Here’s a summary of the latest news and events at local restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

El Taco & Burritos opens in Powelton

Here’s some great news for Mexican food lovers in the Powelton/Drexel area. A new restaurant, El Taco & Burritos, opened earlier this spring at 3233 Powelton Ave., and the reception has been really good, according to owner Alvaro Luna. The restaurant serves very reasonably priced tacos (soft or crispy), burritos (regular, El Macho, or in a bowl), quesadillas, empañadas, and more! The full menu is available here. Also, check out specials: Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesdays (see Facebook page for more info). The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday: 4 – 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 4 – 10 p.m.; closed on Sundays.  Continue Reading

University City District (UCD) has announced the return of their signature summer events this summer, including Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and 40th Street Summer Concert Series. UCD has released their 2018 “Summer in University City” event schedule, so check out what’s happening this spring, summer and early fall:

40th Street Summer Series

The 40th Street Summer Series, co-produced by University City District, the University of Pennsylvania, and The Rotunda, returns to the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street with free monthly concerts and
performances. This year’s programming offers a wide array of musical styles and performers and will run on five Saturdays from May through September.  Continue Reading

Photo via tastiesoulfood.com

A fine-dining soul food restaurant has opened on a block not exactly known for upscale sit-down eateries. Tasties Soul Food is launching where Pappy’s Pizza used to be, just north of Girard on 52nd Street. The restaurant is from Barbara Devan, a home-grown Southwest Philly success story who already runs two fast casual take-out restaurants under the Tasties brand. You may remember her from Jollies West, now the Corner Bar at 38th and Lancaster (right across from the site of the notorious Women’s Medical Society), or the old Tasties food truck, which would be often spotted near 48th and Market.

Tasties Restaurant features a full bar and will have brunch options on the weekend. In addition to standard soul food fare like BBQ chicken, turkey chops, candied yams and collard greens, Devan has added fancier options like fried lobster, lamb and mussels to the menu.  Continue Reading

Photo from Taco Angeleno’s Facebook page.

Taco Angeleno, the popular Mexican food truck that operates in Cedar Park May through October, is not going to reopen this spring, according to an announcement on the business’s Facebook page.

“Dear taco buds, as Summer vibes draw near I want to sadly inform you that Taco Angeleno will be closed until further notice,” the Facebook post reads. “We’ve enjoyed getting to know all of you loyal and kind taco lovers but running a small business is full of unique challenges and they force us to change sometimes. We’re not sure what’s to come next but please stay tuned to discover how we will serve West Philly in the future.”  Continue Reading

Who said poetry doesn’t go with beer? There’s a chance to try it out this Saturday (April 28) at the West Philly shop of Philly Homebrew Outlet where the Spring 2018 edition of their book reading series will be held. Local authors James Hoch, Rachel Howe, Steven Kleinman and Susan Barr-Toman will read from their work.

Also, enjoy some popcorn, and homebrew beer and wine, of course.

The event, which will be held from 5:30 until about 7:45 p.m., is free and open to the public. You can RSVP here. The shop is located at 1314 S. 47th St.

Also, on Saturday, but a little earlier – from 2-3 p.m. – PHO West will present a Sourdough Bread workshop on the basics of creating and maintaining your own sourdough starter. This event is also free and open to the public. More info can be found here.

One of the most popular local shopping events of the year is returning this summer. University City District (UCD) has announced that Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, where guests can enjoy $1 specials from dozens of neighborhood businesses – from food and drinks to merchandise and theatre tickets – will be held twice this year: on June 7th and September 13th. The event draws thousands of visitors each year and also includes live music and entertainment.

This year, the organizers want to make sure that all food vendors participating in this event are in compliance with Philadelphia Health Department codes and public safety regulations. Currently, UCD is accepting applications from temporary community food vendors to participate in this event as official participants. Selected vendors will be included on maps and marketing materials for the event.  Continue Reading