Banjo's

There's something to be said for starting fresh, as evidenced by the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, who went from chillin' out max in West Philadelphia to bangin' that chick from a Matrix movie. Getting a new lease on the roast beef game, Banjo's, opening Monday.

After shuttering their other two locations south of the city, this Southern-styled Kelly's competitor is starting new in the 'bridge, slinging roast beef, burgers/dogs, seafood, and down-home South suppers in a bright 30-seat, wood-tabled red counter-service spot w/ stone tile accents and yellow walls hung with actual banjos, clearly intended to illustrate that the food is finger pickin' good. In addition to its classic warm roast beast on a toasted roll, signature sandwiches include the Jackson BBQ Beef (slow roasted in Bourbon and topped w/ creamy melted cheddar), a gravy soaked open faced turkey on sourdough w/ country stuffing and cranberry, and an orange BBQ-sauced shaved pork served with a Southern slaw called the Hillbilly, which'll make you squeal like a pig, but only because you're fat, not because you're about to... make love. There're also over twenty deli sandwiches named after different parts of town/landmarks like the Reuben-esque MIT, the Lechmere Square (a cracked pepper smoked turkey panini w/ bacon and pesto mayo); and the grilled portobello/roasted red pepper Charles River covered w/ mozzarella, and enough basil pesto to ensure your scale does a power ten.

If you're angling for an even heartier dinner, Banjo's serves up a breaded Fisherman's plate w/ 'slaw and fries; a port glazed/chili rubbed pork loin over braised red cabbage; and catfish that's been lightly dusted in Creole seasoning before simmering in a Jambalaya sauce, much like the meal Aunt Viv tried to cook, before she became a completely different woman!