Laurel plans expansion to double seats, add bar

Top Chef winner Nick Elmi’s jewel-box of a BYOB, Laurel at 1617 E. Passyunk Ave., is one of the city’s toughest tables to get, with only 20 seats.

Maybe soon you’ll get a shot at eating there. The Insider reports that Elmi plans to take over the space next door, which for a hot minute was the breakfast place Dante after being the original home to Metro Men’s clothing.

Elmi intends to add a bar in the new space with 12 seats, plus another 12 seats for dinner. He will bust holes in the wall to link the dining rooms and kitchen spaces.

More from the Insider:

After Laurel’s usual vacation at the end of August, Elmi plans to combine the spaces and then reopen to offer a wine and spirit program to enhance the experience.

Elmi says Laurel will still offer BYOB “in some capacity.”