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 iconic South Street corridor, which throughout history has been home to artists getting their start and bars, clubs, and theaters promising visitors a good time out. Businesses like Condom Kingdom and the Cannabis Museum are keeping the strip’s quirky reputation alive. Along 4th Street is historic Fabric Row, which to this day preserves Philly’s textile spirit with a smattering of tailors, seamstresses, and fabric shops.
The Queen Village Neighbors Association 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 neighborhood’s original name 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.
Jim’s Steaks attracts residents, tourists, and celebrities alike for its highly regarded cheesesteaks. (Abby Fritz / City Cast Philly)
If you’re looking for late night eats and drinks…
Tattooed Mom 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 Jim’s South Street 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.
Larry Fine, one of the Three Stooges, was born in South Philly and a mural of him is at 3rd and South Streets. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
If you’re looking for a blast from the past…
At Retrospect Vintage and Philly Aids Thrift, 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.
Blockbuster may be dead, but long live Pop Culture Vulture. 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.
ACE Coffee Outpost 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.
ACE Coffee Shop is among several cafes in the neighborhood – there’s also Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Shot Tower Coffee, and Green Line Cafe. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
If you’re in need of some art…
Eyes Gallery was founded by Isaiah and Julia Zagar, whose names you may recognize from the famous Magic Gardens. 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.
Bodie 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.
South Street Art Mart is a queer women-owned retail shop where you can find anything from zines and enamel pins to prints and postcards from Philly artists.
And YOWIE 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.
If you’re looking for third spaces…
Visit At My House. No, not my 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 event schedule here.
Bodie has two locations, one in Queen Village and the other in Fairmount. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
If you want to grow your library…
Another Corner 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.
Atomic City Comics, 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 DreamEerie, the one-stop shop for all things spooky and gothic, also on South Street.
