In Fishtown, by Philadelphia Distilling and music venue The Fillmore Philly, a new post-apocalyptic-themed restaurant is set to open on Friday, Oct. 6.
“Mad Rex is unlike any restaurant in the world,” said Nick Stefanou, general manager.
The 8,500-square-foot space, which can seat 225, includes a dining room, bar, stage, lounge, private event space and outdoor patio. Plus, the big draw is the virtual reality chamber – a first for any restaurant in the region.
Patrons can immerse themselves in augmented reality and travel through time and space.
Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceSurvivors will check in at the host/hostess stand and wait for their journey in the lobby that comes complete with a built-in selfie station, scorched-earth stadium seating, weapons display and a genuine aircraft seat.When creating the restaurant's concept, Pavel Rathousky, part-owner, noticed that post-apocalyptic worlds were having a moment. "Mad Max" and "The Walking Dead" are only two recent examples in pop culture.
Inside, Mad Rex is decorated like a shrine to apocalypse survivors. There's graffiti, weapons displays, mannequins in survival wear and other "artifacts" from whatever apocalyptic event happened here.
As for food & drink, the menu sticks with the theme. Cocktails have names like "End of Times" and "Scorched Earth," and there's a cook-it-yourself option. Diners will be able to grill, heat and flavor their own slabs of meat over 500-degree rocks, if they choose to.
Mad Rex will be open daily, beginning at 11 a.m. See the exact hours of operation below.
• Open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to midnight • Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Dinner Sundays through Thursdays from 3-10 p.m. • Dinner Fridays and Saturdays from 3-11 p.m.
The restaurant also plans on launching happy hour, a late-night bar menu, a children's menu and weekend brunch soon.
Check out more photos of Mad Rex.
Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceAlong the restaurant's walls, look for “artifacts.” Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceAbove the bar, look for high-definition televisions that will feature Sunday football and other sports on weekends. During off-game times, the televisions will run post-apocalyptic-themed movies and clips. Courtesy of Kory Aversa/PhillyVoiceBlack lava rock dining is the perfect tie-in with the restaurant’s overall post-apocalyptic theme. Survivors will be able to grill, heat and flavor their own slabs of meat over the 500-degree rocks. Each Survivor’s Menu will include a choice of protein, a slab of Himalayan salt, lemon, seasonings and sauces.
Courtesy of Kory Aversa/PhillyVoiceElaborate exhibits were designed by some of the world’s most renowned costume and prop designers. Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceMad Rex has a virtual reality lounge. Courtesy of Kory Aversa/PhillyVoiceUnique cocktails designed by bar manager Juan Almeyda are named to tie in with the theme. Try “The Debacle,” “End of Times” or “Scorched Earth.” Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceMad Rex features a lounge area. Courtesy of Keith Gunther/PhillyVoiceReminiscent of something from “The Walking Dead,” eh? Society Hill Films/PhillyVoiceThe restaurant can seat a total of 225. Courtesy of Keith Gunther/PhillyVoiceMad Rex is easy to spot – just look for the truck parked outside. Courtesy of Kory Aversa/PhillyVoiceFor dessert, choose from a rotating selection of house-made ice cream, which is served alongside a pink Himalayan salt bowl. Society Hill Films/PhillyVoice“While we are a theme restaurant and bar, food comes first,” said Michael Johnigean, part-owner.