In the midst of all this activity of yet more openings of area restaurants and bars, McGillin's (1310 Drury St., 215.735.5562) in Center City is marking its 145th anniversary in July.
Husband/wife team Chris and Mary Ellen Mullins who have owned and operated the tavern for the past 25 years will be celebrating the benchmark year with style and class, with true appreciation of the tavern's rich and long legacy.
McGillin's speaks from its tavern walls, even during its days during Prohibition, revealing a story woven into the very fabric of the city. The original bar sign, a wooden arm holding a real bell, hangs above the bar. It's flanked by 145 years worth of liquor licenses and surrounded by musical instruments, vintage beer cans, varsity banners, caricatures of past regulars, retail memorabilia, aged newspaper clips and old photographs of former patrons from politicians to the famous Barrymore theater family.
A classic English pub-look with a beamed ceiling, tall windows, dark paneling and a large working fireplace create a warm atmosphere for enjoying the large selection of regional microbrews and homemade comfort food served (since the 1800s before it was trendy).
Local entrepreneur Tim Hilley, a former vice president of a printing company and graphic designer, has always dreamed of owning and operating his own franchise.
"Saladworks is an amazing enterprise with a tremendous growth potential," Hilley said, "I'm really excited about bringing the people of Center City a healthy alternative to run-of-the-mill fast food."
You've really got to admire a guy who intends to reverse the trend and defy the gods at the corner location that seems to have had a long streak of bad luck with a succession of more than five different establishments (most recently, Las Cazuelas Tambien).
The Sound of Philadelphia, located in Atlantic City's latest and greatest attraction, The Quarter at the Tropicana (Pacific Avenue and The Boardwalk, 609.887.2200), now serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Chef Al Paris, who designed the upscale soul-food menu to reflect the mood and music of TSOP's restaurant, lounge, and nightclub, offers brunch dishes like Tangerine Supremes Salad, Smokey's Salmon Carpaccio, and fried chicken and waffles. The Gamble Scramble and Hot Huff Cakes are named after owners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Specialty drinks include Kir Royale, Peach Bellini and Beach Bloody Marys.
Ryan's Bar & Restaurant (2508 Main St., Jeffersonville, 610.631.1233), formerly Moody Monkey, was recently purchased and renamed by current owner Mike Ryan, formerly of Ryan's in Gilbertsville.
Ryan said that in addition to the new ownership and name change the bar and restaurant now will sport a brand new contemporary martini bar, featuring 40 vodka labels and 10 gin labels.
Other specialties of the house will include Belgian beers on tap, featuring Chimay Red Star and Victory Brews, according to Ryan, in addition to an extended and expanded restaurant menu of contemporary American cuisine.
Ryan's has also undergone major renovation of new private room, accommodating up to 125 guests, and a spruced up roof deck bar and restaurant that just opened last weekend.
