As requested here are some of my favorite casual eateries in downtown Philadelphia.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday (best for dinner when the atmosphere is at it's peak) 261 S 21st Street (21st between Spruce and Locust) Phone 215-546-4232 http://frisatsun.com This is your quintessential date place. Book an upstairs table in this cozy row house restaurant just west of Rittenhouse Square. The food is really great although the service is sometimes a wee bit slow. I suggest you order a bottle of wine (they have a fabulous and affordable list) and enjoy a couple hour's dining. The menu features seafood dishes (the salmon special is always superb) but there is also a fantastic beef offering each night. Save room; dessert is a real treat. In addition to the dining room, there is a lovely little bar called the Tank Bar on the 2nd floor.

Marathon on the Square (upscale neighborhood diner) Corner 19th and Spruce 215-731-0800 This is your basic nice little diner featuring salads, sandwiches, and other traditional offerings. There's usually a wait for weekend brunch or dinner so, come early, and ask to sit by the window. Another option is get your meal to go; and eat it in nearby Rittenhouse Square.

Monks (Belgium beer and pub food) 264 S 16th Street (16th between Spruce and Locust) 215-545-7005 Known for it's extensive beer list and steamed mussels, this place is ALWAYS busy at night. Avoid the crowds and stop by for a week day lunch of mussels with fries (I like the spicy red light version best). The place is a bit dark and smokey; but worth it for the food.

Brasserie Perrier's Bar (French) 1619 Walnut (Walnut between 16th and 17th) 215-568-3000 For a taste of this up-up scale French restaurant without the cost, eat in the lounge, or, better yet, grab a sidewalk table and order from the bar menu. They serve a fabulous steak frites for under $20 and the cheese plate and desserts are divine.

Rocco's (take away sandwiches) Basement of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue (Corner Broad and Walnut Streets) Phone 215-735-3080 Ordinarily I wouldn't recommend food court dining, but this place is an exception. Rocco's serves fabulous hoggie-style sandwiches. Pick up a Special Italian with sweet pepper and you can't go wrong. Open days Monday - Saturday. They also have a location at the Reading Terminal Market.

Mexican Post (Mexican taquaria) 104 Chestnut Street (Chestnut between 2nd and Front) This Old City bar serves tasty casual Mexican food (try the shredded beef chimichangas) and equally yummy margaritas. The place is hopping after 7:00 so either come early or be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes in the narrow bar area. Note: If you are claustrophobic, don't let them seat you by the front door - hold out for a table in the main dining room.

Enjoy! Dawn Philadelphia, PA