The Continental

Don’t be thrown off by the dim diner seating as you pass by this Old City staple, on Second and Market Street in Philadelphia. The swanky Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar offers a diverse list of excellent martinis, and an atmosphere made up of olive lamps hanging over tight-packed diner-style booths filled with a large age range of hip patrons.The Stephen Starr creation also has a tasty global tapas-style menu. The grilled tofu with spicy bean sprout salad and peanut dipping sauce is cooked perfectly and has delighted even my non-vegetarian friends who typically despise such things. The crab pad Thai, while not exactly authentic, is still delicious and the large plate of lobster-mashed potatoes will leave you scraping the plate. After dinner indulge in one of the Continental’s sweeter drinks, such as the chocolate martini complete with heresy kiss or the espresso martini. My friends and I love to go in the summer, when they fill the sidewalks with tables and we can sip our drinks.Outside, while watching the throngs of trendy bar-hoppers pass by. Dinner is served late, until 11pm Sunday through Wednesday, and till 12am Thursday though Saturday. The bar is open till 2am every night. If you're coming from the PATCO station, get off at the 8th and Market stop. If you're parking, there are tons of metered spots on Front Street, two blocks down.