While many may know Pennsport as the spot for the Mummers’ “two street” after-party on New Years Day, this neighborhood has so much more to offer that sequins and feathers. Bordered by Passyunk Square, Queen Village, and the Delaware River, this pocket of Philadelphia was home to the original naval yard at Federal along the river in the 1800s. It now boasts sweet green spaces and drool-worthy eats that are worth exploring. We’ve put together some of our favorites to entertain you for an afternoon...or two. Be sure to come hungry!
Jefferson Square Park - Meet up with friends at the happening community park, Jefferson Square. Tune in to the Friends of Jefferson Square facebook page to be sure you don’t miss the flea markets, movies, and other events that are hosted throughout the year. Planning not your thing? No worries, you can kill time waiting for your tardy friends to arrive by petting every single cute dog that walks by. Warning! You may never want to leave.
Federal Donuts- After reluctantly saying goodbye to Fido, you can pop on over to Federal Donuts. If you skipped breakfast then grab a Fancy Donut or one that is still warm from the Hot Fresh menu. Perhaps a fried chicken sandwich is more your speed, crispy with signature spicy Rooster Sauce! Can’t make up your mind between sweet and savory? Go for the honey donut and fried chicken combo, you won’t be sorry.
Herman’s Coffee - Now, we know that there is no shortage of coffee joints in Philly, but here is one more to add to your list! If the weather is nice, grab a specialty espresso tonic or iced tea and find a lawn chair because you will look AMAZING and super cute while people watching. Take note of the comedy nights they host, and if timed right grab a second brunch, this time from one of the rotating food trucks nearby.
Herron Playground and Splash Park- If you have kiddos with you, pop on over to Herron Playground and Splash Park to cool down and burn off some energy. Don’t worry, if you run through the sprinklers without a small fry in tow, we won’t tell.
Grindcore Cafe - Back to food (we can’t stay away for long). This time, you will be the hero for introducing your vegan friend to Grindcore Cafe. With a commitment to the neighborhood, this local cafe has plenty of vegan lunch options and yummy coffee bevys with non-dairy options.
The Dutch - Ok, it’s true, maybe we are food-crazed, but we can’t talk about this neighborhood without mentioning this local favorite. A cozy bruncherie serving mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes. In addition to their everyday menu, which includes a dutch baby, essentially a cast-iron cooked pancake, The Dutch has no shortage of seasonal specials. Think soft shell crab BLT. in the summer and French onion soup in the fall.
Dickinson Square Park - A green space dream, with a playground, chess tables, basketball and plenty of picnic-worthy grass seating, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone. This is the perfect place to relax and reflect on just how incredible this neighborhood is.
Because there are only so many minutes in a day, we weren’t able to include it all. Here are some other great places to stop by on your next visit!
Rizzo Ice Rink - Offers public skating, hockey, skating lessons and youth camp.
Ginza Philly - A modern Japanese seafood restaurant with specialty dishes made with care.
Gooey Looie’s - a neighborhood staple serving hoagies and cheesesteaks
So close…
Bok - BOK is a richly layered space for small businesses, makers, community services, and more. We were lucky enough to spend a day popping in and out of spaces occupied by entrepreneurs, artists, specialized manufacturers, and so much more. You can check out or blog all about our studio tours.
Aside from our food and fav outdoor spaces, these tree-lined streets have some of the prettiest architecture around, we couldn’t stop oohing and ahhing over the historic doors. With the average home being around 3 bedrooms at 1,400 square feet when you’re exploring it’s easy to imagine calling this convenient neighborhood home.
