Openings: The Saint James, Bubba’s BBQ, Fountain Porter, Tavro 13

Bubba's BBQ is open in Fishtown

By Danya Henninger

The restaurant boom continues to extend beyond Center City with more notable openings this month. Last week Ardmore welcomed to Suburban Square The Saint James, an American bistro from Michael Schulson (Sampan, Izakaya) and Rob Wasserman (Rouge, 500°) that was featured in our fall preview. Former Talula’s Table chef Matthew Moon will execute Schulson’s menu of “foods that inspire him to cook, everyday.” Main Liners can look forward to oven-roasted and grilled American faves - think chicken noodle soup, pork chops and lasagna, plus a raw bar - served in a comfortable but elegant dining room, with nothing over $28. There’s also a spacious bar and lounge with varied wine, beer and cocktail options. It’s currently open seven days a week for dinner; lunch and weekend brunch will follow soon (30 Parking Plaza, Suburban Square, Ardmore; 610-649-6200).

Over the weekend, hand-built smokers began turning out Texas style BBQ in a Fishtown storefront just across the street from NYC meat transplant Fette Sau (which launches this Wednesday). Bubba’s BBQ chef Robert Kolbasowski is a longtime catering specialist who teamed with owner Steve Ehrenhalt to open the relaxed, family friendly spot, which also features a full bar with craft beer and multiple flatscreen TVs. The restaurant is open for dinner daily and for brunch on weekends (19 W. Girard Ave.; 267-324-3530).

At 3 PM today, Evan Clancy and Scott Pawlicky (formerly colleagues at Fairmount’s Kite & Key) will open the doors to Fountain Porter, a no-pretension beer bar on East Passyunk. Behind the neon-bedecked facade, the opening 20-tap draft list features craft enthusiast favorites like Founders Breakfast Stout, Troegs Troegenator and Stillwater Saison, along with a roster of seasonal specialties (1601 S. 10th St.).

About 20 minutes drive across the bridge, in Swedesboro, NJ, Terrence Feury’s Tavro 13 is set to open on Monday, October 22, in the historic building that was once the Old Swedes Inn. The former Fork chef will serve modern American cuisine in the colonial style setting, complemented by a 33-foot bar with a craft cocktail program and wine list curated by former Meme chef/owner David Katz. The sprawling first floor venue also holds a banquet room, live music lounge, dance floor, patio and private dining room and aims to become a new center for South Jersey nightlife (1301 Kings Hwy., Swedesboro, NJ; 856-467-8413).