Philadelphia’s vibrant food and music scene is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of Milkboy South Street. Bill Hanson, co-owner of the beloved MilkBoy brand, recently announced via Instagram the official opening date for their highly anticipated South Street location: August 2nd. Located at the bustling corner of 4th and South Streets, in the space previously occupied by Lickety Split (across from the iconic Jim’s Steaks), MilkBoy South Street is poised to become the newest hotspot in this iconic Philadelphia neighborhood.
The journey of MilkBoy began with a cozy coffee shop and music venue in Ardmore, founded by Tommy Joyner, Jamie Lokoff, and Bill Hanson. Recognizing the brand’s potential, the trio expanded to a larger, liquor-licensed venue in Midtown Village. This success led them to focus entirely on Philadelphia, selling their Ardmore cafe to concentrate on building MilkBoy’s presence in the city center. Their Chestnut Street location quickly became a popular destination, known for its energetic atmosphere, live music, and tasty fare.
The location for MilkBoy South Street has its own interesting history. Previously, the space was home to Lickety Split, which underwent a makeover by Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer and was rebranded as Alleged Pizza and 2nd State Lounge. However, the revamped concept didn’t last, and the location soon became available. MilkBoy’s owners seized this opportunity to expand their footprint and bring the MilkBoy experience to South Street.
MilkBoy South Street is designed to mirror the successful Chestnut Street model, offering a dynamic space with a music venue upstairs and a bar and restaurant downstairs. The familiar garage doors will be a feature, and plans are in place to add outdoor seating once the venue is established. Fans of the Chestnut Street location will find a similar vibe and energy at this new South Street outpost.
Culinary direction for both MilkBoy South Street and the original location will be overseen by current MilkBoy chef Chris Beyer. He will manage both kitchens, ensuring a consistent menu of “elevated bar-fare” at both venues. On the drinks side, bar manager Evan Maffiore is crafting a cocktail and beer menu for MilkBoy South Street. True to their local focus, the beer selection will feature a six-tap, all-Pennsylvania draft list, highlighting the best brews the state has to offer.
MilkBoy South Street will cater to a wide range of dining needs, opening for lunch, dinner, and late-night crowds. The bar will be open until 2 a.m. daily, while the kitchen will serve until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and until 1 a.m. on Thursday to Saturday. For those looking for a weekend brunch spot, MilkBoy South Street plans to launch its brunch service in September, further solidifying its place as a go-to destination on South Street.
MilkBoy
