Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

Drew Lazor

Shot Tower Coffee | Mariel Freeman and Matthew Derago's pretty new coffeehouse introduced Stumptown coffee (they're pulling shots on a state-of-the-art La Marzocco) to Queen Village earlier this week. Situated at the sunny corner of Sixth and Christian, Shot Tower has nontraditional seating (one communal table, plus a window rail) and lovely lighting designed by noted fixture craftsman Robert True Ogden; right now they're doing a simple selection of baked goods, but may expand the food in the future. More on Meal Ticket. Open daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 542 Christian St., 267-403-5254, shottowercoffee.com.

Marabella Meatball Co. | The Marabella family, which has run a number of Italian eateries over the past few decades, is back with this fast-casual concept built around the humble yet suddenly-very-relevant sphere o' meat. Gabe Marabella, along with his son Gabe Jr., are offering beef, pork, chicken or vegetarian (bean-based) balls, done up as Liscio's-bunned sandwiches or in bowls with various sides/toppings. We're fond of the old-school all-beef balls, on a bun with aged provolone and a simple marinara sauce. More on Meal Ticket. Open Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 1211 Walnut St., 215-238-1833, marabellameatballco.com.

Kennett | Johnny Della Polla (late of Yards Brewing) and Starr vet Ashley Bohan just opened Kennett, a spiffy local hang, in Queen Village, one 'hood that sorely needed such a destination. Lots of craft beer on tap, plus a clever cocktail list developed by tipplers Christian Gaal and Phoebe Esmon. Chef Brian Ricci's menu is smarter than your average bar, featuring seasonal-veg sharing plates, charcuterie and cheese, burgers (their house patty, with bone marrow and anchovy mayo, is killer), mains and wood-fired pizzas (coming soon). More on Meal Ticket. Open Tue.-Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (full menu till 11 p.m.; limited menu till 1); Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (full menu straight through). 848 S. Second St., 267-687-1426, kennettrestaurant.com.