By Katherine Mahoney By Katherine Mahoney | March 14, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
Old City Philadelphia, also known as the “birthplace of independence,” has history on every corner. While Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are just a few of the area’s biggest attractions, this neighborhood offers an abundance of modern flair. Check out our guide below for where to stay, eat, relax or more in this historic gem.
Where To Eat
104 Chestnut St., aminaphilly.com
For shrimp po’boy cheese steaks, southern gumbo and Nigerian hot chicken, take to AMINA. Owner Felicia Wilson and chef/partner Darryl Harmon bring their take on Southern comfort food with a Nigerian twist to make this Chestnut Street restaurant exceed all expectations.
325 Chestnut St., buddakan.com
You’ll first notice the stunning 10-foot tall Buddha when you walk in and then the delicious Modern Asian cuisine soon after. Experience group dining at magnificent tables big enough for 24 people, or have an intimate night savoring edamame dumplings and spicy rock bao buns. Pair your meal with one of Buddakan’s cutting-edge Asian-inspired cocktails.
306 Market St., forkrestaurant.com
A local staple for over 25 years, this women-run restaurant continues to amaze with every bite. Savor contemporary American bites like their roasted honeynut squash or steak for the table with bone marrow and potato pavé. Just be sure to always pair your meal with a glass from their noteworthy wine list.
233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com
Craving a dose of Paris without the trans-Atlantic flight? Take a short trip to Forsythia, a contemporary French restaurant under critically acclaimed chef Christopher Kearse. Buttery escargot, 10-day dry-aged whole duck, wagyu beef tartare tartin and eggs en cocotte are sure to satisfy all of your Parisian cravings.
8 S. Front St., lafamiglia.com
La Famiglia whisks its diners away to Italy in an elegant dining room with classic Italian meals. Indulge in dishes like Agnello alla Sena, herb and breadcrumb encrusted lamb chops with a cherry port sauce, or Tagliolini alla Pescatore, pasta with mussels, clams, calamari and shrimp in tomato sauce. Pair any of the delectable dishes with a pick from their extensive wine list and you are are to not leave disappointed.
212 Walnut St., Second Floor, positanocoast.net
A trip to the breathtaking Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is surely on our bucket list, but for now, escape to this Old City eatery to fill your coastal Italian fix. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour, Positano Coast specializes in inspired cuisine with fresh fish, seafood and crudo. Their tuna tartare and pan seared branzino with parsnip purée, leeks and truffle oil will make you think you’ve died and gone to Amalfi heaven.
205 Race St., tunabar.com
Located just a few blocks from the Delaware River, this upscale Japanese raw bar created by owner/executive chef Kenneth Sze has an array of fresh and locally sourced options. Indulge in specialty sushi rolls, raw oysters, scallops, fresh, hand-picked fish, and of course, sake.
Where To Stay
139 N. 3rd St. staylokal.com
What felt like a distant dream to owners Chad and Courtney Ludeman is now a luxurious reality. Lokal Hotel is a family-owned boutique stay that invites guests into the heart of Old City with the promise of relaxation, unmatched location and the feeling of a home away from home.
Where To Relax
325 Cherry St., Second Floor Rear, kariskin.com
Kári Skin believes beauty starts beneath the surface, which is why the team thinks it’s never too late to learn more about your skin and what it needs. Head to the Old City spot for facials, massages and injectables, as well as brow laminations, lash lifts, brow and lash tints and waxes.
219 Cuthbert St., 6th Floor, victoriaroggiobeauty.com
Born from the insightful entrepreneur for which it’s named, Victoria Roggio Beauty doesn’t stop at just spa services. Peruse an extensive catalog of curated beauty products, manicures and makeup applications at this one-stop shop. With clients from Chelsea Clinton to Bradley Cooper, Victoria Roggio Beauty’s attention to individual needs has garnered celebrity status. To hone your inner Hollywood star glow, book the Red Carpet Facial, which combines oxygen infusion, light therapy, diamond microdermabrasion and more to get anyone ready for the spotlight.
Where To Shop
112 N. 3rd St. Casavida.style
Funky, eclectic style is at the core of the CASA VIDA lifestyle. Shop carefully curated jewelry, plants, homeware and more to awaken your inner creativity while supporting small businesses.
311 Market St., charliesoldcitydenim.com
To fulfill all your denim dreams, head to Charlie’s Jeans. Whether your go-to is flare or skinny, blue or black, this Market Street boutique has over 30 different brands of jeans to help you find your perfect pair.
37 N. 3rd St., vagabondboutique.com
From home decor and bags to thick knits and jewelry, Vagabond boutique stocks their shelves with to-die-for, minimalistic pieces. Perfect for the Philly winter, their muted sweaters and suede-lined boots cannot be beat.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
222 Market St., framephl.com
Illuminated by radiant splashes of color and velvet-laced walls, Frame Philly’s dark bar offers a chic yet nostalgic environment for pre-dinner drinks. Snack on seasonal tapas while sipping edgy cocktails like the My Happy Base with mezcal, tequila, ginger, lime, agave and rosewater.
52 South 2nd St., royalboucherie.com
Treat your tastebuds to innovative sips at Royal Boucherie. The brasserie’s speciality cocktails entice with names like We Can Pickle That! and Wham Bam Thank You Cran. Pair these creative drinks with any of the bar snacks, like truffle-herb butter popcorn or chickpea fries, and you will have a happy hour worth cheersing to.
48 S. 2nd St., sassafrasbar.com
An Old City staple for over 45 years, Sassafras offers a perfect blend of the city’s enticing history with a dash of sophistication. While immersed in their wood-paneled and dimly-lit ambiance, choose a vintage cocktail like a sidecar or keep it simple with their classic margherita.
Where To Hit The Town
16 S. 2nd St., Second Floor, infusionphilly.com
Drawing whiskey lovers and cigar devotees from far and wide, Infusion Lounge provides an almost endless collection of sips, hookahs and cigars. Catch up with friends at the lively yet intimate lounge, where comfy leather couches offer the perfect spot to catch your breath in between songs.
Cultural Experiences
101 S. 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
Sharing our country’s founding story, the Museum of the American Revolution sits less than a five minute walk from the birthplace of the country, Independence Hall. Wander through their many exhibitions or attend an event to obtain a deeper look into the history of the US.
321 Chestnut St., libertymuseum.org
Tying into the history of Old City Philadelphia, the National Liberty Museum provides four floors of galleries and exhibitions. Each educational, ever-changing exhibit sheds light on the history of liberty and freedom, and what it means today in modern-day America.
101 S. Independence Mall E., theweitzman.org
As the only museum in the nation dedicated solely to exploring the American Jewish experience and history, The Weitzman is a must-visit for everyone. Through countless exhibitions, panels and discussions, the institution strives to give people much-needed insight into the life of an American Jew.
1811 Frankford Ave., Wexlergallery.com
Challenging traditional art exhibits, Wexler Gallery has been providing avant-garde work to the neighborhood for over 20 years. With past shows including local and renowned artists of all different backgrounds and mediums, this museum will keep you coming back for more.
Hidden Gem
339 Walnut St., Nps.gov
The 18th Century Garden is one of the most serene and picturesque spots in the area—with a dose of history. Presenting plants frequently grown in 1700s Philadelphia accented with a shaded white gazebo, this garden not only provides a peek into history but also a scenic spot to escape the bustling city.
Photography by: J.Fusco/VISITPHILADELPHIA