Guidebook for Philadelphia
Food Scene
CLOSED.... But there are A LOT of Cambodian restaurants around, you just have to meander. Often strange ambience (TVs on, tikes on tricycles) but usually memorable food. cheap and authentic cambodian food a block away. cash only. byob. a neighborhood star! memorable food.
14 locals recommend
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant
1700 S 6th StCLOSED.... But there are A LOT of Cambodian restaurants around, you just have to meander. Often strange ambience (TVs on, tikes on tricycles) but usually memorable food. cheap and authentic cambodian food a block away. cash only. byob. a neighborhood star! memorable food.
great romantic ambience, wonderful authentic french seasonal bistro food, service can be good (sometimes isn't). $$$. A nice little walk. bad acoustics, don't go if you are hard of hearing.
28 locals recommend
Bistrot La Minette
623 S 6th Stgreat romantic ambience, wonderful authentic french seasonal bistro food, service can be good (sometimes isn't). $$$. A nice little walk. bad acoustics, don't go if you are hard of hearing.
excellent startup restaurant; passionate cooking, local sourcing. Wonderful tastings on Sunday, sittings at 5p and 8p. byob. Rezos!!
40 locals recommend
Little Fish Byob
746 S 6th Stexcellent startup restaurant; passionate cooking, local sourcing. Wonderful tastings on Sunday, sittings at 5p and 8p. byob. Rezos!!
vegan coffeeshop with decent baked goods. no dairy at all served, so like your coffee black or try their coconut creamer. the folks working there are interesting and nice. a hood star!
52 locals recommend
Grindcore House
1515 S 4th Stvegan coffeeshop with decent baked goods. no dairy at all served, so like your coffee black or try their coconut creamer. the folks working there are interesting and nice. a hood star!
they sell lavender donuts and fried chicken with a lot of flavors. take out. cash. kinda cool place if you like those only two items: chicken and donuts. the donuts are FAB if you eat them warm.
130 locals recommend
Federal Donuts
1219 S 2nd Stthey sell lavender donuts and fried chicken with a lot of flavors. take out. cash. kinda cool place if you like those only two items: chicken and donuts. the donuts are FAB if you eat them warm.
This is a quirky hole in the wall restaurant that serves the REAL thing. Handmade tortillas. I don’t think anyone speaks English. The Burritos are the best. BYOB. $2 TACOS! delish $. cash only.
18 locals recommend
Taqueria La Veracruzana
908 Washington AveThis is a quirky hole in the wall restaurant that serves the REAL thing. Handmade tortillas. I don’t think anyone speaks English. The Burritos are the best. BYOB. $2 TACOS! delish $. cash only.
SORRY THEY CLOSED! SUCH A PITY.
OMG! The very best croissants west of Paris. Paris trained Vietnam born boulanger works night and day. walk over to passyunk square after picking goodies up and sit by fountain to partake.
40 locals recommend
Artisan Boulanger Patissier
1218 Mifflin StSORRY THEY CLOSED! SUCH A PITY.
OMG! The very best croissants west of Paris. Paris trained Vietnam born boulanger works night and day. walk over to passyunk square after picking goodies up and sit by fountain to partake.
Termini’s is THE MOST charming bakery. Just go and look at it. It’s CLASSIC everything, from the tin ceilings, to the wood show cases to the tiled floors, live music by old guys on Saturday.
42 locals recommend
Termini Bros Bakery
1523 S 8th St Termini’s is THE MOST charming bakery. Just go and look at it. It’s CLASSIC everything, from the tin ceilings, to the wood show cases to the tiled floors, live music by old guys on Saturday.
This is a great part of the neighborhood about 5 blocks west. Signature Philly mosaic mural.Their food is microwaved breakfast stuff; good coffee and brunch type items. SLOWWWW service.
54 locals recommend
Black N Brew
1523 E Passyunk AveThis is a great part of the neighborhood about 5 blocks west. Signature Philly mosaic mural.Their food is microwaved breakfast stuff; good coffee and brunch type items. SLOWWWW service.
I don’t frequent diners, but this one is great. Naturally sourced foods, homemade everything. It’s close to shopping mecca, South St. I’d go there for breakfast on my way to do the “Mural Mile” walk or visit Indep. Hall area.
61 locals recommend
Morning Glory Diner
735 S 10th StI don’t frequent diners, but this one is great. Naturally sourced foods, homemade everything. It’s close to shopping mecca, South St. I’d go there for breakfast on my way to do the “Mural Mile” walk or visit Indep. Hall area.
Not the best cheesesteak in Philly, but famous (along with next door Pat's).But they’re famous (=tourist trap?), so you can say you went? I won’t eat it, it’s gross in my mind.☺. Philly culture experience.
258 locals recommend
Geno's Steaks
1219 S 9th StNot the best cheesesteak in Philly, but famous (along with next door Pat's).But they’re famous (=tourist trap?), so you can say you went? I won’t eat it, it’s gross in my mind.☺. Philly culture experience.
Interesting & nice staff, pleasant atmosphere, good panini sandwiches. near South St shopping and in Fabric Row.
26 locals recommend
Red Hook Coffee and Tea
765 S 4th StInteresting & nice staff, pleasant atmosphere, good panini sandwiches. near South St shopping and in Fabric Row.
Cool gastropub right by the fountain in Passyunk Sq. Hopping scene and fun to hang out in outdoor bar and table setting. $$-$$$
71 locals recommend
Stateside
1536 E Passyunk AveCool gastropub right by the fountain in Passyunk Sq. Hopping scene and fun to hang out in outdoor bar and table setting. $$-$$$
New to the neighborhood, run by Dutch food enthusiasts (?) it has a great brunch menu. A block down on 4th and Cross.
37 locals recommend
The Dutch
1537 S 4th StNew to the neighborhood, run by Dutch food enthusiasts (?) it has a great brunch menu. A block down on 4th and Cross.
Neighborhood eatery that's a total hero! FANTASTIC breakfasts. Totally packed, waiting in line is usual.
265 locals recommend
Green Eggs Café
212 S 13th StNeighborhood eatery that's a total hero! FANTASTIC breakfasts. Totally packed, waiting in line is usual.
SORRY THEY CLOSED!
It's a little gem. Nice stained glass. Honest Portuguese food fused with indy-Philadelphia charm. Near my wine store. i always stop by for a nosh when I go get the wine.
18 locals recommend
Porto
1301 South 11th StreetSORRY THEY CLOSED!
It's a little gem. Nice stained glass. Honest Portuguese food fused with indy-Philadelphia charm. Near my wine store. i always stop by for a nosh when I go get the wine.
Shopping
Like stepping back into the 1800s. Open stall market, great ethnic feel, new and old shops. Philly attitude abounds. A nice place to wander through.
419 locals recommend
Italian Market
919 S 9th StLike stepping back into the 1800s. Open stall market, great ethnic feel, new and old shops. Philly attitude abounds. A nice place to wander through.
Another neighborhood supermarket. Disappointing if you only eat from local farmers. But, they sell vanilla which you can't get from the farmer......
20 locals recommend
ShopRite of Whitman Plaza
330 E Oregon AveAnother neighborhood supermarket. Disappointing if you only eat from local farmers. But, they sell vanilla which you can't get from the farmer......
nightlife, eateries, shopping, you name it. Cool part of the neighborhood.
60 locals recommend
Passyunk Square
nightlife, eateries, shopping, you name it. Cool part of the neighborhood.
Essentials
"Regular" run of the mill grocery store. Have italian specialties, but otherwise, basics.
353 locals recommend
ACME Markets
1400 E Passyunk Ave"Regular" run of the mill grocery store. Have italian specialties, but otherwise, basics.
(Wine and Beer are sold at different places by law—weird, I know.) Yards is a famous local beer you should try if you like beer. Also, Sam Adams. This is your beer place.
Society Hill Beverage
(Wine and Beer are sold at different places by law—weird, I know.) Yards is a famous local beer you should try if you like beer. Also, Sam Adams. This is your beer place.
This is your wine store, right around the corner from Acme. Pretty good selections. Cast of characters works there.
176 locals recommend
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
411 N 20th StThis is your wine store, right around the corner from Acme. Pretty good selections. Cast of characters works there.
An Asian grocery store, is at 6th and Washington. It’s different! You’ll probably see foods you’ve never seen before…. good prices in produce and fish (if you speak Mandarin!) Typical Chinese clean.
9 locals recommend
First Oriental Market Inc
1111 S 6th StAn Asian grocery store, is at 6th and Washington. It’s different! You’ll probably see foods you’ve never seen before…. good prices in produce and fish (if you speak Mandarin!) Typical Chinese clean.
Sightseeing
Bus 47 on Moynamensing, 10 min ride. When you start hitting the tree streets (Locust, Pine, Walnut) you're there. Coolest history lesson ever. Old historical area you don't want to miss.
569 locals recommend
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StBus 47 on Moynamensing, 10 min ride. When you start hitting the tree streets (Locust, Pine, Walnut) you're there. Coolest history lesson ever. Old historical area you don't want to miss.
Society Hill
as quaint as quaint gets. another world....
Birthplace of this country. Fantastic buildings and squares and parks in this little area. Forget the Bell, waste of time. but Franklin's library, Betsy Ross' house, Washington Park, Carpenter's Hall (so cool!).
569 locals recommend
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StBirthplace of this country. Fantastic buildings and squares and parks in this little area. Forget the Bell, waste of time. but Franklin's library, Betsy Ross' house, Washington Park, Carpenter's Hall (so cool!).
the building is gorgeously simple and meticulously made. So much character. It has great karma and energy. Not much to 'see' when you go in, just feel the vibe. Really....
22 locals recommend
Carpenter's Historic Hall
320 Chestnut Stthe building is gorgeously simple and meticulously made. So much character. It has great karma and energy. Not much to 'see' when you go in, just feel the vibe. Really....
It's supposed to be very cool according to several guests I've had. I've only walked around it, but evidently there are fascinating tours!. Very nice area of town, lots of good eateries around there. ZORBA's has great Greek Food and so does another place right next to the penitentiary.... name of a famous 19th/20th century artist.... good eats.
433 locals recommend
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount AveIt's supposed to be very cool according to several guests I've had. I've only walked around it, but evidently there are fascinating tours!. Very nice area of town, lots of good eateries around there. ZORBA's has great Greek Food and so does another place right next to the penitentiary.... name of a famous 19th/20th century artist.... good eats.
Drinks & Nightlife
Boot & Saddle
1131 S Broad StGreat Indy music. Check out their calendar on line.
Indy music. I am proud to say I was there openning week (2011) and saw the Felice Bros. I was there before my indy music son got there. He hasn't forgiven me.
94 locals recommend
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden StIndy music. I am proud to say I was there openning week (2011) and saw the Felice Bros. I was there before my indy music son got there. He hasn't forgiven me.
Great music for people 20-50. trendy Fishtown. Pretty good eats too.
248 locals recommend
Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford AveGreat music for people 20-50. trendy Fishtown. Pretty good eats too.
Chris' Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom StJazz baby Jazz....
Sassafras
48 S 2nd StMore Jazz! Philly started it all and we're keepin it goin...
Jazz in the hood. Mixed eclectic types of jazz (check net) $15 cover; food is new orleanish, southern soul, pretty good, reasonable prices; service very good. Rezos needed. :-)
21 locals recommend
Warmdaddy's
Jazz in the hood. Mixed eclectic types of jazz (check net) $15 cover; food is new orleanish, southern soul, pretty good, reasonable prices; service very good. Rezos needed. :-)
Parks & Nature
4th and Tasker, a couple blocks away. old big trees, neighbors congregate and spill the beans on the hood, coffee in hand. a peaceful place to hang. A good place to let your kids let off steam.
24 locals recommend
Dickinson Square Park
1600 E Moyamensing Ave4th and Tasker, a couple blocks away. old big trees, neighbors congregate and spill the beans on the hood, coffee in hand. a peaceful place to hang. A good place to let your kids let off steam.
The largest city park in the world (i think?); it traverses almost all of Philadelphia in a winding kind of way. Sometimes you feel like you are in the middle of Montana. A black bear was spotted near the Wissahikon area of Fairmont 5/16. beautiful! great hiking trails, quaint buildings and structures, meandering waterways. If you need a piece of nature, there it is.
315 locals recommend
Fairmount Park
Reservoir DriveThe largest city park in the world (i think?); it traverses almost all of Philadelphia in a winding kind of way. Sometimes you feel like you are in the middle of Montana. A black bear was spotted near the Wissahikon area of Fairmont 5/16. beautiful! great hiking trails, quaint buildings and structures, meandering waterways. If you need a piece of nature, there it is.
Rent one of those blue bikes the city has all around town and take yourself for a bike ride down this amazing groups of trails that runs through the largest extended park in any city in all worlds. :-). Read about it here: http://www.phillyvoice.com/step-step-fully-illustrated-bicyclists-guide-schuylkill-river-trail/
250 locals recommend
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailRent one of those blue bikes the city has all around town and take yourself for a bike ride down this amazing groups of trails that runs through the largest extended park in any city in all worlds. :-). Read about it here: http://www.phillyvoice.com/step-step-fully-illustrated-bicyclists-guide-schuylkill-river-trail/
Arts & Culture
The Franklin Institute
222 N 20th StIt's awesome, just like Ben was.
It's freaking amazing. The ancillary buildings across the street house fantastic photography; much more quiet and unseen space. Near Fairmont Park and Fairmont district; great eateries and the Skuykill River/boathouses are right there.
1164 locals recommend
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyIt's freaking amazing. The ancillary buildings across the street house fantastic photography; much more quiet and unseen space. Near Fairmont Park and Fairmont district; great eateries and the Skuykill River/boathouses are right there.
A Philly classic cultural visit, required. A lot of original impressionist paintings (Matisse, Renoir, etc) in a recreated 'home' setting, so the works of art are very near.
560 locals recommend
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyA Philly classic cultural visit, required. A lot of original impressionist paintings (Matisse, Renoir, etc) in a recreated 'home' setting, so the works of art are very near.