When most people think of South Philadelphia, the Graduate Hospital area probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Normally the focus is put on South Street or the Italian Market, thriving areas shopping, restaurants, and bars. But there is so much more on the west side of Broad Street that doesn’t get enough attention in our opinion.
The Graduate Hospital neighborhood initially started with the Philadelphia Polyclinic Hospital in 1889, located at 20th and South Streets. When the College for Graduates in Medicine merged with the University of Pennsylvania to form the Graduate School of Medicine, Polyclinic Hospital became Graduate Hospital, making its official founding date 1918. Penn established Graduate Hospital as an independent facility in 1977 just to reacquire it in 2007, when the institution decided to shut it down as a full-service hospital. Instead, it was turned into a long-term rehab facility now known as Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse. Despite the fact that the hospital is now defunct, the neighborhood’s moniker has stuck through the years.
For those who are fans of trendy abbreviations, G-Ho seems to be the term in use for this area. This part of town is remarkably kid-friendly while simultaneously full of fun nightlife opportunities for the twenty-somethings. With everything in walking distance, this pedestrian and bike-friendly area has all that you need right at your fingertips.
The area’s up-and-coming feel can be attributed to the many new businesses and their owners that have recently poured in. Pay special attention to The Bronzed Bee, a tanning and waxing salon, and Pamcakes Cupcakery, whose fresh ingredients elevate the traditional desserts, and Salon Bass whose stylists are all diverse and creative artists. There are also some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants such as Pub & Kitchen, famous for their burger, and a neighborhood-favorite Sidecar Bar & Grille.
As expected, new business growth comes with new residents, and Graduate Hospital is no exception. As Phialdelphia Magazine put it, G-Ho is “cooler and cheaper than Rittenhouse” and is “the new go-to for youngish buyers planting roots in Philly.” We completely agree and hope to see this neighborhood continue to grow in popularity.
Look for more Philly PR Girl neighborhood spotlights coming soon!
Don’t forget about Doobies, currently the bar with the longest running continuous ties to the neighborhood! We’ve been here (under the same family ownership) since 1978!