Do you like Dim Sum ? The Imperial Inn in Chinatown is very good.

Reading Terminal Market -- but be sure it's open.

Songdoc, that would be my choice; it was open on that Friday two years ago. But one of our party dislikes it--too crowded, I think, is his reason? I hope to at least stop in on our way back to the train station for train snacks.

njsusan, dim sum would be fun, thanks!

Since long walk is ok, walk to Rittenhouse Square and you have many, many choices. Matyson, Parc, Devon Seafood Grill are all great, and there are many more. A look at chowhound or open table, at Rittenhouse Square area, could give you lots more ideas. Have fun!

Thanks, go_laura! The person in our party who dislikes the Market loves Rittenhouse Square, so that's a strong possibility. We're planning to go straight to the Barnes from the train station, then have lunch, then do the Rodin--does the Square work with this plan, logistically?

Fodors seems to be suggesting that the related food for your destination would be Costa Rican. Does anyone know of any good Costa Rican restaurants in Philly?

Seriously, can I jump on this thread? In a few weeks on a Sunday we will be going to the Barnes in the morning, then having lunch before our show at the Wilma downtown. Of course, we could head downtown to have lunch, but is there some nice place nearer the Barnees for either lunch or brunch, before we drive downtown? Unlike NewbE, however, we will be driving.

> We're planning to go straight to the Barnes from the train station,
> then have lunch, then do the Rodin--
> does the Square work with this plan, logistically?

Check this map:
http://printable-maps.blogspot.com/2011/12/map-of-philadelphia.html

The Amtrak Station is called "30th Street Station" and is at (surprise!) 30th Street, and also right beside the Schuykill River. It's also very close to the Ben Franklin Parkway, on which is both the Barnes and the Rodin -- indeed, these two museums are practically next to each other. The eastern-most part of The Parkway is Logan Circle, at 19th Street.

Rittenhouse Square is also at 19th Street, about four blocks south of Logan Square. You could probably walk between all these sights, with the only "problem" being that you will leave one place, walk several blocks for lunch, and then retrace back to (pretty much) the same place.

Thanks, PaulRabe, that's exactly what I needed to know, and we can easily walk that much unless the weather is really awful. We;re all enthusiastic walkers! Our friends know Philly well, which is why I had not consulted a map until now; I wanted to contribute some ideas for lunch, but only if they weren't way out of our way.
Thanks again, everyone. NeoPatrick, take it away!

We have always enjoyed our meals at Rembrandt's Restaurant.The London Grill is also in that area. Also the Water Works restaurant right along the river. If you like Greek food, Zorba's Taverna is also in museum area.

If you've never had a Philly cheese steak from a truck, you must try one. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60795-i113-k3590895-Philly_Cheese_steak-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania.html
I suppose they could put some tofu in there but it just wouldn't be the same. You will want it 'wid da wiz' if you know what I mean.

With all due respect to the mighty cheesesteak, I don't think it's gonna happen with this crowd! (Even I don't want it with tofu...)

NewbE, I know you wanted to avoid museum cafes but don't completely write-off the cafe at the Art Museum. It's a Stephen Starr restaurant and supposed to be good, though I haven't tried it myself.

http://www.philamuseum.org/granitehill

Birdie is correct. We have had some great lunches at the restaurant in the Art Museum.

Thank you, Birdie and schmerl, that's really good to know in case we have awful weather. No one in our group minds cold, but I HATE getting wet; plus if we start to run short of time we may just go that route and skip the walk to and from lunch. Great information on Fodor's, as always!

We love Barbuzzo for lunch, but it seems like a long walk considering the Barnes and Rodin are so close to each other. Look at a map. The food is delicious.

Barbuzzo 110 S. 13th St.

If you find yourself near Rittenhouse Square, gelato from Capogiro is excellent.
capogirogelato.com

I had a mediocre brunch at Waterworks - cannot recommend it.

Sorry, I completely forgot that I'd contributed to this thread, and never saw the follow up question and responses. I do have a couple other thoughts, one for you too NeoPatrick if you haven't already done your Philly trip.

First, to op, let me say I agree that it's do-able to walk to Rittenhouse Square for lunch but that you'd be re-tracing your steps in your plan. If you happen to have great weather, then I think it's worth doing, just because Rittenhouse Square is such a lovely destination itself. But if weather is too cold or wet, then I add my vote for the museum cafe.

If you do happen to have good weather, we just had a delicious dinner at a Thai restaurant at 26th and Brown, called Trio. It would be about a mile walk from the museums you're going to.

For both you and NeoPatrick, another option would be Sabrina's at 18th and Callowhill. I've only been to their other location at the Italian Market but I'v heard it's the same. Absolutely delicious brunch and lunch food, I've been with many people of various tastes and no-one's ever been disappointed. Always a line, but I've heard they now have call-ahead, so you could call while you're still finishing up at the museum and get your name on the list. If you choose this option, tho', I'd call ahead to verify that the call-ahead option is correct.

NeoPatrick, here's a second vote for Sabrina's for Sunday brunch.

NewbEm for seafood, try Stephen Starr's new place on N. Broad Street called Route 6. It's not the greatest neighborhood, but food and ambiance are great. It's a short cab ride from the Barnes. For somewhere in a nicer area, anywhere around Eastern State Pen is a good choice, and there are many to choose from some of which schmerl mentioned. Newer places include Fare and Hickory Lane. This is my hood so I'm glad to hear it's a destination

Enjoy the Barnes. It's beyond words. I can't get enough.

I've found that the best way to get around, especially between the museums/historical district is via the Philly Phlash bus:

http://www.visitphilly.com/tours/philadelphia/phlash/

You can't miss it. It's a brilliant purple. It runs along Ben Franklin and Market. Seniors travel free.

Please note that in September and October they run only on certain days.

NewbE, I realize I should clarify, my recommendation of Trio is NOT in Rittenhouse Square, they were two different thoughts. Trio is in the Fairmount neighborhood, near the Art Museum.

You may have realized this, but when I re-read my second post, I thought it might be confusing.