>> NOW SEATING

Out of the Blue, 253 S. 20th St., 215-985-1922

Meritage owner Taylor Barneby has opened a new mod-American BYO in the location formerly known as Salt. The menu features a cavalcade of creative flavor with everything from panko-encrusted monkfish to vegetarian tapas. Sous chef Francisco Mateo will man OOTB's kitchen under the tutelage of Meritage chef Grant Brown. Bite This: The pan-seared hanger steak is served with horseradish-and-pickle mashed potatoes and black peppercorn au jus.

Buon Appetito at the Mansion , 121 S. 19th St., 267-269-8469

Ciro Rendina's South Philly mainstay recently moved into that dope-ass mansion at 19th and Sansom streets. The chef/owner founded Appetito's first location at 16th and Ritner streets in 2002. Rendina loves his patrons, so don't be surprised if he personally greets you at the door. Bite This: Buon II offers a number of salacious starters. Try the layered fried eggplant and buffalo mozzarella or the calamari stuffed with crabmeat and Italian cheeses.

>> WAITING LIST

2nd Street Pizza, 812 N. Second St., 215-238-8833

Charles Saccarelli has only owned this NoLibs spot for a few weeks and already has big plans to improve its image. The first-time restaurateur is planning a massive interior overhaul and expanding the menu to include new Italian dishes and thick-crust pizza. He's also looking for a local artist to spruce up the place with a broken-glass mosaic. Saccarelli hopes to complete the renovations by March; the restaurant will remain open in the interim.

Silk City Diner, 435 Spring Garden St., 215-592-8838

While it's rumored that N. 3rd owner Mark Bee has purchased Silk City, neither restaurant will confirm. Thankfully, the Internet has spawned some entertaining (and entirely unsubstantiated) answers. One is that it's becoming the "Death Row Diner," a hip-hop-themed eatery. While Tupac turkey burgers and Suge Knight shakes might appeal to some, faithful patrons want the truth. Someone needs to make an official statement before members of the hipsterati start choking innocent bystanders with their skinny ties.