By Emma Royse By Emma Royse | February 29, 2024 | Feature, Guide, Travel, Guides,
From unbeatable bites to charming boutiques, this vibrant neighborhood will leave you wanting more.
Lokal Hotel’s apartment-style rooms offer the ultimate staycation.
While Fishtown is renowned for its vibrant and award-winning restaurant and bar scene, it’s so much more than just a fabulous Saturday night out. Stroll down Frankford Avenue for some of the city’s best music venues, shopping and cultural gems, too.
WHERE TO EAT
IZAKAYA FISHTOWN
Sake is a must-have when savoring an array of sushi and sashimi. From maki to chirashi sushi and beyond, the options at Izakaya Fishtown are endless. Looking to try a bit of everything? Order the sushi & sashimi DX, featuring 12 pieces of sashimi, eight pieces of sushi, a spicy tuna roll and a California roll. 1832 Frankford Ave., byyanaga.com
KALAYA
Every color of the rainbow graces your dining table at Kalaya. James Beard Award-winning chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon stays true to her Southern Thai roots with an array of authentic dishes. Get a taste of their goong phao kua kapi goong waan—whole grilled freshwater river prawn with nam prik goong waan. 4 W. Palmer St., kalayaphilly.com
SURAYA
Located in the heart of Fishtown, award-winning Suraya specialty market and restaurant serves up arguably the best Lebanese food in the world. Plating everything from fatteh to kawarma and duck meshwi—and this is only the dinner menu. Whether you prefer brunch, lunch or dinner, settle into your seat and indulge in an authentic dish amid lush greenery and a flickering fireplace. 1528 Frankford Ave., surayaphilly.com
Treat your sweet tooth to a confection at Cake Life Bake Shop
CAKE LIFE BAKE SHOP
With Beyoncé’s stamp of approval—Queen Bey has ordered two Cake Life Bake Shop birthday cakes—this Fishtown spot is a must-try for sweet tooths. Countless options from cheesecakes to cupcakes, croissants, pies, cookies and more grace their pastry case, including the indulgent pistachio-rose cupcake. 1306 Frankford Ave., cakelifebakeshop.com
WHERE TO STAY
LOKAL HOTEL
Bask in contemporary designs at Fishtown’s Lokal Hotel. Thirty “Lokal Makers” in Fishtown designed, built and furnished this six-room apartment hotel to capture the neighborhood’s modern aesthetic. For a stunning view of their courtyard, book the Garden Jawn. 1421 N. Front St., staylokal.com
HOTEL ANNA & BEL
Become one of Hotel Anna & Bel’s first visitors as they make their dazzling debut in Fishtown. Coming this spring, the 18thcentury property on Susquehanna and Belgrade is transforming into a boutique hotel where staycationers can soak in their outdoor heated pool and indoor sauna. 1401 E. Susquehanna Ave., annaandbel.com
RIVERSUITES AT THE BATTERY
Secure your reservation at the recently unveiled Riversuites. Each apartment-style suite comes equipped with a kitchenette—and six even have patios. Plus, a few guests can anticipate breathtaking views of the Delaware River right from the comfort of their beds. 1325 N. Beach St., riversuiteshotel.com
WHERE TO SHOP
PROPER GOODS
Enter this whimsical store showcasing house plants, handmade items, home goods, apothecaries, jewelry and more. Ascend to their quaint, charming loft, featuring a bar and cocktail section surrounded by large house plants, entertainment and enticing games. 2032 Frankford Ave., areyouproper.com
ULISES
With a mission to support artists and foster a vibrant community and education around arts and publishing, this bookstore hosts engaging events and exhibitions from NYC to Boston and Philadelphia. Check out engaging activities like book and art fairs, as well as panel discussions. 1525 N. American St., ulises.us
JINXED
Venture into this quirky, one-of-a-kind antique furniture store, where everything from vintage typewriters to light fixtures and furniture await. You’re bound to find your home’s missing piece. 1331 Frankford Ave., jinxedstore.com
FRANKLIN & POE
Franklin & Poe is dedicated to crafting high-quality, durable menswear, prioritizing ethically made products from the USA, Japan and Europe. On brisk March days, layer up with the Dehen 1920 Flyer’s Club Jacket in black waxed and gold mouton. 1817 Frankford Ave., franklinandpoe.com
FOR DRINKS
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons serves up a variety of creative cocktails.
WM. MULHERIN’S SONS
This 100-year-old whiskey facility was revamped in 2016 to become an urban Italian restaurant and bar. Dark wood accents, exposed brick and a fireplace enhance its cozy, rustic ambiance. Take a seat at the bar or the coveted green velvet couch around the fireplace while sipping the Passion Project—a fruity mixture of mezcal, passionfruit, pineapple and lime juices, cinnamon and oat-geat. 1355 N. Front St., wmmulherinssons.com
TERRA
Brimming with cascading plants and a sparkling disco ball, Terra transports cocktail enthusiasts to a groovy tropical oasis. While a live DJ spins tracks, pucker up for the Sin Sour City—a creative concoction of Stateside vodka infused with orange blossom, triple sec, limoncello-infused syrup, blood orange extract, fresh lemon and lemon bitters. 1104 Frankford Ave. Ste. 2, terraphilly.com
CULTURAL
EXPERIENCES FABRIKA
Housing a bar, restaurant and cabaret club, Fabrika hosts top acts from comedy to burlesque, aerial performances, acrobatics and drag shows. Sundays call for Drag Brunch—with the occasional host from RuPaul’s Drag Race—so sit back and watch as you enjoy tapas and a specialty cocktail. 1108 Frankford Ave., fabrikaphilly.com
HIDDEN GEM
FISHTOWN SEAFOOD
Embark on a guilt-free culinary journey at this spot, where owner Bryan Szeliga fosters a commitment to sustainable and ethically sourced products. Are you searching for some of the tastiest East Coast oysters? This spot offers a rotating selection, allowing you to try something new with each visit. 339 Belgrade St., fishtownseafood.com
Photography by: HEIDI’S BRIDGE; MIKE PRINCE; KIRK ROBERT CHAMBER; COURTESY OF BRAND