>>NOW SEATING

MilkBoy Coffee
2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-MILKBOY
Paul Lichtman and MilkBoy Studio brainy-brains Tommy Joyner and Jamie Lokoff finally opened their namesake cafe on Wednesday. The java choices are there in spades, as are paninis, desserts and lunch items. The trio hopes to turn the 100-seat space into a magnet for artsy types and the under-21 crowd. In addition to a weekly open mic night, the venue will host "Open Reel," a local filmmakers' showcase and First Friday art shows. We know all about your little sipping-macchiatos-with-Townhall fantasy. Bite This: One of the featured eats is "The Elvis," a sandwich that combines peanut butter and bacon. Pair it with a large "Hammer" drink, featuring a staggering five shots of espresso in coffee.

Trio
2624 Brown St., 215-232-TRIO
Don't fret, this trio doesn't involve frozen appetizers. The name refers to friends Tom Jamavan, Michael Poole and Van Chau, who met through their mutual involvement with Siri's Thai-French Cuisine in Cherry Hill, N.J. Their new BYOB has an expansive Pan-Asian menu that reflects Eastern culinary traditions. The multilevel restaurant, which opened last Monday, features 50 seats and plans for a third-floor space for private parties. The guys found the art museum area—once home to Eg-Zolt and Gourley's—on Craigslist. Nice to know they had a good experience. Last time I responded to something on Craigslist, I ended up slumming for a nonprofit that taught blind kids how to read. Bite This: To Poole's knowledge, no one else makes their Thai iced tea crème brûlée.

>>WAITING LIST

Water Works Restaurant
1 Boathouse Row
The Philadelphia Business Journal confirmed that money-cat Michael Karloutsos' two-year-old plan to open a restaurant in Fairmount Park's Water Works will soon become a reality. The location for the elegant sit-down couldn't be more Philly: The building overlooks the Schuylkill between the Art Museum and Boathouse Row. While previous efforts to commandeer the spot have been shot down due to the Works' historical status (it dates back to 1815), Karloutsos did everything right, including securing a loan from the tough-nosed Philadelphia Industrial Business Corp. It's slated for a late-spring opening.