In an ordeal that has been five years in the making, Madira Bar and Grill in Point Breeze is back with a whole new look, writes Ali Mohsen for Billy Penn at WHYY.

What was previously a South Philadelphia bottle shop is now a full sports bar.

The bar is owned by Gary Patel, a native of India who emigrated to Bensalem as a teenager.

When he purchased Federal Beer in 2006, he noticed the absence of bottle shops in South Philly.

So, he bought the corner store on 21st and Titan Street and opened it as Madira — the Hindi word for “alcohol” — in 2014. 

Patel met local commissary chef Lee Needham, who suggested the idea of expanding its menu with Indian food options. 

Each brought their ideas together to create a new sports bar.

Now, Madira’s menu includes options such as samosas, tikka, and biryani rather than just typical bar staples, like chicken wings and fries. 

As Patel waits for this new version of Madira to get more established, his goal is clear. 

“We just want to be [where] everybody comes in to have a good time, and you’re not hurting your pocket by coming to the bar and eating and drinking,” said Patel. 

Read more about Madira’s new era in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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