Wondering what’s going on in your neck of the woods? Check out the city’s newest hotspots.
Center City
Where’s it at? Home of Hollywood’s most famous steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art symbolizes the cultural legacy as well as the inspirational spirit of “The City of Brotherly Love.” Ranging from South Street to the south, the Delaware River to the east, the Schuylkill River to the west and Spring Garden Street to the north, Center City blends Philadelphia’s rich colonial history with a modern central business district.
What’s it about? With City Hall established in Center City, Philadelphians can trace their roots to past leaders with Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House and Penn’s Landing. Tourists flock to Independence Mall to see the Liberty Bell, Declaration of Independence, the recently constructed National Museum of American Jewish History and the old-fashioned food court, The Bourse. Once the education has commenced, walk down the Avenue of the Arts to experience the best in theater and music.
What’s new? While the Gallery and Reading Terminal Market are traditional cuisine oases, European Republic is the newest hotspot that provides foreign food while catering to Philly’s craving for variety. Located at 213 Chestnut St., European Republic serves wraps, pasta, soups, salads and desserts from 2-9 p.m., seven days a week.
What makes this healthy eatery stand out from the rest is their European-style french fries are accompanied by 23 dip choices. From BBQ cheddar and fire sauce dips to Jamaican curry and roasted eggplant, the options are limitless and quality taste is guaranteed. With daily specials such as a wrap, fries or soup, and drink for $6.95, you can relieve your wallet and fill your stomach.
-John Corrigan
John can be reached at tuc47461@temple.edu.
Where’s it at? Named after its days as the epicenter of the shad fishing industry in the Delaware region, Fishtown is now an up and coming neighborhood home to young professionals and artists. Although its boundaries are disputed, most recognize Fishtown as the stretch from York Street to Girard Avenue and Front Street to the Delaware River.
What’s it about? The area boasts two of Philly’s most well-known music-venue and bar hot spots: Johnny Brenda’s and The Barbary. This thriving art scene area is home to a number of coffee shops.
What’s new? Now, Fishtown can add Stephen Starr’s German inspired Frankford Hall to its list of attractions. The cafeteria style beer garden has received some positive reviews. The menu features traditional German and craft beers. Patrons can enjoy everything from Bavarian pretzels and sausage, to potato pancakes and apple sauce. Prices range from $3-$15 for food and $4-$40 for beer and wine. And, of course, the restaurant has the Stephen Starr touch. With a laid back feel, guests can play pingpong or Jenga while they enjoy outdoor seating. Parking isn’t hard to find, or you can allow the valet to do the work for you. Frankford Hall brings something different to Fishtown. A beer, a game of pingpong and an order of potato pancakes just may be what you need after a long day of classes.
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave.
Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
www.frankfordhall.com
-Sydney Scott
Art Museum
Where’s it at? The area around the Philadelphia Museum of Art has the trickiest boundaries. Many people consider everything from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden and Broad streets to the Schuylkill River to be the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Others only include the location between Fairmount to Spring Garden streets. Still, others see it only as the area from the Schuylkill to 19th Street. If the boundaries are broadened, Brewerytown and Francisville can get thrown into the mix, too.
What’s it about? All the boundary confusion just means there’s a lot more to do in the area. With the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park in the neighborhood, there’s no excuse not to enjoy yourself.
What’s new? The art museum area is also home to a number of bars and restaurants, the newest being Fare, located at 2028 Fairmount Ave. This eco-conscious eatery is the place to go for diners interested in vegan, vegetarian, local, organic and free-range meal options. Prices for food range from $6-$20 and $3-$29 for drinks.
Fare has managed to shake-off the stigma of a sustainability business. It’s a relaxing and comfortable place to enjoy a meal without overpriced food and self-righteous attitudes. If you and your friends want to enjoy a nice meal on a Friday night, but you get stuck with a picky eater or a vegan who thinks bees are slaves for our honey industry, then head to Fare – they’ll have you covered.
Fare Restaurant
2028 Fairmount Ave.
Sunday – Thursday:
5–10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday:
5 –11 p.m.
www.farerestaurant.com
-Sydney Scott
Northern Liberties
Where’s it at? Right next door to Fishtown is Northern Liberties, extending from Girard Avenue to Callowhill Street. The east to west boundaries stretch from Sixth to Front streets above Laurel Street, and Sixth Street to the Delaware River below it.
What’s it about? Quite possibly the hipster capital of Philadelphia, the area has seen a lot of development in recent years. With the arrival of the Piazza at Schmidts, more and more boutiques and restaurants have set up shop in the neighborhood. Northern Liberties is home to North Bowl, PYT and Brown Betty Dessert Boutique’s flagship store.
What’s new? A recent addition to the area has been the Concrete Polish Studio and Showroom. Combining art and accessories, the boutique carries some amazing jewelry. Lines such as Mineral Massacre, Feathers and Indigenous Crown are for purchase. The store even carries in-house labels from Topstitch, which just recently closed its doors in Old City.
Store owner Angela Monaco also sells some signature pieces that include crystals, and animal and botanical forms. Monaco holds First Friday events each month to showcase work from designers and artists all over the country. Concrete Polish is retail therapy taken to a whole new level. For jewelry fanatics this could be a great reward after passing a tough exam or acing the semester.
Concrete Polish Studio and Showroom
716 N. 3rd St.
Thursday – Sunday:
12-7 p.m.
www.concretepolishstudio.com
-Sydney Scott
Sydney can be reached at sydneyscott@temple.edu.
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