Located just northeast of Center City is one of the fastest growing spots in Philadelphia. With easy access from all parts of the city, Fishtown is known for its nightlife and dining locations. A young, hip area that has shown no signs of slowing down
The name Fishtown derives from one of the original occupations of its residents. In the 1730s, early settlers were fishermen, and over time they controlled the fishing rights to both sides of the Delaware River from Cape May to the falls at Trenton, NJ. Fishing would soon become one of the many industries to take root and flourish in the Philadelphia neighborhood, and that little section of Kensington became known as Fishtown. For a complete overview, check out our guide on Fishtown’s history.
While many neighborhoods in Philly have gone through recent transformations, no section of the city compares to the changes that Fishtown has gone through. A mix of old and new families and small businesses make up the heart of the neighborhood, while cuisine, art, and music give Fishtown a brand-new feel.
From cocktail bars to dives, high-dining to quick-service stops, and live music, Fishtown has plenty to offer in the ways of dining and entertainment.
To start off this list of essential places you must visit in Fishtown, we had to start with Suraya, voted the “Best New Restaurant of 2018” by Philadelphia Magazine. Another great spot in Fishtown, Pizzeria Beddia was dubbed in 2015 to be the best pizza in America. These two restaurants, out of the fantastic restaurants that Fishtown offers, stand out in a sea of dining options.
La Colombe is Philadelphia’s renowned coffee roasting company that sits in a giant refurbished Fishtown warehouse that is part restaurant, part bakery, and even better – part bar. It’s a great place to sit and relax with a coffee and some food.
You can see more about our favorite restaurants here
Fishtown is home to some of the top bars in Philadelphia, including Frankford Hall, one of the most popular spots in all of Philadelphia. The German beer garden offers one-liter pints of draft beer in a courtyard filled with picnic tables and plenty of German favorites like Bratwursts. Another staple in the neighborhood is Johnny Brenda’s. Located at the intersection of Frankford and Girard Avenues in Fishtown, the combination of delicious food, great local beer, and live music is what makes Johnny Brenda’s a neighborhood favorite.
Not only does this neighborhood have such great food and drink selections, but Fishtown also throws an
annual festival where the locals invite the city to see what makes it unique, share the local love, and of course, food and drinks. After the annual festival is over, there is always still fun in the Fishtown neighborhood. The Philadelphia music scene continues to flourish at
The Fillmore Philadelphia with so many local and world-renowned artists.
Penn Treaty Park is also a great place to have a picnic and to watch the sunset. It is also a historical spot of peace along the Delaware River, where Pennsylvania founder William Penn signed his treaty of peace with the Lenape tribe in 1638.
With all of these amazing places in mind, the choices of things to do in Fishtown are endless. Want to be part of this thriving neighborhood? Check out our apartments for rent in Fishtown – your future home.