Take the Stairs: Philly is Always a Step Ahead
One of the first things that many visitors do upon their arrival in Philadelphia? They run up the Art Museum steps. It may be the most famous, but it's not the only set of stairs that keep us on an upward climb. Elevators and escalators are nice, but taking the stairs is a Philadelphian's real cardio, so we put together a list of places that make for hot steppin'.
- 12 Steps Down, 831 Christian St
There are exactly 12 (count em) steps down to this underground bar in the Italian Market. This is truly a neighborhood bar, with free pool on Mondays and Sing Your Life Karaoke on Tuesdays, making these the steps that you want to take.
- Anthropologie, 1801 Walnut St
The whimsical women's clothing and housewares boutique in Rittenhouse Square has a series of grand staircases that turn a shopping trip into a tour of flowy dresses, charming trinkets, and thigh-burning exertion. Yes, you will look fantastic in that.
- Philadelphia Magic Gardens, 1020 South St
South Street's mosaic garden from artist Isaiah Zagar has a visually staggering set of shimmering stairs made from ceramic shards, bottles, and other items. The labyrinthine tour is an exercise in inspiration.
- Society Hill Towers, 2nd and Locust Streets
The steps that lead up to Zahav and the Society Hill Towers are known as a shortcut to Headhouse Square and South Street. The climb doesn't end at the top, however, because there's a steep path leading through Society Hill ahead of you.
- Love Park, 16th and JFK Blvd
Love Park loungers know that the curved granite steps surrounding the fountain are better for sitting and people-watching. Leave the Art Museum steps to those runner types.
- Boyds, 1818 Chestnut St
The swank department store in Rittenhouse Square has a marvelous set to walk up - an old school marble staircase for the store that has been dressing up Philadelphia for over 70 years.
Cinco De Mayo in Your Neighborhood
Philadelphians known all about independence, so we're right on top of celebrating Mexico's independence victory on May 5th. What's going on in your barrio? Read on.
Northern Liberties will see mucho margarita pitchers served, especially at Cantina Dos Segundos, where the Cinco de Mayo Art Show will feature work from DJ Luis Angel Cancel, Joey Knuckles of Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo 621, Elena Nestico (DJ Lady Prowl), Daniel P Cordua, K Fish, and others. Drink that in while you're toasting with tequila.
Taco Riendo, the authentic taqueria titan of Old Kensington, is giving out complimentary Corona and tequila to customers. Their outdoor seating area should be the perfect place to tackle some salsa.
You'll want to see it to believe it, but the Cinco De Mayo Macarena Mob will hit the Piazza at exactly 6:30 pm, so make sure you're there.
Rittenhouse Square now has El Rey, Stephen Starr's Mexican diner, to raise a glass at on Cinco de Mayo.
For a real margarita without the typical boisterous crowd, you could ask for one at the Franklin Bar in Rittenhouse Square. You may not find it on the menu, but they KNOW.
In University City, you can always guarantee that there's a fiesta at Distrito. This Cinco de Mayo, they'll be celebrating all day. They're calling it "the best party north of the border...and west of the river." Doors will open at 11:30 am with drink and menu specials. DJs Adub and CSharp start at 9 pm. Don't forget your luchador mask.
Another Mexican favorite of ours is Jose's Mexican Food in the Loft District, perhaps one of the District's best secrets.
Can't make it out on May 5? Saturday's Cinco De Miro III at the Latvian Society is Miro Dance Theatre's aptly-named dance competition. Think of it as Dancing With the Stars, Cinco de Mayo style.
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What’s Open 14 Hours in Rittenhouse Square and Will Change Your Life?
What’s Open 14 Hours in Rittenhouse Square and Will Change Your Life?
Answer: El Rey, Stephen Starr's answer for an empty former Midtown Diner IV space in Rittenhouse Square.
While the interior of the Mexican diner still looks like the old 24-hour haunt that you remember, the design of the restaurant involved a trip to Mexico and flea market finds to stir El Rey to life. The exterior has only changed slightly, brightening the 2000 block of Chestnut Street with a golden brick front and a fun sign that promises to change your life. The original Midtown Diner IV sign is still there, with some slight adjustments. Are those 14 hours 11 - 1 am? If so, expect lunch hours right out of the gate. We're curious to see what chef Dionicio Jimenez will bring to the table when the latest from Starr opens later this month. We're guessing there won't be any scrapple on the menu.
El Rey, 2013 Chestnut St.
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[Midtown IV photo from Yelp]
Fitler Square: Grizzly Bears, Tennis Courts, and Garden Potlucks
Fitler Square is truly a hangout for locals who live in the quiet, tree-lined neighborhood that's known as a calmer, more residential cousin of Rittenhouse Square. It's smaller than other squares, but if you venture west for another block, you'll come across tennis courts, fields, two dog parks - one general and one for smaller dogs, and the gorgeous Schuylkill River Garden at the Schuylkill River Park. Every fourth Sunday from April - October, gardeners and residents bring dishes for an outdoor garden potluck there. This makes Fitler Square a nice community hideaway full of outdoor possibilities.
The 23rd and Pine square was named after former Philadelphia mayor Edwin H. Fitler. Inside you'll find an assortment of curious animal statues, such as the Fitler Square Ram, the dangerous Grizzly Bear, and the Family of Turtles, all of which were added in the 1980's. We like a square that has a love for animals and a sense of humor about it. Dogs might be walked in Rittenhouse Square, but at the dog park here, they can really get some exercise in.
Check out the contrast of this lively garden with the tall buildings of Center City standing proudly in the background. This is what we love so much about a rapidly greenified Philadelphia. Urban gardens and farms are what turns any gritty metropolis into a city that has it all - fresher air, more surrounding plantlife, and a populace that is likely to be in a better mood by having green space to enjoy.
Next time you're in Rittenhouse Square, interested in some different scenery or a few minutes of solitude? We suggest walking a few blocks over to Fitler Square.
Neighborhood Festival Watch: Mark Your Calendars and Stock Up on Sunblock
Bonus festival points if you attend all of these, but hey, no pressure. We'll see you out there.
On Saturday May 1, Walnut Street is blocked off between Broad and 19th Streets for the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, a rain or shine pedestrian-fest. It's the perfect time to try restaurant samples from Walnut Street's many restaurants that set up booths outside, or get a peek of local fashion at the all-day fashion show. Many of the stores have special sales and deals during the event. The live music and crowd ensures that Rittenhouse Square awakens any dormant aspects of spring.
Save next Saturday, April 24, for your North or South festival needs. If you're a Fishtowner, you've got to represent at the ShadFest at Penn Treaty Park. If you're in South Philly, stick to Passyunk Avenue for Flavors of the Avenue. You could do the civil thing and attend both, but we say? Follow your passions. Both promise lots of tasty local flavors and live music. Flavors of the Avenue is from 12 pm - 5 pm at East Passyunk Avenue, between Dickinson and Morris. Tickets to sample 20 restaurants cost $20 in advance/$25 at the door. The Crafty Balboa craft market will also be on Passyunk Avenue that day.
Yesterday, we mentioned Philadelphia Restaurant Weekend. But on Sunday, May 2nd, the Piazza will also host the Equality Forum's SundayOUT 2010. From 12 - 7 pm, the LGBT festival will fill the Piazza with live entertainment, a fashion show, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Cabaret, dance performances, and more, at $10 for adults and $5 for students.
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Rittenhouse Square: Dog-Walkers And People-Watchers
Have a Taste of Philly at Philadelphia Restaurant Weekend
Rittenhouse Square: Dog-Walkers And People-Watchers
We all know that Rittenhouse Square belongs to the dogs - the tiny pampered ones, the tall elegant ones, the shaggy playful ones. The above statue proves it. They're all here for their daily walks in hopes that their owners will stop by Metropolitan Bakery, south of the Square, for some dog treats.
It's packed with people, too, on any given day, any given time, and any given weather, and not just residents of Rittenhouse. This is the square that attracts people from all over the city and is covered with pedestrians, those working, dining, and shopping in Center City. You come to Rittenhouse Square just to be there. It's the ultimate meeting place. There's always something going on, whether it's street performers doing their thing or farmers selling their goods. You'll spot many Philadelphians, but because there are several hotels with visitors and business travelers nearby, you never know what accents you'll hear or who you'll meet.
One of Philadelphia's (and the country's!) highest grossing independent restaurants, Parc, is across from the square. If you can land an outdoor table, you'll have the best view of the park and some of the most delicious bread and authentic French cooking around. Since the square is surrounded by dining options and fashionable shopping, it's hard not to wander off into the busy streets after you've surveyed the square scene.
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What’s up with…Rittenhouse Square
1 Bedroom Condo Unit Sale in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia – Spacious Bright 1BR Condo Unit in Rittehouse Square in walking distance to everything!
1 Bedroom Condo Unit for Sale in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
This 1 bedroom condo unit for sale in Rittenhouse Square is a spacious, bright, 1 bedroom, bi-level, Rittenhouse Condo located on a quiet tree lined street is waiting for you. This condo offers extremely low condo fees and is only 3 blocks from Rittenhouse Square! Everything you want or need is in walking distance!
Enter the building through a foyer with stairs leading to Unit C which puts you in the main living room. Some of the interior features include:
high ceilings
soaring 13 foot windows
central air
large open living and dining area.
Plenty of storage throughout the unit
The kitchen is completely updated with the following desirable features: recessed lighting, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
The 2nd level offers an oversized bedroom, plush carpeting, and a separate alcove currently being used as a home office.
The bedroom closet has been custom fitted for maximum storage and there is even a remote controlled ceiling fan installed for your convenience.
The 2nd floor also features a laundry area and a beautifully renovated bath with upgraded ceramic tile floor and vanity.
We welcome your visit to this 1 bedroom condo unit for sale in Rittenhouse Square.
Originally Posted on The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog
Philadelphia’s Big 3 Make the Highest-Grossing Independent Restaurant List
Restaurants and Institutions listed their 100 highest-grossing independent restaurants in the United States, and no surprise, three Philadelphia hotspots made the list. Here they are, with their 2009 sales:
66. Parc $11,392,238
89. Buddakan $10,399,677
99. Continental Midtown $9,806,813
It's also no shocker that all three are Stephen Starr eateries. Parc is the ultimate Rittenhouse Square experience and we can't remember a single time we've seen it even remotely close to empty. As soon as the temperatures approach anything spring-like, the outdoor tables and Parisian chairs at the Square-facing brasserie are claimed. Inside, all sections of the restaurant fill up easily and steadily, as Parc is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. The bar is always occupied.
Outdoor Breakfast at Parc
While Buddakan and Continental Midtown don't have quite as many seats as Parc, they certainly see some impressive figures. Buddakan can always count on an Old City crowd with lots of group diners sharing singapore noodles. Continental Midtown profits from a sizable lunch scene in Center City, with business lunchers by day and nightlife customers after dusk.
As a city, Philadelphia certainly has a love affair with the small, intimate BYOs and off-the-beaten path restaurants, which receive plenty of our business. But it's an absolutely good thing that we do have dining options like Parc, where a large crowd can always be seated comfortably, and Continental Midtown, where options on the menu can satisfy many tastes. The street views from these restaurants is incredible and they certainly have a strong role in developing our neighborhoods and adding to the scenes of Philadelphia.
Did any of your city's restaurants make the list?
Related:
Don’t Miss…the Stephen Starr Bier Garden Zoning Meeting
Dinner Out Again in Philadelphia? Dine Out for Life
Be In On It: Philly Retailers are Reshaping the City
Open House in Washington Square West
Vacant storefronts don't stay empty very long in Philadelphia. Instead of giant malls and big box stores, the neighborhoods of Philly are lined with eclectic boutiques and specialty shops. Retail and restaurant business owners, both large and small, are profiled at philadelphiaretail.com, where you can go to find out more about success stories and how to start a business.
Retail experts like Joan and Ellen Shepp of Joan Shepp boutique and Bill Mignucci, co-owner of Di Bruno Bros. are featured here. Considering the crowds that pack both stores on any given day, they know a thing or two about what their customers want. It's not just Rittenhouse Square that draws in shoppers, however, Philadelphia Retail also makes note of Philly's other retail neighborhoods, like Washington Square and Old City.
Whether you're interested in starting a business or simply curious about how these Philly go-getters made it happen, Philadelphia Retail wants you to Be In On It.
A Useable Feast at Noble Cookery
If you like art, food, and prefer when the two influence each other, this event is for you.
Down to Earth event planners will coordinate with Art in the Age and Noble Cookery to put on a sustainable feast with ceramic pottery on display.
It'll kick off with a cocktail hour with seasonal drinks inspired by local ingredients and a pottery preview at the modern farmhouse-style restaurant Noble Cookery in Rittenhouse Square. Over 75 pieces of functional pottery by Jim Dugan, Mel Griffin, Ayumi Horie, and Gwendolyn Yoppolo will be available. The family-style dinner at 8pm will focus on locally grown food. The exhibit itself is intended to highlight the connection between food, art, and people.
A Useable Feast
Tuesday, March 30, 7pm
$85 ($20 goes to local food bank), tickets are required, beer, wine and cocktails included
Noble Cookery, 2025 Sansom Street
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