Dmitri’s, a much-beloved Greek BYOB that until recently had two locations in Philly, is back open for business in Northern Liberties.
Management confirmed the 2nd Street location reopened its doors on Jan. 9 after three months of renovations.
The restaurant had closed suddenly in October, right around the same time, that Dmitri’s original Queen Village location permanently shut down after 30 years in the neighborhood. The back-to-back moves caused much confusion, with fans and regulars unsure if both were gone for good.
Leah Chimes, daughter of owner Dmitri Chimes and general manager in Northern Liberties, said the landlord needed to renovate the building facade — so they took the opportunity to make some changes indoors as well.
Chimes said many were pleasantly surprised to find the kitchen up and running again last week.
“People walk by and say ‘yay, you’re back,’ but we definitely need word to get out that we’ve reopened,” Chimes said.
The menu maintains “everything people love about Dmitri’s — with new additions,” per Chimes. Two new dishes include a cold salmon salad and crispy lamb sauteed with dill and sliced red onion.
The closure of the original Catherine Street location, which opened in 1989, came as a shock. But it wasn’t for lack of business, the owner said.
At the time, Dmitri Chimes blamed the industry’s labor shortage and deteriorating conditions of the petite space.
“I closed 3rd Street because getting help has become impossible these days,” he told Philly Mag in November. “There were issues with the condition of the building, too. I had water pouring into the dining room on a Saturday night.”
The cozy 30-seat location is already turning over the next chapter. Kevin Addis, chef-owner Entree BYOB on South Street West, told the Inquirer he has plans to open an Italian seafood spot there by the end of winter.
Dmitri’s in NoLibs is open Wednesday through Sunday, dinner only. It’s cash only, with an ATM on site.
