Havertown's Popular Sophie's BBQ Expands to Manayunk

Acclaimed barbecue restaurant partners with Love City Brewing for new location on historic Main Street

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:22am

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Sophie's BBQ, a beloved barbecue restaurant in Havertown, Pennsylvania, is expanding to a new location inside Love City Brewing's upcoming Manayunk taproom. Chef Greg Herman, who got his start in the restaurant industry in Manayunk, will be bringing his acclaimed menu of smoked meats, signature sides, and craft cocktails to the historic Main Street neighborhood.

Why it matters

The addition of Sophie's BBQ to Manayunk's thriving dining scene represents a homecoming for Chef Greg Herman and fills a void left by the closure of a previous barbecue restaurant in the area. The partnership with the popular Love City Brewing brand also highlights the continued evolution of Manayunk as a destination for craft food and beverages.

The details

Sophie's BBQ will be the exclusive food partner at Love City Brewing's new Manayunk location, set to open later this spring. The menu will feature all of Chef Greg Herman's signature barbecue dishes, including Smokehouse Nachos, BBQ Sliders, Candy Bacon Mac, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Briskey Cheesesteak, and Smoked Vegetarian Meatloaf. Sophie's will also participate in the popular Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival on April 19.

  • Sophie's BBQ first opened in Ardmore and later expanded to Havertown.
  • Love City Brewing announced it would be taking over the former Fat Lady Brewing space in Manayunk.
  • The new Sophie's BBQ location in Manayunk is set to open later this spring.

The players

Greg Herman

Chef and owner of Sophie's BBQ, who got his start in the restaurant industry in Manayunk.

Love City Brewing

A popular craft brewery that is opening a new taproom location on Main Street in Manayunk, where it will partner with Sophie's BBQ as the exclusive food provider.

Melissa Walter

Co-owner and director of operations at Love City Brewing.

Gwen McCauley

Executive director of the Manayunk Development Corporation.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to announce Sophie's BBQ is coming to Philadelphia. This is a moment that has been a long time in coming. 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 when it opens later this spring.”

— Greg Herman, Chef and owner, Sophie's BBQ

“In our search for the right food partner, Sophie's BBQ stood out immediately, not just for the quality of the food, but for the care and intention behind it. After tasting through the menu, it was clear that Greg and his team approach barbecue with the same level of craft and thoughtfulness that we bring to our beers. We're thrilled to welcome them to our Manayunk taproom.”

— Melissa Walter, Co-owner and director of operations, Love City Brewing

“Manayunk is thrilled to welcome Love City Brewing and Sophie's BBQ to our historic restaurant row. Love City Brewing has built an amazing reputation as one of the city's top craft beer makers, and their energy and community spirit are a natural fit for Main Street. Sophie's BBQ is a Main Line gem bringing top-rated, award-winning barbecue to the neighborhood.”

— Gwen McCauley, Executive director, Manayunk Development Corporation

What’s next

Sophie's BBQ will participate in the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival on April 19, giving local residents a preview of the new location before it officially opens later this spring.

The takeaway

The expansion of Sophie's BBQ to Manayunk represents a homecoming for the acclaimed barbecue restaurant, as well as a strategic move to fill a void in the neighborhood's dining scene and partner with a respected local brewery. This partnership highlights Manayunk's continued evolution as a destination for craft food and beverages.