>> NOW SEATING

Dmitri's
Third and Catharine sts., 215-625-0556
Passersby may've been shocked to see this popular Queen Village destination burning like the Olympic torch on Tue., Nov. 29. We feared the worst, but after closing for three days for repairs, cleanup and health department recertification, the Greek god is back in business. Owner Dmitri Chimes appreciates everyone's concern.

>> WAITING LIST

Kildare's Pub
509-511 S. Second St., 215-574-2995
What's the craic? The local chain is expanding into Headhouse Square come mid-January. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant/bar, which features a "Gaelic castle" for authentic boozing, will be a step up from the building's previous tenant, Pizzeria Uno. This is only the beginning for owner Dave Magrogan—he aims to have 45 locations open on the East Coast by 2010. Hey, I have no problem with Manifest Destiny if it involves Guinness and Quizzo.

Horizons Café
611 S. Seventh St., 215-923-6117
Remember the Goosebumps Lounge? Neither do we. Luckily, its former location will soon be the new home of Horizons Café. Owner Rich Landau signed the lease last week and will move from the restaurant's current location in Willow Grove by late January. The venture will be the first 100-percent vegan restaurant in the city, right down to its all-vegan beer and wine menu. Bite This: Horizons' signature dish is the pecan-sage baked seitan, a wild mushroom-stuffed entree served over a potato puree with white truffle oil.

>> CHECK, PLEASE

Dead Fred's
22 S. Third St.
This war-ravaged-Warsaw-row home-lookin' building has floated in limbo since the sports bar folded this summer. According to a representative at Michael Salove's realty company, the place has yet to be leased or sold. Just as well—two out of three Old City-zens agree that anything would be better than the previous tenant: Coyote Ugly.