austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Philly

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Siani Colón

Sharswood, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, is roughly bordered by Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the north, 19th Street to the east, 25th Street to the west, and College Avenue to the south. 

Sharswood's name originates from former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice 

. He lived in an estate in what is today’s Sharswood.

, the landscape began to change. German Lutherans primarily lived in the area at this time, soon followed by a 

migration of African Americans in the 20th century

. Sharswood became a hub of entertainment, with 

jazz venues peppered along the Ridge Avenue corridor

The neighborhood was not just an epicenter of art, but also the fight for civil rights. Sharswood saw tensions culminate in the 

 in 1964 and community members were victorious in 

Today, the Philadelphia Housing Authority has a significant presence in the neighborhood and has been 

. But residents and neighbor-led organizations such as the 

Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition

Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association

 keep community interests and the neighborhood’s collective memories at the forefront.

. This halal cafe is located at the border of Brewerytown and Sharswood. Open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this is the perfect place to meet up with friends over coffee at any hour of the day. You can grab a Dubai chocolate bowl, a berry bowl, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

On a hotter day, visit Jordana’s Water Ice on Ridge Avenue for the quintessential Philly sweet treat.

Many iconic landmarks of Sharswood’s past are no longer standing, such as the 

, which hosted performances by musical legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Pearl Bailey, and the 

, which was once home to the Philadelphia Athletics. However, 

 tell the history of these spaces and important figures.

 once lived at a home at 24th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Though the house is vacant, preservationists have been 

working hard to keep Thrash’s legacy alive

Several murals commemorate the neighborhood’s past and present. 

depicts Sharswood’s jazz history, iconic figures, and protests. The 

 mural is depicted on one of Sharswood’s newer affordable housing projects, incorporating 

If you have a green thumb, be sure to visit the 

. The green oasis is run by volunteers, with programs focused on urban farming, health and wellness, and community livelihood. A 

 is another space leading environmental and agricultural efforts for the neighborhood’s surrounding communities. The farm runs cooking classes, therapeutic gardening, and youth summer camps. Its main site is at 24th and Berks Streets, but it operates a satellite site and farm stand at 22nd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

 is an anchor for the community, serving multiple neighborhoods including Sharswood, Brewerytown, North Central Philadelphia, and Strawberry Mansion. Originally opened in 1962, the library regularly hosts cooking classes and movie nights, and even has a rock climbing wall patrons can access.

If you’re looking for a workout beyond the library’s climbing wall, 

 has a location right along Ridge Avenue.

If you’re headed over on SEPTA, you can catch bus routes 3, 33, or 61 to travel along the main corridors.

The North Philly neighborhood has undergone much change, but still preserves its history of artistry and activism. 

Your Guide to Sharswood

Get To Know Sharswood

Everything to know about Philadelphia neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Philly Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Queen Village rests in a sweet spot of Philadelphia. The residential neighborhood with its colorful facades is within walking distance of Center City, the Delaware River waterfront, and Bella Vista’s Italian Market.

But that doesn’t mean you should brush off this Philly neighborhood, which has plenty to offer on its own. It's home to the city’s 

, which throughout history has been home to artists getting their start and bars, clubs, and theaters promising visitors a good time out. Businesses like 

, which to this day preserves Philly’s textile spirit with a smattering of tailors, seamstresses, and fabric shops.

 defines the neighborhood’s borders as Lombard to the north, Washington Avenue to the south, 6th Street to the west, and the Delaware River to the east. The 

 was “Wicaco,” the Lenape word for “pleasant place” or “at the pine tree camp.” European settlers renamed it Southwark. Its current moniker is in reference to Queen Christina of Sweden who sent Swedes over to the area in the 1640s.

The neighborhood has undergone many fights, fires, and festivities throughout its history, which you can learn about in 

part one of City Cast Philly’s new South Street series

. Although South Street and the surrounding Queen Village is ever changing, the community spirit remains alive through its local shops, events, and art. Here’s what you can find.

If you’re looking for late night eats and drinks…

 captures South Street’s quintessential gritty vibe. Completely covered wall-to-wall in stickers and art, the bar hosts open mics, comedy shows, and artist pop-ups. If you’re in need of vegan-friendly bar food, this is the place to go.

Everyone in Philly has their cheesesteak spot that they claim is the best, but 

 has earned its reputation as one of Philly’s best. You’ll regularly find crowds waiting outside for the famous cheesesteak. You can get your whiz on as late as 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. if you’re in need of a late night snack.

If you’re looking for a blast from the past…

, one man’s so-called “trash” is another’s man’s treasure. These shops, whether you’re looking for something more curated or just a haul, have a vast collection of clothing, homegoods, and trinkets.

. Owner Steve Brasovankin collects any vintage pop culture gems, and it's the only place to go if you’re looking to build up your physical media collection with old CDs and DVDs.

 is half independent coffee roaster, half vintage store. You can browse its collection of throwback jerseys and streetwear while sipping on an iced blueberry latte as chill hip-hop beats play in the background.

 was founded by Isaiah and Julia Zagar, whose names you may recognize from the famous 

. This shop is chock full of Latin American folk art available for purchase. The gallery has been a staple on South Street since 1968, relocating to its current location on South Street after a devastating 2022 fire that began at Jim’s, next door to its original location.

 is a general store that partners with local Philadelphia artists to showcase the work of women, queer people, and creators of color. You can find comedic cards for every occasion, candles that look like chicken drumsticks, and a limited edition Philly mini card vending machine.

 is a queer women-owned retail shop where you can find anything from zines and enamel pins to prints and postcards from Philly artists.

 is not just a boutique hotel and cafe – it’s a shop with goods from artists and emerging designers that's operated by Shannon Maldonado, who grew up nearby.

house but the vintage store doubling as a hub for in-person community at a time where socializing is growing more digital. The store regularly collaborates with local artists and organizers to host events such as collage workshops, comedy nights, and book clubs. You can find a regular 

 specializes in books and gears meant to attract folks to new hobbies. Interested in biking? There’s a book for that. Birdwatching? There’s gear for that. The rotating collection of goods serves every corner of your life. The shop also hosts pop-up art galleries and bake sales.

, the only Black-owned comic shop in the city, is where you can stock up on all things nerdy. If the owner looks familiar, that may be because Daryll Jones is also the owner of 

, the one-stop shop for all things spooky and gothic, also on South Street.

This Philly neighborhood is home to South Street and Philly’s historic “Fabric Row”

Your Guide to Philadelphia’s Queen Village Neighborhood

Get To Know Queen Village

Once part of Roxborough Township, Philly’s Manayunk neighborhood still feels like its own town with distinct character, traditions, and riverfront views. Deriving from the Lenni-Lenape word “manaiung,” translating to ”place to drink,” many visitors come to do just that along its bustling Main Street corridor.

While Europeans settled in the Roxborough-Manayunk-Wissahickon area in the 1700s, Manayunk would 

 after the completion of the Flat Rock Dam and Manayunk Canal in the 1820s. Its use of powerlooms competed with handweavers in Kensington’s textile industry. The work attracted laborers from Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Poland.

The neighborhood later experienced some decline along its business corridor as its anchor industries moved on, but 

 in the 1980s, repurposing the old mills for restaurants, galleries, and studios.

Manayunk’s boundaries are Fountain Street to the north, Ridge Avenue to the south, Manayunk Avenue to the east, and the Schuylkill River to the west. You can get there via the Regional Rail’s Manayunk/Norristown Line or catch buses 9, 27, 35, 61, or 62.

Manayunk has such a lively restaurant scene that it hosts its own 

. While we can’t name all the spots in the neighborhood, here are some favorites.

, you can get coffee, a plant, and artwork all in the same building. Munch on paninis, arepas, or carrot cake. In the evening, Artesano is open for bar service. Its 

 hosts over 100 original works made of metals and reclaimed materials.

 is here to remind you that you belong. The taproom hosts game nights, Quizzo, and open mics throughout the week.

 may have eight beers on the tap, but its 14-inch artisanal pizzas with ale-infused crust hit the spot, like “Philly Popper” and “Noochy Boochies.”

’s burgers get all the (understable) fan-fare, be sure to try the hotdogs, too.

 to your brunch rotation. The bistro’s green and gold palette gives off an eye-catching elegance. Definitely make a reservation before heading over so you can try the crab omelette or cinnamon roll pancakes.

We can’t forget about our pups. Pick up a treat from 

. If you love to read romance novels, this is your one-stop shop for meet-cutes and steamy lit.

. Operating since 1991, this record shop has an extensive collection of CDs and vinyl records from old and newer artists.

Vintage-lovers can find a treasure trove of wares at 

. With three locations in the city, the Manayunk shop fits right into the artsy vibe of the neighborhood.

 sells artwork from local artists, as well as crafting kits and classes. Be sure to shop its Manayunk Creator Market on the weekends to support the artistic community.

 is the largest outdoor art festival in the tri-state area and draws thousands from across the country each year. For over 30 years, the festival has shut down Main Street as shoppers peruse art ranging from paintings to glasswork.

West Philly is known for its Porchfest, but other neighborhoods are getting in on the fun. 

 is bringing the do-it-yourself music festival to Manayunk and Roxborough, with professional and amateur musicians taking over porches and front lawns.

, where you can take pottery classes for a drop-in or an eight-week session.

The gem of Manayunk is its trail network. You can sit by the water or fish at Canal View Park. If you can’t stay idle, take a stroll down Manayunk Canal Towpath, which connects to the Schuylkill River Trail. The canal was recently 

, and now folks can spot larger fish in its waters.

, where its friends group is regularly hosting activities. Each Saturday there’s a farmers market with live music. The park also features concerts across genres. And when it's the season, you can kick back and relax during Parks on Tap. This park is also dog-friendly.

Bordered by its steep hills and waterways, Manayunk has tucked away gems in its restaurant and art scene. 


Your Guide to Philadelphia’s Manayunk Neighborhood

Where To Go in Manayunk

“Southwest Center City,” “South of South,” “So-So,” and “G-Ho” are some of the varying names that one may call Philly’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood. The name originates from the medical facility of the same name that's no longer in operation, but like many things in Philly, we like to call things by their old names (The Gallery, Market East Station, Wells Fargo Center).

Graduate Hospital was originally a Swedish settlement, with different immigrant groups occupying the area over time. The Great Migration saw many 

African Americans moving to Philadelphia, especially the 7th Ward

. During the early 20th century, a stretch of Christian Street was home to 

 – six residential blocks where prominent Black doctors, pastors, lawyers, and other professionals lived. Over on South Street, the Royal Theater was a prominent entertainment venue during the Black Renaissance. It has since been redeveloped and is now occupied by a restaurant, cafe, and bottle shop called 

Graduate Hospital’s boundaries are South Street to the north, Broad Street to the east, Washington Avenue to the south, and all the way to the Schuylkill River to the west. It includes the Naval Square gated residential community, where the U.S. had its first naval academy nearly 200 years ago.

Graduate Hospital’s commercial corridor is anchored by the west side of South Street, with a smattering of businesses around other sections of the relatively quaint and quiet neighborhood.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not grab some at 

? Located on the corner of 15th and South Streets, this restaurant mixes American-style breakfast with Vietnamese cuisine. Some menu favorites include Dau Phu (tofu) and Eggs Bowl, Chao Ga (chicken broth rice porridge), and Thit Ko Hash (sunny eggs with pulled pork, jalapeños, cheddar, and homefries). Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

 is inspired by Down Under and will have you antsy to try its veggie hash, maple bacon sandwich, and cheesesteak benedict.

 has been a staple dive on South Street since 1969. Drop $5 on The Special (which it invented) of PBR and Jim Beam, perform at karaoke night, and experience what might be the longest-running drag show in the city on Thursday nights.

One of the neighborhood’s newest restaurant additions is among the city’s most unique. 

 combines Cameroonian flavors and French influences with a mouth-watering menu that includes ratatouille and suya lamb brochettes.

 just opened this past Mother’s Day. Most of the boutique and café’s accessories, trinkets, and clothing are made by Philly artists. The shop will have a charm bar and host paint & sips, drag storytime, and other community events.

 is your stop for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. If you need something repaired, this store has you covered.

 is a charming jewelry boutique, with a studio space for makers to host workshops. Right outside is a converted newspaper box where you can grab free art, stickers, and zines.

If your wardrobe needs a refresh, stop by 

 and find some second-hand gems for your closet.

. The Philadelphia opera singer broke the color barrier and became the first Black singer to perform at the New York Metropolitan Opera. In 1939, she entertained 75,000 in an outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Her home at 762 Martin Street was converted into a museum with memorabilia, books, and photos.

Every June, Graduate Hospital turns into a party with 

. The event, which takes over 16 city blocks across the neighborhood, is the largest African American street festival in the continent and has been going strong for 50 years.

If you’re looking for some green space, you can take a breather at 

, named after a prominent Black architect in Philly who was involved in the design of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its Friends of Julian Abele Park group keeps the space active with crafting and mending workshops, summer concerts, soccer for tots, and book swaps.

The Triangles is a reclaimed section of Grays Ferry Avenue that neighbors turned into a public meeting space where neighbors lounge around a late-1800s fountain that once served as a water trough for horses. You can grab a sweet treat at 

 right next to it and wait for the sun to go down as you listen to live music or watch a kids movie on an outdoor screen.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Pop-Up Garden

 is a great hideaway from the city, filled with funky floral vibes. Grab a cocktail and attend a plant workshop led by PHS.

Don’t be fooled by Graduate Hospital’s quiet appearance. With an array of boutique shops and quality restaurants, it’s far from “So-So.”


Your Guide to Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital Neighborhood

Get To Know Graduate Hospital

Underneath the rumbling of the L is Philly’s Norris Square neighborhood. Located in the lower section of Kensington, the neighborhood is roughly bordered by American Street to the west, Front Street to the east, York Street to the north, and Berks Street to the south.

Both the neighborhood and park are named after Isaac Norris, a prominent Quaker merchant who was 

friends with William Penn and later became Philadelphia mayor

Here’s what to do if you visit Norris Square.

 is a casual sitdown restaurant within walking distance of the York-Dauphin L stop. You can order meals like stews, rice and meat platters, or a shrimp salad. The chicken at this restaurant is the juiciest!

What if you can get coffee, a new houseplant, and a trinket all in stop? 

 truly has it all and is located on Second Street.

 is best known for its breakfast sandwiches which are served on a soft pretzel. If you’re vegan, don’t worry. They have options to choose from. The café is dog-friendly and the natural light through the windows make it a welcoming space to hang out with friends.

 specializes in books by American authors and highlights themes of social justice. The book store also doubles as a coffee shop, with plenty of seating to choose from to read a book and drink a warm drink in a cozy environment. And if you’re looking to update your closet, you can purchase some trendy clothes there too.

If you’re a fan of beer, you can check out 

. The taproom opened its doors in Norris Square in 2024 and offers brews such as “Time is a Hazy Concept” and “Astrolabe.” If the location looks a bit familiar to you, the building’s exterior was used for Mighty Mick’s Gym in the Rocky movies.

If you walk near the vicinity of Norris Square Park, your eye may catch this along the side of a home. Betsy Z. Casañas, an artist from Fairhill who has 

 Located in a neighborhood that’s rapidly changing due to widespread development, the mural represents a seed being planted from generation to generation to preserve the culture. The image of a father carrying his daughter among the hibiscus is meant to change the narrative surrounding fatherhood in Black and brown communities.

Do you love SEPTA as much as this squirrel does? Walking up Hancock Street, you can see 

 eagerly munching on a SEPTA token. Philly squirrels will truly eat anything and everything.

Iron Man this, Batman that. There’s one particular superhero Philly should know. 

Decorating the sidewall of a home on Mascher Street is La Borinqueña

, a Puerto Rican superhero designed by independent comic book artist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez. The mural also depicts several prominent women in Puerto Rican history, including Julia de Burgos and Marianna Bracetti, who are the namesakes of two local schools. The mural was painted with the help of Norris Square community members.

If you’re interested in checking out more murals and learning about their connection to the history of Norris Square, Mural Arts is launching 

See How Community Transforms Public Spaces

 to be “a public green and walk forever.” Recently renovated, the park has an updated playground space and basketball court. You can enjoy free public Wi-Fi in the park thanks to 

. The hidden oasis transformed a hot spot for illegal dumping into an art gallery, repurposing materials like tires to create Indigenous-inspired sculpture work. The garden hosts a community potluck on Wednesday evenings.

Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s gardens

 are the gems of the neighborhood. A group of matriarchs in the neighborhood, Grupo Motivos, reclaimed lots used for dumping and the drug trade to transform them into community gardens. The six gardens have Puerto Rican, Taíno, and African influences. The Norris Square Neighborhood Project maintains these gardens and utilizes its spaces for transformative youth education. There are open volunteer days on the fourth Saturday of each month in the garden. Youth leaders sell fresh produce that they’ve grown at their 

If you want to visit Norris Square, take SEPTA! You can get off at the York-Dauphin L stop. Bus routes 3, 39, 57, and 89 drive through the neighborhood.

Norris Square’s community gardens and public art are neighborhood highlights. 


Your Guide to Philly’s Norris Square Neighborhood

Get To Know Norris Square

Philadelphia’s Harrowgate neighborhood, just north of Kensington, has a strong 

 with factories still sprinkled around. Its name is believed to come from a 

 that in the 1780s attracted the wealthy to its hot springs until industrialization later changed the character of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood’s boundaries are Erie and Torresdale Avenues to the north, Allegheny Avenue to the south, Aramingo Avenue to the east, and G Street to the west, according to Harrowgate Civic Association President Shannon Farrell-Pakstis.

 is a Puerto Rican bakery located inside Harrowgate Plaza. Perfect for your sweet tooth – you can get fresh bread, donuts, cakes, and plenty more. But if you’re craving something savory, there’s pastelillos, alcapurrias (fritters), and sandwiches.

 is a James Beard semifinalist and has become a beloved staple in the community. The shop sells specialty Vietnamese coffee and dishes, and is a great spot to meet up with friends. The 

 changes seasonally so although the Gritty Khang Sando is no longer on the menu (please bring it back), there are so many more yummy options to try from its own kitchen or a collaborative pop-up.

Another good spot to find Vietnamese cuisine is Cafe Mi Quang, just down the street from Càphê Roasters. If you need something to warm you up, there’s a variety of pho to pick from. One thing to note is that the restaurant is cash only.

 is a newer addition to the neighborhood. It’s perfect to grab a quick drink or a cake pop from 

. There’s an explosion of color along the walls, with artwork available for purchase. The works depict notable cartoons, celebrities, historic figures, and original characters. If you feel inspired by all the artwork, you can head upstairs and get inked by 

 and the Harrowgate Civic Association regularly host events in the park at the heart of the neighborhood such as seasonal festivals, cleanups, and movie nights.

 is equipped with an outdoor hockey rink, wallball court, basketball court, playground, and pool. During the winter, Philadelphians can skate for free at select times inside Scanlon’s ice rink, only paying $3 to $5 for skate rental. 

offers more fun thanks to its multi-purpose sports pitch.

Put that Yankee Candle down and make your own instead! 

 hosts candle-making workshops over the course of 90 minutes. You can bring your own wine and guests can purchase a karaoke package if they want to sing to their hearts’ content while concocting the sweet scents.

, which showcases work by local artists and will occasionally host exhibitions, like its 

s the spot if you want to have a date night or try your hand at a new hobby. Located inside a repurposed carpet mill, you can take a class at the pottery studio and learn how to make your own mug, vase, bowl – you name it! Don’t want to get your hands dirty? You can commission work to make your vision a reality.

’s warehouse-sized store has thousands of comics, figurines, and posters depicting superheroes, anime characters, wrestlers, and movie characters. You could spend hours browsing its collection, which has grown since 1989 at the family-owned and -operated store.

Although Harrowgate isn’t the industrial hub it once was, the neighborhood is anchored by small businesses and local artisans. 


Neighborhood Guides

Get To Know Sharswood

Get To Know Queen Village

Where To Go in Manayunk

Latest articles

Get To Know Graduate Hospital

Get To Know Norris Square

Get To Know Harrowgate

Your Guide to Hunting Park

Your Guide to Northwood

Get To Know Feltonville

Get To Know Point Breeze