Wander Inn coming back, as a South Philly gastropub
The location is Third and Porter Streets, the former Otis & Pickles.
Bar owner Jonn Klein (The Dive, Watkins Drinkery) is in the process of purchasing the taproom at Third and Porter Streets in South Philadelphia that last operated as Otis & Pickles.
He's planning a gastropub that will revive a classic name in Philly taproom history: The Wander Inn.
Once a regular venue of blues legend Bessie Smith, the Wander Inn — which stood for decades at 18th and Federal Streets in Point Breeze — sank into nuisance-bar status by the time of its closing around 2005. It's now the home of American Sardine Bar.
Watkins chef Ari Miller — also a veteran of Percy Street BBQ, High Street On Market, and Philadelphia Distilling (and not the Ari Miller who runs 1732 Meats) — will oversee the kitchen at Third and Porter Streets.
Klein said he expects to open in January.