Irwin’s, upstairs at Bok, debuts tonight!

Irwin’s, the new upscale cocktail bar and restaurant at Bok, debuts this evening with an invitation-only open house reception.  Passyunk Post got a “sneak peek” yesterday which we agreed to keep under wraps until now.  Check out the seriously-cool light fixtures and rustic-industrial decor.

Irwin’s is located just across the elevator lobby from Bok Bar.  Guests will have access to the building’s south terrace. Paul Garberson, Irwin’s executive chef and director, expects about 500 guests at the opening affair. He referred to the restaurant’s cuisine as “New Middle Eastern.”  Cocktails being served at tonight’s open house include a “Vodka Kiffie” and a New York sour.  Garberson, who currently resides in East Falls, will move back to East Passyunk soon. He previously lived in the area.

Asked about an opening date, Lindsey Scannapieco, president of Scout Ltd. which owns the building and the restaurant, said “we don’t have one yet because of a paperwork backlog, but we’re hoping for early June.” Chef Paul added that they’re still building-out the staff, but that should be complete soon.

The restaurant is named in honor of the building’s designer, Irwin Thornton Catharine.  He was the chief architect of Philadelphia public schools from 1920 until his retirement in 1937.