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One of Philadelphia’s most descriptive nicknames is the City of Neighborhoods.
Right now, the communities in the city and the Greater Philadelphia region deliver daily stories of strength, resilience and community — often thanks to the dedicated small business owners working around the clock to keep their doors open and their customers fulfilled.
It’s actions like those in the region’s commercial corridors that highlight another trait that Philadelphians have: heart.
With some businesses starting to safely reopen with care for in-person service, the people behind local shops continue to put their communities first by ensuring that customers remain safe and comfortable by following guidance from both the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Now is a great time to discover and explore this city of makers and artisans — and the offerings in their independent shops and restaurants — via in-person shopping or dining (don’t forget your mask!) as well as via curbside pickup, takeout and delivery.
Check out our guide below to the neighborhood corridors to support now and email [email protected] to tell us about what’s open in your community.
The neighborhoods in Center City Philadelphia are full of hip restaurants, stylish shops, and salons and wellness studios ready to help customers feel their best as they explore the area responsibly.
Center City
Center City is home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants, many of which have started welcoming visitors for responsible on-site dining. Barbuzzo offers outdoor dining right on 13th Street in Midtown Village; Assembly Rooftop Lounge at The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel, stuns with Benjamin Franklin Parkway views to complement its drink and snack offerings; and the Moshulu team seats guests on its deck for dining on the Delaware River.
After all that food, in-person shopping awaits at spots like Open House in Midtown Village (now open), Fashion District Philadelphia (opening July 3, 2020) the Shops at Liberty Place (opening July 6, 2020) and more.
Old City
Restaurants and shops in Old City have an abundance of options, both in-person and online:
The Bourse Food Hall — Photo courtesy The Bourse Food Hall
Dozens of neighborhoods make up these two sections of the city that hug the Delaware River and gradually expand westward toward the rest of the Greater Philadelphia region.
River Wards neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties, just a few miles from Center City, boast shops, restaurants and galleries sprinkled through their narrow one-way streets. Many Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, including Mayfair, tend to concentrate their storefronts on long commercial corridors.
Fishtown In this historic Delaware River waterfront neighborhood, beloved spots like Frankford Hall and Philadelphia Distilling welcome responsible outdoor diners and those looking for a drink, while restaurants like Johnny Brenda’s and Pizza Brain continue to dish out takeout and delivery.
Shoppers can don their masks and stroll Frankford and Girard avenues, stopping to check for pop-up sidewalk sales at spots like Harriett’s Bookshop. And online shoppers can continue to explore virtual parenting and baby classes from Minnow Lane.
Northern Liberties
Concentrated on North 2nd Street between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street, the restaurants, cafes and shops of Northern Liberties sell fine crafts, vintage wares and a variety of flavors to satisfy any palate.
Germantown Garden and Jerry’s Bar are among the eateries and beer gardens in the neighborhood open for outdoor dining. Other restaurants and coffee shops remain open for takeout and/or delivery, including vegan hub Blackbird Pizzeria, cheesesteak connoisseur Del Rossi’s, the quaint Random Tea Room and food-and-booze spot Standard Tap.
Elsewhere, Art Star’s online store is full of handmade items that include clothing, prints, housewares, accessories and novelty items. And 4th Street’s City Planter is taking online orders from customers who want a little more greenery in their life.
Mayfair Mayfair’s two-mile stretch of Frankford Avenue has everything shoppers need for essential goods like groceries, health care and repairs, as well as restaurants and delis offering their best-known dishes.
In the Mayfair Shopping Center, neighborhood favorite Montesini serves pizza slices and pies, and newcomer Hung Vuong Food Market is always well stocked.
Tacony
Mayfair’s Delaware River waterfront neighbor, Tacony, keeps shoppers busy along Torresdale Avenue. A tasty hoagie shop, family-run pharmacies and corner stores with all the essentials comprise the 120-plus businesses concentrated across 12 city blocks.
Make room for a gourmet sandwich from Fink’s, shop for staples at Fu Mei Supermarket or reach out to any number of repair businesses for home needs.
More in Northeast Philadelphia
The remarkably diverse area between North Philly and suburban Montgomery and Bucks counties features a singular dining scene — easily one of the most diverse in the country.
Destination-worthy American restaurants like Sweet Lucy’s (open for curbside pickup) and The Dining Car (open for outdoor dining) range from old-guard to new-school.
Just as strong — if not stronger — are restaurants that represent its newer populations. There’s Middle Eastern from Al-Sham (available for takeout), South American from Picanha (open for outdoor dining, delivery and takeout), and an expanse of eateries representing Asia, the Caribbean, Italy, Eastern Europe and more.
Explore a guide to great restaurants in Northeast Philly at the button below.
Philadelphia's South Street features fantastic restaurants, eclectic boutiques and more. — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Colorful, diverse and steeped in history, South Philly’s rowhome neighborhoods pack a lot of punch in their tight-knit communities.
There’s no greater evidence of this than along its business corridors, where storied cheesesteak shops serve alongside immigrant-run businesses and boutiques sell housewares, kids’ clothing and antique furniture.
East Passyunk
It’s easy to support the local businesses in this popular South Philly neighborhood. Bookstore A Novel Idea is offering private, in-person browsing by appointment in their charming store. (How cool is that?) And Movement Source Pilates, Palo Santo Yoga Studio and many other wellness-focused storefronts offer online classes.
Among the dozens of cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood, spots like Le Virtú and Pistolas del Sur are seating diners en plein air.
Looking for more restaurants or bars to support in one of the 10 most interesting food scenes in the U.S.? Check out our guide to the best eateries and bars in East Passyunk for ideas.
South Street Headhouse District
Don’t miss the fantastic restaurants, cafes and bakeries located around the South Street Headhouse District that continue to serve customers in the community and beyond.
Cry Baby Pasta is still slinging bolognese for guests seated in their cafe and for those ordering takeout or delivery, while Puyero Venezuelan Flavor cooks up fresh family-size food packs to go filled with one choice of protein, black beans, fried sweet plantains, pico de gallo and a side.
If it’s a striking pair of shoes, a deep-conditioning hair product or a stylish graphic tee you’re looking for, check out the inventory available online or in person at Bus Stop, Marsh + Mane, Ps and Qs and some of the neighborhood’s other awesome shops and boutiques.
South 7th Street
Businesses run by immigrants and refugees from Southeast Asia thrive along Seventh Street near Mifflin Square Park in South Philadelphia, and many of the stores double as vital community hubs.
Customers can support these small shops, which run on tight margins, by participating in a gift card matching program. Buy a gift card now and SEAMAAC Inc. (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition) will match it by 50% to help sustain local businesses now and into the future.
Across the Schuylkill River from Center City, West Philadelphia seems like a microcosm of the city itself, with a number of smaller, distinct neighborhoods such as Powelton Village, Spruce Hill, Cedar Park and University City, home to a handful of the city’s top universities.
Stately homes, leafy parks, charming trolleys and dense business corridors mean there’s never a reason to stop exploring.
University City
In a neighborhood known for its diverse dining scene, guests can pull up for some socially distant dining at Aksum (might we recommend the vegetable tajine?), while favorites like sweet vegan treats from Dottie’s Donuts and spicy beef empanadas from Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe & Bakery are just a few clicks or a phone call away.
Check out the Baltimore Avenue Business Directory and University City District for more great businesses in the neighborhood to support.
52nd Street
Historically known as West Philly’s Main Street, the 52nd Street corridor is home to a diverse set of businesses serving the local community and beyond.
Shoppers can get fitted for new eyewear (NV My Eyewear), order a book from country’s oldest Black-owned bookstore (Hakim’s), or shop for art, body products, sea moss (!) and more from African Cultural Art Forum, open for in-person and online shopping.
And when hunger strikes, options abound, including Trinidadian Caribbean takeout from Brown Sugar Bakery and soul food from Tasties.
Woodland Avenue
Some of the best West African food in the city can be found along Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philly at spots like Little Delicious and African Small Pot, while takeout from Curry Bird delivers delicious Thai flavors.
And order online to pick up challahs, sourdough loaves and croissants from Four Worlds Bakery, where a baker’s obsession with natural fermentation eventually grew into a beloved West Philly storefront.
Learn more from the African Cultural Alliance of North America site here.
City Avenue
Spanning Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood and Montgomery County’s Lower Merion, the City Avenue District offers essential shopping like grocery needs and repairs.
It’s also home to some can’t-miss restaurants, including avenue staples like Larry’s Steaks (home of the aptly named “Belly Filler”), Honeygrow and Al-Sham, all offering mouth-watering goodness.
Score delicious sweet and savory goodies at Jezabel's Argentine Cafe and Bakery in West Philly. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
They might look different — the densely populated, subway-accessible neighborhoods of North Philadelphia; the hilly, leafy pockets in the Northwest; and the large outcropping of neighborhoods at the top of the city’s border known as “The Great Northeast” — but these sections of the city are powerhouses that bring food, art and community together.
Businesses in these regions always make it a point to support each other and their neighbors.
Fairmount
Home to Philly’s truly world-class museums, Fairmount is synonymous with fine art — but art is far from the only draw for this northern neighbor to Center City. The neighborhood possesses a distinct personality that thrives in its beautiful green spaces, bustling food scene and cute shops centered on the appropriately named Fairmount Avenue.
Snag a patio seat — and some delicious Mexican food — at La Calaca Feliz, or people-watch with a craft beer in hand from an outdoor seat at the Bar Hygge brewpub.
Fairmount Avenue’s Fairmount Bicycles has you covered for bike repairs and sales, while Fairmount Pet Shoppe offers quality pet products via its online store.
Spring Garden
Between the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Fairmount, Spring Garden has beautiful Victorian architecture, a decidedly relaxed vibe and a number of notable restaurants and shops.
Snag some delicious Southern food for takeout from SOUTH Jazz Kitchen or pub fare (and cocktails) from neighborhood favorite St. Stephen’s Green.
And Dog School — which has multiple Philly locations, including one in Spring Garden — offers doggie daycare and more for your very best friend.
North Broad
Part of the larger North Broad Renaissance Special Services District, the North Broad Business Improvement District offers an easy way for people to dine out, shop (in-person or online) and support independent businesses along this diverse corridor that stretches from Center City to North Philadelphia.
Snag an outdoor table for some French feasting at Gabi; treat yourself to cocktails to go (and more) from Green Soul or SOUTH Jazz Kitchen; or dive in to a delicious cheesesteak from Jimmy G’s Steaks.
North Fifth Street — Hunting Park
More than 200 businesses make up North Philly’s Hunting Park neighborhood, with business districts on Fifth Street, Hunting Park Avenue and Wyoming Avenue.
One not-to-miss spot: Tierra Colombiana, offering authentic international Latin and Caribbean cuisine for takeout and delivery (as well as cocktails to go!)
Read more about the Esperanza Housing and Economic Development that serves the community at the button below.
North Fifth Street — Olney
More than 360 businesses call the stretch of North Fifth Street between Roosevelt Boulevard and Spencer Street in North Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood home, and the area serves neighbors who hail from Vietnam, Cambodia, Sub-Sahara Africa, and South and Central America.
Customers can call ahead to find out which shops and restaurants are open for in-store shopping, outdoor dining, curbside sales and delivery.
El Centro de Oro — Fairhill
A hub of Latinx culture and life in Philadelphia, El Centro de Oro (“The Golden Block”) is home to third- and fourth-generation family-owned businesses, international arts and cultural organizations, and residents descending from Puerto Rico and Latin America.
Visitors to this lively enclave, about four miles from Center City in the heart of the Fairhill neighborhood, can feast on Venezuelan eats at Sazon Restaurant & Café (offering outdoor dining as well as takeout), while the team behind the Taller Puertorriqueño community center continues to engage with folks online via Zoom classes and discussions.
At the geographical start of El Centro de Oro, HACE provides visitors with information about businesses in the vibrant neighborhood. Find more info about HACE at the button below.
Germantown
The cobblestone, trolley-tracked streets of this Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood make it particularly inviting to shoppers looking to safely patronize one of the many cafes and specialty shops.
A can’t-miss stop in Germantown: Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. Consumers can pick up new books via the store’s online book shop while the team behind the scenes preps to welcome back in-store customers later this summer.
Roxborough
The deep-rooted community in Roxborough offers lots to residents and visitors exploring the shops and restaurants on Ridge Avenue and surrounding streets.
Indulge in pierogi poutine from The Pierogie Kitchen, a classic cheesesteak from Barry’s Steaks or a chilly confection from C & C Creamery.
For some uplifting at-home entertainment, look to the Philadelphia Folksong Society’s digital concerts featuring local, regional and international folk music artists.
Mt. Airy
Customers who want to support independent shop owners in this charming neighborhood can start at the business directory from the Mt. Airy CDC and get more info from Mt. Airy Business Improvement District.
Restaurants like McMenamin’s Tavern continue to cook up customer favorites for on-site outdoor dining, while shops like Paul Carpenter Art, known for Philly-themed prints and tees, remain open for online orders.
Manayunk
Manayunk shop owners make it their business to give back, which means customers can support multiple community efforts through their purchases.
Restaurants are seating customers alfresco (Craft Manayunk and The Spicy Belly) while continuing takeout and delivery (Taqueria Feliz and Palmer Distilling), and neighborhood storefronts are keeping customers busy both in-person and online (including Nicole Miller).
Chestnut Hill
Patrons in search of a new dish to try or a shop to explore have plenty of options in this charming historic neighborhood.
Walk-in shopping is available at Chestnut Hill Sports, AR Workshop’s Chestnut Hill location and more.
Hungry for a meal? Sidewalk seating is available (as well as takeout and curbside pickup) for those craving a classic Schmitter sandwich from McNally’s Tavern.
Many shops and restaurants in Peddler's Village in Bucks County are now open for in-store shopping and outdoor dining. — Photo by Melina Triantos
Tucked neatly within Philadelphia’s Countryside amid rolling hills, working farms and picturesque old-time towns, Bucks County is characterized by a particularly inviting landscape home to historical delights, charming accommodations, miles of vineyards, gourmet dining, marvelous museums and enjoyable shops.
Patrons can enjoy all of those things thanks to the boutiques, cafes and restaurants that keep their spots buzzing and safe.
The storied villages of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley are some of the most charming spots in Philadelphia’s countryside, with shops and restaurants in towns like West Chester and Phoenixville responsibly satisfying customers’ needs.
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley has a full guide to a safe summer in the region, with info on the outdoors, ice cream, produce and more.
On the food front, Nui Nui Kitchen, Vecchia Pizzeria and many other regional restaurants have outdoor dining available. And spots like Gryphon Cafe and Limoncello Ristorante in West Chester continue to offer takeout.
With its renowned historic sites, world-famous gardens, wine trails and some of the best dining and theater in the region, Delaware County has lots to offer residents and visitors.
Customers can fuel up at various restaurants around the county offering outdoor dining as well as curbside and at-home meals and cocktails:
And as the county’s stores begin to reopen for in-store shopping, folks can still support the area’s diverse businesses through gift-card programs like the ones offered by the Media Business Authority and the Wayne Business Association. Additionally, Visit Delco PA accepts donations to deliver ready-to-eat, protein-packed meals to local healthcare workers through its Food for the Frontline program.
Fine dining and tax-free (!) shopping await in Montgomery County, home to the East Coast’s largest shopping mall and historic main streets in Ambler, Jenkintown and beyond.
Explore deals available from the hundreds of retailers based in King of Prussia Mall and the Philadelphia Premium Outlets (also available for in-store shopping), where designer deals are available in spades. Or check out the open-air businesses reopening for in-store shopping at Suburban Square in Ardmore.
Plus, there’s always something delicious on the menu in MontCo (especially when dining outdoors):
Bonus: #MontCoStrong T-shirt sales support the county’s COVID-19 relief fund to provide critical services to those most impacted by the virus.
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