Neighborhood Guides

Philadelphia Neighborhood Guides

Fishtown

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, Fishtownhas plenty to offer in the ways of dining and entertainment.

Popular Restaurants and Bars in Fishtown

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.

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.

Apartments for Rent in Fishtown

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.

Northern Liberties

Northern Liberties History

Northern Liberties has shed the label of up-and-coming and transformed into a thriving neighborhood. The former manufacturing district first started turning heads in the early ’90s when a progressive, artist-heavy flock migrated north from Old City, lured by the neighborhood’s affordable studio space. But before it was known as Northern Liberties, it was initially called The Liberties. It’s as old as Philadelphia itself, founded by Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn, in 1682. Northern Liberties was the land located north of the original 1682 boundary of Philadelphia, and early purchasers of land in Philadelphia would also be granted a lot in Northern Liberties.

NoLibs has always had a personality that’s persisted throughout its evolution from an up-and-comer to a Philadelphia frontrunner.

Popular Restaurants and Bars in Northern Liberties

To start off this list of essential places you must visit in Northern Liberties, the list had to start with Silk City. A one-stop venue where everything old is new again. Start off with dinner, grab a drink, and dance all night. Another great spot you must stop by while staying here is at Heritage, a local eatery that offers new American dishes and live jazz. 

Giant Heirloom Market now calls NoLibs home and features a taproom in the basement with video games. Similar to Whole Foods, they have a large variety of fancy cheese, wine and beer, and kombucha on tap.

Meanwhile, beer lovers have their choice of places to imbibe, from Northern Liberties Standard Tap to Yards Brewing Company’s brewery and tasting room at 5th and Spring Garden streets at the neighborhood’s southern edge.

The possibilities are endless while you are in Northern Liberties. There are so many great restaurants and bars that it’s hard to pick a spot on any given night. If you want to change your pace up a bit and do some more activities, Northern Liberties 2nd Street Festival is the place you’ll want to be. It is an awesome showcase of the neighborhood with food, music, and shopping.

The Piazza at Pod Park is a shopping, food, and drink destination that is brand new in the heart of Northern Liberties. It is a great attraction for families and better yet – your pets!

Apartments for Rent in Northern Liberties

With all of these amazing places in mind, the choices of what you want to do are endless in the thriving Northern Liberties. Want to be part of this neighborhood? Check out our apartments for rent in Northern Liberties, a historically charming neighborhood, and your next new home.

Harrowgate

Harrowgate’s History

Reclaiming fame, Harrowgate’s history started in 1784, way before the time when Philadelphia was known as the “workshop of the world”. The neighborhood that you can see from the platform at Tioga Street Station of the Market-Frankford El is a place of parks occupied by families and a diverse community, repurposed factory buildings, and people coming to and from banks, restaurants, homes, and churches.

Once a historically working-class Irish American neighborhood, Harrowgate has transformed into a melting pot of diversity. Aside from Irish Americans, the neighborhood is also home to a flourishing Dominican, Puerto Rican, and the African-American community.

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Harrowgate

If you are into classic Vietnamese dishes, Cafe Mi Quang is where you’ll want to be. It is the only place in Philadelphia where "Mi Quang" - a special noodle from the central part of Vietnam - is served.

If you want a classic slice of delicious pizza, Kensington Pub is your local stop to grab a slice and drink some beer. With open mic every Wednesday, and live music every Friday, you will be able to relax and enjoy listening to local music while in Harrowgate.

Another place to grab a bite is at East Coast Wings + Grill – with so many options for wings to choose from with so many flavors, as well as many different local beers on tap, it’ll be a location date night for all sporting events.

If you want to relax at a local park for the day, walking your dog or taking your child on a picnic, Harrowgate Park is a great spot for a stroll on a nice day.

Apartments for Rent in Harrowgate

Harrowgate is growing continuously and transforming into a diverse and thriving community in Philadelphia. For those who are looking for luxurious city living but at a much more affordable cost and we want you to find your new home with some of our apartments for rent in Harrowgate.
Share by: