I find myself walking around the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philly all seasons of the year. This heavily residential area – between Washington Avenue and Moore Street, and Broad Street all the way to 23rd Street – has seen change in recent years brought on by development, spurring controversy over gentrification. But many longtime businesses and historic buildings still remain.
Landmarks
- Point Breeze Avenue staple Culture Exchange has been open since 1987 selling all of your gifting needs – from cards and books to oils and balloons.
- Also in 1987, on the corner of Ellsworth and 22nd Streets artist Keith Haring erected his only mural in Philly, titled “We The Youth.” The Haring Garden is still intact today and serves as a great green patch to admire this piece of Point Breeze history.
Take A Class
- If you continue into the heart of the neighborhood, Black Hound Clay South is a clay studio offering workshops and memberships for anyone wanting to learn more about making ceramics. The staff will occasionally put out some free mugs or small trays that were left behind from a class. When I stopped by, I picked up a free espresso cup!
- If you’re looking to get sweaty, Hot Power Yoga Philly opened last year and offers a variety of yoga classes, all in heated and humid rooms. For first timers, they have a special $10 deal.
Sip Some Coffee
- Hive Cafe sits at the eastern edge of the neighborhood on Broad Street. This spot is a go-to for any coffee cravings, but also sells plants and occasionally has programming like the Hive Sessions poetry event earlier this month.
Vegan treats are king at Batter & Crumbs Vegan Bakery and Cafe, but they also have savory snacks like bagels with vegan herb and chive cream cheese. (Abby Fritz / City Cast)
- If you’re looking for a space to work, drink coffee, and eat any vegan treat you could ever desire, Batter & Crumbs Vegan Bakery and Cafe is the spot. It has ample seating and the workers say the vegan cannolis are a huge hit. It also stocks Eagles-themed treats for any plant-based fans out there.
- On top of an extensive coffee menu, the family-owned Two Eagles Cafe has a full breakfast and lunch service. Whether you’re feeling a crepe or lamb chops with your espresso, this cafe has you covered.
Grab Grub
- Over on Point Breeze Avenue there's no shortage of breakfast spots. But The Tasty Toast serves up chicken-and-waffles, smoothies like the Incredible Hulk with kale, spinach, banana, and flaxseed, and a juice concoction with guava, passion fruit, and strawberry called the Pink Bikini.
- If you need a lunch spot, right across the street from The Tasty Toast is The Fresh Works, a hoagie spot that has great lunch combos like the buffalo chicken cheesesteak with waffle fries for $12.50. All the sandwiches are made on fresh baked rolls.
- Rosario’s Pizzeria serves Mexican and Italian fusion pizzas. There’s birria tacos on the menu, and a drink called jamaica, which is a sweetened hibiscus tea.
The bartender at El Mezcal Cantina recommended I try the cocktail of the week, which was a wild berry margarita with a tajin rim. (Abby Fritz / City Cast)
Sip a Drink
- As a mezcal lover, I had to try El Mezcal Cantina for happy hour. To pair with the namesake spirit, I’d recommend the empanada of the day and the salsa trio.
- Around the corner Madira Bar has 24 beers on tap along with a cocktail menu that includes zero-proof options. Try your drink of choice with fried snacks like the vegetable samosas or masala french fries.
As the name promises, American Sardine Bar has tinned fish galore. Try the tuna melt or tinned fish board while sipping a draft beer. (Abby Fritz / City Cast)
- American Sardine Bar is easily recognizable with the giant sardine can logo gracing its front door (don’t try to enter through that door, though, because the entrance is on the backside.) City Cast Philly executive producer Matt Katz and I recently stopped by – we got sardine subs and a couple of the many beer options. If you’re a seafood lover, this spot is a must!
- If you’d rather have your drink to go, Cicone Beverage Company is my go-to for a six pack. It opened in 1933, right after the end of prohibition.
Tofani doors can be found all over the city, particularly in Point Breeze, like this one with a star on its window. The window designs are sometimes keyhole shaped, or more abstract with a triangular style. (Abby Fritz / City Cast)
My favorite activity in Point Breeze is walking through all the rows of rowhomes. I always catch sight of a few Tofani doors. This iconic South Philly design was manufactured by Arthur Tofani Lumber & Millwork, which opened in the area in 1913. You can recognize these front doors by the glass inlays with star etchings and clever window designs.
What’s your favorite Point Breeze spot? Let us know.
