Here is the latest roundup of restaurant updates and culinary developments across West Philadelphia.

New Openings & Upcoming Arrivals

After months of anticipation, Barakat Chicken opened last month at 43rd and Walnut. Launched by the team behind Barakat Halal Market in Northeast Philly, this new Central Asian and halal eatery sits directly across from Masjid Al-Jamia and next door to Makkah Market. The fast-casual spot includes indoor seating for 10–15 guests and serves authentic house-made specialties—including traditional beef plov (pilaf), stews, kebabs, chicken shawarma, and prepared items available by the pound. Check out their Instagram for more info.

7th Street Burger is coming to 3931 Walnut St, taking over the ground-floor retail space until recently occupied by Hummus Grill. The NYC smashburger chain is set to open its doors by the end of the calendar year. Founded in 2021 in New York City’s East Village by college friends Kevin Rezvani and Paras Jain, the fast-casual spot operates on a minimal approach centered around quality ingredients, quick service, and accessible pricing.

Birria City (434 S. 52nd St) is a newly opened Mexican concept that has expanded the neighborhood’s birria offerings further west. Known for generous portions, the spot specializes in slow-cooked beef quesabirria tacos paired with warm consommé for dipping, oversized birria burritos, street corn, and empanadas.

If you had missed the news, popular local food truck concept Burrito Feliz officially opened its first brick-and-mortar spot on July 12 at 44th and Chestnut. The taqueria serves up its signature birria tacos, burritos, and Mexican street food favorites for dine-in, pickup, and delivery.

Chef Tom Colicchio’s fast-casual concept, Root & Sprig, opened its largest restaurant location to date on the ground floor of the Perelman School of Medicine’s Kelley Research Building (421 Curie Blvd). Founded in 2019 to bring healthy, chef-driven dining to healthcare and academic settings, the space marks the brand’s first location with a fully designated dining area. The menu features breakfast items, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, açaí bowls, and specialty coffees, alongside grab-and-go options and a 24/7 smart vending fridge.

Closings

Unfortunately, HipCityVeg, the plant-based fast-casual spot, has recently permanently shuttered its 40th Street space, ending a 13-year run serving vegan burgers and shakes directly across from Penn’s campus.

Do you know of other recent or upcoming restaurant openings or closings? Emails us at: editor@westphillylocal.com.