Here’s the lowdown on nine restaurants slated to open this month or next.
Brigantessa
Joe Cicala is opening Brigantessa soon.
Where: 1520 E. Passyunk Ave.
When: October
Vibe: Homey Italian
The scoop: Chef Joe Cicala, Francis Cratil-Cretarola and Catherine Lee — all from Le Virtu — are opening this pizzeria serving Neapolitan pies and pasta wood-fired in an oven that immigrated from Italy by boat.
City Tap House Logan Square
Where: 2 Logan Square
When: mid-October
Vibe: Similar to its sister location in University City, but with an 18-by-9 video wall for watching the games.
The scoop: The menu is sandwiches, burgers and other pub fare, plus 40 taps and a bottle list.
2nd Story Brewing
Where: 117 Chestnut St. (formerly Triumph Brewing)
When: Oct. 21
Vibe: Casual and spacious, with outdoor seating
The scoop: The food is elevated American pub fare, complemented by head brewer John Wible’s approachable ales and lagers.
Kensington Quarters
Where: 1310 Frankford Ave.
When: Late October or early November
Vibe: Farm-to-table
The scoop: Fishtown is getting a four-in-one with KQ: It’s a restaurant, bar, butcher shop and classroom space for butchering and cooking workshops.
Aldine
Where: 1901 Chestnut (formerly Noche)
When: Late October or early November
Vibe: “Thoughtful” and seasonal
The scoop: George and Jennifer Sabatino’s 70-seater will offer two reservations-only tasting menus — one for omnivores, one for herbivores — plus an a la carte small plates menu for walk-ins and bar guests. Pastry chef Sara May is in charge of desserts.
U-Bahn
Where: 1320 Chestnut
When: Late October or early November
Vibe: Trendy bar/restaurant/club
The scoop: U-Bahn has a local focus, with Pennsylvania craft brews, local liquors and “Philly-focused” food.
P’unk Burger
Where: 1823 E. Passyunk Ave.
When: November
Vibe: Casual but hip
The scoop: Slice owners Marlo and Jason Dilks are behind this twist on a classic diner, featuring burgers, fries and shakes as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and organic fountain soda. It’s in the space Chhaya Cafe just left for a bigger location a few doors down.
Jake’s Sandwich Board
Where: 125 S. 40th St.
When: Late November-ish
Vibe: Casual and take out
The scoop: The University City location will be similar to the newly renovated Midtown Village Jake’s. Both spots are adding “roasts” for the dinner menu: shareable portions of pig, brisket or turkey in a cast-iron skillet, plus sides. But we know you’ll just be going for the Barnyard.
Palladino’s
Luke Palladino is bringing his Italian fare to East Passyunk.
Where: 1934 E. Passyunk Ave.
When: Late November or early December
Vibe: Upscale but non-snooty Italian
The scoop: Chef Luke Palladino is no stranger to the restaurant scene, and his first foray into Philly is on one of the hottest food strips.
Next year
Tredici
Zavino Hospitality Group owner Greg Dodge is working on another Mediterranean spot, this one with 50 seats and a full bar at 114 S. 13th St., across the street from the Midtown Village Zavino. It will be “Zavino-light.” Tredici is shooting for an early 2015 opening.
