PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 16, 2022) – In January 2023, award-winning, fine-dining restaurant Rittenhouse Grill (1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103) celebrates its 25-year-anniversary of serving delicious meals to patrons just off Rittenhouse Square.

Nestled on the first floor of the Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel, Rittenhouse Grill, formerly Prime Rib Philadelphia, has long been known as Philadelphia’s premier power restaurant, serving politicians, celebrities, and athletes. Rittenhouse Grill is centrally located within walking distance of Rittenhouse Row, museums, and the Avenue of the Arts, making it the perfect dining destination. The restaurant welcomes diners Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The restaurant has welcomed guests since 1998, building a multi-generational following of loyal customers. Much of the 35-person staff has been employed for over a decade, with Executive Chef Eddy Castillo overseeing the menu and kitchen since 2009. The result is an invested staff eager to deliver a memorable and tasteful dining experience. Customers have embraced the locally-owned, independent restaurant synonymous with a special occasion destination, giving food enthusiasts a place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, corporate events, and more.

Garth Weldon, the long-time owner of the Rittenhouse Grill, started as a busboy in the restaurant industry, working for the Prime Rib chain in their D.C. location. He was then promoted from waiter to captain to maître d’, and when the Prime Rib sought to expand their brand to Philadelphia, a culinary hot spot, Weldon knew he was the right person for the job. He teamed up with the founder of the chain, C. Peter “Buzz” Beler, to open the Center City location at 1701 Locust Street. They took over the space formerly home to Club Elan and poured over $2 million into renovating the interior to bring their steakhouse to life. In 2020, after the passing of Beler, the chain and Weldon parted ways; Weldon retained the restaurant location, staff, and chef and rebranded as Rittenhouse Grill.

The sprawling restaurant resembles a swanky supper club that accommodates upwards of 220 guests across a multi-level dining room. Wednesday through Sunday, performers use the stunning glass-topped baby grand piano to entertain guests by playing early 20th-century American jazz standards, show tunes, and classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

The quality of the food and service remains stellar. So did the signature dish, roast prime roast, offered in two sizes; signature “Rittenhouse” cut and a bone-in double cut. Fresh seafood, including the jumbo- lump crabcakes, a hot and cold seafood tower, and Brazilian lobster tail, accompany tender USDA Prime Angus cuts of beef, including a ribeye, prime rack of lamb, and the “Rittenhouse” chicken. This month, Castillo and Weldon introduced a new item to the menu, Iberico pork chops, also known as the “Wagyu of pork,” and are currently one of the only restaurants in the city serving the sought-after dish.

Rittenhouse Grill offers numerous menu items for vegetarians, including roasted tomato soup, shishito peppers, and roasted beet salad.

Local brews served at the restaurant include Yards Pale Ale and Victory Hop Ale. Guests can enjoy happy hour Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and receive discounts on select food and cocktails.

For patrons looking to host events or share an evening with friends or family celebrating a special occasion in a more intimate setting, three private rooms at Rittenhouse Grill offer various layouts and customizable menu packages. The private rooms can accommodate groups as small as 10 and larger gatherings of 60. Rittenhouse Grill is also available for a full restaurant buyout for groups over 100.

In November, Weldon signed a long-term extension on the restaurant’s lease. Renovations will get underway in early 2023, creating a fresh atmosphere where Rittenhouse Grill can serve patrons for the next 25 years.

---

If you like the content that Philly Grub provides, consider making a donation! Even just $1 helps and goes towards keeping this website going. Thank you!