There are some exciting happenings in the local cafe/restaurant scene:

Cleo Bagels‘ owners opened a cafe, Little Bean, next door to their bagel shop at 50th and Baltimore last month. The cafe has some additional seating so you can b.y.o. Cleo bagel and enjoy it with an espresso! It’s open daily 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

There are a few new restaurant/cafe openings in University City:

Korea Taqueria, a Korean-Mexican fusion spot, has recently opened at Franklin’s Table Food Hall (34th and Walnut). The business started as a beloved food truck and then opened hugely popular shops in South Philly and Fishtown. Korean-Australian chef Alexander Sherack and Head Chef Rene Lopez from Metztitlan, Hidalgo have created a menu inspired by childhood memories of Korean and Mexican flavors. The Franklin’s Table location is serving up their signature burritos, bowls, and tacos, like slow cooked bulgogi beef tacos and gochujang chicken bowls, plus crispy house fried tortilla chips and guacamole. For more info, visit: www.korea-taqueria.com.

Blank Street, a New York City-based coffee and matcha brand, is opening a new cafe this summer at 3603 Walnut Street. The cafe brings a thoughtfully curated lineup of globally sourced coffee and specialty matcha beverages, such as the fan favorite Strawberry Shortcake Matcha and the Shaken Vanilla Bean Cold Brew Latte. At approximately 3,500 square feet, this will be one of their largest U.S. cafes, which will allow the brand to “invest deeply in design and bring an elevated, hospitality-forward experience to the neighborhood,” according to Vinay Menda, a co-founder and US managing director.

Root and Sprig, a fast-casual cafe by acclaimed Top Chef Tom Colicchio is opening in the UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine’s Kelley Research Building (421 Curie Boulevard) later this spring. Founded in 2019, Root & Sprig’s mission is “to transform healthcare spaces through inspiring meals and memorable hospitality experiences.” Their menu is seasonally curated with the idea that “food is medicine.” The new Root and Sprig concept will be their largest to date, and first in Philadelphia offering chef-inspired meals in a space designed for rest, conversation and connection. It will serve students, educators, administrators, and the broader community. See the full menu here.