Look Inside Bodega, Philly’s Alluring New Lounge on Walnut Street | Eater Philly

"I felt a romantic, lounge-like vibe at Bodega Bar and Kitchen, a new Latin-themed bar and restaurant the Vasiliadis brothers and George Karagiannis opened at 1223 Walnut Street in Midtown Village/the Gayborhood. The cozy, dimly lit interior—red lighting, patterned tiles, copper panels, and wrought-iron light fixtures casting intricate shadows—plus big windows that open onto Walnut (curtains will be added) and a DJ that’s noticeable but not overpowering, transports you out of Philly toward decor meant to evoke Cuba and other Latin American influences, though the owners aren’t from those countries. The inventive, hard-to-categorize food menu from chef Shain Wancio (who jokes he’s “the gateway drug of chefs”) includes standout items like savory tasso and corn beignets served with spicy espresso ice cream laced with hot sauce; pretzel-crusted, pastrami-spiced fried chicken with sage-cheddar waffles; a Cuban-style frita burger; citrus-marinated hanger steak with masa fries; and vegetable-forward plates such as hearty “ribs” made from squash topped with spicy relish on whipped feta. The cocktail list is equally imaginative—the Cuban Cappuccino (Bebo coffee liqueur, Galliano, and cream of coconut), the Pinalita (roasted pineapple blanco tequila, agave, Mandarine liqueur, lime, and bitters), and a house margarita of Campo Azul Blanco, lime, Luxardo triple sec, and lavender-honey syrup—and Alex designed several of the drinks. They plan to transform a hidden backyard in spring into a Japanese garden–meets–hacienda outdoor venue with an octopus-shaped teak path leading to tables at the ends of its “tentacles.” Bodega leans more lounge than club (though music will be turned up after 10 p.m. and live music is planned); it officially opened Friday, January 24, and is open Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–2 a.m. and weekends 9 a.m.–2 a.m., with lunch and dinner to start and weekend breakfast and brunch coming soon." - Rachel Vigoda