Plenty happening in Philadelphia Magazines’ Restaurant Club newsletter this week.

• And the Best Restaurant in Philadelphia is… Zahav!
• Tell Philly Mag What You Think of Their List – And Share Your Own!
• Gastro Update: Help the Watkins Drinkery Make South Philly Home

The Philly Mag Restaurant Club Newsletter

Tonight Jonn Klein of the Dive goes for neighborhood approval for his new spot, Watkins Drinkery at the old Bella Rosa II on 10th Street, just south of Morris.

So if you’re a neighbor, show your support at St. Agnes (Broad and McKean), tonight at 7pm.

It’s been an exciting month for those of us who reside in South Philly. First there was news that Starr has finally decided to grace us with his presence by buying the Broad Street Diner and then there is this fresh scoop:

Jonn Klein, owner of The Dive, is in the process of buying the Bella Rosa II on 10th & Watkins Streets, just south of Morris, and turning it into Watkins Drinkery, which will be a neighborhood bar with food. The orange sign is up in the window and the license transfer process is in the works. There’s no opening date, but the license transfer takes 60-90 days, then once the license is transferred Klein plans on closing down for about a month for renovations and upgrades. If you’re unfamiliar with the Bella Rosa II, it’s a small bar on 10th Street about two blocks south of 1601, but to really get the full story on the Bella Rosa II, you’ll want to click here.

Interestingly, the bar that previously occupied the space that 1601 now occupies was also a nuisance bar. Back in 2004, there was quite a controversy over 1601’s opening (click here for the South Philly Review’s take on it and the neighbors response), but it opened anyway and it doesn’t seem to be bothering anyone. In fact, as someone who believes in the transformative power of a well-run hospitality business, I’d say it has made the neighborhood more appealing. See Sidecar for a similar tale of nuisance bar regeneration.