Smooth opening for Oyster House

 Opening a restaurant is a tough business, almost as tough as keeping one open. That’s why it’s so surprising when a restaurant hits its date, even if said date is as vague as “spring ’09.”

But that’s the case at the Oyster House (1516 Sansom St.), where gutting of the old Sansom Street Oyster House began in January. Last week the doors swung open, and the overhauled space is a bright and clean affair with exposed steel beams, whitewashed wood and a glistening white tile backsplash for the bar. The rest of the restaurant is adorned with the reclaimed and recycled. Floor timbers from the Academy of Music get new life, as do marble paving slabs from Independence Mall, which serve as the cool bar-top. The lighting fixtures, salvaged from old ships, salute the maritime nature of the menu.

While Oyster House hit its date, the same cannot be said of a couple spots that first anticipated opening in March. Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South St.) initially aimed to open in time for Philly Beer Week in early March. Now, as June marches on, Doug and Kelly Hager are hoping to open their German beer bar and restaurant by June 20. What’s slowed them down? Liquor license complications, contractor delays and kitchen equipment ordering slowdowns have all played a role — plus the inevitable delays that come from being first-time restaurant operators.
 
I t’s a similar story at The Blockley Pourhouse (38th and Ludlow sts). Once aiming to open St. Patrick’s Day, the gastropub’s owner isn’t making any more predictions as he’s tired of being wrong. But suffice it to say, it’s about ready. Just waiting on some permits …