4 New Eateries Open in Manayunk

SOMO

James Morrissey’s SOMO took over the former RUBB BBQ spot at 4311 Main Street, marking his debut as a restaurateur. Morrissey has over 20 years of experience as an interior designer and some of his past clients include local restaurants B2 Bluefin, City Tap House, Magerk’s, Paris Bistro and Plenty Cafe.

Allen Lattany, who’s had stints at Public House, Deux Cheminees and Peter Shields Inn, will be in the kitchen serving an assortment of cuisines. The menu includes dishes like shrimp and grits, Egyptian hummus, short rib poutine, beet salad, truffle grilled cheese, a Cuban sandwich, Arctic char and Amish roast chicken. The drink menu features craft cocktails, wines and over 20 craft beers.

SOMO is open Monday–Wednesday from 4 p.m.–1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m.–2 a.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.–2 a.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m.–1 a.m. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

4311 Main St., Manayunk, (267) 297-6668, Manayunk, (267) 297-6668, www.somomanayunk.com.

Sona Pub & Kitchen

Just down the block from SOMO is Sona, occupying the former Kildare’s space. Sona Pub & Kitchen’s website jokes that “It’s not your father’s Irish bar.” The modern gastropub features 32 taps with rotating craft beers, a specialty craft cocktail menu and elevated pub fare, in addition to specialty artisan pizza. The pub features two floors with bar space, table service, live music, dancing and more and is the vision of owner Damien Given grew up in near Belfast.

Sona is open 4 p.m.–2 a.m. Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.–2:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

4417 Main St., Manayunk, (484) 273-0481, Manayunk, (484) 273-0481, www.sonapub.com.

SOMO//Photo courtesy of SOMO

The Spicy Belly

The Spicy Belly, owned by brothers Jason and Jimmy Mills, fuses Korean and Jamaican cuisine and is a reflection of the Mills brothers’ culture—their mother is Korean and their father is Jamaican.

The inventive menu features items like Korean-style wings in a spicy barbecue glaze; Jamaican beef patty; codfish fritters; curry goat stew; grilled pork belly tacos with kimchi; Mo-Bay Bimbap with bulbogi, kimchi, chayote and beans over rice; and a Cubano sandwich served with seared pork belly, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pickle, mustard and hot sauce. They also serve a brunch menu that includes jerk shrimp and grits, Seoul chicken and waffles and potato hash topped with grilled pork belly, a sunny side up egg and served with a side of kimchi.

The Spicy Belly has a large craft beer draft and bottle list, wine offerings from several Pennsylvania wineries and several signature cocktails.

3847 Terrace St., Manayunk, (215) 484-2095, Manayunk, (215) 484-2095, www.thespicybelly.com.

Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory

Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory

When you’re ready to satisfy that sweet tooth, head over to Manayunk’s new dessert spot. The ice cream is made on-site in the shop, using local ingredients, and the menu flavors change frequently. Current offerings include Mexican chocolate, raspberry chocolate chip and strawberry cheesecake.

Tubby Robot is owned by native Philadelphians and longtime friends Chris Maguire and Steve Wright Jr. They also have a love of video games and are utilizing a custom-built projection system to beam arcade images from inside the building onto the adjacent alley wall. While sitting inside the shop, you can play head-to-head games like Pacman, Frogger and Donkey Kong while eating delicious ice cream.

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12–9 p.m. and Sunday from 12–5 p.m.

4369 Main St., Manayunk, (267) 423-4376, Manayunk, (267) 423-4376, www.tubbyrobot.com