Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

SOCIAL Nightspot | Half of Valanni is now known as SOCIAL, a concept for the budget-minded bottle service fan in us all. Though Valanni guests can sit in the SOCIAL space during dinner hours, it turns into a true-blue (or maybe true-pink?) night spot at 10 p.m., with DJs Wednesday to Saturday, signature cocktails, "split" bottles (375ml for a cheaper price, as opposed to the usual 750ml) and bites from Valanni chef John Strain. 1229 Spruce St., 215-790-9494, socialnightspot.com.

Manakeesh Café and Bakery | West Philly has a new meetup spot in Manakeesh, a Lebanese coffeehouse and bakery named for the signature flatbreads that make up just one aspect of the menu. They're brewing teas, coffee and espresso, but Manakeesh's true draw is the food, ranging from the titular sandwiches (toppings include cheese, lamb, chicken, sausage and more) to salads, sides and, of course, sweets (baklavah; Lebanese shortbread cookies). 4420 Walnut St., 215-921-2135, manakeeshcafe.com.

Perch Pub | Joe Varalli is converting Upstares, the restaurant atop his Sotto Varalli at Broad and Locust, into Perch Pub, a casual concept focused on the gastropub C's (craft beer, comfort food). The chef at Perch, which officially opens tomorrow, is Bill Carroll, who'll cook up plates like braised lamb shank, roasted Amish chicken and a lineup of melts, burgers and tacos. Billiards, darts and a projection screen for games will round out the clubhouse feel. 1345 Locust St., 215-546-4090, perchpub.com.

Cantina Feliz | Tim Spinner, former chef de cuisine at Distrito, has partnered with former Garces beverage manager Brian Sirhal to open Cantina Feliz in nearby Fort Washington. The liquor-licensed spot is a showcase for Spinner's inventive Mexi cuisine — look out for signatures like Ceviche Verde (hiramasa, winter melon vinaigrette, jalapeño, lime sorbet) and a whole roast suckling pig that can feed upward of four. 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-646-1320, cantinafeliz.com.