This was my first time visiting Philly, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had chosen an Air B and B in Fishtown. This was a vibrant up and coming neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants.Throughout my stay in Philly, I visited many different neighborhoods, and it opened up my eyes to the development and diverse population that was growing within this city. There’s a robust metropolitan downtown filled with historical landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Constitutional Hall and you can’t forget The Rocky Steps.If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you will not want to miss out on the Mütter Museum. Finally, if you are a foodie, this city’s culinary scene will satisfy all your cravings beyond the classic Philly cheesesteak. Below are a few of my favorite spots I would highly recommend to future visitors of the city.
Bars
- Kungfu Necktie: https://www.facebook.com/kungfunecktie/
- Don’t let this dark and moody bar with its punk crowd intimidate you from one of the best dive bars in Fishtown. If you are looking for somewhere with cheap drinks, a pool table and throwback music videos, you’re in for a treat. This bar doubles as a venue that frequently host punk and metal shows or ironically hip hop nights ie drake and beyonce themed nights. It’s best to check their fb page to see what events are happening.For my time there, I simply enjoyed sipping on my drinks and staring at all the cool kids with their piercings and tattoos discussing one their favorite band… “Thunder Pussy.”
- Don’t let this dark and moody bar with its punk crowd intimidate you from one of the best dive bars in Fishtown. If you are looking for somewhere with cheap drinks, a pool table and throwback music videos, you’re in for a treat. This bar doubles as a venue that frequently host punk and metal shows or ironically hip hop nights ie drake and beyonce themed nights. It’s best to check their fb page to see what events are happening.For my time there, I simply enjoyed sipping on my drinks and staring at all the cool kids with their piercings and tattoos discussing one their favorite band… “Thunder Pussy.”
- Barcade:https://barcadephiladelphia.com/
- The name itself spells out exactly what you are looking for in a bar that offers a wide variety of arcade games and cheap drinks. The open space and high ceilings with it’s gritty industrial feel makes this a great place for a pitcher of beer and some pacman on any given night.
- Martha: https://marthakensington.com/
- If you are looking for a chic and relaxing spot with well crafted cocktails and and delicious food, this is the spot for you.It’s the perfect spot for a nice dinner date or a small group gathering. Beyond drinks, their food is amazing! I ordered their house made hummus, and I regretted not ordering more food. It was the BEST hummus I’ve ever had. Don’t miss out on the food menu while sipping away on cocktails.
Restaurants/Cafes
- Joe’s Steak+Soda:http://joessteaks.com/
- If you are looking for a fast casual spot for a good cheesesteak, this a great place for you. I actually tried out their vegan cheesesteak, and it was delicious! It’s a nice mix of grilled onions, mushrooms and vegan cheese. They have milkshakes and plenty of fries options! The best part of this restaurant is the BYOB! So don’t forget to bring in your own drinks!
- If you are looking for a fast casual spot for a good cheesesteak, this a great place for you. I actually tried out their vegan cheesesteak, and it was delicious! It’s a nice mix of grilled onions, mushrooms and vegan cheese. They have milkshakes and plenty of fries options! The best part of this restaurant is the BYOB! So don’t forget to bring in your own drinks!
- Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodles:http://www.nanzhounoodlehouse.com/index.html
- With over 1,600 reviews on Yelp and a solid 4 stars, this was the spot for a bowl of house made hand drawn noodles! The broth was amazing and the noodles were chewy and delicious. I ordered the shaved seafood noodles and water spinach in oyster sauce. The shaved noodles were wider and and have more texture to them. I would highly recommend it!
- With over 1,600 reviews on Yelp and a solid 4 stars, this was the spot for a bowl of house made hand drawn noodles! The broth was amazing and the noodles were chewy and delicious. I ordered the shaved seafood noodles and water spinach in oyster sauce. The shaved noodles were wider and and have more texture to them. I would highly recommend it!
- Reading Terminal Market: https://readingterminalmarket.org
- If you think you know what a food hall truly is, you will be amazed stepping inside Philly’s Terminal Market. The neon lights, loud chatter and endless food stands bring this place to life. You are instantly caught in the foodie frenzy and different aromas coming from the multitude of food stands. Give yourself plenty of time because food lines can end up being very long. I would recommend at least 1.5-2 hours. I have listed the foods I tried below.
- Nanee’s Kitchen: If you are looking for a giant samosa bursting with delicious flavors, you must stop by this stand. It’s a traditional Indian food stand filled with naan, dal, curries and of course the famous samosa.
- Little Thai Market: Tucked away in the back of the food hall is this thai stall serving up delicious pad thai noodles, spring rolls and thai curries. I went with the pad thai with fresh prawns, and it was one of the best thai food I’ve had.
- Dutch’s Market Kitchen: You are missing out if you have never had an apple dumpling. It’s a giant pastry that’s crispy on the outside and then filled with a caramel sauce on the inside. Yes, you have just entered dessert heaven.
- If you think you know what a food hall truly is, you will be amazed stepping inside Philly’s Terminal Market. The neon lights, loud chatter and endless food stands bring this place to life. You are instantly caught in the foodie frenzy and different aromas coming from the multitude of food stands. Give yourself plenty of time because food lines can end up being very long. I would recommend at least 1.5-2 hours. I have listed the foods I tried below.
- Sanchos:http://www.sanchopistolas.com/
- Even though SoCal has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had, I must say Philly surprised me! Sanchos is a cute restaurant tucked away in the corner.There’s seating outside and you can sip on a delicious sangria while enjoying guacamole and tacos. With four types of guac to choose from, they are worth it! I went with the ceviche and roasted veggies, and it was delicious and fresh!
- Front Street Cafe:http://frontstreetcafe.net/
- If you are looking for a great happy hour where you can get a nice cocktail and delicious food, this is the spot! I ordered their buffalo cauliflower wings and brussel sprouts and was instantly addicted. The buffalo sauce was so flavorful, it will keep you coming back for more! No matter what type of cocktail you are craving, this list was have something that fits your desire.
- If you are looking for a great happy hour where you can get a nice cocktail and delicious food, this is the spot! I ordered their buffalo cauliflower wings and brussel sprouts and was instantly addicted. The buffalo sauce was so flavorful, it will keep you coming back for more! No matter what type of cocktail you are craving, this list was have something that fits your desire.
- Milkcrate Coffee:http://milkcratecafe.com/
- If you love vintage records and coffee, you will enjoy this small Fishtown spot. The vibe was really relaxing and the coffee was strong. I would recommend coming here and spending time browsing all the records they have on the wall.
- If you love vintage records and coffee, you will enjoy this small Fishtown spot. The vibe was really relaxing and the coffee was strong. I would recommend coming here and spending time browsing all the records they have on the wall.
Green Tea + Honey 