Not sure if the OP is familiar with Saloon--an Italian Steakhouse in South Philly pushing its 50th year in business--and still going strong. Highly recommended for the odd (and indeed old school) experience--not to mention the Manhattans.

To those posting about City Tavern--from a locals perspective, it doesn't even blip on the radar--it's almost exclusively for tourists. Philly's restaurant scene is hard to categorize as anything but explosive--James Beard Award winning chefs, Iron Chefs, Top Chef winners--all are competing neck and neck--so if you're in town I'd recommend exploring the options. There's a reason those stuffy classics closed--they just simply weren't as good (or were too overpriced) to compete with the new wave of talent.

A good starting place:
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/50...2/#gallery-1-1