Top Graduation Dining & Celebration Spots in Philadelphia and Beyond!

Graduation season is nearly here, and we’ve rounded up standout venues perfect for celebrating this major milestone. From personalized desserts and festive meals to customizable event packages that take the stress out of planning, these top spots in Philadelphia and beyond — including Bolo, Jansen, Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Oloroso, Oltremare, Patchwork, Puttshack, Red Owl Tavern, Stella of New Hope, The Twisted Tail, and Urban Farmer— have everything needed to mark the occasion!

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Bolo, Chef Yun Fuentes’ Latin American dining room and rum bar nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, is the ultimate destination for celebrating one’s graduation (or any) milestone in style. Perfect for graduation gatherings both intimate and grand, Bolo offers a variety of customizable event packages. The second-floor dining room seats up to 80 guests, while a full buyout transforms the space into a dynamic cocktail-style reception forup to 175 guests. Guests can add a personal touch with signature rum cocktails, passed appetizers, or an elegant four-course meal — all designed to make graduation day unforgettable.

Please contact hospitality@bolophl.com for more information.

Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, 5pm—10pm for dinner, Saturday 10pm—12am for late night, and Monday through Friday, 5pm—7pm for happy hour

2025 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 267.639.2741 | Website | Instagram

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Jansen, Mt. Airy’s contemporary and award-winning New American restaurant by Chef David Jansen, offers an elevated private dining experience in a refined, intimate setting. Known for its season, market-driven cuisin, Jansen is ideal for honoring this milestone with a memorable meal. The restaurant features multiple private dining spaces— including a cozy Private Dining Room, a spacious Patio, and a light-filled Atrium with indoor-outdoor seating — accommodating groups from 7 to 75 guests. Customizable three, four, and five-course menus are available, along with a personalized Chef’s Table experience. Each event is thoughtfully tailored by Chef Jansen to reflect the tastes and preferences of the graduate and their guests.

To inquire about private dining at Jansen, click here.

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm – 8pm; Friday and Saturday from 5pm – 9pm

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Keating’s Rope & Anchor, a contemporary seafood-forward American restaurant and bar at the Hilton Penn’s Landing boasting waterfront views of the Delaware River, offers the perfect setting for a post-graduation celebration. Available from 12pm to 5pm on the weekends, the lunch menu showcases sustainably sourced seafood and locally inspired ingredients. Highlights include the Blackened Salmon ($34) served with corn risotto, roasted red pepper, parmesan, basil oil, and sriracha honey; the Caprese Chicken Sandwich ($16) featuring grilled chicken, roasted red pepper, and mozzarella on toasted ciabatta; and the Wild Mushroom Flatbread ($16) topped with foraged wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, Lancaster goat cheese, truffle oil, and arugula.

For a more private gathering, the Admiral Corners offers an exclusive event space with both indoor and outdoor access, plus picturesque views of the Delaware River Waterfront.

To inquire about the Admiral Corners call 215-521-6509. Regular reservations can be made here.

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 10:00pm; Saturday – Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm

201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd | 215.521.6509 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Oloroso, Philadelphia’s premier Spanish tapas restaurant and sherry bar, situated in the heart of Center City, offers a warm, stylish backdrop for graduation celebrations, blending authentic Spanish cuisine with a lively yet intimate atmosphere. The restaurant accommodates up to 44 guests on its lower level and 36 on the upper level, making it well-suited for both small gatherings and larger seated dinners. Guests can toast the graduate with curated Spanish wines and sherries while enjoying a menu of traditional and inventive dishes, including Buñuelos de Bacalao ($10), salted cod-potato fritters with citrus aioli, Gambas al Ajillo ($16) sauteed shrimp with chili pepper, lemon, and migas, or Prawns a la Parrilla ($18) grilled king prawns with aioli,alongside shareable plates like Paella Oloroso ($62/$88), Roasted Half Pig’s Head ($42 per person) and the 32oz Dry-Aged Chuletón ($75 per person).

For a more curated experience, Oloroso also offers signature tasting menus to commemorate the occasion, such as the Tapas & Raciones ($55), the 5-course Gusto ($75), or the Chef’s Tasting ($95).

Oloroso offers a wide range of large party offerings, from a small dinner party to a full buyout. For more information on larger reservations, please contact (267) 324-3014 ortwentz@thetwrg.com.

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday, Sunday 4:30pm – 10pm; Friday & Saturday 4:30pm – 11 pm.

1121 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (267) 324-3014 | Website | Instagram

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Oltremare, the new seafood-forward modern Italian restaurant from Chef-Owner and restaurateur Townsend Wentz, warmly invites guests to commemorate academic achievements amidst the flavors and aesthetics reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast. The restaurant boasts an expansive open space adorned with custom mahogany and cherry wood finishes, complemented by a mezzanine offering picturesque views overlooking the main dining room, providing an unparalleled setting for celebration. Menu highlights includeChicken Milanese with panzanella, arugula, and Parmigiana reggiano, Spaghetti al Limone comprising sorrento lemom, bottarga, and olive oil emulsion, Frutti di Mare featuring squid ink lumache, shrimp, calamari, mussels, and ’nduja, and Grilled Branzino accompanied by asparagus, taggiasca, romesco, and almond gremolata. Additionally, guests can enjoy a variety of amaros, carefully selected Italian wines, and classic cocktails to complement the experience.

Oltremare offers a wide range of large party offerings, from a small dinner party to a full buyout. For more information on larger reservations, please contact (445) 223.2093 ortwentz@thetwrg.com.

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday 4:30 – 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 4:30 – 10pm, and Sunday 4:30 – 9pm

2121 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 445.223.2093 | Website | Instagram

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Patchwork, a vibrant New American restaurant and bar on the second floor of the Hyatt Centric, is conveniently located less than a 10 minute drive from Philadelphia institutions like UPenn and Drexel. Offering a weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 1pm, it’s an ideal choice for out of town guests visiting for graduation weekend. Brunch goers can enjoy savory and sweet offerings à la carte, such as French Toast ($18) with Nutella and whipped cream, a Patchwork Omelette ($19) with beech mushrooms, broccoli rabe and Swiss cheese, and a Croissant Sandwich ($16) with egg, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and dijonaise. Patchwork also offers a Breakfast Buffet ($29) that includes chef’s daily selections, along with coffee and tea.

Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 9 pm; Friday – Saturday 7 am – 10 pm; Sunday 7 am – 9 pm

1620 Chancellor Street | 215.985.1234 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Graduation calls for more than just a dinner — it deserves a celebration packed with fun, flavor, and a little friendly competition. Puttshack, the world’s first and only tech-infused mini golf experience, offers a one-of-a-kind venue for grads to celebrate in style. Perfect for parties of 13 or more, Puttshack offers event packages that include a round of high-energy mini golf, reserved seating, chef-driven menus accommodating all dietary needs, and a dedicated event ambassador to keep the party running smoothly. The venue also features semi- and fully-private event spaces, complete with a private bar, making it ideal for large celebrations with family, friends, and classmates alike.

For details on event package offerings and group bookings click here.

Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 11-11pm; Friday through Saturday 11-12am; and Sunday 11-10pm.

1625 Chestnut St, Philadelphia | 215.907.7888 | Website | Instagram

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Red Owl Tavern, the contemporary kitchen and bar located across from Independence Hall, offers an exceptional setting for graduation celebrations, with a variety of private event spaces tailored to fit any size gathering. For an intimate experience, the Chef’s Table, housed in a historic bank vault-turned-wine cellar, seats up to 10 guests, while the Shanghai Room, with its vaulted brick ceiling and vintage chandeliers, accommodates up to 30 guests. For more expansive events, The Mezzanine provides seating for up to 60 guests with views overlooking the vibrant first-floor restaurant. For grander occasions, the entire restaurant is available, with a total capacity of 150 for a full buy out.

To book a private event, click here.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 – 10:45am, Saturday and Sunday 8 – 10am (breakfast); Monday through Friday 11:30am – 4:30pm (lunch); Monday through Friday 4:30 – 10pm, Saturday 5 – 10pm (dinner); and Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 2pm (brunch).

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Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located in theGhost Light Inn with 180 degree views of the Delaware River, invites guests to celebrate graduation with their weekend brunch menu which boasts a unique twist on American classics inspired by local ingredients from the region’s best farmers and artisans. OfferedFriday-Sunday from11am to 2pm, guests can expect menu items such as the Shrimp and Crab Tostada ($19) with lump crab salad, sautéed ‘bloody Maria’ shrimp, crisp shredded lettuce, avocado mash, cilantro-lime crema, queso fresco on a corn tostada,Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($14)served with pure maple syrup, powdered sugar and whipped butter, andEggs Benedict ($19), two poached eggs toped with hollandaise sauce on house-made buttermilk biscuit with a side of rolling hills farm field greens with a cider vinaigrette.Pair the meal with a brunch cocktail such as theStella Spritz ($17) composed of lemongrass-infused vodka, oolong chai tea, lychee-raspberry cordial, lemon, peychaud’s bitters, topped with sparkling wine, or anOrchid Beach ($17) with vodka, grapefruit, rosemary & honey, and citrus.

Furthermore, for a larger celebration, Stella provides a beautiful 150-seat banquet room with an exceptional river view back drop or a ground level open air event space with riverfront views. Fun add-ons include signature cocktails, DIY Taco Bar, Hot Chocolate Bar, Mini Root Beer Float Station, and much more

The Ghost Light Inn offers 12 rooms, perfect for visiting friends and friends. Additionally,The Carriage House presents 3 riverfront rooms, conveniently located just steps away from Stella.

For more information, email info@stellanewhope or call 267.740.2691.

Hours of operation: Thursday 5 – 12am, Friday 5 – 2am, Saturday 8 – 2am

50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 • 267.740.2691 • Website • Instagram • Facebook

The Twisted Tail, the Southern-inspired restaurant, bar and live music venue on Headhouse Square, offers an ideal setting for a graduation celebration. Their weekend brunch, available on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes. Menu highlights include Crawfish Mac & Cheese ($8) with aged cheddar and toasted breadcrumbs, Cheesy Grits ($13) with sharp cheddar, bacon crumbles and an egg; Chicken & Waffle ($18) with bourbon batter and a winter spiced-maple syrup; Brioche French Toast ($14) with creme brûlée, whipped cream and powdered sugar, and more. The restaurant also provides two long tables at the rear of the Juke Joint that can accommodate seating for up to 40 people.

Additionally, guests can enjoy live music at The Twisted Tail while indulging in brunch, every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm.

For larger parties, visit here. Regular reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Hours of operation: Monday— Thursday 4 pm — 10 pm; Friday 4 pm — 12 am; Saturday 11 am — 12 am; Sunday 10 am — 10 pm

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Urban Farmer, the modern American steakhouse located in the Logan Hotel known for its locally sourced ingredients and in-house butcher shop and mushroom program, located less than a 1o minute drive from Philadelphia institutions like UPenn and Drexel is the perfect spot to host a graduation celebration.

Executive Chef Sonny Ingui and his culinary team offer an exceptional weekend brunch offered from 7am to 2pm with savory specialties such as Biscuits and Sausage Gravy ($19) with buttermilk biscuits, sunny side up eggs and housemade pork sausage, Shrimp and Grits ($26) with castle valley red grits, andouille sausage, lobster-basil cream, cherry tomato and a poached egg, and Short Rib Hash ($22) with potato, Kennet Square mushrooms, mama lil’s peppers, spinach, béarnaise and sunny-side up egg. A celebration isn’t complete without a few drinks, so guests can enjoyUrban Farmer’s Mimosa Kitsoffering a glass of sparkling + juice for $14, one bottle of sparkling + 3 juices for $68, or two bottles of sparkling + 3 juices for $126 or enjoy brunch cocktails including a Bloody Mary with Tito’s Vodka and housemade Bloody Mary mix, a UF Espresso Martini with vodka, amaro averna, kahlua and espresso or Farmer #4 with Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain, lime and a grapefruit cube.

Additionally, Urban Farmer presents four unique spaces for a more intimate celebration with availability from 10 to 60 people:The Verdant Room, a newly renovated private room with scenic views of Swann Fountain;The Pantry, a semi-private area adorned with house-made pickled vegetables;The Farm Table, nestled in the dining room, perfect for casual drinks, dining, and gatherings; andThe Patio, an al fresco space on the Ben Franklin Parkway, ideal for a springtime gradute. Urban Farmer’s private dining program offers an extensive menu, featuring hors d’oeuvres like Smoked Duck Breast Canapes and Lobster and Scallop Shooters, along with entrees such as Creekstone Natural Prime Filet, Tomahawk Prime Rib, and Jail Island Salmon. Additionally, guests can relish displays of Chilled Seafood, Caviar, Cheese, and Charcuterie to complete their extraordinary dining experience. Moreover, Executive Chef Sonny Ingui and his team offer experiential and interactive add-ons including table-side Wagyu carvings, exquisite seafood and caviar presentations, artisanal charcuterie and fromagerie stations, interactive cocktail carts with personal bartenders, and an array of gourmet delights.

For more information or to inquirer about an event, visit here.

Hours of operation:  Tuesday through Saturday, 8am – 9pm, and Sunday, 8am – 3pm

Top Graduation Dining & Celebration Spots in Philadelphia and Beyond!

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