If only they took Dining Dollars.
As part of Center City Restaurant Week, 68 of Philadelphia's renowned restaurants are offering patrons three-course meals for $30 until Friday evening.
Due to the inclement weather, many of the participating restaurant managers say they have experienced reservation cancellations. However, they report that walk-in patrons have taken advantage of the empty seats, keeping sales strong.
In addition to being involved this week, McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, a popular South Broad Street eatery, also opened their doors in September for the fall version of the event.
"We're offering this menu where you don't have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to enjoy the experience," Manager Keith Baynes said. "We're putting on a show, or a great meal, for the customers."
Beth Dunn of KB Consultants --a company that advises many Rittenhouse Row restaurants -- noted the success of the promotion.
"It's definitely bringing people out," she said. "On a night where a restaurant normally serves 30 meals, it might serve more than 200" during Restaurant Week.
Baynes added that among the "different kinds of people" who were taking advantage of Restaurant Week, university students have been especially prominent.
"It's a way to encourage students to come into the area," Baynes said, "whereas they would otherwise stay in the university."
Engineering sophomore Ben Dodson agreed.
"I definitely don't think I would have gone there and spent the money without Restaurant Week," said Dodson, who recently dined at Circa on Philadelphia's Restaurant Row. "For the caliber of restaurants that are offered, I think it's a pretty good deal."
The six-day event, which was organized by the Center City District of Philadelphia in conjunction with Rittenhouse Row, made its debut in September of 2003.
Since then, it has been extremely successful in drawing crowds to downtown Philadelphia.
"Diners who had been away from the city can come back and revisit a favorite restaurant or two," Dunn said.
Since its launching, the number of restaurants participating has increased by approximately 20 eateries.
"It gives those restaurants a chance to get in on the excitement and have their names listed," Dunn said. "They are really glad to be a part of it this time."
As further incentive, the Philadelphia Parking Association has offered special parking rates at over 40 participating garages and lots.
"You can come in for a couple hours and spend $7 for parking, which encourages people from the suburbs to come in," Dunn added.
Drastically reducing parking rates has been especially effective in drawing first-time diners from the suburbs.
"It opens the door to others who may have had a misconception of the restaurants, who can now enjoy and experience the food," Baynes said.
Participating restaurants include Alma de Cuba, Brasserie Perrier and Zanzibar Blue.
