PHILADELPHIA, PA — Eighteen unapologetic months after opening its doors, Chef Liz Grothe's celebrated Queen Village restaurant, Scampi, is officially leveling up. Known for its dynamic monthly menus exploring the Italian diaspora, Scampi has announced the launch of a brand-new beverage program, expanding its offerings and highlighting fresh local partnerships.
A Hyper-Local Beverage Program
The heart of this new chapter is an exciting collaboration with Camuna Cellars, a Northeast Philadelphia-based winemaker. In a unique operational twist, Camuna Cellars will utilize Scampi as a tasting room during the restaurant's service hours.
"One thing we've always done at Scampi is highlight local products, so partnering with Camuna Cellars fits into our DNA," said Chef Grothe. "Eli Silins is a unique guy; his product is not trying to imitate a PA product that tastes like your average Italian or French wine. Camuna is very unapologetically itself, which I feel aligns with what Scampi is, as we've never compromised who we are."
Beyond Camuna Cellars' distinctive wines, the new beverage menu will feature an array of Pennsylvania-produced spirits, beers, and other local favorites. Guests can also look forward to rotating seasonal craft cocktails showcasing Fell to Earth Vermouth, Philadelphia's first "vermouthery." For long-time fans who prefer the tradition of bringing their own special bottles, Scampi will continue to accommodate BYOB with a $15 corkage fee.
August Collaboration Dinners
Alongside the new drink offerings, Grothe is celebrating the summer by teaming up with some of Philadelphia's beloved culinary brands. The restaurant's August lineup features three distinct collaboration dinners:
- Friday, August 21: Scampi joins forces with Percy (hosted at Percy).
- Sunday, August 23: Habibi Supper Club takes over Scampi for a special evening.
- Sunday, August 30: An Italian-American pasta night hosted at Kiddo, featuring Grothe alongside her longtime friend, Chef Wyatt Piazza.
"Scampi is not meant to be the same restaurant I run for the next 25 years. It might not even last past our current lease," Grothe reflected. "I plan to evolve the restaurant as I grow and mature as a person. This beverage program represents Scampi growing, in a way."
Expanded Summer Hours & "Scampi's Pasta Shop"
To accommodate the exciting changes, Scampi has expanded its operating hours for the summer, now open Tuesday through Sunday. A special à la carte menu—affectionately dubbed "Scampi's Pasta Shop"—is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Additionally, the restaurant is welcoming walk-ins on its patio on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, making it easier than ever to drop in for a quick bite and a locally crafted drink.
Scampi is located at 617 S 3rd St. in Queen Village. To keep up with weekly hours, menu changes, and collaboration details, follow them on Instagram at @Scampi_Philly or visit scampiphilly.com.
