New to Rittenhouse In July: Food, More Food, Plus Places To Get Entertained (With Food, Of Course)
June saw a slew of retail openings, however, July was a busy time for restaurateurs including some high profile ones as they rolled out service in the middle of summer. Kind of smart in case there are kinks IMO. 3 opened up at Comcast locations which could help explain why Comcast demanded asked employees to come back to the office.
Below are the latest and shiniest new places to explore in the Rittenhouse Square area. Clicking on the photo will either show you or direct you to the menu or site.
New Places to Eat
Bagel & Co
Okay, okay – I’ll the first one to admit that I’m a sucker for amazing food videos and Bagel & Co has exactly that in their Cookie Monster bagel. They’re a chain in Florida and in Fishtown so they know what they’re doing with their social.
The location at Sansom is small but packs in a lot. There is a wide selection of iced coffee drinks and smoothies in addition to all kinds of different cream cheeses and bagels.
Big Chicken
Love chicken sandwiches? Do you like them sized big? Well, your patience has paid off with this place that sells chicken sandwiches, salads (!), and shakes. Big Chicken is a nationwide franchise owned by Shaq because the dude is EVERYWHERE.
Di Bruno Focacceria
If chicken sandwiches is not your thing then you can hop on over within the same food area to this new concept from Di Bruno Bros, the lovely high-end provisions store on Chestnut St and elsewhere. The concept is interesting: “artisanal” sandwiches on “huge” sized Focaccia bread. Was this a missed opportunity to call it Big Focaccia? Maybe? Oh, they also have salads and coffee in case you need gluten-free and caffeinated options.
Moustaki Authentic Gyros
We’re excited to have a casual Greek place in the neighborhood! Moustaki appears to be a franchise that’s rapidly expanding in the Philly area. The other closest one is in Logan Square and this one is on the same block as the parking garage where a taco place used to exist.
Pizzeria Salvy
Not going to lie, Pizzeria Salvy is probably the buzziest new launch, maybe more than My Loup, because it’s from Marc Vetri. He established Pizzeria Vetri in the early 2010s, sold it to Urban Outfitters in 2015 and now he’s baaaack. In addition to pizza and salads (gotta have a gluten-free option, right?) Pizzeria Salvy also has desserts and cocktails.
P.S. They also happen to take reservations!
My Loup
There’s a subset of people excited that Marc Vetri is back in the pizza business and the other is excited about My Loup from the same couple behind award-winning Her Place Supper Club. This is a “French marketplace inspired” weekday dinner only restaurant and, judging by all the reviews, pretty amazing. The Infatuation also reviewed it in detail.
If you’re a foodie this may be one to add to your list of places to check out.
New Places to be Entertained
Jester Castle
There isn’t a lot of buzz about this intimate place to watch comedians. It seems to have quietly opened up by the same owners behind Kook Burger and Black Turtle Coffee. It’s directly above Kook Burger and has acts lined up for the next few months, per their site. If you like comedy or comedians definitely give it a try.
Vinyl
There was a lot of buzz about Vinyl when it was first announced, not the least because it’s in the old Appleby’s space (RIP Center City Appleby’s, we’ll find you in the ‘burbs) and mostly thanks to their friends and family night. It’s great to have a music venue on this side of Broad but time will see if the buzz continues.
General tickets are free but, like a club, it doesn’t guarantee a space. The high tops and couches offer table service and require a $150 deposit. Minimums apply.
P.S. They offer happy hour from 5-7 Wednesday through Saturday.
New Places to Shop
Je Suis Jolie (New Location)
Technically this isn’t a new store, however, this is one we’re very excited about because the team here is very friendly and helpful. Je Suis Jolie predates Third Love on Walnut and offers a variety of brand names PLUS scheduled bra fittings. Brands include popular ones like Cosabella, Spanx, Commando, Eberjey, Hanro plus high-end, Valentine’s Day or honeymoon approved fancy lingerie like Simone Perle and Lisa Charmel.
