Radisson Hotel Valley Forge

ROXBOROUGH. Modest signage announcing "Steaks Beer-Hoagies" and the simple redbrick facade in no way prepare you...

ROXBOROUGH. Modest signage announcing "Steaks Beer-Hoagies" and the simple redbrick facade in no way prepare you for what this Roxborough treasure has in store. Indeed, those in the know claim that Dalessandro's may serve up the area's top cheesesteak ­ there's just something special about the way they cram fried onions, seasoned steak and American cheese into those tasty hoagie rolls. What else sets this place apart from those closer to Center City? Well, at Dalessandro's you can chase your cheesesteak with a cold brew.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

WEST PHILLY. The novelty of being the city's first Laotian restaurant has worn off some, and these days Vientiane gets...

WEST PHILLY. The novelty of being the city's first Laotian restaurant has worn off some, and these days Vientiane gets press on the merits of what it does really well ­ that is to say, fabulous dishes that capture the essence of Southeast Asia. Exotic ingredients flavor each and every dish, from the skewer and curries to the pad thai and spring rolls. Friendly and at times a bit snug, the space has emerged as a popular date spot for the 20-somethings who live and work in the neighborhood.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

CENTER CITY. For an elegant evening of live music and dancing, The Swann Lounge is tops. In addition, the Swann also...

CENTER CITY. For an elegant evening of live music and dancing, The Swann Lounge is tops. In addition, the Swann also offers a lovely Viennese dessert buffet. The range of options is staggering and includes such indulgences as chocolate raspberry fondant cake, Viennese strudel, chocolate mousse cake, pecan Marjolaine, almond Kirsch torte or strawberry Romanoff trifle. An especially impressive affair is their Sunday brunch, during which patrons enjoy live jazz by the fireside while indulging in eggs Benedict, French toast, to-order omelets and carved meats.

Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-1am; Fri-Sat 3pm-2am; Sun 10am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

PENN'S LANDING. Judging from the nostalgic ambience, you may expect to see Rocky in here chowing down on a roast pork...

PENN'S LANDING. Judging from the nostalgic ambience, you may expect to see Rocky in here chowing down on a roast pork sandwich. In point of fact, the joint's as good as any when it comes to serving up a cheese steak. This is also where the locals and the city's politicians gather for home cooked breakfasts. Yo! Hows 'bout an egg omelet a side of scrapple?

Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CHINATOWN. Authentic Chinese dishes of gingered beef with scallions, shrimp in black bean sauce, and a myriad of other...

CHINATOWN. Authentic Chinese dishes of gingered beef with scallions, shrimp in black bean sauce, and a myriad of other tasty combinations are available from this family-owned and operated Chinatown restaurant. The salt-baked squid and shrimp are particular favorites.

Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CHINATOWN. Wood paneling and painted bamboo shoots give this Malaysian restaurant an authentic feel, one that is fully...

CHINATOWN. Wood paneling and painted bamboo shoots give this Malaysian restaurant an authentic feel, one that is fully born out in the menu. Guests are faced with a combination of exotic and familiar dishes. The seafood lo mein is a particularly benign dish when compared to the crispy pork intestines. However, never fear! The helpful servers will steer you towards (or away) from certain dishes if you ask.

Hours: Daily 11am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CHINATOWN. This eatery can easily be missed upon first glance. With fresh produce hanging in the front, you might miss...

CHINATOWN. This eatery can easily be missed upon first glance. With fresh produce hanging in the front, you might miss the restaurant that's on the side next to the big windows. Delicious won ton soup and all the traditional Chinese specialties, such as crisp duck and golden scallion pancakes. Whether you select chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, you can't go wrong.

Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-10:45pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11:45pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

CHINATOWN. It's no wonder that Ray's Cafe & Tea House is perennially crowded. Authentic and affordable Taiwanese...

CHINATOWN. It's no wonder that Ray's Cafe & Tea House is perennially crowded. Authentic and affordable Taiwanese specialties such as beef noodle soup and Taiwanese rice noodles populate the menu, and the plump dumplings are without peer in Philadelphia. However, the main draw comes from the exquisite coffee and tea that Ray's produces. Using a siphon coffee maker, the full flavor and aroma of the premium grounds are released. The process itself is a show worth watching - the coffee brews upward before falling back into the pot.

Hours: Mon, Wed 8:30am-6pm; Tue, Thu 8:30am-7pm; Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat 11:30am-9pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

OLD CITY. Straddling Northern Liberty and Old City, Raddicho is among the best deals in town when it comes to enjoying...

OLD CITY. Straddling Northern Liberty and Old City, Raddicho is among the best deals in town when it comes to enjoying fine Italian cuisine and your favorite bottle of wine (it's a BYOB), in a settting that's upscale yet not all stuffy. Dark-stained paneling, hardwood floors and exposed brick walls give the space a touch of old-fashioned charm; meanwhile, the large windows offer tables along the front terrific views of what's happening streetside. Main courses run from chicken saltimbocca to veal Milanese to spaghetti with mussels.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:45pm-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:45pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 4:30pm-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa

SOUTH PHILLY. If you're looking to stray a bit off the gastronomical straight and narrow, few places in Philly can match...

SOUTH PHILLY. If you're looking to stray a bit off the gastronomical straight and narrow, few places in Philly can match the delightful daring of Paloma, a restaurant in South Philly that delivers fascinating amalgamation of haute French and Mexican inspirations. Rich, flavorful and artfully presented, owner-chef Adán Saavedra's cookery is unlike that you'd find anywhere else, and his attention to detail and creativity truly reward diners.

Hours: Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club