Guidebook for Philadelphia
Food Scene
Go here for delicious Argentinian empanadas, coffee, tea, and sweets. A perfect stop for breakfast or lunch!
Jezabel's Studio
204 S 45th StGo here for delicious Argentinian empanadas, coffee, tea, and sweets. A perfect stop for breakfast or lunch!
Delicious coffee! A perfect place to nestle in and get some work done. The croissants are to-die-for--but there are many vegan-friendly options too!
43 locals recommend
The Green Line Cafe
4426 Locust StDelicious coffee! A perfect place to nestle in and get some work done. The croissants are to-die-for--but there are many vegan-friendly options too!
Are you yearning for some of the best Vietnamese food you've ever had?
This is the place for you!
The atmosphere is lively, the space is lovely, and there is a full bar.
78 locals recommend
Vietnam Café
816 S 47th StAre you yearning for some of the best Vietnamese food you've ever had?
This is the place for you!
The atmosphere is lively, the space is lovely, and there is a full bar.
Shrimp Siu Mai, anyone? Scallion Pancakes? Crystal Dumplings? Dim Sum House serves (surprise!) delicious Dim Sum --as well as Sichuan entrees. There is also a full bar and a great happy hour!
10 locals recommend
Dim Sum House by Jane G's
3939 Chestnut StShrimp Siu Mai, anyone? Scallion Pancakes? Crystal Dumplings? Dim Sum House serves (surprise!) delicious Dim Sum --as well as Sichuan entrees. There is also a full bar and a great happy hour!
Delicious and super-fresh Thai food, served in a casual atmosphere. BYOB! In Philadelphia, that means you can bring your own bottle of wine and the server will pour it for you with no corkage fee!
79 locals recommend
Vientiane Café
4728 Baltimore AveDelicious and super-fresh Thai food, served in a casual atmosphere. BYOB! In Philadelphia, that means you can bring your own bottle of wine and the server will pour it for you with no corkage fee!
Booker's serves "comfort food with a Southern Flair" and is especially appreciated for both its happy hour and for its brunch specialties like Shrimp and Grits, French Toast (with bourbon sabayon), Blueberry Pancakes, and Brisket Eggs Benedict.
91 locals recommend
Cedar Park Cafe
4914 Baltimore AveBooker's serves "comfort food with a Southern Flair" and is especially appreciated for both its happy hour and for its brunch specialties like Shrimp and Grits, French Toast (with bourbon sabayon), Blueberry Pancakes, and Brisket Eggs Benedict.
This is the best Indian place in the neighborhood, the lunch buffet is a deliciously good deal. Be sure to pick up a menu, because EKTA is also a great go-to for takeout! All the usuals are fantastic--butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, chaat, naan... But, really, order anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.
13 locals recommend
Ekta Indian Cuisine
106 S 40th StThis is the best Indian place in the neighborhood, the lunch buffet is a deliciously good deal. Be sure to pick up a menu, because EKTA is also a great go-to for takeout! All the usuals are fantastic--butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, chaat, naan... But, really, order anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.
Drinks & Nightlife
This local brewery is not on Dock Street or anywhere near a dock! Long ago, this brewery began down on the banks of the Delaware river, where there is a Dock street. But fortunately it is now on the corner of Baltimore Avenue and 50th St--just a short walk from Locust.
Dock Street brewers and pizza chefs are constantly coming up with new beers and pies to tickle the tastebuds of West Philadelphians.
156 locals recommend
Dock Street Brewing Co
701 S 50th StThis local brewery is not on Dock Street or anywhere near a dock! Long ago, this brewery began down on the banks of the Delaware river, where there is a Dock street. But fortunately it is now on the corner of Baltimore Avenue and 50th St--just a short walk from Locust.
Dock Street brewers and pizza chefs are constantly coming up with new beers and pies to tickle the tastebuds of West Philadelphians.
This hip and friendly bar is not located on Dock Street either, but is just BEHIND the Dock Street Brewery on 50th St. The Lounge serves up craft cocktails, local beer, small bites, and an amazing atmosphere. It's also available for private events.
8 locals recommend
Dock Street Cannery + Lounge
705 S 50th StThis hip and friendly bar is not located on Dock Street either, but is just BEHIND the Dock Street Brewery on 50th St. The Lounge serves up craft cocktails, local beer, small bites, and an amazing atmosphere. It's also available for private events.
Technically, this is an award-winning Ethiopian Restaurant and not a music venue, but upstairs there is a tiny bar that often has fantastic live music. Stop by and see what's happening!
56 locals recommend
Abyssinia Restaurant
229 S 45th StTechnically, this is an award-winning Ethiopian Restaurant and not a music venue, but upstairs there is a tiny bar that often has fantastic live music. Stop by and see what's happening!
Johnny Brenda's is located in the hip and hopping neighborhood of Fishtown and hosts both local and touring musicians nightly. Check out the lineup on their website and then make a night of it! It's a few miles away, but an easy trip by public transportation--just catch the "El" at 46th and Market ($2.50 per ride).
248 locals recommend
Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford AveJohnny Brenda's is located in the hip and hopping neighborhood of Fishtown and hosts both local and touring musicians nightly. Check out the lineup on their website and then make a night of it! It's a few miles away, but an easy trip by public transportation--just catch the "El" at 46th and Market ($2.50 per ride).
Parks & Nature
Don't miss the Farmer's Market at Clark Park, every Saturday from 10am-2pm. There are also food trucks around, so you can grab brunch or breakfast too.
188 locals recommend
Clark Park
4300-4398 Baltimore AveDon't miss the Farmer's Market at Clark Park, every Saturday from 10am-2pm. There are also food trucks around, so you can grab brunch or breakfast too.
Grab an Indigo Bike from the Bike Share station at 46th and Market (right in front of the Aldi) and ride to the Schuylkill River park. You can go for miles and miles along the gorgeous and flat trail.
250 locals recommend
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailGrab an Indigo Bike from the Bike Share station at 46th and Market (right in front of the Aldi) and ride to the Schuylkill River park. You can go for miles and miles along the gorgeous and flat trail.
Essentials
The Supremo is the all-service grocery store closest to our home. They also have a large selection of Latin American food staples and ingredients. Practical tip: Check expiration dates!
37 locals recommend
Supreme Shop n Bag
4301 Walnut StThe Supremo is the all-service grocery store closest to our home. They also have a large selection of Latin American food staples and ingredients. Practical tip: Check expiration dates!
This is a small South Asian grocery store. Stroll through the bags of sesames seed and couscous, the jars of Harissa and Garam Masala until... Surprise! There's a VERY tasty small restaurant located in the back.
Dana Mandi
4211 Chestnut StThis is a small South Asian grocery store. Stroll through the bags of sesames seed and couscous, the jars of Harissa and Garam Masala until... Surprise! There's a VERY tasty small restaurant located in the back.
Makkah Market
4249 Walnut StA small, Middle Eastern store with Halal items.
International Foods & Spices
4203 Walnut StA small, South Asian grocery store.
Aldi has random inventory and VERY low prices! It's always worth a trip, but bring your own bag or you will have to buy one :-)
97 locals recommend
ALDI
4421 Market StAldi has random inventory and VERY low prices! It's always worth a trip, but bring your own bag or you will have to buy one :-)
This place features fresh corn tortillas, sold by the kilo. And, if you make the journey, you can visit many other small Mexican markets in the area. From our home on Locust, just walk one block over to Spruce Street and jump on the the 40 bus--($2.50 per ride).
11 locals recommend
Tortilleria San Roman
951 S 9th StThis place features fresh corn tortillas, sold by the kilo. And, if you make the journey, you can visit many other small Mexican markets in the area. From our home on Locust, just walk one block over to Spruce Street and jump on the the 40 bus--($2.50 per ride).
H-Mart is a large Korean grocery store specializing in East Asian food staples and ingredients. If all that shopping gets you hungry, stop at the Korean food court located on site. It's all an easy ride via the Market Frankfurt Line--aka "the El"--for $2.50 per ride. Since you're heading West, catch it at 52nd and Market.
11 locals recommend
H Mart Upper Darby
7050 Terminal SquareH-Mart is a large Korean grocery store specializing in East Asian food staples and ingredients. If all that shopping gets you hungry, stop at the Korean food court located on site. It's all an easy ride via the Market Frankfurt Line--aka "the El"--for $2.50 per ride. Since you're heading West, catch it at 52nd and Market.
This is an organic food co-op well known for produce (and co-op infrastructure!), but prices can be a little higher than comparable stores.
146 locals recommend
Mariposa Food Co-op
4824 Baltimore AveThis is an organic food co-op well known for produce (and co-op infrastructure!), but prices can be a little higher than comparable stores.
The Fat Chicken
2355 S Bucknell StTypical American grocery store.
Shopping
VIX offers locally made, unique, Philadelphia-themed gifts, including handmade pottery, jewelry, posters, and toys, and unique, local T-shirts. Something for everyone!
50 locals recommend
VIX Emporium
5009 Baltimore AveVIX offers locally made, unique, Philadelphia-themed gifts, including handmade pottery, jewelry, posters, and toys, and unique, local T-shirts. Something for everyone!
Arts & Culture
Located just two blocks west of our home, this is Philadelphia'sCommunity art gallery and showcase space. Plan your visit, because they do have limited hours: Wednesday&Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 12-5pm
Urban Art Gallery
262 South 52nd StreetLocated just two blocks west of our home, this is Philadelphia'sCommunity art gallery and showcase space. Plan your visit, because they do have limited hours: Wednesday&Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 12-5pm
Visit this carefully restored home, just two blocks from 5017 Locust, and learn about the incredible life of Paul Robeson, 1898-1976. Walk a few more blocks and view the giant Paul Robeson mural at 45th and Chestnut
Paul Robeson House
4951 Walnut StVisit this carefully restored home, just two blocks from 5017 Locust, and learn about the incredible life of Paul Robeson, 1898-1976. Walk a few more blocks and view the giant Paul Robeson mural at 45th and Chestnut
This charming neighborhood community art space located in a classic West Philly row home on Spruce Street features art exhibits, local art for sale, classes for adults and children, and unique special events. Stop in and ask about what's coming up!
University City Arts League
4226 Spruce StThis charming neighborhood community art space located in a classic West Philly row home on Spruce Street features art exhibits, local art for sale, classes for adults and children, and unique special events. Stop in and ask about what's coming up!
The PMA is Philadelphia's ICONIC and monumental art museum. Hop on an an Indego bike for an easy bike ride down the river trail, then park your indigo bike just before you get to the "Rocky Steps." Once you've made the storied journey to the top of those steps, take a photo and then step inside to enjoy an incredible art collection
1164 locals recommend
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThe PMA is Philadelphia's ICONIC and monumental art museum. Hop on an an Indego bike for an easy bike ride down the river trail, then park your indigo bike just before you get to the "Rocky Steps." Once you've made the storied journey to the top of those steps, take a photo and then step inside to enjoy an incredible art collection
This temple to impressionism has a controversial back-story--but no one can argue that the Barnes presents an *immense* collection of impressionist masterpieces, arranged according to the unique criteria and design aesthetic of the late collector, Dr. Barnes.
560 locals recommend
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThis temple to impressionism has a controversial back-story--but no one can argue that the Barnes presents an *immense* collection of impressionist masterpieces, arranged according to the unique criteria and design aesthetic of the late collector, Dr. Barnes.
The intimate Rodin museum is an easy walk from the Barnes and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is a lovingly landscaped sculpture garden and museum dedicated exclusively to August Rodin. Visit during warm weather and enjoy a drink on the patio among the Rodin masterworks.
225 locals recommend
Rodin Museum
2151 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThe intimate Rodin museum is an easy walk from the Barnes and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is a lovingly landscaped sculpture garden and museum dedicated exclusively to August Rodin. Visit during warm weather and enjoy a drink on the patio among the Rodin masterworks.
Once you take a tour of our murals, you will see that the entire city of Philadelphia is an art museum. Sign up for a guided tour or visit the website for a guide to murals you can visit on your own. You might start with "The Mural Mile": https://www.muralarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ToursMap2018_web.pdf
23 locals recommend
Mural Arts Philadelphia
1727-29 Mt Vernon StOnce you take a tour of our murals, you will see that the entire city of Philadelphia is an art museum. Sign up for a guided tour or visit the website for a guide to murals you can visit on your own. You might start with "The Mural Mile": https://www.muralarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ToursMap2018_web.pdf