NOW SEATING
Rittenhouse Tavern | The long-underutilized sit-down space in the Art Alliance is now home to Rittenhouse Tavern, a new one from national management company Restaurant Associates. The Tavern's taking an ambitious upscale-casual approach via chef Nicholas Elmi (late of Le Bec-Fin) and "chef collaborator" Ed Brown, RA's Michelin-starred senior VP. Dishes like local fluke crudo, rack of Berkshire pork and a Sunday-supper Amish fried chicken spread are complemented by local beers and a big wine list. There's a handsome outdoor courtyard garden for area al fresco addicts. More photos and details on Meal Ticket. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 215-732-2412, rittenhousetavern.com.
SoWe Bar & Kitchen | SoWe has replaced Divan at 22nd and Carpenter. Nancy Law and Troy Barton are going for a neighborhood-bistro feel, with room for around 50 and an accessible comfort-food-style menu (pork-belly pastrami sandwich, steak frites, artisan cheese board, etc.) from chef Maureen Stoebenau, who last cooked at Royal Tavern. More info and full menu on Meal Ticket. 918 S. 22nd St., 215-545-5790, sowephilly.com.
WAITING LIST
Quaker Steak & Lube | Pittsburgh's automotive-themed chicken-wing joint has announced its intent to open three Quaker Steak & Lube locations in the area by this time next year. The chain has nearly 50 restaurants in the United States and Canada. Also, the Penguins suck! More on Meal Ticket. quakersteakandlube.com.
LITTLE VITTLES
Chris Kearse, who came on as chef at Pumpkin (1713 South St.) in 2010, will open his own BYO at 1911 E. Passyunk Ave. in August. More on Meal Ticket.
Bainbridge Street Barrel House is the name of the concept under construction at Sixth and Bainbridge. More on Meal Ticket.
