Bluecat Latin Restaurant across from Fairmount Rite Aid

**eldondre** · 12-20-2011, 09:39 AM

BlueCat. That’s a not a jazz reference, it’s the name of the new, casual, 35-seat casual Latin-inspired operation that’s coming to Fairmount in late 2012 at the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and Uber Street. Chef-owner Guy Shapiro (ex of Wildflower in New Jersey) and his wife Luli Canuso have lived in the area for years, and so have been front-row spectators to the sudden restaurant boom hitting the neighborhood. With the profile of the area steadily rising, they decided that the time was now to get in on the good times.

» One More For Fairmount: BlueCat Coming Soon(ish) Foobooz Philadelphia
did anyone go to wildflower?

**Steve Bartman** · 12-22-2011, 03:18 PM

This will be intersting but not scheduled to open until late 2012? That is a year off, a lot can and will happen between this announcement and projected opening!

**RedBullMB** · 08-13-2012, 10:58 AM

I've been there twice in the past couple of weeks (Sunday morning and Saturday afternoon), once for brunch and once for lunch. My experience each time was excellent and the food delicious. I was quite impressed, however both times we were the only customers in the restaurant for our entire meal. The only other soul besides staff in the place was a guy who accidentally thought he was walking into (what I can only assume) Mugshots, and he apologized and walked out. Anyone else been there? I thought it was great, but I guess no one else does. If anyone hasn't tried it yet I suggest doing so, as if the lack of customers is a trend this place can't last too much longer.

**Dayman** · 08-13-2012, 10:59 AM

It's in an unfortunate location really, all the way at the end of Fairmount (the neighborhood).

**AbortedWalrus** · 08-13-2012, 11:27 AM

I have been there quite a few times, and walk my dog past Blue Cat daily. I think you were just there at odd times because it's full to the brim almost every time I pass it and I've actually had to wait to get a table there on more than one occasion.

It's not really an unfortunate location either. The block it's on probably gets more foot traffic than any other single block on Fairmount Ave in the area. It's a BYOB four spaces down from a state store, which is ideal for them, plus you have a pharmacy and a post office on the same block. It's crawling with people at almost all times of the day. All they need to do is get people to come in once, because once they do they'll come back. The food really is great. Anyway, with all of the foot traffic around there I don't think they should have too much trouble getting people to come in.

Also, it's technically in Francisville, not Fairmount. Francisville is bounded by Fairmount to the south, Corinthian Ave to the West, Girard to the North, and Broad to the East.

**eldondre** · 08-13-2012, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by AbortedWalrus

I have been there quite a few times, and walk my dog past Blue Cat daily. I think you were just there at odd times because it's full to the brim almost every time I pass it and I've actually had to wait to get a table there on more than one occasion.

It's not really an unfortunate location either. The block it's on probably gets more foot traffic than any other single block on Fairmount Ave in the area. It's a BYOB four spaces down from a state store, which is ideal for them, plus you have a pharmacy and a post office on the same block. It's crawling with people at almost all times of the day. All they need to do is get people to come in once, because once they do they'll come back. The food really is great. Anyway, with all of the foot traffic around there I don't think they should have too much trouble getting people to come in.

Also, it's technically in Francisville, not Fairmount. Francisville is bounded by Fairmount to the south, Corinthian Ave to the West, Girard to the North, and Broad to the East.

I went early on but maybe I'll go back now. anyway, it seems to be a lot more full now. I've been noticing it more on my trips to Rite Aid and philly flavors. I agree it's not an unfortunate location, in fact, it's a pretty good location. the new market down the street should further solidify that corridor.

**RedBullMB** · 08-13-2012, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by AbortedWalrus

I have been there quite a few times, and walk my dog past Blue Cat daily. I think you were just there at odd times because it's full to the brim almost every time I pass it and I've actually had to wait to get a table there on more than one occasion. All they need to do is get people to come in once, because once they do they'll come back. The food really is great.

That's good to hear, because it is rare that I have been to a place and be the ONLY one in there for the ENTIRE meal, and this happened twice. I really liked it and may be a little late as far as "discovering" it, but it is good enough for me to want to return.

**Tartan69** · 08-13-2012, 12:00 PM

I've been there three times and had good meals each time. Laban certainly wouldn't give it 4 bells, but I feel it is very good, especially for the price. Also it was fairly crowded the times I've been there (although once was the evening of Bastille Day)

**Dayman** · 08-13-2012, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by AbortedWalrus

Also, it's technically in Francisville, not Fairmount. Francisville is bounded by Fairmount to the south, Corinthian Ave to the West, Girard to the North, and Broad to the East.

Fairmount's border is 19th, not Corinthian.

WANNA FIGHT OVER IT BRO?!?!?!?1/111/1

I still intend on trying it out. The menu looks good.

**DocAwesome** · 08-13-2012, 12:15 PM

Went once. It was great.
The end

**eldondre** · 08-13-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Dayman

Fairmount's border is 19th, not Corinthian.

WANNA FIGHT OVER IT BRO?!?!?!?1/111/1

I still intend on trying it out. The menu looks good.

it's corinthian, not 19th. francisville is corinthian to broad, fairmount to girard. at least today, those are the borders.

**AbortedWalrus** · 08-13-2012, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dayman

Fairmount's border is 19th, not Corinthian.

WANNA FIGHT OVER IT BRO?!?!?!?1/111/1

I still intend on trying it out. The menu looks good.

I totally want to fight over it. Do you think you can actually beat an Aborted Walrus? Though you are the Dayman...

**drala** · 08-13-2012, 07:55 PM

I went there Saturday night, because La Calaca had an hour and a half wait (!) as they are now taking reservations.
We were really glad La Calaca was booked, because the meal at Blue Cat was excellent. I had the special ...soft shell crab tacos - phenomenal !