Food Scene
7-8 minute walk, good coffee, has a bottle shop with lots of good and local beers co-located, located across the street from the South Philadelphia Tap Room.
171 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ultimo Coffee
1900 S 15th St7-8 minute walk, good coffee, has a bottle shop with lots of good and local beers co-located, located across the street from the South Philadelphia Tap Room.
Gastropub with good brunch, great 4-6 happy hour M-F (half priced local beers and appetizers - two nicely sized wild boar tacos for $5-6 is pretty great. Also has a good bar area.
112 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
South Philadelphia Tap Room
1509 Mifflin StGastropub with good brunch, great 4-6 happy hour M-F (half priced local beers and appetizers - two nicely sized wild boar tacos for $5-6 is pretty great. Also has a good bar area.
Up one block from Broad Street subway (Tasker/Morris stop), healthy cafe with good coffee and treats, sandwiches, etc. Has some outdoor seating.
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hive
1444 S Broad StUp one block from Broad Street subway (Tasker/Morris stop), healthy cafe with good coffee and treats, sandwiches, etc. Has some outdoor seating.
Hardena
1754 S Hicks StCasual, cafeteria style Indonesian - delicious.
Really my favorite place in the area, great all day brunch/breakfast menu. I like the farmhouse omelette with truffle oil and the breakfast burger. It takes a team to finish the fancy nachos. This is probably the nicest spot in the area - it's casual but super delicious.
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
On Point Bistro
1200 Point Breeze AveReally my favorite place in the area, great all day brunch/breakfast menu. I like the farmhouse omelette with truffle oil and the breakfast burger. It takes a team to finish the fancy nachos. This is probably the nicest spot in the area - it's casual but super delicious.
Good coffee, across from On Point, run by the realty/development company that works in the area a lot.
136 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
OCF Coffee House
2100 Fairmount AveGood coffee, across from On Point, run by the realty/development company that works in the area a lot.
Breakfast basics! Well priced, a bit deeper into Point Breeze Avenue, the ladies who run it are super nice and welcoming.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Tasty Toast
1320 Point Breeze AveBreakfast basics! Well priced, a bit deeper into Point Breeze Avenue, the ladies who run it are super nice and welcoming.
Circles Thai
1516 Tasker StPick up or delivery Thai - super good.
This place is amazing. It's quite popular so best to go when it opens at 5, or earlier for weekend brunch. Sort of dim sum fusion, which sounds like something I might pass on, but it all works so well. It's received amazing reviews.
83 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bing Bing Dim Sum
1648 E Passyunk AveThis place is amazing. It's quite popular so best to go when it opens at 5, or earlier for weekend brunch. Sort of dim sum fusion, which sounds like something I might pass on, but it all works so well. It's received amazing reviews.
There are tons of things in this area, which is a 12-15 minute walk from me. Highly rated restaurants like Brigantessa (Italian), Laurel (French) and the more casual cocktail/shared plates ITV next door, Townsend (French), Birra (Italian), Noord (Dutch), Perla (Filipino), Bing Bing Dim Sum, coffee shops, boutique shops, Escape the 80s (a version of the very popular escape rooms that I need to try). Geno's and Pat's cheesesteaks are at the top of this avenue, across from one another.
35 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
East Passyunk Avenue
East Passyunk AvenueThere are tons of things in this area, which is a 12-15 minute walk from me. Highly rated restaurants like Brigantessa (Italian), Laurel (French) and the more casual cocktail/shared plates ITV next door, Townsend (French), Birra (Italian), Noord (Dutch), Perla (Filipino), Bing Bing Dim Sum, coffee shops, boutique shops, Escape the 80s (a version of the very popular escape rooms that I need to try). Geno's and Pat's cheesesteaks are at the top of this avenue, across from one another.
Prix fixe vegan menu on some Fridays and Saturdays for dinner, some brunches, and offers cooking classes. Is best to book some time in advance. http://www.missrachelspantry.com/
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Miss Rachel's Pantry
1938 South Chadwick StreetPrix fixe vegan menu on some Fridays and Saturdays for dinner, some brunches, and offers cooking classes. Is best to book some time in advance. http://www.missrachelspantry.com/
Small family owned pizza shop, casual tables and also available through Grub Hub. They have these small pizza frittes (available fried of baked) that are like $6.50 and incredibly delicious, looking forward to trying out more of the pizzas.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mattei Family Pizza
1260 Point Breeze AvenueSmall family owned pizza shop, casual tables and also available through Grub Hub. They have these small pizza frittes (available fried of baked) that are like $6.50 and incredibly delicious, looking forward to trying out more of the pizzas.
The nicest area of Center City with tons of restaurants, coffee and shopping near the park/square. Parc is right on the square, is great French fare for brunch and has nice views. Nearby I like Village Whiskey (good burgers, whiskey selection obviously), Tinto is amazing for tapas. This area is about a 30 minute walk, 7 minute drive directly north from me.
620 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rittenhouse Square
135 S 18th StThe nicest area of Center City with tons of restaurants, coffee and shopping near the park/square. Parc is right on the square, is great French fare for brunch and has nice views. Nearby I like Village Whiskey (good burgers, whiskey selection obviously), Tinto is amazing for tapas. This area is about a 30 minute walk, 7 minute drive directly north from me.
Well rated Mediterranean, popular, seating is tight, food is great.
78 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barbuzzo
110 S 13th StWell rated Mediterranean, popular, seating is tight, food is great.
Giant indoor market with mostly small cafes and some shops. Tons of different options and PA products, can be a little overwhelming but it's also a great place to pop in for a quick meal or take something to go.
739 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StGiant indoor market with mostly small cafes and some shops. Tons of different options and PA products, can be a little overwhelming but it's also a great place to pop in for a quick meal or take something to go.
Good ramen place in Center City. Small so can be a wait at peak times.
35 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
CHeU noodle bar
255 S 10th StGood ramen place in Center City. Small so can be a wait at peak times.
Has locations throughout the city, locally started coffee focused on quality, has big spacious coffee shops that are well designed. Handy one is right across from Independence Mall to gear back up for some sightseeing.
334 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
1335 Frankford AveHas locations throughout the city, locally started coffee focused on quality, has big spacious coffee shops that are well designed. Handy one is right across from Independence Mall to gear back up for some sightseeing.
Drinks & Nightlife
Gastropub with great outdoor seating in the neighborhood, one of the closest places to me. Popular spot in the area, has sandwiches, etc.
167 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
American Sardine Bar
1800 Federal StGastropub with great outdoor seating in the neighborhood, one of the closest places to me. Popular spot in the area, has sandwiches, etc.
Good sports bar option on South Street.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Founding Fathers Sports Bar & Grill
1612 South StreetGood sports bar option on South Street.
New local brewery in the neighborhood! Cool space, will have outdoor seating.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Second District Brewing Company
1939 S Bancroft StNew local brewery in the neighborhood! Cool space, will have outdoor seating.
Small more divey venue with local music shows and food.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Boot & Saddle
1131 S Broad StSmall more divey venue with local music shows and food.
About 30 minutes away, local brewery with food and nice space.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tired Hands Fermentaria
35 Cricket TerraceAbout 30 minutes away, local brewery with food and nice space.
Essentials
There are unfortunately no grocery stores right in my neighborhood, but this is one of the closer ones (also Fresh Grocer on Grey's Ferry Avenue, Trader Joes on 22nd and Market, Shop Rite down on Oregon Avenue).
353 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
ACME Markets
1400 E Passyunk AveThere are unfortunately no grocery stores right in my neighborhood, but this is one of the closer ones (also Fresh Grocer on Grey's Ferry Avenue, Trader Joes on 22nd and Market, Shop Rite down on Oregon Avenue).
Sightseeing
Free, entrance is across from Independence Visitors Center, nice set of short exhibits leading up to viewing some history.
755 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Liberty Bell
526 Market StFree, entrance is across from Independence Visitors Center, nice set of short exhibits leading up to viewing some history.
Free tickets required - you can get them the day of from the Visitors Center (which also has a pricey but nice gift shop that is worth visiting, helpful information and staff, and some really terrible historical reenactment movies you can watch). Tickets are first come first serve, though, so they could run out. I recommend getting them online, even with a $1.50 service charge per ticket, because you can reserve your tour time. You still pick them up at the Visitors Center, and then head over to Chestnut street one block up to line up for the tour. https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehalltickets.htm
The tour is about an hour.
568 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StFree tickets required - you can get them the day of from the Visitors Center (which also has a pricey but nice gift shop that is worth visiting, helpful information and staff, and some really terrible historical reenactment movies you can watch). Tickets are first come first serve, though, so they could run out. I recommend getting them online, even with a $1.50 service charge per ticket, because you can reserve your tour time. You still pick them up at the Visitors Center, and then head over to Chestnut street one block up to line up for the tour. https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehalltickets.htm
The tour is about an hour.
This place is really amazing and creepy at times - indoor and outdoor self guided tour (courtesy of a headset and Steve Buscemi's voice) of a former prison, with thoughtful exhibits and Al Capone's cell.
433 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount AveThis place is really amazing and creepy at times - indoor and outdoor self guided tour (courtesy of a headset and Steve Buscemi's voice) of a former prison, with thoughtful exhibits and Al Capone's cell.
Most iconic historical Philadelphia street with original homes.
154 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Elfreth's Alley
126 Elfreth's AlleyMost iconic historical Philadelphia street with original homes.
Along the west bank of the Schuylkill River there is a trail that starts at South Street bridge (will extend soon to Christian street) and has a raised esplanade along the river and then the trail continues to the Art Museum, Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park and beyond. Entrances along the way at main streets (Walnut, Market just across from 30th Street station). This is a cool walk from South street (Rival Bros coffee has a spot close to the bridge, to grab a coffee and walk) and interesting view of the city and a nice way to get down to the Art Museum - also a good running/biking trail.
250 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailAlong the west bank of the Schuylkill River there is a trail that starts at South Street bridge (will extend soon to Christian street) and has a raised esplanade along the river and then the trail continues to the Art Museum, Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park and beyond. Entrances along the way at main streets (Walnut, Market just across from 30th Street station). This is a cool walk from South street (Rival Bros coffee has a spot close to the bridge, to grab a coffee and walk) and interesting view of the city and a nice way to get down to the Art Museum - also a good running/biking trail.
Arts & Culture
Great art museum, thoughtful exhibits, the Rodin Museum (with the Thinker statue outside) is next door).
560 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyGreat art museum, thoughtful exhibits, the Rodin Museum (with the Thinker statue outside) is next door).
Interactive science museum. Jurassic Park exhibit going on this year, good for kids but not the youngest set.
458 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Franklin Institute
222 N 20th StInteractive science museum. Jurassic Park exhibit going on this year, good for kids but not the youngest set.
Great museum, originally spot for the Rocky statue at the top of the steps (he's moved just down these on Ben Franklin Avenue if you want to get your iconic Rocky pose pictures).
1164 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyGreat museum, originally spot for the Rocky statue at the top of the steps (he's moved just down these on Ben Franklin Avenue if you want to get your iconic Rocky pose pictures).
Super creepy museum with exhibits of medical oddities. Has a wall of skulls, and slides of Einstein's brain.
331 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
First Food Market
116 S 21st StSuper creepy museum with exhibits of medical oddities. Has a wall of skulls, and slides of Einstein's brain.
Entertainment & Activities
Interactive and hands on center for kids - I've brought my nephews anywhere from age 3 to 8. Is pretty large so doesn't feel like absolutely crazy all the time, but is popular.
214 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the RepublicInteractive and hands on center for kids - I've brought my nephews anywhere from age 3 to 8. Is pretty large so doesn't feel like absolutely crazy all the time, but is popular.
Across the river in Camden, NJ is good for kids, features a shark bridge my nephew is nuts about. The Battleship New Jersey, a battleship turned museum, is also down here.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Camden Adventure Aquarium station
Across the river in Camden, NJ is good for kids, features a shark bridge my nephew is nuts about. The Battleship New Jersey, a battleship turned museum, is also down here.
Parks & Nature
Wissahickon Valley Park
Valley Green RoadGreat walking trails, very picturesque.