Rae $$$

2929 Arch St., 215/922-3839,
www.raerestaurant.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 7–10 a.m., 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
and 5:30–10 p.m.;
Fri. 7–10 a.m., 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and 5:30–11 p.m.;
Sat. 5:30–11:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

COST: Most entrées more than $20

No longer is the food court of the 30th Street train station [2] the area’s only dining option. Acclaimed restaurateur Daniel Stern’s wildly successful Rae offers a convenient, upscale dining option just across the street, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

The stylish restaurant opened in 2007 on the ground floor of the shiny new Cira Center, and was soon named Philadelphia’s [3] best new restaurant by Philadelphia magazine. Rae attracts everyone from the downtown business set on power lunches to stylish youngsters at the bar.

An open kitchen turns out American classics, called “Standards,” and Stern’s inventive variations called “Renditions.” All are quite tasty, but the Renditions are truly something to talk about. An impressive wine list offers more than 200 selections.

Visit for the popular happy hour Monday–Thursday 4:30–7 p.m. for reduced drink prices and an array of free snacks. You can also order from the well-priced all-day bar menu.