If you’re looking for seafood or sweets, you’re in luck.
This may be one of the toughest situations the U. S. restaurant industry has ever faced, with health and financial challenges piling up for everyone involved, whether they’re owners, chefs, suppliers, cooks or servers.
Yet in true Philly fashion, the city’s dining scene refuses to call it quits.
No sugar coating it: worries still abound, from the ongoing fight for a federal bailout (two bills are pending in Congress) to the troublesome flouting of social distancing rules by unscrupulous operators. But that hasn’t stopped several local proprietors from bringing their dreams to fruition.
Indoor dining is still prohibited, so some of the city’s new spots focus on pickup and delivery, while others take advantage of built-in patios or decks.
There’s also been a slew of revamps, with existing restaurants flipping their concept into something more coronavirus and seasonally friendly. (Can we keep some of these seafood shacks even when there’s no pandemic?)
Here’s a roundup of new dining and drinking opportunities in Philadelphia.
Safety note: If you go, wear a mask whenever possible, maintain distance from others, and don’t congregate at the door if waiting for a table or pickup order. Restaurant workers’ health depends on it. Know a new spot we missed? Send an email.
1427 South St. (South Street West)
Proudly declaring itself a Black-owned business, this flower-filled patio just off Broad launched at the end of June. Specialties include frosé and boozy ice pops, plus $6 wines at happy hour. There’s a menu of cheese plates, fries, wings and other snacks to go along.
Hours: 2 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
1149 N. 3rd St. (Northern Liberties)
The flavors of Puerto Rico landed just south of Girard Avenue at the beginning of June, thanks to brother and sister Jazmin Serrano and Hector Serrano. Recipes come from mom Iris, according to Juniata News, who is known for her carts at festivals around the city. Order via Grubhub or UberEats for pickup or delivery.
