SET NoLibs is a neighborhood spot—with some added flair

A new eatery will be opening its doors this weekend in Northern Liberties, and on top of the large outdoor dining space and plethora of photo-worthy opportunities, SET NoLibs will be setting its sights on kickstarting people’s appetites and tastebuds with its unique offerings. 

The establishment is the first venture out of The Big Apple for SET Hospitality, and the main focus of this new NoLibs destination is to “present a unique, relaxing and interactive dining and drink experience in a spacious, colorful and hip atmosphere.” To do just that, SET decided to launch a neighborhood-style eatery with an Asian flair, to help keep things comfortable yet spicy. 

The original concept of SET in NYC started out with a menu specializing in different skewers around the world, then, the offerings began to grow to incorporate the flavors and styles of the chefs and partners of the eatery. Michael Tang and his co-owner at SET Hospitality then decided to migrate to the City of Brotherly Love after witnessing Philly’s unique camaraderie and culture. The journey to Philadelphia has obviously been an interesting one for the restauranteurs after everything began to happen with COVID-19, so SET partnered up with GLU Hospitality, known around Philly for other popular locations like Germantown Garden and the newly opened Hunnies, to make this move possible. 

SET L.E.S. in Manhatten has undergone its own experience in NYC, but in Philly, SET NoLibs is planning on making its mark through the curious menu selection, as well as a bounty of Instagram-able experiences— something that seems to be a necessity on all menus at the moment. 

When diners arrive, for obvious reasons at this time, the eatery will be only seating outdoors, but the atmosphere is still one for the ‘gram.’ Indoors however, is really where the personality shines through for this new eatery. Think a classic sports bar that got bought out and taken over by an artist with a flair for Philly sports memorabilia and design—then you get SET NoLibs. The indoor was designed by Anne White of AGW Interiors who also worked recently on a few other city hotspots including Blume, Tinsel, Tradesman’s and Leda and the Swan.

“I wanted to help SET Hospitality reinvent and expand on the definition of what a typical neighborhood sports bar looks and feels like. I wanted it to be approachable, fun and energizing – with lots of memorable features and original art mixed in with the sports memorabilia. We also wanted to give a nod to local iconic images and sports teams,” said White in a release. 

The menu at this new eatery has its own sort of personality, allowing those who dine an opportunity to sample a few different selections in one dish. For example, if you’re looking to order up some tacos, Philadelphians can mix and match between the bulgogi cheesesteak, tempura fish, tempura shrimp and bahn mi chicken for just $14. Another unique addition to this new hotspot is the ‘Set’ menu items, each of which offer their own flavor experience. For instance, on SET’s brunch menu, diners have the choice between five different set specials. One boasts chicken and waffles with salt and pepper wings, another serves up breakfast tacos with an assortment of fillings, while another offers a beyond meat burger option for those looking for more a plant-friendly option. 

Drink-wise, the beverage program at this new Northern Liberties destination has a lot to offer—what’s dinner without a few drinks, right? SET offers a few frozen options, spanning from margaritas (regular, mango, strawberry, peach, passion fruit, watermelon and more), and an array of signature cocktails including their Cheeky Tiki (made with Ciroc, pineapple, mango puree, pineapple juice and lime), Lycheetini (made with vodka, lychee juice, simple syrup and a lychee garnish), Jalapeno Popper (made with Dorado tequila, fresh jalapenos, lime, OJ and sour mix) and more. The new eatery will also be serving up an assortment of mojitos (think regular, coconut, mango, peach and more), beers and also non-alcoholic beverages as well.  

SET NoLibs opens this weekend in Northern Liberties with hours being Tuesday through Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm and brunch Friday through Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm. To learn more information, visit set-hospitality.com