💵 Millions for SEPTA, but fares still increasing

🗳️ Casey Concedes to McCormick

More than two weeks after Election Day, Sen. Bob Casey finally conceded to Dave McCormick. In a video on X, the Democrat said he congratulated McCormick on his win. While the AP had called the race on Nov. 7, the margin was so small it led to a recount that can now be halted. [PhillyVoice, X]

✅ School Board Members Vote for 76ers Arena, Get Called “Cowards”

Philadelphia’s school board voted to approve removing the plot of land for the proposed arena from an existing tax incentive designation. Audience members then called them “cowards.” Regardless, the arena plan now officially moves to City Council. [Chalkbeat Philly]

• Related: How will the Sixers arena impact the city? [🎧City Cast Philly]

💵 Shapiro Finds $153 Million for SEPTA, Averting Some Fare Hikes

Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $153 million in federal highway funds for SEPTA, pausing the 21.5% fare increase that was planned for Jan. 1. But this funding will not prevent a 7.5% fare increase scheduled to begin Dec. 1. [🔒The Inquirer]

🐩 Bark Social Barks Goodbye

Bark Social, a dog park and human hang-out spot, abruptly closed all of its locations this past Thursday. The company was awaiting some funding which fell through, causing it to go bankrupt. [NBC10]

• Related: Looking for spots where you can take your dog? Check out “Where To Find Dog Parks in Philly.” [📝Hey Philly]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask Bon Appétit, which included not one, but two Philly restaurants (Meetinghouse and My Loup) in its top 20 new restaurants of the year.

Since our local culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

November 2024

🥪 Uncle Gus’ Steaks | 1136 Arch St. (Reading Terminal Market)

This new spot in Reading Terminal Market is a collaboration between the owners of Pearl’s Oyster Bar, Tommy DiNic’s, and Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly. Uncle Gus’ Steaks sells 12-inch steak sandwiches with your choice of cheese and toppings.

🧁 Essen Bakery North | 110 W. Berks St. (Kensington)

Essen Bakery has opened its second location, in Kensington. Chef Tova du Plessis is creating tasty baked goods inspired by old world heritage and technical training. The challah is the talk of Philly and now those of you up north can get it with ease.

🍪 Taylor Chip | 1807 Chestnut St. (Rittenhouse)

This Lancaster County cookie company has joined the crowded cookie space around Rittenhouse Square. The menu features a wide variety of big cookies with gooey centers — including vegan and non-gluten options — as well as ice cream and coffee.

October 2024

🦆 Beijing Duck Restaurant | 913 Race St. (Chinatown)

Master Chef Zheng Wang learned how to make Peking duck at age 16. It’s one of the many dishes you can get along with seafood options and dim sum, right in the heart of Chinatown.

🦪 Jaffa Bar | 1625 N. Howard St. (North Philly)

This two-story oyster bar in an old firehouse in Kensington is the latest hot spot from restauranteurs Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook. The menu is heavy on both shellfish and what the restaurant calls “Israeli-inflected seafood.” Don’t miss the citrus-oriented cocktail list.

🦐 Little Water | 261 S. 20th St. (Rittenhouse)

Specializing in seafood and located in the former Twenty Manning space, Little Water is serving dishes that aren't exclusively oceanic. Grab some oysters or shrimp cocktails for an appetizer, and maybe try the swordfish Milanese or whole fried black bass.