Northern Liberties is a cultural force in the City of Brotherly Love. This Philadelphia neighborhood sits between Girard Avenue and Callowhill Street, connecting Old City to Fishtown. Once a manufacturing district, NoLibs has long been a draw for artists looking for an affordable and charming place to call home. Today, Northern Liberties is a diverse, fast-growing neighborhood and a destination for visitors and locals alike.
Part of what draws people to NoLibs is its eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. You’ll find a variety of mouthwatering options in the neighborhood, no matter your taste. Explore some of Northern Liberties’ best restaurants, from breakfast cafes to retro diners.
If you like to start your day with a hearty meal, you won’t be disappointed with the breakfast options in NoLibs. Put the box of cornflakes back in the cupboard and eat something a little more exciting for the most important meal of the day.
Honey’s Sit ‘n’ Eat is a popular spot for breakfast. You’ll find a unique and comforting mix of Southern- and Jewish-inspired dishes on its menu. Have a seat in this cozy joint and prepare to dig into a warm plate of Honey’s Cristo –– challah French toast stuffed with ham and cheese and topped with eggs. Or maybe you’d rather silence your hunger pangs with The Bomb, a giant pancake stuffed with eggs, meat and potatoes. Either way, you won’t go hungry. Just be sure to hit the ATM first because Honey’s is cash-only.
Green Eggs Café has several locations throughout the city, and fortunately, there’s one up in Northern Liberties. The eco-friendly breakfast and brunch spot values sustainability and high-quality food and is proud to use fresh, local ingredients.
Green Eggs Café is not just about spreading a love for the planet. They know where it’s at when it comes to flavor too, especially for those who like sweet with their savory. What appeals to your taste buds most in the morning –– Cookie Dough Stuffed French Toast or Pastrami Lox Benedict?
For Lebanese fare with Parisian flair, head to Café La Maude. One of the most beloved breakfast and brunch restaurants in the city, dining at Café La Maude feels like dining in a stylish Parisian cafe. The menu features decadent breakfast items like the Tiramisu Pancake, as well as a variety of flavorful signature dishes, sides, and sandwiches. Best of all, the café serves breakfast all day.
If you want to enjoy an Italian breakfast in a European-style cafe, you’ll be glad to check out Dolce & Caffe. The espresso bar plus pastry shop and eatery will not disappoint. They have a large selection of breakfast sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, paninis, and more. How does a Cannoli Latte with a Cannoli Crepe sound?
Did you sleep late but still want breakfast food? Or maybe you’re looking forward to celebrating the weekend with friends over brunch? Either way, NoLib’s got you covered. Here’s where you’ll want to go if you’re looking for the best brunch options in the neighborhood.
Jerry’s bar is cozy, retro and has an outdoor dining area so you enjoy brunch al fresco when the weather is nice. Brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, but try to head there Sunday if you can. Sunday brunch comes with free, live jazz. Enjoy items like Loaded Homefries or Salmon and Gritz with a glass of home-brewed iced tea and the sweet sound of jazz.
The Abbaye is a great place to go any time of day if you love beer, delicious food and an inviting atmosphere. You can take your best buddies to brunch at The Abbaye from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday. Their brunch menu includes classics like create-your-own omelets and buttermilk pancakes, and they also have a yum-worthy selection of “Hangover Cures.” So, if you drank a bit much the night before, know that the chef at The Abbaye will gladly whip up a brunch that will have you feeling better in no time.
Bourbon & Branch is a hip and cozy NoLibs restaurant with a music venue upstairs and a dining area downstairs. They offer a vast brunch menu every day of the week with an eclectic and exciting mix of items. The vegan-friendly restaurant has options like the Banh Mi Veggie Burger and Vegan Cheese Steak, plus tasty choices for meat lovers such as the Lumberjack Scramble or Short Rib sandwich. If you often get a sweet tooth during brunch hours, have no fear –– you’ll be delighted by their Sticky Buns or Skillet Pancakes.
For many people, lunch is a much-appreciated break in the middle of the day. It’s time for catching your breath while refueling for the hours ahead. Lunchtime is typically reserved for casual, satisfying meals like hearty sandwiches or fresh veggie-packed salads. No matter what your lunchtime style is, Northern Liberties has what you need. Here are some of the top choices.
Kale Yeah believes food should taste good and nourish the body. Located on Spring Garden Street, Kale Yeah caters to meat lovers and vegans so anyone who wants a healthy, delicious meal can feel welcome. Here you can build your own salad bowl and top it with tasty proteins like Soy Garlic Tofu and flavorful veggies such as Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. If you’re in the mood to bite into a sandwich, consider The Hulk, which includes chicken, avocado and kale pesto.
Soy Cafe has been delighting vegans and non-vegans in NoLibs since 2004. The cafe offers vegan-friendly takes on popular Philly sandwiches, including a vegan cheesesteak. Get lunch to-go or enjoy your meal in the cafe’s garden area, which is open year-round.
Every neighborhood needs a decent sushi joint. Well, Northern Liberties is no exception, and you can get your sushi fix at Hikari Sushi. Expect quality, fresh ingredients, and a variety of menu items from classic California rolls to Specialty Rolls like the Fishtown Roll. Just be sure to check their hours first before you head out to lunch. They’re closed on Mondays and open later during the weekend.
If you’re a fan of fried chicken, you have to visit Love & Honey at least once, whether you live in neighborhood or are visiting. Make sure to try their chicken which is brined for eight hours, dunked in buttermilk and seasoned flour, fried and finished with a sweet drizzle of honey. Get your chicken served on a sandwich, or as tenders or wings. Complete your meal with house-made sauce and classic sides like Southern-Style Potato Salad or Buttermilk Ranch Slaw.
Dinnertime is a special part of the day. It’s usually when the day’s work is done, and it’s time to unwind. Dinner also calls for something a little more elegant and indulgent than lunch, especially if you’re sharing a table with a loved one. You’ll find an array of dinner options in Northern Liberties to suit your mood, whether you’re craving Mexican or Thai. Here are a few top restaurants in the neighborhood that are perfect for dinner.
Cantina Dos Segundos serves up creative Mexican fare in a fun and festive atmosphere. Join locals for the fiesta as you dig into inventive dishes like the Vegan Cheesesteak Burrito or slow-cooked goat tacos. If you’re looking for a lively spot to enjoy Mexican food with a twist, this is your place.
Can you think of a better way to spend a Friday night than enjoying award-winning Thai dishes in a beautiful contemporary restaurant? Circles Thai offers satisfying Asian fusion flavors and traditional Thai cuisine that will bring your taste buds to life. Gather your friends and your favorite wine and prepare for deliciousness. Consider the chef’s recommendations, such as Pad Thai Crab or Thai Burrito.
Hello Vietnam opened at the end of 2019 on North 2nd street. Tri Tan, who previously won accolades for her work at Nam Son Bakery in South Philly, leads the kitchen at the Asian bistro. Menu options include pho, banh mi and skewers. The menu also has plenty of options for diners looking for a vegan take on pho and other Vietnamese dishes.
If your idea of the perfect end-of-week dinner involves brick-fired pizza and an outdoor lounge, you’ll be glad to visit Urban Village Brewing Company. Here they make their brews on-site and feed hungry patrons artisan bread, pizzas, and delicious sides like hand-cut fries and smoked wings. With spacious dining areas and a laid-back vibe, it’s easy to take your time here and savor fresh beer and yummy bites.
Do you know the feeling where you’re craving food, too lazy to cook and nothing seems to be open? Most of us have been there before, but Northern Liberties residents don’t seem to have that problem. That’s probably because they have several late-night dining options to choose from, and we’re going to share the best. So, if you find yourself in Northern Liberties after hours in need of a tasty meal, look no further than the following places.
Standard Tap is anything but standard. This laid-back gastropub offers dinner seven days a week until 1 a.m., so you can drink and eat until late. Standard Tap is a craft beer lover’s dream, as they only feature the best of locally-produced beers. They update their selection of 20 taps every day and give you a range of styles to choose from. Enjoy your frothy pint with locally inspired eats including everything from chicken pie to wild game.
With the motto, “Everything old is new again,” how could you not want to head to Silk City when you’re looking for food at midnight? Silk City is located in a vintage diner car and also includes a beer garden and lounge. If you want a cozy seat in a booth and late-night comfort food, head to Silk City. They have all the bites you’re craving from Baked Macaroni and Cheese to Salisbury Steak. If you’re looking for something lighter, they also offer soups and salads –– and deep-fried Veggie Wings if you don’t mind splurging just a little.
If quirky decorations aren’t enough to win you over, let the menu at North Third do the job. You can enjoy observing the decor as you dig into creative eats like Grilled Hanger Steak Frites or a Moroccan Spiced Lamb Burger. While you’re out exploring Northern Liberties late into the night, make sure to check out this casual and cozy neighborhood bar.
As you can see, there are lots of places to eat and drink in NoLibs. When you live in Northern Liberties, you can try something new whenever you want, and you can take your time trying it all if you wish.
Not only is Northern Liberties is a great place to go out to eat, but it’s also an awesome place to call home. If you’re considering moving to Northern Liberties or another neighborhood in the city, reach out to us at Streamline. Streamline is your go-to full-service real estate developer in Philadelphia. We’ll help you through the home-buying process every step of the way whether you’re looking to settle down in Northern Liberties or your other favorite Philadelphia neighborhood. To learn more about our real estate services and how we’ll exceed your expectations, contact us today!
