"When deciding where to bring a group of friends for a birthday, picking a place where shareable dishes make up the entire menu is a good place to start. Plus, with views that make you feel like you’re on top of the city (or at least on The Iron Giant’s shoulder), this South Philly Sicilian spot is an easy choice for your birthday dinner. They have excellent handmade pastas, like a spaghetti alle vongole that coats clams in rich white wine sauce, citrusy agrodolce chicken (one of the best in the city), and plenty of other dishes just as good as the view. You won't struggle to find reservations for Irwin's, but your finger may cramp reloading Salvatore's Counter reservations page for those coveted four seats. They drop the reservations during the first of the month. We suggest setting a reminder or slipping a seat on the end to see if the chef will serve you anyway." - candis mclean, alison kessler