A Casual Sister to My Loup — And More Philly Restaurant Openings to Know in December
This is Eater’s guide to all the new restaurants, bars, and cafes that have opened this month. When we’ve been to a place, we will then include an abbreviated number of openings on our heatmap to let you know the ones we like.
Fairmont: Chance Anies, the owner of the much-loved South Philly Filipino spots Tabachoy, opened his second restaurant, Manong, in a spacious corner location on Fairmount Avenue. The restaurant can be most simply described as “What if Outback Steakhouse were a Filipino restaurant?” The answer is, apparently, that there would be crispy pull-apart fried mushrooms, giant burgers, big crunchy salads, and a lot of fun to be had. Unlike Tabachoy, Manong has a full bar and plenty of space to spread out. 1833 Fairmount Avenue.
Fitler Square: Pine Street Grill is the more relaxed little sister of Her Place Supper Club and My Loup, two of Philly’s most popular restaurants over the last few years. Under chefs Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp, the restaurant aims to be a more casual, neighborhood place where you might wander in for a beer at the bar and end up meeting friends and staying for dinner. The menu is classic American: burgers, salads with add-on proteins, wings, and steaks. But there are also thoughtfully house-made chicken nuggets, spinach and artichoke dip served in a whole artichoke, and other elevated touches that remind you there is serious culinary talent running this place. 2226 Pine Street.
Grad Hospital: From the team behind such dearly departed restaurants as Cheu Noodle Bar and Bing Bing Dim Sum comes Banshee, an American bistro serving small plates, draft wine, cocktails, and Spanish bites. There are lots of cheffed-up vegetables like braised leeks and grilled carrots, all perfectly portioned for sharing with friends and nibbling over drinks. The intimate restaurant has a 16-seat bar and plenty of space for larger parties at tables. 1600 South Street.
Queen Village: Casa Oui opened in November with an all-day cafe concept. During the day, come by for a coffee, a pastry, or sit down with lunch. At night, the menu shifts to upscale Mexican food from chef and co-owner Isabel Nocelo, who was born in Puebla but has spent many years cooking in Philly. There are grilled meats, plenty of tacos, and ice cream cakes from chef and co-owner CJ Cheyne. There’s also a full bar. 705 South 5th Street.
Rittenhouse: La Maison Jaune is bringing French pastries and Parisian vibes to a cozy corner location. Owner Zahra Saeed is a real estate developer who fell in love with French pastries and decided to open a bakery of her own in Philadelphia. There are classic French offerings like financiers, macarons, and ganache tarts, plus savory offerings like breakfast sandwiches to pair with coffee and hot chocolate. 2204 Rittenhouse Square.
