The address that until recently housed famed Jeweler’s Row enterprise Robin’s 8th and Walnut for nearly sixty years will soon be Philadelphia’s second Le Pain Quotidien (French for, “the daily bread”). The upscale cafe and bakery serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and specializes in homemade organic bread and pastries. This franchise is also famed for their tartines, or open-faced sandwiches.

What the corner looked like just a few months ago. Image from Google.

No more awnings 🙁

One unique twist featured at these cafes are long, wooden, communal tables which provide a family-style and communal atmosphere. LPQ also offers a selection of fancier grocery items: jams, oils, and tapenades. Even more unusual for these type of enterprises, a small beer and wine selection is on its way. We figured this out from the bright orange Liquor Control Board application pasted outside the window. With the success of Le Pain Quotiden’s first Philly location at 1423-25 Walnut St. we expect it’ll fare well in its second spot. As Jewelers Row changes in character, we’re at least grateful that LPQ will provide something new and different to the people who live and work in the area.  –Suzy Grimberg