Havertown’s popular Sophie’s BBQ is expanding

Chef Herman will be taking his expansive menu to the new Love City Brewing in Manayunk

Sophie’s BBQ restaurant in Havertown is expanding. It doesn’t mean there will be more seats in its place on Darby Road, though.

Chef Greg Herman is about to bring his pulled pork, brisket and the rest of the dynamic menu to Main Street in Manayunk inside the new soon-to-open Love City Brewing.

“We are thrilled to announce Sophie’s BBQ is coming to Philadelphia,” said Herman. “This is a moment that has been a long time in coming. After customer requests and popular demand, we are excited to bring our BBQ to historic Main Street in Manayunk as the food partner for Love City Manayunk when it opens later this spring. There’s nothing more classic than the pairing of great barbecue with amazing locally made beer. Melissa, Kevin and their team are rock stars in their space and their products are top notch. We are big fans of what they do at their flagship off of Spring Garden, and now we can’t wait to work with them in Manayunk.”

Herman started his restaurant career in Manayunk, so this addition to Sophie’s BBQ is a full-circle moment.

“Manayunk has a very special place in my heart,” Herman said. “I lived and worked here for several years. Main Street Manayunk is where I met my general manager and friend Ian Arayata. Manuyunk is where I was introduced to my wife, Norah. Manayunk is full of great people who love what they do. It is like its own little town inside the great city of Philadelphia, full of great restaurants, bars and shops.

“It’s a place where you can pull up a barstool and get to know the bartender who will forever remember your order. It’s a place where you can get award-winning cuisine from around the world. It’s a place full of characters where everyone has a story and they all love their community and neighborhood. Manayunk is the hottest festival neighborhood with giant events that attract people from across the country for things like the StrEAT Food Festival to the world-famous Manayunk Art Show, and tons in between.”

Sophie’s will offer barbecue favorites like their famous Smokehouse Nachos, BBQ Sliders, Candy Bacon Mac, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Briskey Cheesesteak, Smoked Vegetarian Meatloaf, BBQ Coffee Rubber Brisket.

Sophie’s BBQ will take part in the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival April 19.

“In our search for the right food partner, Sophie’s BBQ stood out immediately, not just for the quality of the food, but for the care and intention behind it,” said Love City Brewing Co-Owner and Director of Operations Melissa Walter. “After tasting through the menu, it was clear that Greg and his team approach barbecue with the same level of craft and thoughtfulness that we bring to our beers. We’re thrilled to welcome them to our Manayunk taproom. What’s better than beer and BBQ?”

After selling out nightly for years first in Ardmore and now in Havertown, Herman had been scouting for new potential venues for a second location.

Manayunk had a well-known BBQ restaurant that closed before the pandemic and there was a growing demand for the return of BBQ to Main Street’s restaurant row. Herman had been looking at a few opportunities in that area when Fat Lady Brewing announced it was closing and Love City Brewing would be taking over.

“Manayunk is thrilled to welcome Love City Brewing and Sophie’s BBQ to our historic restaurant row,” said Manayunk Development Corp. Executive Director Gwen McCauley. “Love City Brewing has built an amazing reputation as one of the city’s top craft beer makers, and their energy and community spirit are a natural fit for Main Street. Sophie’s BBQ is a Main Line gem bringing top-rated, award-winning barbecue to the neighborhood. 

And it’s a special homecoming, as chef Greg Herman got his roots started right here in Manayunk years ago. That both businesses chose Manayunk for their expansions speaks volumes. They represent exactly the kind of bold, independent operators that make this corridor one of the most exciting dining destinations in the region.”

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