Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Center City

Marathon never fails to deliver the goods. Great food. Great service. Great value.

Our server Brandon made our experience exceptional. He provided us with food and drink recommendations and did not steer us wrong. Two of us at our table immensely enjoyed the Romarin specialty cocktail. Four of us shared three hors d’ouevres - the charcuterie, the mushroom tart and the crispy artichokes along with the beet salad. The serving sizes of each were perfect for the 4 of us to share. Our water glasses were continually refilled and the service was excellent. Two at our table had the Saturday special - poultry feuillete - an elevated chicken pot pie with mushrooms and black truffle oil. I sampled the special and the sauce was superb! I ordered the Moules Frites and another had the veal escalope. We all thoroughly enjoyed our food, the atmosphere and didn’t feel rushed. The interior of the restaurant was decorated for the holidays and it was a warm, welcoming environment. We completed our meal by sharing the moelleux au chocolat - a warm chocolate cake with hazelnuts and praline sorbet…delicious! I would highly recommend this restaurant for the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere.

We headed to El Vez for brunch, and let me start by saying: make a reservation. This spot is popular—and for good reason. While dinner reservations can be hard to snag, brunch turned out to be the perfect choice. The moment we walked in, we were transported. The decor is warm, colorful, and vibrant—everything you’d hope for in a great Mexican restaurant. There’s a cozy, welcoming vibe, but it’s also lively and buzzing with energy. The eclectic touches, like the low-rider bike suspended over the dining area, add just the right amount of whimsy without feeling over the top. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay and soak it all in. Now, onto the food—because wow. We started with the Macho Nachos, and let me just say, these are nachos done right. Served on a pizza-style pan, every single chip was covered in toppings—no sad, bare nachos at the bottom here. We went with chicken and chorizo for our proteins, and the combination was perfect. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the chorizo added a spicy kick, and everything was brought together with gooey melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa. It’s easily one of the best nacho dishes I’ve ever had. For the main course, we ordered the Steak Burrito and Huevos Rancheros. The burrito was phenomenal—the steak inside was unbelievably tender, and you could taste the care that went into seasoning it just right. Each bite melted in your mouth. The huevos rancheros were just as impressive, with eggs so fresh they practically stole the show. Paired with the perfect mix of beans, tortillas, and salsa, it was hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. We couldn’t resist trying their Blood Orange Margaritas, which were as refreshing as they were delicious. They were perfectly balanced—tangy, sweet, and just strong enough to keep us in that happy brunch mood. The service at El Vez was another highlight. The staff were warm, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. They made us feel right at home

We were there early, prior to busy time so the restaurant was nice and quiet. I can't comment on noise level at a busy time. Food was very nice, service was pleasant and appropriate, price was very good. Enjoyed it!

It’s a great neighborhood restaurant. Food & service are very good & everyone is welcoming.