

Best under-the-radar restaurant?

“Laurel. Top notch food from a Top Chef winner.” 

—Steven Katz,MD, FACEP

“Any place in our version of Chinatown is awesome—lots of great dim sum spots.” 

—Aneesha K. Dhargalkar, MD

“Melograno—an excellent Italian restaurant with good prices and always fantastic food. It is BYOB, so you save even more on the alcohol bill.” 

—Steven M. Selbst, MD

 Best place to eat in Reading Terminal?

“Sang Kee Peking Duck, a great little Chinese spot—a must if you cannot make it to the actual restaurant in nearby Chinatown. Go to Beiler’s Bakery or Termini Brothers bakery for dessert, or world famous Bassetts ice cream (all are Philly originals).” 

—Steven M. Selbst, MD