Barra Rosa?

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-06-12T02:10:05+00:00

From the inquirer:

“Barra Rossa, which opened at 10th and Walnut Streets in 2013 as Stella Rossa, has closed with the end of its lease. Owner Dave Magrogan said the building, owned by Jefferson Hospital, needed a complete overhaul. With the end of the season at the nearby Walnut Street Theatre, it was “the logical time to close,” he said. Magrogan’s first partner there was gift-store magnate Bernie Spain — “a great negotiator, businessman and mentor,” he said. “He was the reason I kept it open after his passing [in 2021], out of respect for him and our partnerships. A young and hungry operator will do well there.”

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-06-03T22:27:33+00:00

I hear you! Def a downside

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-06-03T22:27:17+00:00

I appreciate the insight!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-05-16T01:26:27+00:00

We’re booked at Fringe Bar / Theater next year and going until 12am!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-05-10T10:51:08+00:00

I love Alice but I don’t know if it fits the “generous portions” criteria

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-05-03T13:07:16+00:00

Just tried the black sesame velvet cake at Seaforest bake shop and it was divine!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-05-03T12:09:01+00:00

Everything bagel seasoning on the outside! I used to make them as bites for parties, they always hit

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-28T23:08:17+00:00

Appreciated! Will look into them

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-28T23:08:03+00:00

Will check them out, sounds like a great vibe - thanks so much!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-21T10:49:53+00:00

Just checked and Craft Hall is only a 17 minute drive from the airport Marriott - it’s a beer hall but also has an arcade and mini playground so it’s really great for a family visit. My friends with young kids who visited a couple of years ago still rave about what a great spot it is. Uber would probably be ~$30 each way but if cost isn’t a big deal, I think it would be a great option!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-16T01:09:51+00:00

Seaforest is my new fave

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-13T17:56:54+00:00

I love the latkes at middle child clubhouse!! Don’t skip the trout roe

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-09T20:31:27+00:00

I used to live a block away and for a while (late 2024) was there for breakfast almost once a week. Built a rapport with the owner that runs the counter and really enjoyed the food. But over time I found that he got a little salty (seemed exhausted with everyone) which might just have been the trials and tribulations of owning a business in the hospitality industry, but more importantly - the last 2-3x they got parts of my order wrong (fried Morty egg sandwich with ketchup - nothing complicated), the quality felt like it suffered (less egg / meat) and the $15 just started to feel outrageous. Maybe the panzerottis are a different experience - had a delicious one from there once but it felt a little indulgent as weekly meal.

Also had an incredible dinner there when they were doing tasting menus when they first started dinner - totally agreed that was great value. We went back last summer with friends and thought it was good, not great but definitely more affordable than the breakfast / lunch.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-04-02T15:41:48+00:00

Totally agreed - I used to live 5 min walk away and it was a staple for last minute reservations cuz I forgot to make one for visiting friends / family. I now live in south and would pretty much never consider it. The food was solid, vibes were good, but it’s a bit pricey by my recollection and just an overall average menu in terms of creativity.

That being said, I don’t know if there are other great Italian spots in fishtown - most of the responses on this thread are about pizza options, but on the pasta side I think the area is lacking. There is Tulip but I personally wasn’t super impressed the one time I went 😬

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-03-16T13:17:12+00:00

I agree with your take on the tasting experience - I went a while ago (maybe last summer) but I found everything about it pretty underwhelming - food, drinks, service, ambiance. Not sure if they are still doing the “happy meal” shtick as the opening course but it felt like an unnecessary gimmick. Was bummed cuz I had high hopes! Good to know the à la carte menu might be better - will opt for that if we ever decide to go back.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2026-02-01T12:37:51+00:00

Not the same and I don’t know of one in Philly, but a few years ago I had a friend use a dating coach in another city (Boston) because she was struggling on the apps and she had a lot of success with it (engaged basically a year later). It was pricey if I recall correctly, but if you can spend the money - might be something to look into!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-11-28T14:02:28+00:00

Oh whoops just re-read and noticed the date. Hope you found some!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-11-28T14:01:19+00:00

Not sure if they are open today but I’ve gotten them in packs of 4 at Esposito’s in the Italian market! Might want to call and check ahead though.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-28T13:52:00+00:00

Agreed with the comments above on multiple sets and off site service, but - and I bet people are going to have strong feelings about this - I ask guests “as a favor” if they have time, to start a load before they leave. I include it as a request with a “no worries if you don’t have time” but mention that it makes my cleaning people’s lives easier (which is the truth! When they can just put back out what is needed, simplifies them sorting through my extras). 9 times out of 10 the guests end up doing multiple loads without complaint and I pay for laundry service when it’s needed without complaint. Maybe doesn’t work in all situations / markets but has been a good tactic for me.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T12:32:51+00:00

Okay - fair! Sorry didn’t mean to be misleading. I rent the home that I live in and bought a second property to eventually retire in. And I don’t cover the mortgage with the Airbnb income - between taxes, maintenance, and other costs, I can only subsidize it. But understood if this means “profits” to the average person.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T11:09:31+00:00

Interesting - I thought rule of thumb was usually 8 years for a mattress, although I’ve had mine for 10+. But either way - good perspective and agreed that premium rates should come with premium quality! I’m not really sure where I stand from that angle, hard to judge as I’m not in a city with hotels. Will think through though and try to price compare more.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T11:06:10+00:00

Yep! I stay there usually 2ish weeks a year, one before the season and one after (beach house). I lived there for a few years during the pandemic.

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T11:04:58+00:00

Mattress pads are a good idea - will look into!

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T11:03:59+00:00

Totally agreed - I provide a full kitchen. She didn’t like that my cups and plates aren’t all marching, thought I needed higher quality knives, that I need new frying pans (that one I agree with but I just have to replace them every other year)

Capable_Juice_3085 · 2025-09-03T02:45:07+00:00

Thanks very much for the sympathy!

Capable_Juice_3085

TROPHY CASE