Philadelphia’s Spring Restaurant Openings

Helm in Olde Kensington | Photo by Emily Teel

Despite what the weather might be doing, we’re calling it: Spring is here. And as always, the change in seasons gives us an excuse to look forward at all the upcoming restaurant openings that we’re excited about.

So here’s what we’ve got coming up on the calendar. One word of caution though: Before you all go getting too excited about one place or another, let’s keep in mind that restaurant opening dates are HIGHLY speculative. As history has taught us time and time again, just because some place says it’s going to be open in April doesn’t mean that we won’t still be waiting for it to open its door come November. Of next year.

Helm – This new neighborhood BYO comes from two Philadelphia chefs who’ve worked in restaurants like Lacroix, Will and Fork. Together, Kevin D’Egidio and Michael Griffiths have created a locally-sourced, casual restaurant, with menu items contingent on daily vegetable availability.
1303 N 5th Street, Kensington
Opening: Now

Nine Ting – This Chinatown operation has somehow managed to fly almost completely under the radar during its opening preparations. But now that we’ve got our eye on it, what we see has us intrigued. The BYOB restaurant is offering all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu (which is awesome) and Korean BBQ (which is double-awesome) for a set price, so you can indulge in all of the meat, sides and sauces you’d like, without going broke in the process.
926 Race Street, Chinatown
Opening: Very Soon

Heritage – From the team who brought you Time, Garage and Growlers comes a combination jazz bar and restaurant in Northern Liberties. Heritage is being designed to answer the question, “what happens when an urban garden meets a local bar?” They’re even planning on bringing some of the greenery inside, with large plants hanging from the walls that will be used for chef Sean Magee‘s menu.
914 N 2nd Street, Northern Liberties
Opening: April 1

Triangle Tavern – One of South Philadelphia’s landmark restaurants (which first opened back in 1933) is making a comeback. From the owners of Cantina Los Caballitos and Khyber Pass, the Triangle Tavern will still look much like you may remember it, and will be serving old favorites like roast beef sandwiches and mussels.
1338 South 10th Street, East Passyunk
Opening: April

Bud & Marilyn’s – From Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, the women behind Lolita, Barbuzzo, Jamonera, Little Nonna’s and pretty much everything else on 13th Street, comes Bud & Marilyn’s. Named for Turney’s grandparents, Bed & Marilyn’s will have a throwback vibe, a retro look and a menu focusing on classic American comfort cuisine.
1234 Locust Street, Midtown Village
Opening: Late April

Waffles & Wedges – The brainchild of Andrea Capecci and Laura Judy, of the food truck Pbon’s Fresh Food of Philly, Waffles and Wedges will serve up Belgian waffles and french fries at the partners’ first brick-and-mortar location. In addition to waffles and potatoes, the restaurant will offer Pbon’s full menu of melts.
1511 Pine Street, Center City
Opening: Late March

Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop – We’ve been anticipating the opening of this second Joe’s Steaks since it was announced back in May, and the opening date is now almost here. The traditional cheesesteak, egg cream, and milkshake menu will remain largely the same, with an expanded pickle and pepper bar.
1200 Frankford Ave, Fishtown
Opening: April 1

Los Jimenez Mexican Cocina – Los Jimenez will serve spit-roasted, al pastor tacos at the location that used to house Vinny’s South Philly Sandwich shop. Head chef Justino Jimenez worked at Vetri for four years before committing full-time to his own restaurant.
2654 S. 6th Street, South Philly
Opening: Early April

Big Gay Ice Cream – The softserve ice cream shop that took New York City by storm is finally coming to Philly– an arrival that has been anxiously anticipated for almost a year now. Although no official date has been set, we are contenting ourselves with the promise that Big Gay Ice Cream is going to open before the first of May.
521 S Broad Street, Bella Vista
Opening: Sometime before May 1

Tria Cafe – Executive chef Karen Nicolas has assured diners that they will still be able to order some of their favorite dishes from Dmitri’s, the former occupant of the space where Tria will now stand, but her menu will be more dinner-focused, centering on seafood and pasta.
2227 Pine Street, Fitler Square
Opening: Early April

Crime and Punishment Brewing Co. – This locally-sourced craft brewery from former beer blogger Michael Wambolt has been slated to open at its Brewerytown location since 2014, but is still waiting on inspections.
2711 West Girard Avenue, Brewerytown
Opening: Eventually…

Fourth and Cross – This South Philly BYO will serve up farm-to-table American Bistro fare under the command of Andrew Michaels, former owner of E’s Coffee.
1527 S. 4th Street, South Philadelphia
Opening: Early May

SouthGate – This Korean- influenced pub will stand at the corner of 18th and Lombard Streets, where Tangier used to be. The menu will include Korean-inspired bar foods, including Korean fried chicken and other, more traditional fare.
18th and Lombard, Rittenhouse Square
Opening: Mid-May

Brick & Mortar – Brian Ricci, formerly of Kennet, will be the head chef at this Poplar location, serving up comfort food alongside a list of craft beer and cocktails.
315 N 12th Street, Poplar
Opening: Late Spring

Farmer’s Keep – Farmer’s Keep will be a quick, casual restaurant serving natural foods that avoid common allergens (meaning this menu is free of nuts, shellfish, dairy, gluten, or eggs). Meals can be eaten in the 68-person dining room or taken to go.
10 S. 20th Street, Center City
Opening: Late April

Johnny Manana’s – This restaurant will serve up traditional Mexican cuisine, along with a highly anticipated margarita menu for happy hour.
1080 Delaware Ave., Fishtown
Opening: May

Scratch Biscuits – Supper’s Mitch Prensky is opening up this brick-and-mortar location for the biscuits he’s been selling at pop-ups for a while now. The menu will include pre-designed biscuit sandwiches, as well as offering make-your-own biscuit sandwich options.
1306 Chestnut Street, Midtown Village
Opening: Late April

All Upcoming Restaurant Openings [f8b8z]