Neighborhood Spotlight: Brewerytown

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Image by Sarah Peoples via MM Partners

In the late 19th and early 20th century, the streets of Brewerytown were lined with numerous breweries that gave this area of North Philadelphia its richness, vibrancy, and economic strength. As the industry collapsed post-prohibition, brewers fled the City of Brotherly Love as beer production migrated to the Midwest. A shadow of its former glory, the industry collapse caused the surrounding neighborhood to crumble. By 1987, not a single brewer remained in Philadelphia.

For many years, Brewerytown’s existence was stagnant, and the neighborhood was known as one of Philly’s least prosperous areas. However, over the last decade, the city has seen phenomenal, citywide expansion – and Brewerytown is no exception.

Bounded by the Schuylkill River to 25th Street and from Cecil B. Moore to Parrish Street, Brewerytown is on the brink of experiencing a major boom in economic development. As interest in the area continues to increase, an influx of retail, commercial, and residential investors is sure to follow. Thanks to some early investors who believed in the diversity of this neighborhood, Brewerytown’s vibrant scene is already en route to being restored to it’s former glory.

RyBrew

With more than 300 beers in stock, RyBrew’s earned the right to expand their Fairmount café into the heart of Brewerytown. Each of their artisanal sandwiches are named after a US city, and their housemade soft pretzels pair perfectly with a yeasty beer and a game of shuffleboard. Need a recommendation? We love the Savannah (oven roasted turkey breast, cheddar, pickles red onion tomato, honey mustard), the Hollywood (hummus, cucumber, sliced red onion, shredded carrot), and the New York (corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing).

Soul on the Mat

Not many classes have the confidence to promise that they’ll transform you into the “king, queen emperor, sultan” of Philadelphia… but Soul on the Mat is that exception. This bi-weekly class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. above Sarah’s Place. Attendance fee is a mere $10 suggested donation. During the 75-minutes, you’ll work up a sweat, calm your mind, and center your spirit. And the positive vibes don’t stop there. Head downstairs to Sarah’s Place for $1 off your first drink, and enjoy the company of the enlightened beings who surround you.

The Monkey and The Elephant

In 2008, the founder of Philadelphia’s first non-profit café embarked on a friendship that would change the course of her life. When Lisa Miccolis met a 16-year-old boy during a trip to South Africa, the Zimbabwean refugee awakened her to an issue she hadn’t before paid any attention. As children age out of government programs – both domestically and around the world – the support stops abruptly at the age of adulthood. Without any support or guidance, these children are thrown into a world that they simply don’t understand.

When she returned to the United States, Miccolis decided that she needed to do something to change things for the better. Cleverly named after their nicknames for each other, The Monkey and The Elephant was born. Today, the Monkey and The Elephant café employs young adults who have aged out of foster care, and their experience here helps them to transition into thriving, self-sufficient lives. Working in the café allows each participant to learn essential life skills, to develop professionally, and to become financially literate.

Crime & Punishment

Putting the “brew” back in Brewerytown, Crime & Punishment Brewery has led the way in bringing this pulsating neighborhood full circle. Beers like their Indecent Exposure, The Guillotine, and House Arrest pay homage to their sinful brand. Meanwhile, their brewpub serves comfort food with roots in Russian cuisine. Their menu includes hearty vegetarian Borscht, house made dumplings, pierogies, and their signature kielbasa and sauerkraut sandwich. Plus if you’re craving Little Baby’s Ice Cream, they have a variety of their awesome ice cream sandwiches!

The Electric Temple Tattoo Studio

Walking up to the ornately carved wooden desk in their entry, you can almost feel yourself being transported into another world. Overhead twinkling brass lanterns light the space, giving this Zen tattoo shop its calming vibe. Simultaneously, the electric energy of the funky shop is indisputable.

We hear that once you become a Electric Temple client, your relationship with your artist is as permanent as your ink. Artists Eric Eaton, Bryan Holland, and Keith Supsic bring their own individual style to the shop, and walk-in appointments are available if you’re in the neighborhood. Before you leave, pick up one of their all-natural aftercare packages from Pura Pele to show your love for another small, local company.

Brewerytown Garden

Located at 27th and Master, the Brewerytown Garden brings the community together around healthy, sustainable food. First established by Marathon Farm (a Marathon Grill farm-to-table initiative), the nonprofit is now run by the community. It was one of the first gardens to be incorporated into the Parks & Recreation’s Urban Garden Initiative. Today, the space serves many functions – as a garden, an open air market, an educational institution, and a place to come together with neighbors of Brewerytown. They host local concerts, barbecues, gardening classes, and more. Check out their website for upcoming events!

Turnkey Startup Space

Calling all entrepreneurs, freelancers, nonprofit organizations, and other professionals: Turnkey Startup Space is the city’s latest coworking space. If you seek the community and support of a broad membership base, Turnkey has one of the most affordable coworking membership rates in the city. Take advantage of a wealth of perks, including unlimited coffee, free beer on Fridays, and monthly trainings.

To Be Announced…

If you’ve been to Kensington, you know and love Pizza Brain. The artisan pizzeria is also home to the world’s first pizza museum and boasts the world’s largest collection of pizza memorabilia. (Need proof? They even hold the official Guinness World Record.)

For their next act, the owners of Pizza Brain will be infusing Brewerytown with their eccentric style and lively energy. This project is so top secret that even Philly PR Girl can’t get the scoop – all we know for sure is that the new eatery will be located in the old Hat Shoppe on the corner of 28th and Girard. Our intuition tells us that you should be very excited…

Where are your favorite spots in Brewerytown? Share your recommendations in the comment section!

1 thought on “Neighborhood Spotlight: Brewerytown”

  1. Great article with plenty of interesting information. I am very proud of The Monkey and the Elephant for their mission and most importantly their involvement in the neighborhood. When my partner and I negotiated the lease for them in this growing area of Brewerytown, we knew The Monkey and the Elephant will be a perfect fit for the neighborhood.

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