Philadelphia is known for its restaurants and here are some of the newest. We are also known for our diversity of restaurants, and were recently ranked the 19th best foodie city in the US. Philly also has a wide assortment of food trucks along with some of the country’s finest dining and most delicious ice-cream.

The Redding Terminal was recently named the best public market in the entire USA and there you can truly find anything you want to eat.

South Philly’s Italian Market is approximately ten city blocks and is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country. You will find street vendors, stores, and restaurants, selling everything from cheesesteaks, fresh fruits, and butchered meat to the most delicious pastries imaginable. For instance, check out Isgros for their cannoli and ricotta cheesecake.

Philadelphia also has many other neighborhoods which offer great restaurants, shopping, and the opportunity to people watch. For instance, Chinatown is just a few feet away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and is the second largest Chinatown on the East Coast. About 3,000 people - the majority with ancestors from countries such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Japan and Malaysia - live in this vibrant community. Here you will find plenty of restaurants, coffeeshops, and bubble tea spots.

  

Dilworth Park offers many dining options as well as activities such as fitness classes, roller skating specials and performances from Philadelphia's many arts and cultural organizations. The Convention Center District and Market East house a plethora of restaurants as well as murals, sculptures, and other outdoor art. This is also where the Redding Terminal is located.

The Fairmount area includes Fairmount Park, which offers trails for cycling, horseback riding and forest-like hiking; tours of historic mansions; outdoor concerts; and places to barbeque. The Fairmount area and its surrounding neighborhood - close to the Philadelphia Art Museum - also offer many delicious restaurants.

Fishtown - a North Philadelphia neighborhood - was historically the home of many working-class Philadelphians. Recently, young artists and musicians moved into the area, and as they did, Fishtown popped up with new bars, restaurants, galleries, studios, and music venues. Fishtown extends from North of Girard Avenue and South of Lehigh Avenue and is bordered by Front Street to the East and the Delaware River to the West. There are numerous public transit options to get to Fishtown. For example, the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line stops on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia’s Fishtown. You can also get to the area by bus, by car, and by using the Route 15 trolley.

Franklin Square is a family friendly venue which offers outside activities such as Philly Mini Golf; Philadelphia Parx Liberty Carousel, a classic tribute to Philadelphia’s great heritage of carousel-making; the Once Upon a Nation storytelling bench, where costumed performers tell tales of Franklin Square’s past; and the Franklin Square Fountain, which features water shows in sync with music and colorful lights in the evening. Fountain shows run daily in the summer every 30 minutes from noon to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. until closing. One can also grab a bite to eat as you watch the light show or relax on the grass.

Northern Liberties is a former industrial area, which is now considered a “hipster hot spot” and is full of art galleries, boutiques, spas, and restaurants.

Visit North 2nd Street for global restaurants, craft beer halls and dance clubs, or the Liberties Walk pedestrian mall for bike paths and unique shops. 

 

You can also check out Old City and the Parkway Museum District for sights and food.

Rittenhouse Square is known as the restaurant neighborhood for lunch, brunch, and late nights out on the town. Here you will find burgers, vegan specialties, and James Beard winners. In the heart of Rittenhouse Square is Rittenhouse Park, and there you will find artists, poets, skateboarders, etc. Rittenhouse also offers an open-air farmers market and many shops, stores, and coffeeshops.

Head down to South Street for a 2-mile walk filled with cafes, restaurants, local shops, boutiques, and art. South Street goes from West to East, and is split in half by Broad Street. Here are some great restaurants to consider and while you’re on South Street don’t forget to get a cheesesteak from Ishkabibbles!

Spruce Street Harbor Park is an outside venue filled with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, trees with fairy lights, and yummy food from some of our best restaurants.

13th Street Midtown Village & the Gayborhood is in the rectangular section of Center City between 11th and Broad Streets, and Market and Spruce Streets. This neighborhood is in the center of Center City, and contains the Gayborhood, with lots of restaurants from which to choose. It is also the hub of LGBTQ+ nightlife, and there are many clubs and cafes.

While you are out and about, do not forget to check out Washington Square and University City.

We promise you will not go hungry in the 6th largest city in the US, so please, come eat with us!

Yours in solidarity,
Adriana Leela Bohm, PhD
Local Arrangements Chair