Philadelphia may not be lauded as a stomping ground for many of Hollywood’s elite, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get a few insider glimpses of scene-stealing stars. Thanks to the city’s tax credit program, more big-name directors are choosing to shoot their films in Philly, and in turn bringing the celebrities along with them. Next time there’s a set rigged at City Hall, head to one of these Center City spots for a chance to see the stars unwind.
G
After years of only having teen-themed dance clubs on Delaware Avenue and indie rock joints on South Street, Philadelphia night owls finally got a sophisticated downtown spot when G opened in 2007. Hidden beneath Davio’s (also frequented by its fair share of big names), the space is divided into a series of dim-lit, modern rooms with neon walls and low-slung seating. Snoop Dogg, Gerard Butler, Owen Wilson, Joel Madden, and Playmate Jayde Nicole have all stopped in for bottle service and the area’s best DJs.
G is located at 111 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, 215.564.1515, www.thebestlounge.com
Rouge
Rittenhouse Square is the city’s poshest park, so its no surprise that many of our celebrity hot spots surround its perimeter. Rouge’s outdoor wicker chairs and indoor cushy banquets are equally alluring to in-town stars like Justin Timberlake, Mick Jagger, Cameron Diaz and local-boy-done-good M. Night Shamalan. Go for classy cocktails or the award-winning burger, and you are sure to recognize someone before the bill comes.
Rouge is located at 208 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 215.732.6622, www.rouge98.com
Parc
Just a block away from Rouge and sporting equally alluring French flair is Parc, the square’s latest hot spot. The bistro menu, including options like tuna Carpaccio and a rustic beef Bourguignon, has been enjoyed by Paul Rudd, Ludacris, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx. The restaurant is particularly appealing in summer months when the massive front windows are opened and Parc feels like it’s in the middle of, you guessed it, the park.
Parc is located at 227 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 215.545-2262, www.parc-restaurant.com
Barclay Prime
Men crave steak, and so its no surprise that when area sports stars are out on the town they often duck into this carnivore favorite. Just-traded Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee, Eagles QB Kevin Kolb and New York star Derek Jeter have all dined on the dry-aged steaks and truffle whipped potatoes this boutique steakhouse is famous for. Slide in to a sofa-like booth, choose a cut and your preferred steak knife from the menu and experience it for yourself.
Barclay Prime is located at 237 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 215.732.7560, www.barclayprime.com
Continental Mid-town
On an otherwise simple corner of the business district sits this little dynamo, a diner-style destination with funky flair and a much loved cocktail list. Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and the cast of Glee have all enjoyed the menu of updated classics like lobster mac and cheese and the Big Daddy Mac veggie burger. Grab a drink on the roof deck for a great view of the skyscrapers, and perhaps a few famous faces.
Continental Mid-town is located at 1801 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215.567.1800, www.continentalmidtown.com
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