Justin Vizaro
11/16/2009 10:30:00 AM

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It's not quite a Grand Prix event, but with the popularity of other tournaments of its kind, the TCGplayer 5k in Philadelphia will certainly be one of the larger open events of the season, and provides players with the perfect opportunity to test their constructed ideas against some heavier competition. Since we are aware that many of you have never been to the historic city of Philadelphia, it's been decided that a primer on the city is absolutely critical to help players get their travel arrangements made. Here you'll find some hotel and dining suggestions from seasoned travelers as well as myself, much like what you would have found if you read my previous travel articles. I've been to Philly a few times, and I've enlisted the help of a few natives to bring you the best possible accommodations and fare for the best price available.


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The venue itself (the Philadelphia Convention Center) lies just on the outskirts of Chinatown, which means all of your Asian cravings will be satisfied by a simple walk through the surrounding area to the north-northeast. Getting to the convention center is relatively easy by metro and by car. It's not 5 minutes west of I-95 and east of I-76 on Arch St- 2 blocks from city hall. Because it's so centrally located (unlike many GP venues) it's very travel-friendly, but hotel costs will be much higher than usual.

Metro stops for the venue: Market East, Chinatown Station, and Race-Vine Station

Your lodging options within walking distance of the venue are numerous, but folks with vehicles are more likely to find a place for less money somewhere in south Philly (the land of the cheese steak) or closer to the University of Pennsylvania campus. Parking in Philadelphia is similar to other metropolitan areas and could quite well price you into a new hotel, so keep that in mind when making your reservations.

I have been and will be in touch with all of the hotels on this list sometime before the end of November. If any of them agree to special rates for people booking under my referral, I will be sure to let you all know about it. Saving money is a wonderful thing, so I'll do my best for everyone's sake.

The cheapest options nearby:

Travelodge PA Convention Center – 1227 Race St. (215) 564 2888
This hotel is a block from the venue, so far has been the least expensive rate of the ones I can find near the convention center. My guess will be this one to fill up first.

Four Points by Sheraton – 1201 Race St. (215) 496 2700
This one I think you can find on orbitz for under $120 per night if you act fast- right across from the venue.

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Center City/Holiday Inn Express – 1800 Market St.
Not as close as the Travelodge, but about 8-10 blocks away from the venue isn't so bad if the price is right.

Best Western Center City – 501 N 22nd St.
This one is about a mile away, so technically is in walking distance for some. It's the only other hotel I have been able to find close to the event that costs less than $180 per night.

Other Options:

Marriott Philadelphia
1201 Market St.
(215) 625 2900

Hilton Garden Inn
1100 Arch St.
(215) 923 0100

Morris House
225 S 8th St
(215) 922 2446

Westin Philadelphia
99 S 17th St
(215) 563 1600

Hampton Inn
1301 Race St.
(215) 665 9100

Clarion Suites
1010 Race St.
(215) 922 1730


Perhaps the best thing about the venue is the abundance of food in the surrounding area. For those of us familiar with major tournament venues, they can sometimes be in BFE with no conceivable dining options outside of Pizza Hut and Mcdonald's. This time around, however, you could leave mid-round and get a cheese steak, burger, salad, bowl of noodles, vegetarian platter, pie, pasta, or anything else your heart desires without leaving the zip code. What's more, if you decide the tournament isn't your scene or go 0-X-Drop, there are plenty of historic sites to check out within walking distance of the venue. Let's get to talking about the grub though:

Like I mentioned, Chinatown literally butts up against the convention center, so take a walk if you're looking for Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, or Thai and you should find it in 5 minutes. Here are a few recommendations from both my own dining experiences and those of locals:

($) Singapore Chinese (Vegetarian and Kosher Option!) – 1006 Race St. (215) 922 3288
Previously Zagat award-winning, this is a great option for southeast Asian and Chinese. The food is quite good, and the prices are incredibly agreeable with the wallet. Expect all of the dishes to be vegetarian, but for those of you who eat meat with every meal, the vegetarian stuff is actually quite good, and no less filling. Restaurant site with menu:
www.singaporevegetarian.com

($-$$$) Yakitori Boy Japanese Restaurant (5pm-2am) – 211 N 11th St. (215) 923 8088
This one can be quite expensive if you've never had tapas before. Tapas is a Spanish idea where you order a large amount of small portion dishes and split them with other people. It gives you great variety and keeps the cost relatively low if you do it properly. These tapas, however, are Japanese cuisine, and have been dubbed “japas.” Go with a friend or two and have a taste of Japan.
http://www.yakitoriboy-japas.com/

($-$$) Vietnam Restaurant (11am – 9:30pm) – 221 N 11th St. (215) 592 1163
For those of you that have never eaten Vietnamese food, it's great stuff, especially the noodle soups. Vietnam Restaurant is the perfect place for you to try it for a first time, and the best thing is the price level. Last time I went there, the bill was very small compared to what I'm used to paying for Vietnamese in metropolitan areas.
http://www.eatatvietnam.com/restaurant.cfm

($) Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant – 1009 Arch St. (215) 592 8288
You can get both Malaysian and Japanese food here, again within one block of the venue. The seafood is fresh, the prices are good for what you'll be getting, and the atmosphere is quite appealing. They also feature Pad Thai for only $8. Closes at 1am.
http://phillybananaleaf.com/menus.html

The non-Asian food is going to be in and around the Reading Terminal Market, the south side of the venue. I would go here first if you're just looking to pick up something fresh. Reading Terminal's enclosed farmer's market is loaded with options, right across the street from the venue, and your best bet for low prices on whatever you could possibly want. Unfortunately, the best Philly cheese steaks are down in south Philly- a good distance from the venue. You can still get some traditional fare close to the Convention Center though; here are a few of your options:

Hershel's East Side Deli Market – 51 N 12th St. (215) 922 6220
For a Jewish-style deli with good pastrami sandwiches, Rubens, and corned beef, make your way to Hershel's one block from the venue. I've personally never eaten there, but I have recommendations from a few Philly dwellers originally from Manhattan. NYC has some solid delis, so I trust their opinions on Hershel's.

Salumeria inside the Reading Terminal Market
Again recommended by my friends from Manhattan, specifically they said the hoagies are spectacular, if not the best in Philly. It's pretty quick to walk up and get a sandwich, so it could be ideal for people in between rounds.

Maggiano's Little Italy – 1201 Filbert St. (215) 567 2020
It's technically a chain Italian restaurant, but it's decent food. It's high on the price scale, but if you're just trying to have a nice sit down Italian meal in a place where you're not likely to run into other magic players, this might be the place for you. I wish I could recommend something a little more authentic in a city full of my Italian brethren, but the selection near the venue isn't great. Olive Garden is close by as well, but if you have a chance to go to Maggiano's, it's a little better of an option. Bring a friend or two; and change of clothes goes a long way.
http://www.maggianos.com/

IHOP – 1320 Walnut St. (215) 732 1726
It's a good few blocks south of the venue, but I figure it might be important to know where the 24 hour classic is. Denny's is on the other side of the river, so this is about it.

Chilis – 1239 Filbert St. (215) 569 0850

Hard Rock Café – 1131 Market St. (215) 238 1000

McDonald's – 1401 Arch St. (about 3 blocks away)

I think that should about cover you on lodging and food in the center-city area of Philadelphia. Don't be surprised if this trip ends up being one of your more expensive ones of the year. I hope I've given enough information to help you keep your budget low, I'll be posting updates if any of the businesses contact me and tell me about special deals. I've been in touch with all of the hotels and restaurants, and I should hear from people over the course of the next few weeks.

Good luck at the tournament, and enjoy your stay in Philly.