Square Peg fits into Center City Philadelphia

Interior of Square Peg, 929 Walnut St. ( DAVID SWANSON / Staff Photographer )
Interior of Square Peg, 929 Walnut St. ( DAVID SWANSON / Staff Photographer )
Michael Klein
Posted: April 05, 2012

Square Peg, the restaurant-bar at 10th and Walnut Streets (215-413-3600) that replaced a Marathon Grill a couple of weeks ago, has been ramping up its operation. Thursday marks the start of lunch (limited seating at first).

Chef Matt Levin (ex-Adsum, Lacroix) is doing twists on American comfort food under owners Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen (Cuba Libre, GuestCounts Hospitality, 32°). Specialty is all-day breakfast.

On tap

It's all the rage - those neighborhood-targeted restaurant/bars serving seasonal American cuisine, craft beers, and cocktails/wines in an atmosphere of reclaimed wood. The Boilermaker, in the old Doc Watson's at 216 S. 11th St. across from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (215-922-3427), has a gothic look, courtesy of its owners, who operate the Farmers' Cabinet around the corner. Forty beers on tap; menu includes roasts, rotisserie chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs. The crew from Good Dog Bar says "spring" for The Industry (1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., 215-271-9500), a comfy tap in Pennsport aimed at folks in the restaurant industry. (They will get discounts.)

Briefly noted

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House, one of the true Chinatown bargains, has relocated a block and a half from its former dumpy walk-up into slick environs at 1022 Race St.

Moe's Southwest Grill plans to open its first Center City spot at 1725 Chestnut St., which was a short-lived outpost of Famous Dave's BBQ, this summer. There's always a burrito war going on west of Broad Street between Qdoba and Chipotle.

Pikkles Plus, the sandwich shop at 18th and Market Streets for 10-years-plus after two decades at 16th and Sansom Streets, has closed. Fameco Real Estate is seeking a new tenant for the 2,500-square-foot space, which includes the flower shop next door.

Also recently buttoned up is the Sarcone's Deli franchise store in Newtown .

A contingent of chefs has descended on what is known as the Stapler building at 1222-24 Walnut St., so much so that the building's new owners are seeking zoning approval. (The idea is to obtain the zoning clearance to smooth the way for a future restaurant.)

Old City's Cuba Libre had planned to sell empanadas out the back door on Strawberry Street, with proceeds going to charity. It's not happening. Owners realized that such a late-night operation could annoy their neighbors.

Dine Out Japan, part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, will give patrons 20 percent off at 10 participating Japanese restaurants, including Morimoto, from April 15 to 19. Details are at philly.com/blossom.

Contact Michael Klein at mklein@philly.com or @phillyinsider on Twitter. Read much more restaurant news on his blog, www.philly.com/insider, and follow him at www.philly.com/food.

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