On Friday, Johnny Brenda's will host a goodbye-to-summer bash focused on warm-weather-friendly pilsners from local breweries. They'll pour beers from Dock Street, Troegs, Victory, Stoudt's, Sly Fox, Southampton and Manayunk Brewery. Eats will be straight-up picnic fare — think fried chicken, ham salad on a biscuit and watermelon salad. The party goes from noon to "night," which means you'll probably be drinking for a minute. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.
Last Chance for Lobster at London GrillFairmount's London Grill, which launched a special all-lobster menu in the beginning of August, will wrap up the decadent deal this coming Monday (aka Labor Day — they'll be open), meaning the long weekend is your last chance to take advantage this season. The kitchen's cranking out eats like a traditional New England lobster roll ($13), bowls of lobster bisque ($7) and an entire lobster dinner ($30), featuring a two-pound pincher served with potatoes, corn on the cob and drawn butter. London Grill, 2301 Fairmount Ave., 215-978-4545, londongrill.com.
Shore Feast at Oyster HouseSpeaking of speedily approaching seafood deadlines — the holiday weekend also marks your last opportunity to take advantage of the Shore Feast special at Oyster House. A flat price (not including tax and tip) gets you clams and oysters on the half shell, a bucket full of steamers, a 1 1/2-pound lobster, corn and cole slaw. (They'll be closed Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.) Oyster House, 1516 Sansom St., 215-567-7683, oysterhousephilly.com.
End-of-Summer BBQ Picnic at NobleNoble chef Brinn Sinnott is putting together a classic Labor Day weekend barbecue menu, in lieu of his regular offerings, for non-beach-goers this weekend. Stop by Saturday and dig into barbecue chicken and pork ribs; Santa Maria-style barbecue beef tri-tip; sides like beans, potato salad, slaw, summer corn salad and mac 'n' cheese; and watermelon, cobbler and ice cream for dessert. The ticket price gets you access to all the grub, plus a draft beer or house wine. Bonus: Bring along a 2010 Jersey Shore beach tag and you'll get a free drink during late-night happy hour, which runs from 10 to midnight. Noble American Cookery, 2025 Sansom St., 215-568-7000, noblecookery.com.
Maryland-Style Crab Boil at SupperSupper's Mitch Prensky is from New York, but that's not stopping him from paying homage to south-of-the-Mason-Dixon seafood traditions with this crabby Sunday supper. Benefitting the The Food Trust, his Maryland-inspired buffet dinner will feature blue crabs steamed with beer and Old Bay (the right way!), stuffed ham with kale and mustard dressing, summer succotash using produce from Prensky's own Blue Elephant Farm and more. You can have seconds, too, which is a boon, 'cause most of us can eat a whole lotta hard shells. Reservations required. Supper, 926 South St., 215-592-8180, supperphilly.com.