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The South Philly bar/restaurant scene enjoyed a banner year in 2014. The arrival of two celebrity chefs in Marc Vetri and Kevin Sbraga, the crowning of Nick Elmi and the thundering emergence of Townsend Wentz all add up to as much. Though ’15 has just kicked off, many projects are in the works that will continue to fuel the best scene in the city. Here is a look at some of the top storylines heading into the near year.
North Bowl heads South
The popular Northern Liberties spot has been building toward a Southern outpost since ’13 and after some recently released preview pictures, it appears that the anticipation is coming to an end. Located on 19 E. Oregon Ave near Tony Luke’s, just across I-95, the bowling ally and bar will be housed in the old Thomas Colace warehouse. The space is as gigantic as it sounds, and the owners plan to take full advantage.
As reported by Michael Klein of Philly.com, South Bowl will be almost double the size of its northern cousin. Inside will be 26 lanes, billiard tables and video games. If North Bowl is any indication, pricing will be more than reasonable, as they offer games for just $5.95 per person per game on weekends. Food options will surely elevate beyond the typical stale pretzels and year-old hot dogs. North Bowl offers items braised beef wonton tacos, fried calamari and buffalo chicken dumplings.
The exact opening date is not yet set, but indications are that it will be earlier in the year rather than later.
Hawthornes’ rebirth
Coming up on a year ago now, the stunning news that neighborhood favorites Hawthornes would be closing due to fire damage broke. Anyone who drove by the space could see why this was the only option. However, it was immediately after that owners Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico pledged that the beloved brunch and beer spot would return with even more to offer. Recent social media announcements make it clear that the reopening is imminent, though no date has been officially set.
The big news is that Hawthornes was the driving force behind recently reported changes that will allow for the delivery of beer citywide. A recent Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board decision concluded beer could be delivered as long as a business obtains certain licenses and the customer paid with a credit card — both very surprisingly reasonable caveats. More taps, a growler station and an array of cocktails are expected as a result of a full liquor license.
Still growing
Though it was Vetri’s arrival that brought headlines, The Philadelphia Navy Yard food and events scene has been on the upswing for quite some time. One of South Philly’s best kept secrets is the Urban Outfitters Cafeteria at the company’s headquarters. It stands out for not only the wide variety of top flight lunch options but for its stunning industrial scenery. The food truck program brings a rotation of options for weekday lunch. This past summer, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society hosted a successful Flower Show preview there, complete with a beer garden, and Great Chefs brought together Philly’s biggest culinary names to the Navy Yard for a good cause.
The trend will continue in ’15 as the International Great Beer Expo will arrive May 30 and take place on the Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St. The numbers add up to 25 countries, 75-plus International Brewers, and more than 200 beers. On the restaurant front, Mercer Café will move in and bring Tacconelli family brick oven pizza, as well as other breakfast and lunch fare.
Bing Bing on the avenue
Center City’s Cheu Noodle Bar has been nothing short of a revelation since its opening. Ben Puchowitz and Shawn Darragh share a creative and personal approach to Asian food that is not typically associated with more refined dining at the forefront of the Philly food scene. Bing Bing is their long awaited follow up project that will bring dim sum to the corner of East Passyunk Avenue and Morris Street in the former El Zarape space.
Dim sum focuses on dumplings and buns, making it easy to project that Puchowitz and Darragh will be whipping up some creative dough-based fare. Puchowitz’s Instagram has teased potential dishes, including Hong Kong street waffles, taro puffs and sesame cakes.
Construction has been plugging along for seemingly years, but as newspapers blocking an interior view have gone up, the end appears to be near. Expect an opening early in the year.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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