DaTulip's definition is spot-on, both in the term itself and how I was intending it. In the US at least, the gastropub movement is almost entirely chef-driven (though it's rare here to ever have the bartender cook the food). Some examples: The Pub & Kitchen, The Standard Tap, and The Royal Tavern here in Philadelphia; The Spotted Pig and The Redhead in NYC.

I've had the prime rib and the NY strip. The prime rib wins every time.

For appetizers, I like the Greenberg potato skins, which may not be to some peoples' taste (they truly are just skins).

The best food truck going right now is Tacos don Memo, which makes truly terrific tacos and burritos. it's on 38th St. b/t Walnut and Chestnut. Be prepared to wait 20 minutes or so for your food, but it's worth it. Sugar Philly is right down the block toward Walnut.

If you want a nicer lunch, Distrito (Jose Garces' upscale Mexican) has a very good lunch special: app, entree, and beverage for $15. Depending on what you order, you may be in a food coma for most of the afternoon. That's at 40th just above Chestnut.

Thanks everybody; this is all great info.

My wife and I are staying in an apartment right near the Place de la Republique in the 11th in October for our honeymoon. I already have some ideas of great places in walking distance (West Country Girl, Le Chateaubriand, Maria Luisa, Philou, Breizh Café), but we're looking for recommendations of close-by places in that area that are quieter and easy to drop by for a low-stress, low-key meal on days/nights when we're not feeling like hitting a scene, maybe that don't require reservations. Similar drinking establishments would be appreciated, too. For reference, our favorite places here in the states are generally gastropubs and good Philly BYOs; in Paris, we'll eat anything.