“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 Black Doctors Row – 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 Rex at the Royal.
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.
Where To Eat and Drink
City Cast Philly executive producer Matt Katz enjoyed Thit Ko Hash from The Breakfast Den. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not grab some at The Breakfast Den? 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.
Now what’s for brunch? Ants Pants is inspired by Down Under and will have you antsy to try its veggie hash, maple bacon sandwich, and cheesesteak benedict.
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge 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. Château Rouge combines Cameroonian flavors and French influences with a mouth-watering menu that includes ratatouille and suya lamb brochettes.
Where To Shop
This new brewtique is the place to go if you want to stock up on accessories, Philly-themed merch, and Labubus. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
Mad Cat Brewtique 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.
If you’re planning on proposing soon, Workshop Underground is your stop for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. If you need something repaired, this store has you covered.
Charmed on South 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 Charli Vintage & Thrift and find some second-hand gems for your closet.
Things To Do
The schoolyard at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, one of two public elementary schools in Graduate Hospital, is bustling with activity every day of the year. (Matt Katz / City Cast Philly)
Visit the home of Marian Anderson. 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 Odunde Festival. 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.
Where To Chill
This side street at “The Triangles” is completely pedestrianized. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
If you’re looking for some green space, you can take a breather at Julian Abele Park, 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 The Igloo 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.
The 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.
