East Falls, which gets its name from waterfalls that were submerged by a dam in the Schuylkill River over two centuries ago, is nestled between Germantown, Wissahickon Valley Park, and the Allegheny West neighborhood.
The hilly area was once a fishing and industrial hub. Some historic residents include actress (and princess) Grace Kelly and Thomas Mifflin, Pennsylvania’s first governor.
A map of East Falls. (Asha Prihar / City Cast Philly)
If you want to explore the neighborhood, here are some places to start. Special thanks to Hey Philly reader Sarah V. for supplying some of these recommendations!
Eat and Drink
- 🍕 If you’re feeling pizza, Sarah shouted out Founded Coffee and Pizza, In Riva (Neapolitan-style), and Apollos.
- 🍽️ Sarah also recommends checking out LeBus (American homestyle food), The Black Squirrel (British-style pub food), and Fiorino (Italian BYOB).
- ☕ Seeking coffee? Sarah says to try out Thunder Mug Cafe, Vault + Vine, or Wirlybird inside Wissahickon Brewing Company.
- 😋 My rec: Snack on a beef empanada from Empanadas United.
Chicken, beef, and pizza empanadas from Empanadas United. (Asha Prihar / City Cast Philly)
Shop Around (or Borrow)
- 🍎 Hit up the weekly, year-round farmer’s market on Saturdays.
- 🪴 Vault + Vine isn’t just a coffee shop — you can also adopt a new plant there, or shop for cute gifts.
- 🥖 NouVaux Market, which Sarah calls “East Fall’s version of Trader Joe’s,” offers a small selection of grocery items and specialty foods, including some products from local restaurants and bakeries.
- 🪀 Rutabaga Toy Library allows members to check out toys for their children and return them in exchange for different ones once the kiddos get sick of them.
The interior of Vault + Vine, a coffee shop/store where you can buy plants or other items. (Asha Prihar / City Cast Philly)
Explore Hobbies and Interests
- 🎭 See a play or musical — or audition for one — at Old Academy Players, the community theater where Grace Kelly got her start.
- 📚 See what’s up at Falls of Schuylkill Library — consider joining their book group or fiber arts group.
- 🪨 Try out climbing at the nearby Philadelphia Rock Gym. For “even a beginner like myself,” Sarah says, “it was a blast.”
Appreciate the Outdoors
- 🚲 Bike, run, or walk the Schuylkill River Trail, which runs through the neighborhood along Kelly Drive. (Tip: There’s a neighborhood running group that meets every Monday evening.)
- 🌳 Relax, hang out, and enjoy the trees in McMichael Park. (It’s an arboretum!)
How To Get There
SEPTA’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail line and bus routes 1, 32, 61, R, and K all serve the area. East Falls is also a short drive from I-76, Kelly Drive, or the Lincoln Highway.
Want me to highlight your neighborhood next? Let me know what you love about it here.
This article has been updated with the correct spelling of Wirlybird Coffee.
