With big construction projects drying up around town it is promising to hear the sound of nail guns and saws still emanating from a few places.

The new concept from Mad River is moving forward at 1528 Sansom Street. Pop by during the day and you can see the early stages of a bar and booth seating.

Also pleasing, is witnessing the construction that seems to be ramping up at the Tria location set for 20th and South. Lots of lumber on the scene.

Decidedly un-glam Ugly Mug to take over Glam on 2nd Street. Interestingly, Ugly Mug was rumored to be taking over Sassafras more than a year ago. [Meal Ticket]

Table Talk details Friday’s mega-opening of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

The Sidecar Bar gets a new chef and just some tweaks to the menu. [Meal Ticket]

Also getting a new chef is the London Grill who snatch up Waldemar “Val” Stryjewski who has been just about everywhere. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

You may have heard of or even sampled Betty’s Tasty Buttons and now you can seek them out at their store front, Betty’s Speakeasy on Grays Ferry Avenue. [Meal Ticket]

Privé has opened in Old City and Table Talk has some details. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Fudge and local dinners are coming to Grays Ferry Avenue. Betty’s Speakeasy is set for a mid-September opening near Grace Tavern. There will be dinners for 6-12 featuring local ingredients at night. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Barristers at 19th and Sansom has been bought by the Pat and Ken of Cavanaugh’s fame and will be christened Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse this September.

According to Icepack’s A. D. Amorosi, Izumi is set to open this week on East Passyunk. [Icepack, City Paper]

The Blue Comet, a Glenside institution has hit hard times. Like they lost their liquor license problems. But they’re still open as a BYOB for the  time being. Doesn’t sound like a long term solution for the rockabilly bar. Here’s hoping this unique spot survives. [Icepack, City Paper]

The Tiki Bob’s space will soon be occupied by Buckhead Saloon, a chain with locations in North Carolina and Pittsburgh. This is an upgrade, right? [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]