Neighborhood Spotlight: Fishtown

Image by visitphilly.com
Image by visitphilly.com

I have to tell you something…..and it’s not something I’m proud of. So, please don’t judge me too harshly. Ok, here it goes…. I was never in Fishtown before last week. Ah!!! I know! It’s shameful. I’m an embarrassment to Philadelphia.

The only excuse I can offer up is that I’m a creature of habit. I usually stick to what I know and while I’m totally adventurous, my free time is usually so limited that I just do what I know I will enjoy. So, yeah, please don’t think less of me for it. Now that I’ve visited Fishtown, I know exactly what I’ve been missing. So many years wasted…

Fishtown inhabitants live and die for their ‘hood, but there may be some out there who, like me, could use a little enlightenment on this part of town. So, here’s a few of the places I’ve discovered over the last few days:

Frankford Hall: Steven Starr’s German Beer Garden is the epitome of what Fishtown is about- cool people hanging out in a laid back atmosphere. When you walk through the huge candy cane striped front doors, you’ll know that this is a place you’ll be coming back to. With lots of exposed brick, huge windows, and a massive outdoor beer garden, you’ll be an instant regular at the hip industrial-chic hotspot. Did I mention they have jenga and firepits?

La Columbe Torrefaction: La Columbe has the world’s best coffee, but I don’t hang out there…wait, scratch that. Didn’t hang out there. This is notIMG_2813 your typical crowded cafe…it’s a gigantic (11,000 square feet!), uber trendy warehouse conversion with soaring ceilings, a full menu AND a liquor license. They’re actually making distilled rum onsite! Hello, new favorite coffice! FYI: I highly recommend the chocolate chip cookie-I’ve had two this week, and the ham and butter sandwich – delish! So much for that New Year’s Resolution, huh?

Stock: While I was at La Columbe, I chatted up one of their awesome staff members, Ben. You might recognize him – he has a sweet mustache and has been working for La Columbe forever basically. He also lives in the neighborhood, and mentioned that we should check out Stock. Apparently, word’s already gotten out about the amazing Vietnamese BYO. The tiny place gets packed! Since we didn’t have time to wait, I am definitely stopping back this week for a taste. The menu looks awesome!

Kensington Quarters: This butcher shop/restaurant/classroom promotes local, family owned farms with the same edgy neighborhood swagger that gushes from the streets of Fishtown. The meat they serve and sell comes only from animals who have been allowed to roam and graze naturally- no hormones, antibiotics, steroids, GMO-crops, or animal by-products! Co-owners Brian Mayer and Michael Pasquarello also happen to be super cute, ladies! Check out the video of these two regulation hotties talking about their cool Fishtown establishment.

Remember, I just discovered this neighborhood a week ago, so this is just a tiny sampling of what you’re missing if you’re not regularly stopping by this super up-and-coming neighborhood. Don’t forget nearby Paesano’s, Fette Sau, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, The Barbary, Johnny Brenda’s, Memphis Taproom; The entire No Libs, Kensington, Fishtown trifecta is the apex of coolness! Fishtown deserves to be recognized for what it is….totally and completely awesome. I’m sorry it took me so long to visit, but I promise to loudly sing this neighborhood’s praises. It’s the least I can do!

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