For some time now Fishtown and East Kensington have been on the savvy home buyers’ radar. There is one more River Wards contender that is often overlooked—Port Richmond. It sits to the north and is a vibrant neighborhood made up mostly of classic Philly row homes, many with big porches that give it a true neighborhood feel. Our Marketing Manager, Bonnie Wisnowski calls this neighborhood home. She shared with us what she loves about Port Richmond and why you should become her new neighbor (or at least come to visit).
Photo Credit: Cherry Blossom, @portrichmondphl | Yellow Door @port.richmond | Ladies @port.richmond | Tilton @port.richmond
Let’s start with your home. Tell us about it.
Jeanne Whipple was actually our Realtor! We purchased our home a little over 2 years ago, and it is just perfect. We wanted a home that had not been renovated because we wanted to make it our own with finishes and crazy details that were us. It is a typical row home, built in the 1920’s, 3 bedroom, 1 bath (for now) and a great big backyard that we live in 3 months of the year. We are still slowly chipping away at the renovation list, but we say on a weekly basis how much we love it here.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
The neighbors! We have wonderful neighbors on both sides of us, and everyone on our block waves and says hello to each other. That was really important to us, to move somewhere where people connected and didn’t just walk to their door with their heads down. We don’t umm… always agree with our neighbor’s political views, but as people, everyone is friendly and looks out for one another.
I also love all the window decorating that happens in this neck of the woods. Some people go all out. It is cool to see different generations partaking in the fun for each holiday. I am ready for Valentine’s day this year—all stocked up and ready to go!
What is there to do in Port Richmond for fun?
We moved from Fishtown to PR. We were a little nervous that our social lives might end up on a lonely island. However, there are a bunch of places to go you just need to know where to find them. ReAnimator Coffee is a great coffee shop if you work from home, or have guests who want good coffee in the morning. The Lunar Inn is a happening bar and restaurant that opened in 2019. The Lunar Inn feels a bit like Cheers, where our favorite waitress knows us, and is waiting with a smile. They also have great DJ’s and you don’t want to miss Tinys Bottle Shop right next door, they sell natural wines. Nemi Restaurant is at the end of our block and it’s AMAZING! They have a big vegetarian selection and it’s really unique and delish. We walk to Hinge Cafe, Kittie’s or Mercer Cafe for brunch at least once or twice a month. We were so sad to see Bait and Switch closed, but the Tin Can opened in its place. Expect nice drinks and good food and they also an amazing Karaoke night and darts for the win.
Photo Credit: Tin Can @tincanphilly | Mercer @starnewsphilly | Hinge @hingecafe | Nemi @nemirestaurant | ReAnimator Coffee @reanimatorcoffee | The Lunar Inn @thelunarinn | Tinys Bottle Shop @tinysbottleshop
There are also the Port Richmond classics that are still around for a reason. Donna’s Bar is one of the best for karaoke. There always seems to be someone passing out cake for a birthday party. I suggest having a pierogi taste-off between Donna’s and The New Wave Cafe. Taconelli’s is a time warp in the best way. Think family business, sweet vibes and world-famous pizza! My husband loves to pop into the Polish deli Czerw’s to get kielbasa and fresh meat. He does not advise going just as church lets out as the entire Polish community will also be there purchasing their dinner groceries at the exact time. Long lines!
Photo Credit: Czerw’s @czerw_kielbasa | Taconelli’s @theoriginaltacconellis | Donna’s @port.richmond
I also love the small-town pharmacies. I know that seems silly, but when you aren’t feeling well you just need your prescription. Being able to walk to a friendly small-town feeling pharmacy like Olde Philly Pharmacy or A&W Pharmacy, already makes you feel like you are on the mend.
Powers Park is just behind the back of the Richmond Library. We went to a fab 80s cover band concert this summer. The whole neighborhood was out in lawn chairs or up dancing. They have events all year like movie nights and tree lighting. We also live with anticipation for the Italian Festival at Mother of Divine Grace School and Parish. The festival was happening when we first moved in, around Memorial Day Weekend. Everyone in the neighborhood stopped to welcome us and then in the next breath said “Have you gone to the festival yet? You have to get a fried dough”. We ordered one to split. Let’s just say we have learned our lesson and now order 3! I won’t talk about the gambling that happens in the basement… One more to add to the list, the public pool at Cohocksink is awesome. It feels like a secret.
I could go on, but those are our favorites.
Photo Credit: Powers Park @port.richmond, Cohocksink Pool @phillypublicpools, MDG Italian Festival @portrichmondphl
Where do you think Port Richmond will be in 5 years?
My hope is that it still stays community-oriented with small businesses finding a successful home. My dream is to have Richmond Street be the “Makers of Philadelphia Avenue”, with collective shops, and people who want to keep the friendly vibe and affordability of our neighborhood. Richmond Street is almost finished with street work and renovations. That will bring the trolley back into the neighborhood, and with it, the storefronts which are still intact but vacant on Richmond will find new opportunities. I also love that many of the corner homes that were built with storefronts on the first floor are being looked at as options for restaurants or little shops.
The Loom Building has a bunch of artist studios, so there are already some pretty awesome pioneers. Yay Clay is in there and continues to be on my list to check out. Philly Makerhouse has workshops that look super fun. There is the Philadelphia Skateboard Academy in the building, I might skip that since I am a total klutz. So 5 years is quickly around the corner!
Photo Credit: Yay Clay @yayclay | Philly Makerhouse @philly_makerhouse | The Skateboard Academy @theskateboardacademy
Anything else to add?
Like any neighborhood, you find what fits your style. There is still so much happening in Port Richmond that I don’t even know about. There is a huge Polish community, with shops, a community hall, and restaurants that only speak Polish. My grandfather would be proud! There is a Lithuanian Hall that has festivals and celebrates their heritage. The Polish American String Band is right on Allegheny. There is the VBA Boxing Club on Clearfield. As you can see, one can really find the special things that make it feel like home all in one neighborhood. That exactly sums up why I love Port Richmond!
If you are interested in exploring homes in Port Richmond, we would be thrilled to show you around. Give us a ring or tap your info into the form below. Let’s incorporate a pierogi stop along the way!
Photo Credit: Lithuanian Music Hall @port.richmond | Polish American String Band @polishamericanstringband | Richmond Street @port.richmond
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