The 14 Best Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Philadelphia

Throw this important pre-wedding celebration—Philly style.
Taylor Carson - The Knot Contributor.
by
Taylor Carson
Taylor Carson - The Knot Contributor.
Taylor Carson
The Knot Contributor
  • Taylor writes wedding venue roundups for The Knot.
  • Taylor was formerly the Assistant Managing Editor at Philadelphia magazine, and she continues to freelance for Philadelphia’s lifestyle and wedding verticals.
  • She received her degree in journalism, with a minor in English, from Temple University.
Updated Jan 09, 2023

For couples planning their rehearsal dinner in Philadelphia, we have good news: The City of Brotherly Love is one of the best food cities on the East Coast, meaning there is no shortage of options to choose from no matter your cuisine of choice, budget and aesthetic.

Your first consideration when selecting a Philly rehearsal dinner venue should be the neighborhood. Where do you want to host your event? Each neighborhood—including Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Rittenhouse Square, University City and South Philly—has its own vibe and its own set of eateries at your disposal. After making your selection, consider the time of year. In Philadelphia, you'll experience all four seasons; for an event in milder temperatures, you may want to choose a location with outdoor seating. In the colder months, your priority may instead be an establishment with unique spaces or traditional private dining rooms inside.

Regardless of your preferences, rest assured that Philly has an event space for you—and below, we've narrowed down 14 of the best. Continue reading to cross another to-do off your list, uncover the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner and get back to planning the most important celebration of all…your wedding day.

White Dog Cafe

White Dog Cafe, beloved in the Philadelphia region, boasts five locations—one in University City and four others a short drive from the city in Wayne, Haverford, Glen Mills and Chester Springs. The University City location is White Dog's flagship, occupying three connecting Victorian brownstones and featuring a local, seasonal and sustainable menu. For private parties like your rehearsal dinner, White Dog Cafe can host up to 55 guests in several unique event rooms. The Wine Cellar is the most private space; the Porch is the largest and most open space; the Living Room features vibrant neon dog paintings; the Oak Room is perfect for intimate events; the Parlor has a private entrance and a private bar; and the Solarium is a neatly designed space downstairs from the Parlor.

Osteria

Since 2007, Osteria has been serving up delicious Italian eats on North Broad Street. Accommodating groups from 10 to 200, Osteria is not short on private event options. The beautiful eatery has three spaces (you can also opt for an entire restaurant rental) that can host morning events (bridal showers, baby showers and brunches) and evening events like rehearsal dinners. The Glass Greenhouse is by far the biggest showstopper; accommodating up to 65 people, the glass-enclosed patio offers views of Osteria's garden and a church next door. For dinners of up to 35, the Wine Room offers a different view—into Osteria's wine cellar. Finally, for intimate events of up to 14, Osteria offers an intimate Kitchen Table experience.

Barbuzzo

In Midtown Village, Barbuzzo is chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran's Mediterranean restaurant and bar serving brunch and dinner. The establishment has been acclaimed for over a decade, earning a nomination for "The Best New Restaurant" at the 2011 James Beard Awards and being featured in publications like the New York Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia magazine. For rehearsal dinners, Barbuzzo's recently renovated second floor can host seated events for groups of up to 55 and receptions for groups up to 85. The space is completely private, with its own bar and open kitchen. Dine on delicacies like salad, pasta and wood-fired pizza in a charming space with your closest people.

Positano Coast

Local crowd favorite Positano Coast enables guests to "enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast right in the heart of Old City," as stated on its website. The restaurant's interior features fun, vibrant hues in an elegant way, and the menu, influenced by Southern Italy, is made up of delicious seafood and pasta dishes. Positano Coast's seasoned professionals have thrown all sorts of celebrations, including birthday parties, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. The staff will work with you to create your ideal menu and setting, offering both sit-down and buffet dinner packages. Host your party in the Meridiana Room (capacity: 60 guests), Sopra Lounge (capacity: 45-55 guests) or Sirenuse Room (capacity: 30 guests).

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Talula's Daily

Talula's Daily is one of a few stellar locations owned by restaurateurs Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr. Starting at 6 p.m., the café, bakery and market space can transform into an event venue for groups of up to 25. A rehearsal dinner in this homey setting will be complemented by an open kitchen and a menu that is truly custom due to Talula's emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The final result will feature two to three appetizers, two to three entrees and dessert. Sample menu items include winter leek and watercress soup, pan-roasted black pearl salmon, peaches and crab, blackened chicken and more. Pricing starts at $85 per person for a three-course meal. The restaurant also offers hors d'oeuvres and Talula's famous cheese boards.

P.J. Clarke's

Arriving in Philadelphia in 2018, P.J. Clarke's first became noteworthy in New York City back in 1884. The Philly location can be found inside the Curtis Building, across from Washington Square and Independence Hall. P.J. Clarke's hosts events of all sizes, from intimate receptions to major parties, and for your food options you can select from the restaurant's full menu. Want a raw bar, canapés or a customized buffet at your rehearsal dinner? Here, all are possible. Available event rooms include the Lounge, the Chapel, the Main Dining Room and the Walnut Room. The staff will also be super attentive to you.

Yards Brewing Company

For couples desiring a more trendy or chill rehearsal dinner, consider Yards Brewing Company—especially if you enjoy a cold beer. Dubbing itself "Philly's Brewery," Yards has two separate rooms, accommodating gatherings of anywhere between 25 to 200 guests. Relax and have fun hosting your event inside the Garage, located on the main level, with up to 55 guests. Within this space, you'll find pool tables, dart boards and a flat-screen TV. Alternatively, there's the Upstairs at Yards, which can host up to 120 seated. Upstairs highlights include floor-to-ceiling taproom views, a bar and an elevator. Included with both spaces are wooden high-top tables, bar stools, metal farm chairs, setup, breakdown, parking, custom Wi-Fi access and more.

Vetri Cucina

Vetri Cucina is a stalwart in the Philadelphia culinary scene and, as noted on its website, "one of the most respected and influential Italian restaurants in the country." The attribution is no exaggeration, either, as the eatery has earned 16 James Beard nominations since 2003. In 2014, Vetri Cucina opened a private dining room and cooking school in which foodie couples can host the ultimate rehearsal dinner experience. The only catch is that the space is suitable for intimate gatherings of a maximum of 18 guests. If your party is within that guest count, it will be an unforgettable event for everyone involved. Your private chef will craft a custom prix-fixe tasting menu featuring the best available ingredients during the season of your event.

El Poquito

Located in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood, El Poquito brings the flavors of Baja Mexico to Southeastern Pennsylvania. El Poquito has two interior and two exterior event spaces. Inside, the Lowlands Dining Room features rustic decor, a large fireplace and sliding barns doors; it can fit between 35 and 40 guests. On the second floor, the Highlands Dining Room can accommodate smaller parties between 10 and 20 in size; this room also has a fireplace and private bathrooms. Outside, the Patio/Pergola can hold 45 to 100 guests seated. Also outdoors, La Playa—El Poquito's largest and most flexible event space—is a garden illuminated by colorful bistro lights.

Heritage

Heritage is a Northern Liberties venue specializing in wedding events, from the shower and rehearsal to the ceremony and reception. For your rehearsal, Heritage can host a sit-down dinner for up to 60 people. The dinner menu includes fan-favorite starters like Brussels sprouts, buffalo wings and burrata toast; seafood, pasta and sandwich entrees; fancy sides like fresh focaccia; and vanilla panna cotta, olive oil cake, bread pudding and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Plus, Heritage has a comprehensive beverage menu made up of cocktails, wine, draft beer and whiskey. Upgrades available for your event include live music, a champagne toast, bottled cocktails, linens, flowers and a photo booth.

Amada

From chef Jose Garces, a winner of Iron Chef America, is Amada—a rustic-chic restaurant delighting diners with Spanish cuisine since 2005. Amada is no stranger to private parties. Here, you can throw your rehearsal dinner in the private dining room, a semi-secluded lounge, a combination of the two or the full restaurant. The private dining room has a capacity of 24 seated. The semi-private Matador Lounge caps out at 46 seated. Together, the rooms can offer you seats for up to 60, or you can buy out Amada for a large rehearsal dinner event with up to 140 people. No matter your event size, for the occasion, you'll get to create a personalized menu made up of authentic Andalusian-style tapas paired with Spanish wine or sangria.

Alimentari

To know Philadelphia is to know specialty food retailer and importer Di Bruno Bros., and upstairs at Di Bruno you'll find Alimentari. Alimentari means "to nourish," and that's exactly what the staff here will do for you and your guests, offering small plates, cheese, charcuterie and pizza. Alimentari's team of professionals can throw a rehearsal dinner for groups as large as 100 in the bright and airy space, and they will happily personalize your menu. Plated dinners, buffet stations and family-style arrangements are all possibilities. Your bar menu won't be limited, either, as wine, beer and signature cocktails are all on offer.

The Love

Another venue from Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr, the Love is an incredible place in which to celebrate your love. The restaurant is located steps away from Rittenhouse Square. It has a total of 150 seats and features indoor dining, outdoor dining and an upper-level loft. The Love can accommodate parties of up to 25 for a rehearsal dinner, and it recommends a 6 p.m. start time for a three-hour event. The menu includes aptly named dishes like The Love Seasonal Soup and Lovebird Fried Chicken. Beverages, ranging from $6 to $18 per drink, are charged on consumption. Your custom bar can include beer, wine, seasonal handmade cocktails, zero-proof drinks and coffee.

Front Street Cafe

Fishtown's Front Street Cafe is a popular spot serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner—made from locally sourced, farm-to-table, organic ingredients—every day of the week. The cafe specializes in intimate events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and brunches, hosting up to 60 guests seated in its second-floor Liaison and Library Rooms. The Liaison Room alone can accommodate up to 36 guests seated; it is completely private with its own bar, sound system and restroom. The food and beverage minimum for the Liaison Room is $1,000, plus a room rental fee of $150 per house. If you choose to utilize both rooms, the minimum increases to $2,500, and the rental fee increases to $200 per hour.

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