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Updating the Eater Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

by Carly Szkaradnik
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by Carly Szkaradnik

eaterheatmapphilly.jpgMore often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment.

Thus, we offer the Eater Heat Map, which will change continually to highlight where the crowds are flocking to, rightthisverymoment. Of course, beer gardens reign supreme this month, with newcomers Independence Beer Garden and the PHS Pop-Up Garden both joining the fray. Rounding out this month's additions are must-try Mexican spot Blue Corn and DIY Japanese barbecue at Gyu-Kaku.

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or send 'em down the tipline.


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Abe Fisher

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"Foods of the Jewish diaspora" might not be the catchiest tagline you'll ever hear, but it turns out to be a killer concept for a restaurant. The menu of small plates (all sized very comfortably to be split) pulls influence from Jewish traditions all over the world and is just unabashedly fun - if you think the very presence of shrimp fried rice on the menu is a surprise, wait until you see the actual dish. Drinks follow suit: all the cocktails (with awesome touches like barrel-aged Manischewitz) and wines (only by the glass) are the same price, encouraging you to explore and mix and match some lesser-known finds.
1623 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 867-0088
(215) 867-0088

La Peg

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Chef Peter Woolsey landed a killer venue for his second restaurant: It's in the brand-new FringeArts building, with lofty ceilings, tons of outdoor space, and waterfront views. The majority of the (very French) menu is made up of small plates, snacks, and raw bar items, making it easy to customize your visit - whether you're looking to grab a bite or two at one of the bars or splashing out for a special occasion. [All Eater Coverage.]
140 N. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 375-7744
(215) 375-7744

Also featured in:

Dizengoff

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Yup, the Heatmap gets two new CookNSolo additions this month, and they're next door neighbors. But while sibling Abe Fisher is a dinner spot with a wide-ranging menu, Dizengoff opens early, features picnic-table seating, and focuses mostly on one thing: seriously good hummus. It comes in a handful of different configurations each day (the toppings are highly seasonal and have been changing daily now that they're getting into their groove), and arrives alongside a couple of salads and some top-notch pita - but there's nothing else on the menu except for a few drinks (including beer). Luckily, you don't really need anything else. [All Eater Coverage.]
1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Also featured in:

The Blue Anchor @ Spruce St. Harbor Park

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Sure, many of the menu items are pulled from the menu at Village Whiskey, but the setting here couldn't be more different - or more special. Originally scheduled to close by Labor Day, the hugely popular park recently extended its schedule, so you've got until September 28 to make the most of it. (The massive undertaking also incorporates a beach, gardens, tons of hammocks, boardwalk amusements, and more.) [All Eater coverage.] [Photo: Matt Stanley for DRWC]
South Christopher Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Bardot Cafe

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The kitchen at this swanky new NoLibs bar (from the owner of the P.O.P.E.) is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — good news in general, but especially considering that the kitchen's being led by chef Rhett Vellner (who used to cook at Resurrection Ale House, once upon a time). The early impression Bardot has made is way more than just a bar that serves food.
447 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 639-4772
(267) 639-4772

a.kitchen + bar

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a.kitchen may be a familiar name, but for a while there, it was crying out for someone to breathe new life into it. And that's exactly what it got when the AKA Rittenhouse hotel partnered with Ellen Yin and Eli Kulp (who's installed High Street alum Jon Nodler as chef de cuisine) — the new menu is every bit as intriguing and satisfying as you'd expect from the team behind Fork and High Street on Market. And now, sibling a.bar — which has always made a strong showing in the drinks department — has been updated with its own Kulp-led menu makeover, too.
135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 825-7030
(215) 825-7030

Also featured in:

Blue Corn Restaurant

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The replacement for short-loved Torero tapas bar is this must-try Mexican spot. The food skews more high-end than the typical taqueria (though you'll find excellent renditions of many of those staple dishes), while still being very affordable. And as a huge bonus, this place has a full bar with some seriously good cocktails. [Photo: Albert Stumm/Passyunk Post]
940 S.9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-1010
(215) 925-1010

Also featured in:

Beast & Ale

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Owners Tim Spinner and Brian Sirhal are mostly known for Mexican restaurants (Cantina/La Calaca/Taqueria Feliz), so this taxidermy-laden ode to Americana is certainly a departure. The homey vibe is in a burger that evokes old-school drive-ins, an entire section of the menu devoted to dips, disco fries, and entrees like buttermilk fried chicken. Soon they'll have brunch, and happy hour is already in effect every weekday. [All Eater Coverage.]
4161 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127
(267) 437-3936
(267) 437-3936

Stock.

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This gorgeous new Fishtown spot from Tyler Akin and Nicole Reigle (a husband-and-wife team, both formerly of Zahav) opened fairly quietly, serving a succinct menu of (mostly) noodles to a small dining room (18 seats; walk-in only). They're BYO, almost the entire menu falls under $10, and reports on the food from the first few days are very, very strong. NB: Stock is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but opens early for lunch (serving killer banh mi) on the weekends. (Full hours and details are on the website.)
308 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Also featured in:

Townsend

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The last restaurant in this prime East Passyunk space, Christopher's Lee's Sophia, was a notable flop. Now, under the care of chef-owner Townsend Wentz, the location seems to have been given the restaurant it deserves: the modern French menu and beverage program overseen by ace GM and sommelier Lauren Harris have earned the restaurant heaps of early praise. Closed on Tuesdays; otherwise: dinner nightly, bar open until 2 a.m.
1623 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Also featured in:

Petruce et al

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Brothers Jonathan and Justin Petruce (whose collective experience includes Mémé and Little Fish) built the kitchen for this new New American around a wood-fired oven and an Argentinean-style grill, so expect a little char. (And keep your eyes peeled for pizza, which isn't on the menu but has made a couple of special appearances.) Partner/GM/wine guru Tim Kweeder and beverage director George Costa focus on smart pairings that are always in service of the food.
1121 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 225-8232
(267) 225-8232

Lolita

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How does a ten-year-old restaurant land a spot on the Heatmap? By reimagining itself as a totally new restaurant, with a street food focus and a brand new liquor license. Make no mistake: the carne asada and the charm may have survived, but Lolita is brand new again.
106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7100
(215) 546-7100

Also featured in:

Matt & Marie's

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With just seven sandwiches, a couple of sides, and a small grocery selection of imported Italian sweets, this new downtown fast-casual is focusing for quality (of ingredients and service) over being everything to every person - though the appealing selections cover most of the bases, whether you're looking for something layered with pork products or green veggies.
2 Logan Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 273-1940
(267) 273-1940

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Copy Link
The first Philly location of the yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) chain is now open, with built-in grills that let you DIY your chosen variety of meats and veggies. There are also some fun apps (fried bacon chips, anyone?) and desserts including s'mores, making for great interactive dining for a group.
1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 603-9482
(267) 603-9482

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Abe Fisher

1623 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
"Foods of the Jewish diaspora" might not be the catchiest tagline you'll ever hear, but it turns out to be a killer concept for a restaurant. The menu of small plates (all sized very comfortably to be split) pulls influence from Jewish traditions all over the world and is just unabashedly fun - if you think the very presence of shrimp fried rice on the menu is a surprise, wait until you see the actual dish. Drinks follow suit: all the cocktails (with awesome touches like barrel-aged Manischewitz) and wines (only by the glass) are the same price, encouraging you to explore and mix and match some lesser-known finds.
1623 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 867-0088
(215) 867-0088

La Peg

140 N. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Chef Peter Woolsey landed a killer venue for his second restaurant: It's in the brand-new FringeArts building, with lofty ceilings, tons of outdoor space, and waterfront views. The majority of the (very French) menu is made up of small plates, snacks, and raw bar items, making it easy to customize your visit - whether you're looking to grab a bite or two at one of the bars or splashing out for a special occasion. [All Eater Coverage.]
140 N. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 375-7744
(215) 375-7744

Dizengoff

1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Yup, the Heatmap gets two new CookNSolo additions this month, and they're next door neighbors. But while sibling Abe Fisher is a dinner spot with a wide-ranging menu, Dizengoff opens early, features picnic-table seating, and focuses mostly on one thing: seriously good hummus. It comes in a handful of different configurations each day (the toppings are highly seasonal and have been changing daily now that they're getting into their groove), and arrives alongside a couple of salads and some top-notch pita - but there's nothing else on the menu except for a few drinks (including beer). Luckily, you don't really need anything else. [All Eater Coverage.]
1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Blue Anchor @ Spruce St. Harbor Park

South Christopher Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Sure, many of the menu items are pulled from the menu at Village Whiskey, but the setting here couldn't be more different - or more special. Originally scheduled to close by Labor Day, the hugely popular park recently extended its schedule, so you've got until September 28 to make the most of it. (The massive undertaking also incorporates a beach, gardens, tons of hammocks, boardwalk amusements, and more.) [All Eater coverage.] [Photo: Matt Stanley for DRWC]
South Christopher Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Bardot Cafe

447 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
The kitchen at this swanky new NoLibs bar (from the owner of the P.O.P.E.) is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — good news in general, but especially considering that the kitchen's being led by chef Rhett Vellner (who used to cook at Resurrection Ale House, once upon a time). The early impression Bardot has made is way more than just a bar that serves food.
447 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 639-4772
(267) 639-4772

a.kitchen + bar

135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
a.kitchen may be a familiar name, but for a while there, it was crying out for someone to breathe new life into it. And that's exactly what it got when the AKA Rittenhouse hotel partnered with Ellen Yin and Eli Kulp (who's installed High Street alum Jon Nodler as chef de cuisine) — the new menu is every bit as intriguing and satisfying as you'd expect from the team behind Fork and High Street on Market. And now, sibling a.bar — which has always made a strong showing in the drinks department — has been updated with its own Kulp-led menu makeover, too.
135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 825-7030
(215) 825-7030

Blue Corn Restaurant

940 S.9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The replacement for short-loved Torero tapas bar is this must-try Mexican spot. The food skews more high-end than the typical taqueria (though you'll find excellent renditions of many of those staple dishes), while still being very affordable. And as a huge bonus, this place has a full bar with some seriously good cocktails. [Photo: Albert Stumm/Passyunk Post]
940 S.9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-1010
(215) 925-1010

Beast & Ale

4161 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127
Owners Tim Spinner and Brian Sirhal are mostly known for Mexican restaurants (Cantina/La Calaca/Taqueria Feliz), so this taxidermy-laden ode to Americana is certainly a departure. The homey vibe is in a burger that evokes old-school drive-ins, an entire section of the menu devoted to dips, disco fries, and entrees like buttermilk fried chicken. Soon they'll have brunch, and happy hour is already in effect every weekday. [All Eater Coverage.]
4161 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127
(267) 437-3936
(267) 437-3936

Stock.

308 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
This gorgeous new Fishtown spot from Tyler Akin and Nicole Reigle (a husband-and-wife team, both formerly of Zahav) opened fairly quietly, serving a succinct menu of (mostly) noodles to a small dining room (18 seats; walk-in only). They're BYO, almost the entire menu falls under $10, and reports on the food from the first few days are very, very strong. NB: Stock is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but opens early for lunch (serving killer banh mi) on the weekends. (Full hours and details are on the website.)
308 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Townsend

1623 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The last restaurant in this prime East Passyunk space, Christopher's Lee's Sophia, was a notable flop. Now, under the care of chef-owner Townsend Wentz, the location seems to have been given the restaurant it deserves: the modern French menu and beverage program overseen by ace GM and sommelier Lauren Harris have earned the restaurant heaps of early praise. Closed on Tuesdays; otherwise: dinner nightly, bar open until 2 a.m.
1623 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Petruce et al

1121 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Brothers Jonathan and Justin Petruce (whose collective experience includes Mémé and Little Fish) built the kitchen for this new New American around a wood-fired oven and an Argentinean-style grill, so expect a little char. (And keep your eyes peeled for pizza, which isn't on the menu but has made a couple of special appearances.) Partner/GM/wine guru Tim Kweeder and beverage director George Costa focus on smart pairings that are always in service of the food.
1121 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 225-8232
(267) 225-8232

Lolita

106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
How does a ten-year-old restaurant land a spot on the Heatmap? By reimagining itself as a totally new restaurant, with a street food focus and a brand new liquor license. Make no mistake: the carne asada and the charm may have survived, but Lolita is brand new again.
106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7100
(215) 546-7100

Matt & Marie's

2 Logan Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19103
With just seven sandwiches, a couple of sides, and a small grocery selection of imported Italian sweets, this new downtown fast-casual is focusing for quality (of ingredients and service) over being everything to every person - though the appealing selections cover most of the bases, whether you're looking for something layered with pork products or green veggies.
2 Logan Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 273-1940
(267) 273-1940

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The first Philly location of the yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) chain is now open, with built-in grills that let you DIY your chosen variety of meats and veggies. There are also some fun apps (fried bacon chips, anyone?) and desserts including s'mores, making for great interactive dining for a group.
1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 603-9482
(267) 603-9482

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