Remember when a martini was gin, vermouth and an olive? Neither does anybody else, least of all Stephen Starr, who, with the advent of The Continental Martini Bar, decided that any alcoholic concoction served “up” is fit to be called a martini, which seems to sit more than well with Philadelphians. Continental is the premier Old City destination on Friday and Saturday nights, when you can count on a line out the door. While the weekends bring crowds of thirsty scenesters, the Continental menu is yummy enough to make this place a go-to any day (or night) of the week. The choices are varied and inventive – one standout is the soba noodle salad, a mountain of spinach, grilled chicken, buckwheat noodles and tomato in a scrumptious citrus ginger vinaigrette. Other must-tries are the Szechwan shoestring fries drizzled with spicy mustard and the best pad Thai south of Chinatown. For the most classic of cocktails available, try the Continental Martini, Stoli vodka with a splash of vermouth featuring a lemon-stuffed olive in an oversized martini glass.