was just walking up 2nd from the el and noticed a big sign in the windows of a shop close to 2nd and brown -- "cacia's bakery and cafe coming soon". wow, i think this is the same cacia's from south philly, known for their breads and baked goods. anyone know when they will be opening? what a nice addition to our neighborhood!

Very interesting. When I was growing up in S.Jersey my dad who was from S. Philly would make special trips to Cacia's for Sunday dinner's rolls. Definitely the kind of business that's a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Wow Cacia's Bakery!
Their whole line of bakery are awsome and great addition to NL neighborhood. I used to go to Cacia's in South Philly, people there are friendly and the owner knows customer's names when they come into the store. I hope they are the same owner?

So just out of curiosity, why do the people who post on this message board welcome Cacia's with open arms into our neighborhood, but Johnny Manana's is hissed at? To my understanding their new proposed NL stores will make each business' second location in Philadelphia. Also, neither is owned by a big corporation. Can someone fill me in on this because it seems painfully hypocritical. Thanks.

Big ditto, there, CC.

I think it's because the burrito place is from Manayunk and doesn't have the "historic" S. Philly footprint Cacia' has. N. Libs apparently can import South Philly "cultural institutions" but not Manayunk "kitsch" I think is the reasoning.

C'mon what's wrong with a burrito bar? My guess is objectors guts say it's too "white Californian" a burrito place and they only want burritos made by "authentic" Mexicans. A California/American burrito place isn't going to hurt the "native" Mexican restaurants already placed here. I mean, it's like saying 2nd Street and Rustica are at each other's throats. Sure both places use tortillas, but you're really talking about different foods.

I guess also Manayunk orginating businesses are too "middle classed" for self-styled bohemians.

Don't have anything against Johnny Manana's, but I'm
not personally into the whole Tex-Mex thing (prefer authentic Mexican myself) and have never been there. I'm hoping it's not the kind of establishment that endorses the whole "let's swig as much bad tequila as we can and get ******-up" thing, so there are more drunk testosterone-pumped young men weaving around the hood yelling and starting fights, as with Finnegan's. But then, maybe it's not like that, can you clue me in?

I thought the burrito place isnt a bar, correct me if I am wrong.

Seriously, you people need to calm down about this new Burrito place- it's not a bar, it is not a chain like Baja Fresh, and it's not even Johnny Manana's. It's simply a burrito place being opened by the FORMER MANAGER of JM's. It is going to be vegan friendly and boast a HOT SAUCE BAR. Honestly, it is unbelievable that someone could honestly criticize such a concept- if you don't like it, don't eat there. Jeesh!

My bad. By "burrito bar" I didn't mean "bar w/ liquor" though I guess some people are worried that this is one of those joints that will serve mondo-sized margaritas, that are mostly ice anyway. I just meant "burrito bar" as in a joint you walked in and grab a burrito. Probably more counter than anything else in the "restaurant" area. Kinda like a "wrap shack" tends to not actually be made out of aluminum sheeting.

I prefer taquerias myself; but again I don't see anything wrong with this burrito joint setting up shop in NL. There are people, I guess we can call them "radical bohemians," who believe such businesses shouldn't be welcome in a neighborhood like NL. I don't really get that. It's strange bec. from my experience Cali-Mex style burrito places tend to be a lot more creative/innovative with veggie and vegan options than the "authentic" Mexican places tend to be, and making sure their vegan friends are well-nourished should be a primary objective for radical bohemians. They can not live on Caccia break alone.

I meant "Cacia bread" alone, not "Caccia break." Then again, maybe whenever Cacia sets up the radical bohemians can make it a NLNA requirement that any and all new businesses must "break bread" with the radical bohemians over Cacia's.

There is really only one negative post in the other thread, along with a few people getting a laugh about of the "Manayunkization of NL" (which I have to admit is an amusing expression I might start tossing around).

As much as I kind of enjoy the typical NL talking points/hipster schtick, this was really not the Rita's thread all over again.

I'd dig a burrito place closer up on Girard where anything but empty storefronts is an improvement, but living closer to Taco Riendo and Pura Vida than 2nd St, I doubt I'd personally walk past them to Liberties Walk for the new place, but who knows. It seems like a decent if-not-earthshatterring addition to me.

I did not see the City Paper article and when people claimed that Johnny Manana's was opening on 2nd St. I took it exactly as that. Johnny Manana's is a restaurant on Ridge Ave. that serves alcohol; but if the place is simply a spin-off "burrito bar" then more power to 'em.

What's with the hipster references and Cacia's??
My family was a bunch of old-school S. Philly Italians that always got bread from them and Sarcone's. Now if you buy from them it's bohemian? Gimme a break.

From Cacia's website:

##################

Founded in 1953, Cacia's has been a South Philadelphia tradition for years. Today, Cacia's is still family owned and operated, (we are into the 4th generation), and we have one of the last brick oven bakeries left in Philadelphia.

Our bakery is open for service 363 days a year. We are closed only on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We specialize in rolls, French bread, hoagie rolls, round bread, strombolis (pepperoni & cheese, spinach, Philly cheese steak), pizza (regular, tomato pie, pizzazz, broccoli, white) and dough. Our holiday specials are Easter bread and cookies. We even cook your Turkey on Thanksgiving, and other special occasions. If you have a pig or a side of beef too big for the oven, let us cook it for you.

Our customers come from all over the United States. Some are walk ins, others receive delivery to their restaurants and some we ship to around the country. A special order that is custom made to your specifications is never out of the question.

We currently have a commercial on cable TV, and now have four locations: Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, NJ, Berlin, NJ and our new location in Hammonton, NJ.

If you have any further questions about Cacia's Bakery, please email us at information@caciabakery.com.

Both big chains and tacky establishment should never be allowed in NLs, in my opinion. But in addition to that, it seems NLs should prefer establishments that are both original and offer something new and diversifying to NLs. Personally, I fail to see how yet another so-called Mexican restaurant (if one can call a 'burrito bar' Mexican), or yet another pizza joint or even japanese restaurant, for that matter, helps make NLs more interesting and attractive both to residents and visitors. We already have excellent restaurants of the aforementioned types. Instead, why not an Ethiopian restaurant? Or how about a Cuban sandwich shop? These are just some examples to help illustrate my point. As with Rita's, there are already so many other places in Philly (and So. Jersey) one can go to for a mediocre, Americanized version of a 'foreign' food such as burritos. Why do we need them in NLs as well? The answer is we don't, unless we do want NLs to look and feel like your garden variety suburban shopping mall food court. And that, folks, is my two jalapenos worth.

cacia's is the s**t....BEST tomato pie in the city....

johnny manana's???....the answer is in the name alone....

Cacia's = yummy. Where is the burrito bar opening?

OK Mae Goor, so let me get this straight. Because in your mind Johnny Manana's and Cacia are not unique enough, they should be banned from NL? Are you serious?

I'm sure there is no ethiopian restaurant around, because real estate is expensive, restaurants are risky and the demand is not that high for such a place. A couple of chains wouldn't really change the feel of this neighborhood. In fact, it could probably help bring people into the neighborhood that normally wouldn't come here. These people would spend their hard earned dollars, bot only at the chains, but at the other local businesses. That's how this neighborhood will grow and bring in more people, and more money so we can have lot's of cool shops to visit. I would think that all of those small boutique type businesses that I rarely see any people in, would love for some more foot traffic during prime business hours.

Of course if we pick and choose exactly what kind of businesses we allow here we will have a very homogenized group of businesses that will only be appeal to a few groups of people and the place will get pretty boring at best, and exclusionary (bordering on racist) at the worst (no 40's sold at the Foodery, I wonder why?? What's the demographic of the average 40 Drinker?? Blacks. (or african American for you pc types) It's ok to sell that West of Fifth street, just not on whitey 2nd street)

I'm tired of the holier than thou attitude around here.

And you know what, I can appreciate Finnegans Wake. Sometimes I like to hang out with a bunch of rowdy college kids and good looking college girls. It's a nice break from Hipsters. Of course they are probably horrified by my mid 30's hair loss, weight gain and god-awful circa 1990 dance moves and wardrobe

Keep in mind that any antipathy I feel towards Finnegan's does not stem from difference in style & taste. They opened up in proximity (i.e. half a block away) to us while we were renting on Green St. and saving for a house. I promise you that was worst couple years I've ever spent in Philly. When a business affects quality of life that's where the real issue lies. Thank god we were able to save enough money to move away from there.

Excellent and accurate point JW!

Iwould rather see a viable business than an empty store front. What planet do you folks live on? What's the difference if there are "other" Mexican or Mexican -like restaurants. The chains will come to Northern Liberties, regardless of what you say or think, like the casinos, it is the big money that defines a neighborhood. This is America after all, land of Capitalism and a fast buck. Grow up or move.

jw - Along with the other poster, I'd certainly dig an Ethiopian/African restaurant. The popularity of Tiffin (which is not in a great location) seems to say it is possible to support a smallish ethnic restaurant around here. (Admittedly Indian food is a bit more mainstream.) I wouldn't write-off the ability of such a restaurant to do better than a run-of-the-mill burrito store.

While real estate prices are high to buy, I'd guess the rent prices are like on Girard itself between 6th and 2nd aren't that high since they're mostly abandoned and the ones that aren't are filled in by places like ChinaStar (Chinese takeout through bulletproof glass), some weird dollar discount store, the low brow nail salon, etc. I'm sure the rent in the main NL drag of 2nd and 3rd St is pretty high, but it seems like there would be plenty of cheap storefronts in certain parts of the neighborhood.

I've got to think Girard would be a pretty cheap place to open up a small restaurant in terms of rent.

While I'm not a fan of chains taking over, I'm for pretty much for anything opening up in the mostly abandoned stretches of Girard if it brings some activity up there. 2nd and 3rd don't really need any help, so I'd be a bit more discriminating of what I'd like to see there if it were up to me.

It seems to me that because of ever-increasing commercial rents the only places that can afford to sholder such high rents are big box stores and chains. America is being saturated with the types of stores that can afford these huge rents that mom/pop and startup businesses can't handle. I congratulate these small businesses for opening in our neighborhood ("authentic" or not) and I encourage landlords and property owners to do the neighborhood a favor and offer fairly priced commercial space.

i biked by cacia's yesterday and saw the paper was down from the windows and there appeared to be lights on inside. are they open? has anyone been?
oh, and can someone clue me in on how you pronounce its name??

i shouldn't even bring this up but i wish people would shut up about the burrito bar already. gawd. if you don't like it, don't go there. it's so simple and it's not like you have a shortage of mexican choices in this area. i can't wait for them to open. ha! i am what's wrong with your neighborhood, right?

Brynn...it's pronounced-- kashas

i would like to see a Nigerian restaurant that teaches tantric sex, pottery, and and gives child birth classes. it seems to fit in with the whole sophisticated bohemian northern liberties thing

thanks!

i just rode by again and stopped this time to peer in the windows. the paper covering is down, but it's not open yet. it's still empty. i guess the lights were just on the other day cause they were working on it. they were pretty halogen lights.

northern libertarian if you opened said nigerian place, i'd hit it up. haha...

According to signs posted in the windows they're opening tomorrow (Tues) morning at 10am... good news for NL.

Daily Candy's review.

okay, so what's the best thing to buy from them? If you had to pick one item for me to stop and try, which would it be?

Also, anyone ever do their turkey cooking thingee? It wouldbe hard for me to give up control over the cooking of what's the center piece of the Thanksgiving dinner.

stopped by there last night for a gelato and a 'filled while you wait' canoli! yay! congrats on opening!

i just stopped by to see what they had... cute place. they have square pizza which i love! i had a piece of white and a piece of plain cheese. i reeeeally like the sauce on the plain cheese one. two good slices. they're probably more competition for rustica than they are 2nd st pizza. they had a couple fancy varieties.

on my way out the gelato guy talked me into a mini cone (without much convincing + a free taste). i had mint. it was lovely.

i like this place. cute spot to sit and grab a quick cheap bite.

I stopped in yesturday and got a slice of tomato pie. It was really good and I'm glad there is another place to get a different kind of slice than Rustica. (all other places to eat pizza in the NL are awful) They also seemed to have alot of other good stuff to eat, but still need to print up menu's. The water ice was good as well. I can't wait to try some of the fresh bread.

food looks good but I was not expecting a Pizza place. I was hoping for a bakery like Isgros. dounuts, pasteries etc. Food looks good and no issue there but when they said bakery on the sign it was not what I expected.

Bakery Pizza is the BEST, I am dissapointed with Rustica Pizza of late, the cheese is burnt and it sometimes tastes old, 2nd street pizza is terrible. I don't know how you can screw up pizza! I would like to see a romano cheese pizza, as a change of pace

hey, i went back today and they had more bakery-type things out. pretty cakes and such. still no menus. the white pizza is *really* tasty.

Great food! I had the meatball sub and chocolate cake. I will be back and make sure to bring more people.

Went to Cacia's today, good vibe and cool place. its kind of weird how they have the waitstaff behind the wall of glass though IMO. The food is actually really good even though I was unimpressed by looking at it. the spiniach pizza and calzone are fantastic, my friend said the eggplant parm was really tasty too. Once they get fully up and running I wil definitely be buying my bread there, it is excellent.

girltalk, 2nd street has good pizza but you have to get the x large and ask for it crispy and it is pseudo brooklyn style, good stuff. They other pizzas are pretty bad cause the bread part is too thick. but their best stuff is defintely the calzones and strombolis. try one and then try to tell me I'm wrong. cause I'm not . plus the staff is real chill. dig it.

i went to Cacia's this morning and had breakfast pizza. it was scrumptious and affordable, but they seem like a fraction of what they could be when they've been open for a bit...
anyway, it's another good option in the neighborhood. (has anyone found Rustica to be "inconsistent" from time to time?)

I went to Casia's today, really enjoyed it. had the cheese pizza, my friend had a pork sandwich, both delicious. afterwards we had espresso and a cheesecake brownie...again, both were excellent. i will definitely go back.

Sounds like a good addition to the neighborhood, I'll have to try it! I think it's a rediculous notion to suggest that it being the family's 2nd location in the city is not authentic to Northern Liberties and therefore shouldn't be allowed. While it's not unique to NoLibs, that doesn't make it any less of a worthy addition to the neighborhood. Abandoned storefronts aren't unique or authentic either, guess which most people would rather see?

Wanted to see what all the raves were about...absolutely true. My friend said Cacia's pizza was the best she has had. I had the pork with sharp cheese and broccoli...outta sight! The cheesecake brownies were decadent. This place is on my very best list!!!!

OH EVERYONE HAS TO TRY THE CANNOLIS !! OH MY !!! Surprised my boyfriend w/ a chocolate and an Apricot w/ Chocolate Chips !! AND WE WERE IN HEAVEN !!! Although he was more excited that he can walk in the mornings for Italian bread!!
I just wished they had more variety on pastries like in South Philly bakeries!!!
But thumbs up guys !!!

I am so siked to check this place out. Does anyone know the hours and what days they are open?

Excellent addition to the neighborhood. Great food at great prices, and they seem to be open all the time. Not sure the exact hours, but they're open mornings with bagels and coffee, and I think it was around 10 when I passed them and the doors were still open.

The white pizza is fantastic, and the tomato pie is perfect for my lactose intolerant bf. I'm so happy that we have a quick and cheap solution for nights we get home late and don't want to cook. The gelato is also yummy, have yet to try the water ice or the decadent desserts, but I can't wait!

I love bread. Their whole wheat bread is the best I have ever tried.
The Best!

So I stopped in last night after getting out of work. I was initially going to just "check it out" being that I had just bought tacos + beans and rice from Taco Riendo (I'm a genious).

First impression: place is clean and looks really slick. The people who work there are super nice. Food looks and smells excellent.

So here I am with amazing Mexican food in one hand and a bunch of $20s in the other. What does one do when faced with this problem? Why, one would buy a slice of tomato pie and a pepper and tomato slice. Duh!

I pigged the fugg out. I can't wait to get some bread there, and canolis, and eggplant, etc etc.

Only complaint, they're not open early enough for me to hit them up on my way to the office.

2 thumbs up

From the latest issue of Citypaper:

Cacia's Bakery, 719 N. Second St., 215-922-3888

It's no secret that Northern Libertarians are quite sensitive about what moves into their 'hood. (Poor Rita's dude.) But I defy you to find someone who's angry about this 30-seat new-concept Cacia's. Tomato pie is and always will be the thing, but this location features cafe-style seating for the breakfast, lunch and dinner crowd. Bite This: Daily specials include meatballs, eggplant parm and chicken cutlets.

Had the tomato pie last night, it was awesome!!! Staff was very friendly. A strong addition to the neighborhood

an ethiopian joint ala west philly (that place below fume is to die for) would undoubtedly have me eating there just about every night.

while i'm wishing ... another sushi joint? i've given zen a try a few times and, as a bonafide sushi snob, have been unimpressed (it's all about the quality of the fish, baby)... shiroi hana? can you carve your delicious little establishment out of center city and replant it here? thanks! If ya wanna talk manayunkaeastfallification, i'd settle for another Hikaru.

I'll end my comic-book-guy-from-the-simpsons-esque (at least i admit it) food critic banter by noting that i (unfortunately) lived in east falls for a while, and john mahnyahns was nothing to write home about ... but i'm partial to don pablos, so what do i know?

i am addicted to the cheese pizza. This is not helping the diet!