Restaurateur Jill Weber has opened REX at The Royal, Philadelphia’s newest destination for Southern fare. Housed in the historic and recently rejuvenated Royal Theater, once celebrated as a locus of Black American culture.
Just doors down from the original REX 1516, the new REX is located at 1524 South Street in Philadelphia and is an upgrade, to say the least. the reopened REX is now housed in the 7,000 square foot in the former Historic Royal Theather location.
The Royal Theatre, once housed “America’s Finest Colored Photoplay House,” which prominently featured films from Black filmmakers and was also known as the birthplace of the Colored Motion Picture Operators Union. Later, the theatre’s focus shifted from showing films to hosting live music performances, but it always maintained a community-centered nucleus
Rex at Royal restaurant features a sprawling dining room, massive turquoise top bar, and upper mezzanine, as well as a few private rooms for both small and large events.
The restaurant’s menu is crafted by long-time Charleston resident Executive Chef Aaron Paik. But you can still find your favorite items from REX 1516’s old menu, such as She-Crab Soup and an extensive beverage menu crafted by Sojourn’s BeverageDirector Nick Baitzel.
However, REX at The Royal's brand new interior still maintains a few of the Royal Theater’s original designs, with widespread arches and an elevated live music stage paying homage to the theater’s role in the rich history of early-20 the century.
Hours of operation are as follows: Sunday to Thursday from 5 - 10 pm and Friday through Saturday from 5 - 11 pm. Reservations can be made by phone or online through Opentable.
