Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Releases: Expanded View

Feb 17 2012

What's In The Graduate Hospital Neighborhood?

Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Shops & Markets In The Graduate Hospital Neighborhood

Graduate Hospital goes by many names (Center City South, South of South, G-Ho), which is fitting for a neighborhood that draws its personality from the people inside it: young transplants, born-and-raised neighbors, hip urban professionals, craft beer crowds and more. In recent years, the area stretching from Lombard Street to Washington Avenue and from Broad Street to Gray’s Ferry Avenue has accumulated a healthy dose of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and markets that reflect the area’s residential and cool vibe.

Restaurants & Bars:

  • Balkan Express Restaurant – This family-run bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot serves up Mediterranean fare that’s both wallet-friendly and healthy. In fact, many dishes, such as the stuffed cabbage rolls, use ingredients from the restaurant’s own garden. 2237 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 545-1255, balkanexpressrestaurant.com
  • Bistro La Baia – The familial service and the lobster ravioli are just two of the many reasons this cozy Italian BYOB has been a neighborhood mainstay for nearly 15 years. 1700 Lombard Street, (215) 546-0496, bistrolabaia.com
  • Bob & Barbara’s Lounge – The Philly Special—a shot of Jim Beam and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon for $3.50—may have been made famous at Bob & Barbara’s, but it’s only a part of what makes the place so fun. Tuesdays feature ping-pong happy hour, Thursdays include a drag show, and Friday and Saturday nights are all about jazz. 1509 South Street, (215) 545-4511
  • Doobie’s – Many Philly bars and restaurants have great beer selections, but Doobie’s sets itself apart with its killer jukebox, dog-friendly policy, vegan food and board games. 2201 Lombard Street, (215) 546-0316
  • Grace Tavern – Beer lovers rave about Grace Tavern, founded by the minds behind Philly beer havens Monk’s Cafe and Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant, but patrons who don’t sample the venue’s varied food selection—the fresh oyster po-boy, the spinach and feta sausage sandwich and the blackened green beans—are missing out. 2229 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 893-9580, gracetavern.com
  • Indian Restaurant – This BYOB delivers what its name promises. The staff is attentive; the menu is fresh, healthy and vegetarian-friendly; and the portions are perfect for leftovers. 1634 South Street, (215) 964-9451, indianrestaurantphiladelphia.com
  • Jamaican Jerk Hut – With its spicy jerk chicken, generous portion sizes and outdoor seating in the warmer months, this small Caribbean BYOB has become a classic Philly establishment. 1436 South Street, (215) 545-8644, jajerkhut.com
  • Jet Wine Bar – Wine connoisseurs feel right at home at Jet Wine Bar, which features vino from around the globe along with a revolving menu of small plates of meats, cheeses and sandwiches. On Thursday nights, movie screenings come with a $5 cocktail special and free popcorn. 1525 South Street, (215) 735-1116, jetwinebar.com
  • Meritage – Meritage features a fusion menu dotted with signature dishes, such as the local favorite Korean fried chicken. Two seating areas, a bar and a wine list praised by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast round out the dining experience. 500 S. 20th Street, (215) 985-1922, meritagephiladelphia.com
  • My Thai – This lovingly decorated eatery has everything people expect of a Pad Thai restaurant: big portions, budget-friendly prices, friendly service and—be careful—very spicy dishes. 2200 South Street, (215) 985-1878
  • Novita Bistro – A romantic, 40-seat dining spot with exposed brick walls, the snug Novita Bistro BYOB serves Italian dishes with Moroccan and Mediterranean hints. 1608 South Street, (215) 545-4665, novitabistro.com
  • Pub & Kitchen – Dishing out restaurant-quality fare, Pub & Kitchen has established itself as a must-visit for gastropub enthusiasts thanks to raved-about burgers, fries, fish and chips and a must-try brunch. 1946 Lombard Street, (215) 545-0350, thepubandkitchen.com
  • Pumpkin – Local and seasonal ingredients play a major role in Pumpkin’s cuisine, so it’s no surprise the menu of this relaxed New American establishment changes constantly—all without compromising value. 1713 South Street, (215) 545-4448, pumpkinphilly.com/restaurant
  • Resurrection Ale House – People come to this traditional American craft beer bar and restaurant for its nationally known twice-fried chicken, but they stay for the 12 draft beers on tap and a menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. 2425 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 735-2202, resurrectionalehouse.com
  • Robert’s Twi-Lite Lounge – With friendly service, friendlier clientele, soul food, a stocked jukebox and occasional live jazz, the Twi-Lite Lounge challenges the neighborhood bar stereotype. 700 S. 20th Street
  • Roberto Cafe – This tasteful BYOB on South Street receives praise for its authentic Italian cuisine, befitting atmosphere and speedy, friendly service. 2108 South Street, (215) 545-0793, robertocafe.com
  • Sawatdee – The neon green interior may be the first thing people notice about this cozy Thai BYOB, but it’s not the last. They come back to taste the mix of dishes and take advantage of the $10 three-course lunches. 1501 South Street, (215) 790-1299
  • The Sidecar Bar & Grille – This two-floor gastropub—proud of its expansive and constantly evolving beer list—reinvents the happy hour, pouring specials from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 a.m. every weeknight. On the weekends, brunch means burritos and Bloody Marys. 2201 Christian Street, (215) 732-3429, thesidecarbar.com
  • Ten Stone – Resembling an English pub, this bar and restaurant serves light fare that pairs perfectly with imported beers and domestic microbrews. After eating, diners can stick around to watch a game or play pool or darts. 2063 South Street, (215) 735-9939, tenstone.com

Strictly Food:

  • Betty’s Speakeasy – The staff here prides itself on personally knowing many of the people who grow food for their menu, which lists local, organic and fair-trade options. From fudge made with an old family recipe and award-winning cupcakes to cheese, specialty drinks and sandwiches, Betty’s satisfies any craving. 2241 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 735-9060, bettysfudge.com
  • Lazaro’s Pizzeria & Grill – With monstrous single slices and pizza pies that range from 14 to 26 inches, Lazaro’s does thin-crust pizza right. But the other menu options, including 18-inch cheesesteaks, are worth a taste too. 1743 South Street, (215) 545-2775, lazarospizzaandgrill.com
  • Moe’s Hot Dog House – A self-proclaimed “mini-diner,” Moe’s has expanded its menu from 14 hot dog and sausage options to sandwiches, fish, salads and breakfast fare. Don’t worry—they still serve the original treats, many topped with homemade condiments. 2601 Washington Avenue, (215) 465-6637, moeshotdoghouse.com
  • Phoebe’s Bar-B-Q – BBQ lovers can indulge in Oklahoma-style barbecue food without hopping on a plane. For almost 20 years, Graduate Hospital residents have flocked to the South Street outpost of Phoebe’s for its ribs, sandwiches, candied yams and mac and cheese. 2214 South Street, (215) 545-4811, phoebesbbq.com
  • Randazzo’s Pizzeria – A dozen thin-crust gourmet pizzas are just the beginning at this neighborhood pizzeria, which serves cheesesteaks, burgers, wings, wraps, salads, pasta and even milkshakes. 1826 South Street, (215) 546-1566, randazzospizzaphilly.com

Cafes & Markets:

  • Ants Pants Cafe – This Australian-inspired cafe dishes out sumptuous breakfast options (served all day long) as well as a collection of Aussie drinks and sweet potato fries that keep diners raving. 2212 South Street, (215) 875-8002, antspantscafe.com
  • Beauty Shop Cafe – Inside this cozy—and pink—cafe, patrons enjoy tasty pastries, a wide selection of teas and coffees and free Wi-Fi in a laid-back atmosphere. 2001 Fitzwater Street, (215) 546-1002
  • Café Lutecia – Cafe-goers choose this quaint, French-inspired nook for its substantial soup-and-sandwich combo, pleasant staff and sizable cups of coffee. 2301 Lombard Street, (215) 790-9557
  • Healthy Bites To Go – This breakfast and brunch eatery features fresh, homemade meals on the take-out menu, while the market side focuses on local and organic produce, dairy, eggs, poultry and baked goods. 2521 Christian Street, (215) 259-8646, healthybitesdelivery.com
  • La.Va Cafe – Coffee shop by day, BYOB by night, this comfortable venue serves Israeli-style treats along with pastries and coffees. 2100 South Street, (215) 545-1508, lava-cafe.com
  • OCF Coffee House – Owned and operated by neighboring real estate firm OCF Realty, the coffee shop offers 15 loose-leaf tea selections, French press coffee and seasonal beverages. 1745 South Street, (215) 454-2196, ocfcoffeehouse.com
  • Pumpkin Market – Down the street from its restaurant counterpart, Pumpkin Market offers an assortment of sandwiches, smoothies and soups and sources much of its meat, produce and dairy from local farms and families. 1610 South Street, (215) 545-3924, pumpkinphilly.com/market
  • Tastebuds Market & Catering – Tastebuds prides itself on personal service while serving coffee and bagels for breakfast or made-to-order sandwiches for lunch. Patrons should not forget dessert: The company’s triple fudge brownie is heaven on Lombard Street. 2400 Lombard Street, (215) 546-6900, tastebudsonlombard.com

Shops & Markets:

  • Bicycle Therapy – If bikes needed therapy, the staff here would be serviceable shrinks. After more than 20 years in the neighborhood, the store and repair shop has built a great reputation among cycling enthusiasts and casual peddlers. 2211 South Street, (215) 735-7849, bicycletherapy.com
  • Doggie Style – One of several locations in the city and surrounding area, Doggie Style packs its shelves with pet basics and pampering indulgences. Bonus: They offer store-to-door delivery. 2101 South Street, (267) 687-8051, doggiestylepets.com
  • Loop – A one-stop shop for all-things yarn, Loop began as an online store before expanding to a South Street retail shop. Patrons looking to hone their hand-knitting craft can join a group class or sign up for a private lesson. 1914 South Street, (215) 893-9939, loopyarn.com
  • The Philly Pack – Dog owners in need of advice can turn to The Philly Pack. Not only does the staff bring years of experience to its leash training and social conditioning sessions, but the store also offers high-quality food and treats. 2315 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 279-7240, thephillypack.com
  • Spool – Both arts-and-crafts fiends and novices feel right at home at Spool, which sells fabrics and patterns and offers a wide variety of sewing and quilting classes. 1912 South Street, (215) 545-0755, spoolsewing.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

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