It's a snow day, Philadelphia. Stay warm out there! (Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)
Yesterday, our city became a winter wonderland as more than a foot of snow blanketed the city.
Philadelphia saw a record-setting snowfall with more than 13 inches accumulating, spurring the City of Philadelphia to declare a snow emergency, which is in effect until 6 p.m. tonight
But for those who revel in chilly temperatures and snowfall (or already have a case of cabin fever), we have ideas for how you can occupy yourself this evening with options for fireside dining, noodle slurping, snow watching and more.
Remember, the streets are slippery and many spots are closed due to the weather, so be sure to make your plans for the evening carefully (and safely!).
Tons of bars and restaurants are open, but still call ahead to check on openings and closings before heading out anywhere.
Our top picks for tonight, below.
Top Spots for Fireside Dining: If you’re going to leave the house today, it may as well be in favor of cozying up by a toasty fireplace. Fill up on comfort food at Jones or elevated American fare at XIX all while staying toasty warm and out of the snow. Here are our picks for fireside dining.
When: Wednesday, January 22
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: Pay as you go
Our Picks for Scenic Snow Gazing: Philadelphia is certainly picturesque when covered in snow. Whether overlooking Rittenhouse Square, Independence Mall or the city's skyline, there are many options for snow-day dining and drinking while gazing at the wintery scenes. Here are our top picks for where to snow-gaze.
When: Wednesday, January 22
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: Pay as you go
The Best Ramen In Philadelphia: Few dishes warm the body and soul like a big bowl of piping hot ramen. Philly has its share of ramen shops, from Japanese-style spots like Nom Nom in Rittenhouse to contemporary American interpretations like Cheu Noodle Bar in Washington Square. Check out our picks for the best ramen in Philadelphia.
When: Wednesday, January 22
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: Pay as you go
Center City Restaurant Week: Record-breaking snowfall can’t stop a good dining deal. Center City Restaurant Week continues tonight, and most participating restaurants are open to welcome diners in search of three-course $35 dinner, including all Garces Restaurants and all Starr Restaurants. Call ahead to double check or look to @PhilaRestWeek on Twitter to check out what’s open tonight.
When: Wednesday, January 22
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: $35
Stay Over at a Hotel: Thinking of staying over in Center City? Good idea. There are plenty of hotel deals to go around tonight, and a snow-day staycation sounds like a pretty good idea right about now. Check out great rates on hotels on Visitphilly.com, and use rate code “SNOW” at the Loews Philadelphia for a $149 rate. Really, it’s safer to stay over than travel in a snow emergency.
When: When: Wednesday, January 22
Where: Center City hotels
Cost: Pay as you go
Foreign Cinema Night at L'Etage: Despite the chill outside, second-floor cabaret L'Etage wil be steamy. The lounge's recurring free foreign cinema night goes on as scheduled this evening with the French film Belle de Jour starring Catherine Deneuve as sexy, bourgeois housewife. Don't bring the kids to this one. L'Etage will be offering its full menu to pair with the film.
When: Wednesday, January 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: L'Etage, 624 S. 6th Street
Cost: Movie, free; Food and drinks, pay as you go
