Whether you’re new to the Fishtown/East Kensington area or have lived here for a while, this list is for you. Residents have recently said goodbye to old neighborhood favs (Greensgrow Farms, Memphis Tap Room… sigh). But the silver lining is that many new businesses have sprouted in the past year! Come take a walking tour with us, we started at Norris and headed up Frankford Ave- a strip we’re calling “North of Norris”. We did sneak in a few spots that aren’t technically ON Frankford simply because they are too good to miss out on.
Coffee, lighter bites, and treats
There was a time where you really had to hunt down a cup of coffee in this neighborhood. Now you have multiple top notch joints to turn to. They can be your office away from home, a place to meet up with friends, and even a stop to pick up a sweet gift for a birthday celebration.
Cake and Joe 2012 Frankford Ave | When you walk in you’re greeted by the most precious and delectable mouse cakes. Don’t get too distracted and miss the Elixr Coffee drinks and lunch items! We love that they have outdoor seating too.
Sit Stay Coffee 2236 Frankford Ave | A space and concept designed by a true dog lover and trainer. Serving a great cup of coffee WITH a backyard for your dog to hang out and socialize. The yard is currently open only on the weekends with hopes of expanding hours. Stay tuned to their IG for more updates.
Forin 2525 Frankford Ave | Is it morning? Then enjoy a cup of incredible coffee with the foamy milk of your choice. The breakfast sandwich is a win, and we don’t know how they got the yogurt parfait to taste so good. Is it evening? Sit back, enjoy the playlist and a wine or cocktail with some light dinner fare.
Valerio Coffee Roasters 2329 Frankford Ave | If you like coffee thats creative and has a special syrup or cool twist these are your people. There is always some kind of special that ties into the holiday or happenings going on. They also serve light lunch and breakfast items as well as beans and syrups for sale.
Vessel Coffee Collective 2401 Frankford Ave | In addition to a robust coffee offering they also have a number of teas that will make your afternoon just right. They also have easy lunch options, think avacado toast, chicken sammie and of course a breakfast sandwich you’re allowed to eat anytime of day.
Rowhome Coffee 2152 N Front St | The East Kensington location first opened as a darling little coffee window and now has expanded to a full-blown sit-down coffee shop. The breakfast pretzel sandwich gets top billing.
The Ground Coffee, Plants and Gifts 2000 N 2nd St | This is a coffee shop dreams are made of. Great drinks, gifty items, AND plants to purchase. They have a knowledgeable green thumbs staff on hand to answer your questions! They have savory vegan and veggie options which win our hearts every dang time.
Pizza!!
The best “quick I’m hungry food” hands down is a hot slice. We’ve got some of the best in these parts!
OG Pizza 2500 Frankford Ave | Once called Four Sons and renamed OG Pizza after the location had a big fire. People were distraught… where would they order from now? Don’t worry, they’re back open and they are FAST thanks to their special pizza oven. Take our advice and go for the Prosciutto Supremo, you won’t be disappointed.
Circles and Squares 2513 Tulip St | During the pandemic, residents were fighting for online reservations. Now you can still place your order online but in a more civilized manner. The pizza is delish- as are their wings and hoagies. Check their IG for updated specials and local partnerships.
Thin & Crispy 2563 Trenton Ave | Franco left his namesake establishment (Franco’s) and opened up Thin & Crispy. A solid neighborhood pizza joint with creative pies.
Food and drinks
You know the ones that always make the must-visit list (we’re looking at you fabulous Loco Pez). Here are the ones that you should also put on your date nights, friend happy hours and weekend afternoon meet-up list.
Tulip and Wine Bar 2303 E Norris St | This cozy restaurant serves up homemade pasta that is purposely paired with local wine from Westchester County. Sit outdoors and you’ll wonder if you’ve landed yourself in a local neighborhood tucked away in Italy.
Mural City Cellars 1831 Frankford Ave | Now in their own space they are open and pouring local wine all year long. A big supporter of neighborhood connection they host all types of events that bring the people (and donations) together.
St. Oners 2218 Frankford Ave | From the Tired Hands Brewing peeps, they offer beer AND cocktails. If you’re hungry peruse the food menu which currently features some incredible Asian-inspired dishes.
Brewery ARS 2233 Frankford Ave | This tiny Fishtown location (there’s a bigger one in Passyunk) is a perfect stop for a taste test of ARS’s latest beers. While you’re there bring your Growler for a fill-up. You can also stock up on your latest cans.
Philadelphia Brewing Co 2440 Frankford Ave | A fav of ours because not only is it just a few blocks from our office but it has a vibe for everyone. Two outdoor spaces (bring your dog for their Yappy Hours). Inside there’s a cozy fireplace if snowy, and a back room if you’re looking for a great place to have a casual large group happy hour. There is also a stunner of an event space upstairs. They are friendly and watch out for their cocktails- strong little cups of love (in a good way!).
Lost Bar 2442 Frankford Ave | Across from PBC. The pool table is always buzzing, so get in line. Guaranteed you’ll make new friends or bump into old ones while sipping on beer and creative boozy drinks.
Post Haste 2519 Frankford Ave | A farm-to-table cocktail bar. They use ingredients that are sourced east of the Mississippi. Both food and drink are creative and memorable. A perfect backdrop for date night.
Monkey Club 2101 E York St | A classic friendly bar. They have all sorts of fun events from comedy, game nights, and sports stuff. Upstairs is a game room that you can reserve for parties! When you’re hungry dive into their bar snacks and sandwiches.
Caletta 1401 E Susquehanna Ave | We’re cheating here a little because technically this is SOUTH of Norris, but we can’t leave out this newcomer to the neighborhood. If you want your eyes to be as satisfied as your cocktail loving brain go here. It’s gorgeous surroundings will complement your pricey, but out of this world drink.
Shopping
Treat yourself or get a goodie for a friend. Shop local and walk to all the options in one sunny Saturday afternoon!
Made and Maker 2021 Frankford Ave | If vintage duds are your jam, Made and Maker is a must. They will help you put a look together from their lovely curated collection. They recently launched a vintage bridal collection which we adore.
Proper Goods 2032 Frankford Ave | Speaking of perfect gifts! Proper Goods is loaded with unique finds for cooks, witchy magicians, stylish folks, and those who love a good cocktail add-in. They have shelves and shelves of beautiful plants (and planters) too!
Minnow Lane 2029 Frankford Ave | A natural parenting store with toys, books, and parenting supplies. They also have a great collection of consignment kids' clothing.
Vestige 2041 Frankford Ave | Sometimes you just want that elegant cottage core vibe. Vestige is calling you… Luxury knits, things that are 100% linen that you’ll want to wear all summer, and thick wools for winter. It’s def a vibe.
Downerss 2050 Frankford Ave | This team has style and they’re here to pass it on! Racks and racks of cute outfits. The new bigger space allows them to amp up the gift section as well. Stop in for jewelry and home goods when looking for that perfect gift.
Myrtle and Magnolia 2222 Frankford Ave | New location means easy pop-ins for beautiful arrangements. Pair with locally made chocolates, soaps, and other cute add-on gifts.
The Head and the Hand 2230 Frankford Ave | It’s the best to have a top-notch book store in the neighborhood. Adults, kids, and everyone in between can find something on the shelves. They host all sorts of readings and events. Date night is a unique event where you can reserve the entire bookstore for just the two of you, candlelight and all.
Circle Thrift 2233 Frankford Ave | Find just about everything in this well-stocked classic thrift store. Clothing, hobby supplies, shoes, etc. Furniture is in the adjacent building through a separate entrance.
Thunderbird 2441 Frankford Ave | Bring your thrifting mindset because you’re going to want to dig through the stacks of cool old mags, sheet music, trinkets, and racks of vintage clothing. This is one of our first stops when we need a gift for someone who likes odd vintage items. Score!
Riverwards 2200 E Norris St | A staple for so many nearby neighbors. Stock up on veggies, groceries, and prepared foods. They have an amazing cheese selection, vegan and regs! You can’t miss the colorful bouquets on display right when you walk in, all by local florists. You are bound to see someone you know if your shopping trip takes more than 10 mins.
Things to do
Estilo 2036 Frankford Ave or Philadelphia Argentine Tango School 2030 Frankford Ave | Get your dance on at not only one but TWO dance schools on the same block as PHG HQ! Both have social nights as well as one on one dance instruction.
Bolt Brow 2220 Frankford Ave Go get those brows done. Enough said. While you’re at it make an appointment or walk in and get your nails polished real nice at Fishtown Nails Bar 2325 Frankford Ave.
Get in to see our client Paulie at FriendAndNemisis 2472 Frankford Ave and get your hairs cut and colored! All in the company of good vibes. If a beard trim and top-notch fade are what you’re after book at The Philadelphia Barber Co. Fishtown 2414 Frankford Ave Fishtown location.
You have a 75% chance of running into a PHG agent at Monarch Yoga 171 W Berks St an absolute fav’s of the team. With a busy offering that includes Heated Power Flow and rooftop sessions. Retro Pilates 2423 Frankford Ave has rave reviews and some of the biggest fans around! They offer classic classes as well as a fusion dance and pilates class- Dance A’ Lotties.
Places to Be
Here are the spots around town that complete the neighborhood!
Konrad Square 2200 E Dauphin St | Green space tucked around residential homes where dogs will be walking, kids will be scooting and flowers will be in bloom. Music events, art pop-ups, and park clean-ups are a regular thing too.
Hacket Elementary School 2161 E York St | The colorful murals give away the fact that these are some happy kids in a great public school. Their mission is “committed to providing our culturally diverse population a positive, safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all children will gain the knowledge to become life-long learners and model citizens.” Educating kids from Kindergarten to Grade 5.
Pops Park 2101 E Hazzard St | A three-part park! You have the classic playground (with a splash pad!), the dog park, and a skate park. Perfect place to hold your kiddo's birthday party, or meet up with the neighbors. The pups are happy with the pool, and the huge astroturf yard. Many in the hood think it’s the best dog park in Philly!
Cione Pool 2600 Aramingo Ave | Don’t be deterred by the fact that it looks like this pool is in the middle of the road. Once you’re in that cool water and getting relief from the city heat, you feel a million miles away. Check out the “Where to Swim in Philly” blog for more neighborhood pools!
Norris Square Park 174 Diamond St | A neighborhood park that brings all the people together. Picnics, playgrounds, big leafy trees that provide shade, and a wonderful local park organization puts the Norris Square neighborhood on the map!
Berks Stop W Berks St | Right in the middle of it all so it’s easy for Fishtown and East Kensington folks to access! From Philadelphia Brewing Co it’s an 11 min walk, from Riverwards Produce it’s 6 mins.
With each passing day, new small business owners are planting roots next to old-school beloved establishments and veteran neighbors are welcoming newcomers. We’d be more than happy to show you this flourishing neighborhood around and pop into some homes along the way!
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.