Finally, a new BYOB with the polish to compete with the city’s liquor-license holders. Husband/wife duo Gene and Amy Giuffi scrubbed up and remodeled the tiny Caf Sud storefront before launching cash-only Cochon (translation: “pig”), with a menu of hearty French classics like a slow-braised pork shoulder topped with a runny poached egg, which has become the signature dish here. But even non-porcine preparations (like perfectly cooked scallops) show a deft hand at the stove reminiscent of the days when BYOBs were more famous for their food than the freedom from bar tabs.

Cochon | 801 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-923-7675 | http://www.cochonbyob.com