Acclaimed Havertown BBQ Joint Expands To Chef's Former Stomping Grounds

MANAYUNK, PA — One of Greater Philadelphia's most-respected barbecue restaurants will soon open a second location in Manayunk. But for Greg Herman, executive chef of Sophie's BBQ in Havertown, it's a more of a homecoming.

Herman lived in Downtown Manayunk between 2015 and 2019, where he started his career and met Norah — his general manager and later his wife.

In 2020, Herman founded Sophie's BBQ in Ardmore. After selling out nightly, the restaurant moved to Havertown, suffered a devastating fire, reopened and began selling out nightly again.

Sophie's has joined forces with Love City Brewing, which is opening its second Philadelphia location in Manayunk. Sophie's will be tap room's official food partner, while also handling catering for the private event and party spaces upstairs.

Love City Manayunk's grand opening is this Friday.

"This is a moment that has been a long time in coming," Herman said in a statement. "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."

Menu selections will include Smokehouse Nachos, BBQ Sliders, Candy Bacon Mac, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Briskey Cheesesteak, Smoked Vegetarian Meatloaf, BBQ Coffee Rubber Briskey, Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork Shoulder, BBQ Platter, St. Louis Ribs, Collard Greens, Mac N Cheese, Butterscotch Cornbread and more.

Love City Manayunk's grand opening is set for 4 p.m. to midnight Friday at 4323 Main St.

Sophie's BBQ in Havertown is located at 1901 Darby Rd.