Guidebook for Philadelphia

Patricia
Guidebook for Philadelphia

Food Scene

Tony Luke’s is an award winning sandwich shop that specializes in Philadelphia favorites including cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches and chicken cutlets.
37 locals recommend
Tony Luke's
39 E Oregon Ave
37 locals recommend
Tony Luke’s is an award winning sandwich shop that specializes in Philadelphia favorites including cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches and chicken cutlets.
John’s Roast Pork has long been a favorite of South Philadelphia dock workers and contractors, and recently gained mainstream recognition as one of the best purveyors of cheesesteaks in Philly.
45 locals recommend
John's Roast Pork
14 Snyder Ave
45 locals recommend
John’s Roast Pork has long been a favorite of South Philadelphia dock workers and contractors, and recently gained mainstream recognition as one of the best purveyors of cheesesteaks in Philly.
Award-winning and independently owned for decades, Cosmi’s serves some of the best hoagies in Philly. They also earn accolades for their cheesesteaks.
17 locals recommend
Cosmi's Deli
1501 S 8th St
17 locals recommend
Award-winning and independently owned for decades, Cosmi’s serves some of the best hoagies in Philly. They also earn accolades for their cheesesteaks.
Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown to be one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
316 locals recommend
Pat's King of Steaks
1237 E Passyunk Ave
316 locals recommend
Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown to be one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The other most famous cheesesteak vendor in the world, Geno's Steaks is right across from Pat's and also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
258 locals recommend
Geno's Steaks
1219 S 9th St
258 locals recommend
The other most famous cheesesteak vendor in the world, Geno's Steaks is right across from Pat's and also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Quick service from the walk-up window is the hallmark of this long-running eatery, largely considered the innovator of the chicken cheesesteak.
32 locals recommend
Ishkabibble's II
517 South St
32 locals recommend
Quick service from the walk-up window is the hallmark of this long-running eatery, largely considered the innovator of the chicken cheesesteak.
Like the original Ishkabibble's but with seating.
32 locals recommend
Ishkabibble's II
517 South St
32 locals recommend
Like the original Ishkabibble's but with seating.
Sonny’s, located just steps from the Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center, offers a quintessential Philly cheesesteak experience.
11 locals recommend
Sonny's Famous Steaks
228 Market St
11 locals recommend
Sonny’s, located just steps from the Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center, offers a quintessential Philly cheesesteak experience.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks has been a cheesesteak institution in Northeast Philadelphia for more than three decades and now that they’ve opened a location in downtown Philadelphia.
23 locals recommend
Steve's Prince of Steaks
41 S 16th St
23 locals recommend
Steve’s Prince of Steaks has been a cheesesteak institution in Northeast Philadelphia for more than three decades and now that they’ve opened a location in downtown Philadelphia.
You'll find us on what's known as the "Hippest Street in Town," serving up the finest cheesesteaks and hoagies from the heart of the city that made them famous.
204 locals recommend
Jim's Steaks
400 N 62nd St
204 locals recommend
You'll find us on what's known as the "Hippest Street in Town," serving up the finest cheesesteaks and hoagies from the heart of the city that made them famous.
This longtime well-kept secret serves up some of the crustiest baguettes and most decadent chocolate (and pistachio!) croissants in town, plus strong and delicate French pastries.
40 locals recommend
Artisan Boulanger Patissier
1218 Mifflin St
40 locals recommend
This longtime well-kept secret serves up some of the crustiest baguettes and most decadent chocolate (and pistachio!) croissants in town, plus strong and delicate French pastries.
The waffles, brunch and daily baked treats make it too good—they have to brag about it. The organic, fair-trade, small-batch coffee alone makes it worth the trip.
47 locals recommend
Flannel
1819 E Passyunk Ave
47 locals recommend
The waffles, brunch and daily baked treats make it too good—they have to brag about it. The organic, fair-trade, small-batch coffee alone makes it worth the trip.
It’s “gourmet quick-serve” at this Passyunk Avenue newcomer. In the modern yet rustic dining room, deli cases display prepared fixins, ready for takeout or to enjoy at one of the few coveted tables.
43 locals recommend
Plenty Café
1710 E Passyunk Ave
43 locals recommend
It’s “gourmet quick-serve” at this Passyunk Avenue newcomer. In the modern yet rustic dining room, deli cases display prepared fixins, ready for takeout or to enjoy at one of the few coveted tables.
Italian coffee shop in the heart of South Philly in the East Passyunk Crossing neighborhood. We specialize in comfort food with a European twist.
1703 S 9th St
1703 South 9th Street
Italian coffee shop in the heart of South Philly in the East Passyunk Crossing neighborhood. We specialize in comfort food with a European twist.
Smoothies, coffees and sweets complement a full, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch menu at this cozy and family-friendly Passyunk staple, easily recognized by the mosaic art that covers the cafe
54 locals recommend
Black N Brew
1523 E Passyunk Ave
54 locals recommend
Smoothies, coffees and sweets complement a full, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch menu at this cozy and family-friendly Passyunk staple, easily recognized by the mosaic art that covers the cafe
This local coffee shop features fresh juices, loose teas, pastries and a simple sandwich selection, along with free Wi-Fi and monthly rotating work from local artists.
34 locals recommend
B2 Cafe
1500 E Passyunk Ave
34 locals recommend
This local coffee shop features fresh juices, loose teas, pastries and a simple sandwich selection, along with free Wi-Fi and monthly rotating work from local artists.
The Philly brunch spot serves up whopping portions of breakfast and lunch favorites to a full house every day of the week. They have eco-friendly sensibilities, locally grown produce, and menu for all
265 locals recommend
Green Eggs Café
212 S 13th St
265 locals recommend
The Philly brunch spot serves up whopping portions of breakfast and lunch favorites to a full house every day of the week. They have eco-friendly sensibilities, locally grown produce, and menu for all
Nestled near the Italian Market in South Philadelphia, this corner bakery-turned-restaurant serves outstanding, consistent dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
130 locals recommend
Sabrina's Cafe
910 Christian Street
130 locals recommend
Nestled near the Italian Market in South Philadelphia, this corner bakery-turned-restaurant serves outstanding, consistent dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
The chef at Noir is a Montreal native, which means he cranks out native specialties like poutine and smoked brisket in addition to upscale bar food.
11 locals recommend
Noir Restaurant & Bar
1909 E Passyunk Ave
11 locals recommend
The chef at Noir is a Montreal native, which means he cranks out native specialties like poutine and smoked brisket in addition to upscale bar food.
BYOB spot that promises a menu full of natural, organic and hormone-free fare. The menu also promises a variety of vegan and gluten-free offerings in addition to the meaty burgers.
17 locals recommend
P'unk Burger
1823 Passyunk Ave
17 locals recommend
BYOB spot that promises a menu full of natural, organic and hormone-free fare. The menu also promises a variety of vegan and gluten-free offerings in addition to the meaty burgers.
A South Philly mainstay, Marra’s has been cranking out Italian-American favorites like thin-crust brick-oven pizzas and homemade pastas for more than 80 years.
23 locals recommend
Marra's
1734 E Passyunk Ave
23 locals recommend
A South Philly mainstay, Marra’s has been cranking out Italian-American favorites like thin-crust brick-oven pizzas and homemade pastas for more than 80 years.
Somewhere between a gastropub and pizza parlor is Birra, serving an assortment of thin-crust pizza, paninis and antipasto, as well as an impressive list of craft beers.
63 locals recommend
LaScala's Birra
1700 E Passyunk Ave
63 locals recommend
Somewhere between a gastropub and pizza parlor is Birra, serving an assortment of thin-crust pizza, paninis and antipasto, as well as an impressive list of craft beers.
It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, which only enhances the appeal of this cozy BYOB—a Passyunk mainstay. Homey atmosphere.
130 locals recommend
Sabrina's Cafe
910 Christian Street
130 locals recommend
It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, which only enhances the appeal of this cozy BYOB—a Passyunk mainstay. Homey atmosphere.
Modern twists on Mexican dishes, such as vegan fajitas and mahi mahi tacos—fare that washes down perfectly with a tequila flight or specialty margarita. In warmer months, the outdoor patio rocks.
137 locals recommend
Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 E Passyunk Ave
137 locals recommend
Modern twists on Mexican dishes, such as vegan fajitas and mahi mahi tacos—fare that washes down perfectly with a tequila flight or specialty margarita. In warmer months, the outdoor patio rocks.
A winning mingling of inventive food, formidable drinks, funky decor with a smartly edited menu of 19 imaginative Asian-inspired items.
83 locals recommend
Bing Bing Dim Sum
1648 E Passyunk Ave
83 locals recommend
A winning mingling of inventive food, formidable drinks, funky decor with a smartly edited menu of 19 imaginative Asian-inspired items.
The richly appointed Japanese bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot looks out to the Singing Fountain, where diners can eat in the warm-weather months. The extensive menu pleases all sushi lovers.
21 locals recommend
Izumi
1601 E Passyunk Ave
21 locals recommend
The richly appointed Japanese bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot looks out to the Singing Fountain, where diners can eat in the warm-weather months. The extensive menu pleases all sushi lovers.
Ever heard of “grandma-style” pizza? It’s thicker than Neapolitan, not as thick as Sicilian and rectangular, and it’s the specialty at Grace & Pat’s.
Kim's Karate
36 Snyder Ave
Ever heard of “grandma-style” pizza? It’s thicker than Neapolitan, not as thick as Sicilian and rectangular, and it’s the specialty at Grace & Pat’s.
This bar pours American-made craft beers, wines and spirits, with a focus on whiskeys and bourbons. The tempting dinner menu features mainly small plates that use locally sourced products.
71 locals recommend
Stateside
1536 E Passyunk Ave
71 locals recommend
This bar pours American-made craft beers, wines and spirits, with a focus on whiskeys and bourbons. The tempting dinner menu features mainly small plates that use locally sourced products.
NOORD eetcafe is a classic BYOB bistro with a Dutch and Northern European focus. We feature locally farmed produce and meats whenever possible; served in a relaxed friendly setting. Delicious!
43 locals recommend
Noord
1046 Tasker St
43 locals recommend
NOORD eetcafe is a classic BYOB bistro with a Dutch and Northern European focus. We feature locally farmed produce and meats whenever possible; served in a relaxed friendly setting. Delicious!
The fourth location of this Philly-based gelateria empire combines Italian cafe classics—from the rich, inventive gelato made with locally grown ingredients to the expertly crafted espresso.
32 locals recommend
Capogiro Gelato Artisans Scoop Shop
1625 E Passyunk Ave
32 locals recommend
The fourth location of this Philly-based gelateria empire combines Italian cafe classics—from the rich, inventive gelato made with locally grown ingredients to the expertly crafted espresso.
All eyes are on the classic Italian pastries such as cannoli and sfogliatelle at the flagship location of this family-owned pastry shop, founded in the 1920s.
42 locals recommend
Termini Bros Bakery
1523 S 8th St
42 locals recommend
All eyes are on the classic Italian pastries such as cannoli and sfogliatelle at the flagship location of this family-owned pastry shop, founded in the 1920s.
Varallo Brothers Bakery specializes in zuccotto, Santa Honore, and zuppa Inglese. We were among the first Philadelphia Pasticcerias to offer these delectable items.
10 locals recommend
Varallo Brothers Bakery
1639 S 10th St
10 locals recommend
Varallo Brothers Bakery specializes in zuccotto, Santa Honore, and zuppa Inglese. We were among the first Philadelphia Pasticcerias to offer these delectable items.
People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy. It comes in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and doughnuts in constantly changing flavors.
130 locals recommend
Federal Donuts
1219 S 2nd St
130 locals recommend
People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy. It comes in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and doughnuts in constantly changing flavors.
Established in 1892 it's the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. You can enjoy eating virtually every type of cuisine, and visit the Amish vendors.
739 locals recommend
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th St
739 locals recommend
Established in 1892 it's the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. You can enjoy eating virtually every type of cuisine, and visit the Amish vendors.

Drinks & Nightlife

The staff serves New American cuisine alongside local draught beers at this tiny, punk rock-themed bar, featuring a jam-packed jukebox, a DJ night and weekend brunch.
19 locals recommend
Lucky 13 Pub
1820 S 13th St
19 locals recommend
The staff serves New American cuisine alongside local draught beers at this tiny, punk rock-themed bar, featuring a jam-packed jukebox, a DJ night and weekend brunch.
A no-frills bar menu and “Sundays with Sinatra” define this South Philly joint.
27 locals recommend
Stogie Joe's Tavern
1801 E Passyunk Ave
27 locals recommend
A no-frills bar menu and “Sundays with Sinatra” define this South Philly joint.
Fourteen taps with a focus on microbrews and a jukebox stuffed with early rock—hardcore and everything else—make this cavern-like tavern a hipster haven. Inclusive bar menu.
87 locals recommend
Pub On Passyunk East - POPE
1501 E Passyunk Ave
87 locals recommend
Fourteen taps with a focus on microbrews and a jukebox stuffed with early rock—hardcore and everything else—make this cavern-like tavern a hipster haven. Inclusive bar menu.
Watkins Drinkery makes a mean burger and switches up its grilled cheese recipes on a delicious whim.
23 locals recommend
Watkins Drinkery
1712 S 10th St
23 locals recommend
Watkins Drinkery makes a mean burger and switches up its grilled cheese recipes on a delicious whim.
The 20 craft brews on tap are best enjoyed at the wooden indoor picnic tables at this South Philly corner bar. Beer list changes weekly.
55 locals recommend
Fountain Porter
1601 S 10th St
55 locals recommend
The 20 craft brews on tap are best enjoyed at the wooden indoor picnic tables at this South Philly corner bar. Beer list changes weekly.
Jaws drop instantly upon entering The Bottle Shop, where 600 American and imported craft beers line the coolers. Suds lovers can buy single bottles, mix and match a six-pack or to get 10% off.
34 locals recommend
The Bottle Shop
1616 E Passyunk Ave
34 locals recommend
Jaws drop instantly upon entering The Bottle Shop, where 600 American and imported craft beers line the coolers. Suds lovers can buy single bottles, mix and match a six-pack or to get 10% off.

Sightseeing

Covering an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens glisten with creativity, urban renaissance and a hint of madness.
385 locals recommend
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
1020 South St
385 locals recommend
Covering an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens glisten with creativity, urban renaissance and a hint of madness.
The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, the Bishop White House and the Graff House are just some of the attractions.
119 locals recommend
Independence National Historical Park
119 locals recommend
The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, the Bishop White House and the Graff House are just some of the attractions.
The Rocky Statue and the “Rocky Steps” — better known as the Art Museum Steps — are two of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia.
206 locals recommend
Rocky Steps
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
206 locals recommend
The Rocky Statue and the “Rocky Steps” — better known as the Art Museum Steps — are two of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia.
When Eastern State opened in 1829, visitors from around the world marveled at its grand architecture and radical philosophy, to reform criminals through strict isolation.
433 locals recommend
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave
433 locals recommend
When Eastern State opened in 1829, visitors from around the world marveled at its grand architecture and radical philosophy, to reform criminals through strict isolation.
The observatory on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place supplies the chance to score panoramic views of the cityscape, interact with innovative technology and check out Philly-centric art installations
74 locals recommend
One Liberty Observation Deck
1650 Market St
74 locals recommend
The observatory on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place supplies the chance to score panoramic views of the cityscape, interact with innovative technology and check out Philly-centric art installations

Arts & Culture

Along with displays that chronicle the city’s contributions to naval and commercial maritime history, there are exhibits about what makes boats float, the China trade and local small craft.
40 locals recommend
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
40 locals recommend
Along with displays that chronicle the city’s contributions to naval and commercial maritime history, there are exhibits about what makes boats float, the China trade and local small craft.
Features 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso.
560 locals recommend
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
560 locals recommend
Features 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso.
The vast collections of this temple of art make it the third-largest art museum in the country, and an absolute must-see on the city’s cultural circuit.
1164 locals recommend
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
1164 locals recommend
The vast collections of this temple of art make it the third-largest art museum in the country, and an absolute must-see on the city’s cultural circuit.

Entertainment & Activities

November-March: winterized riverfront park with ice skating rink. April-October: summer roller skating rink.
53 locals recommend
Blue Cross RiverRink
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
53 locals recommend
November-March: winterized riverfront park with ice skating rink. April-October: summer roller skating rink.
May-September: Beloved pop-up park features hammocks for lounging, food to enjoy and more ways to celebrate the summer on the waterfront.
317 locals recommend
Spruce Street Harbor Park
301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
317 locals recommend
May-September: Beloved pop-up park features hammocks for lounging, food to enjoy and more ways to celebrate the summer on the waterfront.

Essentials

Large, clean grocery store right down the street!
353 locals recommend
ACME Markets
1400 E Passyunk Ave
353 locals recommend
Large, clean grocery store right down the street!
Open 24-hours!
326 locals recommend
CVS
4314 Locust St
326 locals recommend
Open 24-hours!
American supermarket chain exclusively featuring foods without artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats.
263 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
929 South St
263 locals recommend
American supermarket chain exclusively featuring foods without artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats.
Long-running grocery store focusing on natural & macrobiotic foods, plus a deli with seasonal fare.
40 locals recommend
Essene Market & Café
719 S 4th St
40 locals recommend
Long-running grocery store focusing on natural & macrobiotic foods, plus a deli with seasonal fare.
Open 24-hours!
40 locals recommend
7-Eleven
1701 South St
40 locals recommend
Open 24-hours!
Super Clean