South Philly
South Philly
Franklin Brown
This short guide focuses on only a fraction of the eastern half of South Philadelphia.
The neighborhoods:
- "East Passyunk" (pronounced PASH-unk by locals) is a residential neighborhood with a lively restaurant scene.
- "Italian Market" is the name of the old Italian neighborhood around 9th street, which still hosts a large outdoor market. Nowadays, the neighborhood is home to many Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants. This is reflected in the diverse cuisines!
- Queen Village and South Street. South street is the border between Center City (not "downtown), and South Philly. This area has an abundance of vintage stores and art galleries and street art. Notably you may see many glass mosaics on stores and homes by Isaiah Zagar, which culminates at the Magic Gardens.
Updated ago
1
Share
A Walking Guide
All these tight-knit neighborhoods can be covered by foot, which is the best way to explore this part of the city.
If walking from the south:
- Start from Broad street and East Passyunk ave and walk north along East Passyunk until 9th street.
- Then walk north up 9th street through the Italian Market until you reach Bainbridge Street.
- Then walk east along South street (to see the stores along South Street) or Bainbridge (to get a feel for the residential neighborhood) until you reach Front street and Headhouse Square.
If walking from the north:
- Do it in reverse!
East Passyunk
Bok Bar
@downtownfrankbrown
Rooftop bar on top of an old high school provide the BEST views of the Philadelphia skyline.
Note: the bar is only open in the warm seasons, but Irwin's is open year round and is also on the roof.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Machine Shop
@downtownfrankbrown
On the ground floor of the Bok building. Might be the best pastry shop in all of Philadelphia!
Add to
Details
Stargazy
@downtownfrankbrown
Unique British bakery with great pastries, but also savory British baked goods such as Cornish Pasties and sausage rolls.
Add to
Details
Barcelona Wine Bar
@downtownfrankbrown
Tapas restaurant, and one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Great food and wine, and a nice patio
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Italian Market
Pat's King of Steaks
@downtownfrankbrown
Pat's and Geno's are the two famous (rival?) cheesesteak shops across from each other on 9th street. They're a spectacle to see even if you don't order anything.
Personally, I prefer Geno's, but truly there are other cheesesteak shops in the neighborhood that are better
Add to
Details
Geno's Steaks
@downtownfrankbrown
Pat's and Geno's are the two famous (rival?) cheesesteak shops across from each other on 9th street. They're a spectacle to see even if you don't order anything.
Personally, I prefer Geno's, but truly there are other cheesesteak shops in the neighborhood that are better
Add to
Details
South Philly Barbacoa
@downtownfrankbrown
An example of the great Puebla mexican food in the neighborhood. This is currently the most notable, and had a dedicated episode on Netflix's Chef's Table. I have not tried it though.
Add to
Details
Phở 75
@downtownfrankbrown
Best no-frills pho shop there is. Famously featured by Anothony Bourdain's. I have nursed many hangovers with their Pho Tai and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Add to
Details
Di Bruno Bros. at the Italian Market
@downtownfrankbrown
Definitely my favorite store in the Italian Market. Packed full of delicious, imported cheeses and meats.
Add to
Details
Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House
@downtownfrankbrown
Add to
Details
John's Water Ice
@downtownfrankbrown
Pinnacle of the Famous Philadelphia "water ice" frozen desert. It may not sound impressive but 100% must try. -
Note, closed in the winter.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Isgro Pastries
@downtownfrankbrown
Traditional Italian pasticceria. I never visit the neighborhood without buying a box of Italian cookies.
Add to
Details
Angelo's Pizzeria
@downtownfrankbrown
Recent #1 best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. I have actually not tried it though. Pizza is great too.
Add to
Details
Queen Village and South Street
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
@downtownfrankbrown
Highly recommend touring this outdoor museum. Beautiful mosaics made from glass and refuse. You will see the same style of mosaic by he artist Zagar throughout surrounding area.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Vintage Shopping
@downtownfrankbrown
This area also has a high concentration of thrift and vintage stores. Some notable examples are Philly AIDS thrift and Retrospect. -
Anastacia's Antiques is THE MOST unique antique store I have ever encountered.
Add to
Details
Fabric Row
@downtownfrankbrown
South 4th street in this neighborhood between South street and Catherine was the old Fabric District. Now there are many quaint shops and boutiques
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Franklin Brown
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Franklin Brown 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places