Popular Manayunk Eatery Opens South Philly Location

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA – If you enjoy SOMO in Manayunk but don't live in the neighborhood or like making make the trip up to 19127, you have a new way to enjoy its offerings as SOMO SoPhi is now open in South Philadelphia.

NFL All-Pro Offensive Guard and Philly native Jahri Evans, his wife Takia, and designer-turned-restaurateur James Morrissey officially opened SOMO SoPhi on Monday, Oct. 22. The restaurant and lounge is located at 3101 South 13th Street – at the corner of Packer Avenue – near the stadium complex.

SOMO SoPhi (short for South Philadelphia) is a sibling to Morrissey’s SOMO Manayunk, but is significantly larger and contains a "lux" feel, according to the Evanses.

"It is a lavish hotspot to dine, drink, chill and rub elbows with the city’s movers and shakers," Morrissey said.

Executive Chef Waldemar (Val) Stryjewski heads up culinary operations.

"We’re starting with dinner service first followed by the launch of brunch next weekend on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, and then we’re rolling out lunch service in mid-November," he said.

The multi-level restaurant is 5,000 square feet and includes two outdoor dining/lounge spaces. The first floor has an "eco-chic" feel with seating for 50 guests. The vibe is relaxed and casual with flat screen televisions that will air live local or significant sporting events. Its menu is similar to SOMO Manayunk’s, which is a New American bistro offering appetizers, sandwiches, steakhouse steaks and chops, and seafood compositions, along with seasonally-focused local craft beers and specialty cocktails.

With a capacity for up to 60 guests, SOMO SoPhi’s second floor dining room features an open chef’s kitchen, a cocktail bar and a covered, heated outdoor terrace. The centerpiece is the cocktail bar featuring a gray quilted leather. The state-of-the-art open kitchen framed with antique bubble glass faces the dining room, which is outfitted with custom designed solid walnut tables, upholstered chairs and herringbone pattern wood flooring.

The owners say the upstairs design showcases premium cocktails, wine and bubbles. The wine and champagne selections are stocked from all over the world, but will feature offerings from ONEHOPE Winery, the Evanses’ charitable partnership with ONEHOPE Winery Founder Jake Kloberdanz in the Napa Valley.

According to the Evanses and Morrissey, the goal is to bring an upscale dining and lounging experience that you would expect in Center City to South Philadelphia.

Contributed photos