Philly area diners aren't cheapies when it comes to service, according to the 2008 Philadelphia edition of the "burgundy bible" - the Zagat Survey - which was released today.
Diners leave an average of 19.4% on top of the bill - and remain among the nation's highest tippers.
Hey big spenders!
"It's cheaper to eat in Philly than in other major cities. Possibly, as a result, Philadelphians have become the nation's best tippers," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey.
The average cost of a meal in Philadelphia is $32.81; it's below the national average of $33.28, and roughly $7 below New York's average of $39.43. It also ranks below other major cities such as San Francisco and Las Vegas.
The 2008 Philadelphia Zagat (pronounce it zuh-GAT) Survey covers 979 eateries in the Philadelphia area and in nearby New Jersey and Delaware. It includes 129 notable newcomers. The ratings and reviews come from the comments of 5,035 avid diners, who submitted their responses via ZAGAT.com.
The 2008 Philadelphia Zagat (pronounce it zuh-GAT) Survey covers 979 eateries in the Philadelphia area and in nearby New Jersey and Delaware. It includes 129 notable newcomers. The ratings and reviews come from the comments of 5,035 avid diners, who submitted their responses via ZAGAT.com.
Here are a few highlights culled from this year's survey:
- Philadelphia diners continue to favor Italian cuisine with 29% of the vote, followed by American (14%), French (13%) and Japanese (11%).
- New York City top-chef Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) is currently collaborating on a restaurant to debut in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton.
- Although Philly has traditionally been home to many outstanding BYO restaurants, the real surprise this year is that most high profile newcomers have drinks on the menu: for example, New Americans James, and Rae; Mediterranean Mecca Water Works; Mexican Xochitl; and Jose Garces' new Basque bistro, Tinto.
- Gastropubs are also on diners' radar, with Sidecar, St. Stephens Green, yello'bar and Zot seducing surveyors with their notable drinks lists.
- Philadelphia's appetite for upscale chains that sport liquor licenses also grew this year, with branches such as Fogo de Chão settling in and other chains slated to arrive.
- In the coming months, P.F. Chang's will roll out several locations, while brand name steakhouse Del Frisco's Double Eagle will open in Center City in 2008.
2 comments:
Xochitl is so great! Everyone has to go and get one of their fabulous margaritas! So delish!
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leisure content. Zagat2go.com rates and reviews restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, shopping and a range of other entertainment categories. Zagat2go.com content is available in print, on the Web, on the Palm and Pocket PC operating systems, on mobile phones, and on TV. For more information, visit http:///www.zagattogo.com.
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