Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Long known as the edgiest street in Philadelphia, South Street welcomes more than just hippies these days. Shoppers searching for a statement-making look, visitors hungry for a real Philly cheesesteak and music lovers who want to catch an up-and-coming band head to the storied boulevard. Add ethnically diverse restaurants, bars that keep the party going long after dessert and galleries and performance spaces, South Street has evolved into the place where everyone meets. Over the past decade, the development of the east side of South Street spread west of Broad Street, but the traditional definition of the district (depending who you ask) spans up to 14 blocks: Front Street all the way up to Broad, plus a few steps off the main drag.

Food & Drinks:

• Alyan’s – The staff doles out casual Middle Eastern fare at this cozy South Street spot, complete with a petite and sunny greenhouse-inspired dining room. Best known for hearty, inexpensive falafel sandwiches, Alyan’s also features favorites like shish kabobs and stuffed grape leaves. 603 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-3553
• Beau Monde – No doubt about it: The stars at this charming Queen Village Beaux Arts-style bistro must be the sweet and savory Breton crepes. After dinner and dessert, guests can head upstairs to L’etage for cabaret or dance music. 624 S. 6^th Street, (215) 592-0656, creperie-beaumonde.com
• Bistro Romano – In addition to serving upscale Italian food to neighbors from both the north and south of South Street since 1988, Bistro Romano also hosts “The Original Mystery Theater” on Friday and Saturday nights. 120 Lombard Street, (215) 925-8880, bistroromano.com
• Bistrot La Minette – Chef Peter Woolsey focuses on sophisticated French fare, made with seasonal ingredients, at his straight-from-Paris-feeling corner restaurant. Meals come at a fraction of the price every Saturday thanks to a $25 three-course lunch menu, and in the warmer months, diners say “oui oui” to French films (with subtitles) in the lovely outdoor garden. 623 S. 6^th Street, (215) 925-8000, bistrotlaminette.com
• Blackbird Pizzeria – The vegetarian community can indulge their cravings for a couple of slices thanks to Philadelphia’s first all-vegan pizzeria, topping the pies with such ingredients as fennel, eggplant and artichokes, plus keeping a slew of loaded sandwiches and salads on the menu for good measure. 507 S. 6^th Street, (215) 625-6660, blackbirdpizzeria.com
• Brauhaus Schmitz – At this authentic German beer hall and eatery, diners dig into hearty lunches, dinners and late-night dishes with modern, approachable twists. To wash it all down, they can choose from 20 beers on a tap and a bottle list so big it knocks customers’ lederhosen off. 718 South Street, (267) 909-8814, brauhausschmitz.com
• Bridget Foy’s – This South Street staple packs its menu with casual favorites for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The late-night menu is stuffed with a selection of shareables, including cheesesteak spring rolls and wings. 200 South Street, (215) 922-1813, bridgetfoys.com
• Burger.org Glatt Kosher – Kosher beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, fish and veggie burgers find a good home on house-made buns six days a week, with plain, spicy and sweet potato fries and hummus plates to complement. And because it wouldn’t be Philly without it, this kosher joint keeps a kosher steak sandwich on the menu. 326 South Street, (267) 639-3425, burgerorg.com
• Caribbean Delight – A jerk food destination, Caribbean Delight dishes out curry goat, curry shrimp, fried chicken and even vegetarian options. With a large outdoor seating area and reggae music to set the mood, guests enjoy a mini-island retreat along with their authentic Jamaican fare. 1124 South Street, (215) 829-1030
• Chick’s Social Kitchen + Bar – This recently revamped spot serves from an impressive wine and cheese menu, whips up Italian specialties, offers a chef’s tasting menu and mixes fun cocktails. 614 S. 7^th Street, (215) 625-3700, chickssocial.net
• Copabanana – This brightly painted, vacation-inspired South Street mainstay is well-known for its tropical mixed drinks, award-winning half-pound burgers and spicy Spanish fries. 344 South Street, (215) 923-6180, copabanana.com
• European Republic – This Old City staple specializing in the quick-bite market opened its South Street location in early 2012. The familiar wraps, dips and frites share the menu space with pasta and rice dishes and desserts. 602 South Street, (215) 925-3509, europeanrepublic.biz
• Famous 4^th Street Delicatessen – For a mega-sized matzo ball or a sandwich built for four, customers have been flocking to the original location of this famous Jewish deli for decades. Open from lunch to dessert—breakfast to dessert on the weekends—Famous makes sure everyone leaves with leftovers. 700 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-3274, famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com
• Gnocchi – This cozy Italian bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot serves a variety of gnocchi dishes, along with other authentic plates such as risotto, grilled whole fish and caprese salad. The specials are hard to beat, with a weekday dinner-for-two offer and four-course tasting menu. 613 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 592-8300
• Golden Empress Garden – For quick, straightforward traditional or vegetarian Chinese food, those-in-the-know flock to Golden Empress Garden, featuring a homey, welcoming atmosphere and a multi-page lunch and dinner menu. 610 S. 5^th Street, (215) 627-7666
• Govinda’s Vegetarian and Govinda’s Gourmet to Go – Vegan, vegetarian, halal and kosher meals are served two ways: in an elegant dining room and in a more casual sandwich shop. Vegetarian, 1408 South Street, (215) 985-9303, govindasvegetarian.com; Gourmet to Go, 1400 South Street, (215) 545-5452
• Hikaru – At the South Street outpost of Hikaru, Japanese platters share the menu with an extensive sushi list. To embrace the authentic experience, diners can choose to sit at a faux chabudai, giving the illusion of a low, Japanese-style table, with a secret compartment for guests to dangle their legs. 607 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-7110, hikaruphilly.com
• Ishkabibble’s – A South Street legend since its hippy days, Ishkabibble’s has been cooking up cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks since 1979. A couple favorites: Spanish fries and the original Gremin, a half-lemonade, half-grape juice drink. 337 South Street, (215) 923-4337, philacheesesteak.com
• Jim’s Steaks – Philadelphians love their cheesesteaks, and at Jim’s on South Street, locals and visitors alike wait in line for a taste of some of the city’s best. At 2:00 a.m., expect to see it stretch out the door and around the block. 400 South Street, (215) 928-1911, jimssteaks.com
• Jon’s Bar and Grille – The actual birthplace of Larry Fine, Jon’s boasts 10 big-screen televisions, 20 beers on tap and daily and game-time drink specials. A not-so-subtle mural overlooking the outdoor dining area pays homage to Philly’s favorite of the Three Stooges. 3^rd & South Streets, (215) 592-1390, jonsbarandgrille.com
• La Fourno Ristorante Trattoria – This welcoming Italian restaurant satisfies all types of diners: It pours from an extensive wine list and hosts BYOB nights every Tuesday and Friday, and it dishes out specialty platters such as mussels and shrimp scampi along with casual favorites like calzones and paninis. And in the end, everyone can agree on the decadent desserts. 636 South Street, (215) 627-9000, lafourno.com
• Las Bugambilias – Those who must have Mexican can find authentic dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner six days a week at Las Bugambillas. Draws include inventive cocktail and tequila lists and traditional house-made mole sauce that tops entrees including turkey with plantains and enchiladas with Chihuahua cheese gratin. 148 South Street, (215) 922-3190
• The Latest Dish – This friendly neighborhood spot serves from an eclectic American menu and an extensive wine and cocktail list, along with domestic and imported beers. Upstairs at Fluid Nightclub, partiers dance to the tunes of local DJs on a near-nightly basis. 613 S. 4^th Street, (215) 629-0565, latestdish.com
• Lovash Indian Cuisine – This BYOB comes with all the traditional plates one expects to find at an Indian restaurant, plus some not-so-usual ones—scallops, crab in pastry, grilled salmon with goa sauce. 236 South Street, (215) 925-3881, lovashrestaurant.com
• Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar Lounge – Serving Southern specialties with a big side of soul, Ms. Tootsie’s entices the dinner crowd with its golden fried chicken, crab macaroni and cheese and collard greens. They can make it a night at the Luxe Lounge Sky Bar, offering cocktails, bottle service and a late-night menu. 1312 South Street, (215) 731-9045, kevenparker.net
• Mustard Greens – Locals flock to Mustard Greens for contemporary Chinese cuisine served in a minimalist environment. The simple menu focuses on fresh selections such as steamed tilapia with ginger and scallions. And as the name suggests, steamed mustard greens are always on the menu. 622 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-0833
• Nomad Pizza – This legendary Central Jersey-based pizzaria, which got its start as a roving operation on wheels, put down brick-and-mortar roots just off South Street. Patrons here cut their own pies at the table—or politely ask their server to help them out—and enjoy weekly free movie nights. 611 S. 7^th Street, (215) 238-0900, nomadpizzaco.com
• Pad Thai Restaurant – Here, the regional Thai and Bangkok dishes come in varying degrees of spiciness, and many can be altered to be vegetarian. To go for the whole experience, guests can sip the signature Pad Thai Tea. 604 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 592-1168, padthaiphilly.com
• Percy Street Barbecue – James Beard-winning chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steven Cook, Percy Street serves casual Southern eats, draught craft beers and delicious mixed drinks in a professionally appointed yet homespun atmosphere. Its off-tap selection alone makes it worth a stop, evidenced by its recent designation as one of the “15 Most Cantastic Places to Grab a Can of Craft Beer in America” by craftcans.com. 900 South Street, (215) 625-8510, percystreet.com
• Southwark Restaurant – One of the first bars to pioneer the classic cocktail craze in Philadelphia was Southwark, whose menu reads like a who’s-who of old-fashioned drinks, such as the sidecar and the Manhattan. Aficionados can choose from more than 30 rye whiskeys and almost 20 variations of gin. Embracing the local food movement, the plates here sport ingredients from area farmers. 701 S. 4^th Street, (215) 238-1888, southwarkrestaurant.com
• Supper – Supper dishes out upscale, modern American cuisine in a rustic, urban farmhouse setting. Inside the handsome two-tiered eatery, diners enjoy ultra-fresh produce that’s purchased from a nearby farm multiple times a week. 926 South Street, (215) 592-8180, supperphilly.com
• Tattooed Mom – Beers and a casual comfort-food menu take the spotlight in this laid-back, rock ‘n’ roll dive bar, complete with a packed jukebox and bumper car seats. 530 South Street, (215) 238-9880
• Tokio Sushi Bar – Madam Saito, the “Queen of Sushi,” remains committed to sustainability and local ingredients—even if that means changing the menu daily. Long regarded as one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets, Tokio also holds sushi classes and workshops. 124 Lombard Street, (215) 922-2515, queenofsushi.com
• Village Belle – A northern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a real neighborhood feel—the chef grew up blocks away from the restaurant—the Village Belle delivers pasta, fish, vegetarian and gluten-free entrees in a casual environment. The wine list is equally as impressive, boasting more than 75 bottles. 757 S. Front Street, (215) 551-2200, thevillagebelle.com
• Xochitl – This modern Mexican restaurant takes advantage of local ingredients for its fresh, inventive menu. Diners wash down entrees such as braised short rib and pan-seared Chilean salmon with award-winning tequila cocktails. 408 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 238-7280, xochitlphilly.com

Breakfast & Coffee Spots:

• The Bean Cafe – With local art on the walls, a dessert case full of treats and a full coffee, tea and smoothie menu, it’s no wonder South Street’s artistic and indie crowd have warmly welcomed this cozy cafe. 615 South Street, (215) 629-2250
• The Bean Exchange – A timeless, window-lined coffee shop pouring freshly brewed, small batch-roasted coffee, The Bean Exchange provides a classic atmosphere to enjoy a cappuccino with a buttery croissant or biscotti. 650 Bainbridge Street, (215) 592-1960, beanexchange.com
• Philadelphia Java Company – Regulars here sip lattes while enjoying a scone, local art showings and free Wi-Fi. Exposed brick walls and a calming vibe solidify its status as a charming neighborhood coffeehouse with. 518 S. 4^th Street, (215) 928-1811
• Red Hook Coffee & Tea – This comfy coffee shop offers fair trade, organic coffee and tea, along with sandwiches, wraps, paninis and more. 765 S. 4^th Street, (215) 923-0178
• South Street Diner – Open 24 hours a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this classic diner has been serving traditional fare, along with Greek specialties such as spanakopita, to the South Street crowd for more than 80 years. 140 South Street, (215) 627-5258, southstreetdinerphilly.com
• South Street Philly Bagel – Also known as “Hot Bagels,” South Street Philly Bagel bakes an assortment of fresh bagels that are ready to grab by the dozen or top with a selection of spreads, salads and breakfast fixings every morning. 613 S. 3rd Street, (215) 627-6277, southstphillybagel.com

Entertainment & The Arts:

• B Square Gallery – Showcasing the work of local artists, along with pieces by gallery owner Heather Bryson, B Square displays handmade mixed-media jewelry, functional art and imaginative paintings. 614 S. 9^th Street, (215) 625-0692, bsquaregallery.com
• Eye’s Gallery – Julia Zagar, the wife of prolific mosaic muralist Isaiah, operates this destination for Latin American crafts. Religious iconography, sterling-silver jewelry, hand-woven blankets and folk art fill the place from floor to ceiling. And her husband’s work adorns the outside of the shop, along with many other facades in and around South Street. 402 South Street, (215) 925-0193, eyesgallery.com
• The Laff House – It’s all laughs at this South Street institution, hosting nightly local and national stand-up comedy acts. Guests pair the hilarity with an eclectic mix of entrées, snacks and drinks for a good-humored dinner and show. 221 South Street, (215) 440-4242, laffhouse.com
• Legendary Dobbs – An integral part of the music scene in Philadelphia since 1974, the Legendary Dobbs has seen the likes of Green Day, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Bo Diddley, The Smashing Pumpkins, Soul Asylum and Rage Against The Machine. 304 South Street, (215) 501-7288, dobbsphilly.com
• L’etage – Situated above the classically appointed French creperie Beau Monde, this luxuriously decorated lounge hosts live DJs, cabaret performers, musicians, sketch comedy, poetry readings and B-movies on different nights of the week, all while serving an upscale bar menu and an ever-changing libation list. 624 S. 6^th Street, (215) 592-0656, creperie-beaumonde.com
• Made by Hand Gallery – Made by Hand sells a collection of original woodcarvings, metal art, sterling silver jewelry, ceramics and paintings by local artists. 112 South Street, (215) 625-9030, madebyhandgallery.webs.com
• Pageant:Soloveev – Thoughtfulness meets creativity at this contemporary art gallery, which encompass a range of intellectual, conceptual and aesthetic territory. Pageant focuses on avant-garde installations by local and international artists who produce works in contemporary idioms and media. 607 Bainbridge Street, (215) 925-1535, pageantsoloveev.com
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – Mosaics bloom at this fantasy-like art showplace, presenting and preserving the work of award-winning artist Isaiah Zagar. Visitors can take a tour or attend a mosaic workshop led by the artist himself, a major player in the South Street community since the 1960s. 1020 South Street, (215) 733-0390, phillymagicgardens.org
• The Shubin Theatre – This intimate, 43-seat theater hosts independent artists, small theater groups and laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy and improvisation shows by the funny men and women of Philly Improv Theater. 407 Bainbridge Street, (215) 592-0119, shubintheatre.com
• Society Hill Playhouse – Approachable and comedic live performances entertain—and sometimes involve—the audience in a historic century-old building, with an intimate room for cabaret and a larger space that houses the main stage. 507 S. 8^th Street, (215) 923-0210, societyhillplayhouse.com
• Theatre of Living Arts – A South Street staple and hub of local and national acts for decades, this single-screen movie theater-turned-midsize-music-venue features plenty of standing-room space and two well-stocked bars. 334 South Street, (215) 922-1011, tlaphilly.com

Shops:

• Accent on Animals – This boutique pet supply store sells high-quality specialty food and accessories for all types of pets. 804 South Street, (215) 625-8420
• Antiquarian’s Delight – Situated in a 100-year-old former synagogue just off South Street, Antiquarian’s Delight houses a variety of vendors specializing in mid-century apparel, accessories and furniture. 615 S. 6^th Street, (215) 592-0256
• Atomic City Comics – Atomic City features new comic book and graphic novel releases each week, an extensive collection of back-issue and $1 comics, a handful of 1990s arcade games and a sizable selection of independent and small press books for comic enthusiasts and casual readers alike. It also hosts parties for highly anticipated releases and movie and television viewing parties. 638 South Street, (215) 625-9613, bestphillycomics.com
• Benjamin Lovells Shoes – Style and comfort are in Benjamin Lovells’ genes—or, shoes: He counts Cyrus and James Clarks (yes, those Clarks) among his ancestors. In 1991, he opened his South Street shop dedicated to stylish, comfortable shoes. Today he lines his shelves with brands including Birkenstock, UGG, Cole Haan, Dansko, Sperry Top-Sider and, of course, Clarks. 318 South Street, (215) 238-1969, blshoes.com
• Blue Bond Guitars – An integral part of the Philadelphia music scene for decades, this independently owned shop offers a wide selection of electric (used) and acoustic guitars, along with repairs and private lessons. 511 S. 4^th Street, (215) 829-1690, bluebondguitars.com
• Busybee Home Store and Design Center – Bringing affordable design to the denizens of Philadelphia, Busybee sells everything to make a house (or apartment) a home, including lighting, art, tile and housewares, plus gifts to help others in their homemaking efforts. 734 South Street, (215) 592-9600, busybeephilly.com
• Cheesesteaktees – The go-to place for fun, funny and snarky (It’s Philly, after all!) sports apparel, Cheesesteaktees ensures that Philly fans—even the four-legged variety—stand out from the stadium crowd. 506 South Street, (215) 238-5880, cheesesteaktees.com
• Crash Bang Boom – Evolving from the legendary South Street punk shop Zipperhead, Crash Bang Boom dresses glam, street punk and goth types in band shirts, plaids and leather, with finishing touches like studded jewelry and neon hair dye. 528 S. 4^th Street, (215) 928-1123, crashbangboomonline.com
• Garland of Letters – At this New Age bookstore, people can find serenity, or at least a book to direct them there. Crystals, journals, incense and gifts assist in the Zen journey—or they’re just fun trinkets to display. 527 South Street, (215) 923-5946
• Gilly Jeans – Urban cowboys and cowgirls alike shop for American-made boots and leather goods here. The belt buckle selection alone impresses browsers. 320 South Street, (215) 592-9926, gillyjeans.com
• Greene Street Consignment – The name may have secondhand shoppers searching for Green Street, but once they find the South Street store they’ll find an unlimited number of treasures, from clothes to shoes to accessories. Coming soon: Greene Street Home. 700 South Street, (215) 733-9261, greenestreetconsignment.com
• Harry’s Occult Shop – Providing spiritual, mystical and occult guidance, Harry’s stocks magic supplies and incense. The upstairs features a wellness center with alternative healing methods such as Reiki and hypnotherapy. 1238 South Street, (215) 735-8262, harrysoccultshopinc.com
• Head House Books – The carefully curated collection of biographies, travel, fiction, young adult, cooking and self-help makes for a book-loving paradise. In addition to staff picks, the Head House recommendations offers literary suggestions for boys and girls, graduates and better-than-the-movie books. 619 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 923-9525, headhousebooks.com
• Mineralistic – An imaginative oasis with artifacts, rare gems, books, fossils, figurines and handmade Celtic jewelry, Mineralistic packs an original selection within its walls, along with a knowledgeable staff to guide purchases. 319 South Street, (215) 922-7199, mineralistic.com
• Nangellini Gallery – South Street shoppers are drawn into Nangellini Gallery by the bold art in the windows. Once inside, they’re wowed by a novelty and locally spun and dyed yarn selection. The space also functions as a classroom for knitting and crochet. 832 South Street, (215) 413-5001, nangellini.com
• Repo Records – An underground music haven for the last quarter-century, Repo Records moved to South Street about a decade ago. The shop provides audiophiles with CDs and vinyl of their favorite indie, punk, hardcore, new wave and alternative rock bands, along with hard-to-find releases. 538 South Street, (215) 627-3775, reporecords.com
• Retrospect Vintage – At Retrospect, throwback fashionistas find jeans, furs, coats, hats, jewelry and old T-shirts, of course. On some weekends, a DJ sets a soundtrack to the uber-cool shopping experience. 508 South Street, (267) 671-0116, retrospectvintage.com
• Requiem – South Street truly does have something for everyone. At the morbid curiosity shop Requiem, shoppers can purchase a taxidermied animal, jewelry made from small skeletal pieces or antique medical equipment. 603 S. 9^th Street, (267) 687-1225, requiemshop.com
• Via Bicycle – In the business of selling used bikes since 1982, Via Bicycle enables Philadelphia residents to commute around the city on two wheels. The experts here can fix bikes, custom build them or find a hard-to-come-by spare part for vintage models. 606 S. 9^th Street, (215) 627-3370, bikeville.com
• Wooden Shoe Books – An indie neighborhood isn’t complete without a collectively run anarchist bookstore, and Wooden Shoe Books fills that role for South Street. Volunteers stock the shelves with resources for activism, organizing, art and community building. 704 South Street, (215) 413-0999, woodenshoebooks.com

A New Look:

• Chop Shop – In the business of making Philadelphians look good for less, the Chop Shop is an a la carte salon, giving customers exactly what they want for the price they want to pay. Haircuts (with clippers only) start at $10. 513 South Street, (215) 923-5545, chopshopphilly.com
• Infinite Body Piercing – Staying true to South Street’s counterculture roots, this sterile shop is home to skilled piercers and an array of jewelry to suit all types of piercings and personalities. 626 S. 4^th Street, (215) 923-7335, infinitebody.com
• Juju Salon & Organics – For everything from a Zen haircut to an organic manicure, the self-proclaimed “eco-chic” salon practices sustainability and healthy living, bringing out its clients’ beauty, naturally. Because it starts within, Juju Spa sits right down the street and provides a holistic approach to a complete spa menu. Salon, 713 S. 4^th Street, (215) 238-6080; spa, 728 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-3235
• Nail Polish Bar & Spa – The staff here caters to the on-the-go and goo-looking crowd, specializing in quick manicures, pedicures and eyebrows. Walk-ins and those who do everything by appointment can take advantage of the full range of spa services seven days a week. 519 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 888-6596, nailpolishbarspa.com
• No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo – Those seeking a change can wave aloha to their old looks and embrace tattoos and piercings at this Hawaii-inspired tattoo oasis, with friendly staff and frequent guest artists. 610 S. 4^th Street, (215) 925-1766, nokaoitikitattoo.com
• Ps and Qs – At this menswear boutique, heritage brands—Herschel Supply Co., Pendleton—share racks with trendy labels—Norse Projects, Warriors of Radness. Each piece has been thoroughly vetted to be on point, right down to the stripes on the Richer Poorer socks and the masculine scents of the rugged candles. 820 South Street, (215) 592-0888, psandqs.com
• Salon Sugar – For her loyal, head-turning clients, the creative, one-woman staff shears punk-rock locks and executes detailed dreadlocks, bold color and extensions in a sweet-as-sugar salon with bubblegum-pink walls. 711 E. Passyunk Avenue, (609) 760-6059, facebook.com/salonsugarphiladelphia

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.

Contact(s):

• Jenea Robinson, (215) 599-2291
• Donna Schorr, (215) 599-0782