A Guide to Fishtown, Philadelphia’s Coolest Neighborhood

Philadelphia residents know that Fishtown is currently one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Once a modest fishing village in the 1700s—hence its name—it evolved into a blue-collar center for the shad-fishing industry over the following 200 years.

However, by the 1990s and early 2000s, the neighborhood faced significant challenges. Fortunately, a decade ago, change commenced with the launch of a popular beer hall, several yoga studios, and the flagship location of La Colombe, a renowned Philadelphia coffee brand.

Since then, Fishtown has attracted both locals and visitors with its vibrant live music scene, featuring venues such as The Fillmore and Johnny Brenda’s, along with esteemed eateries like Kalaya, whose chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won a James Beard Award in 2023. Recent culinary innovation includes the opening of Philly’s first cheese vending machine and an urban winery—both debuting in 2024.

Even Beyoncé has taken notice of Fishtown, having frequently ordered her birthday cakes from Cake Life Bake Shop over the years.

The opening of the stylish 50-room Hotel Anna & Bel in August 2024, located in the historic Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women, solidified Fishtown’s status as a must-visit destination. The boutique hotel features a Mediterranean restaurant and a lively cocktail bar, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and guests, complete with a heated outdoor pool nestled in its central courtyard.

I spent a weekend in Fishtown recently, and here’s the rundown on the best places to eat, drink, and explore within 48 hours in this emerging Philadelphia neighborhood. (Plus, tips on using points for your stay!)

Getting to Fishtown, Philadelphia

As a New York City resident without a car, Amtrak was my easiest travel option to Fishtown. The journey took roughly 1.5 hours, departing from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Philadelphia’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station via the Northeast Regional train. (For a quicker option, Acela trains complete the trip in just over an hour.)

With multiple daily departures, last-minute tickets are usually available, but booking ahead can secure better prices. My round-trip coach fare cost about $200 just a couple of days before my trip, though early birds can find fares starting at $10 or 375 Amtrak Guest Rewards points each way by reserving a month in advance. Business-class tickets on Acela typically start around $58 or 2,175 Amtrak Guest Rewards points each way for advanced bookings.

For those who frequently travel on Amtrak, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® offers 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases. Additionally, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® provides 3 points per dollar on similar expenditures. Both cards also feature benefits like a 5% rebate on redeeming Amtrak Guest Rewards points and cashback on onboard food and beverages.

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The details regarding the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard and the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard were independently collected by The Points Guy. The information on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Related: Top credit cards for Amtrak and train travel

From the 30th Street Station, getting to Fishtown is easy by transferring to the SEPTA metro system for a quick 20-minute ride. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available and typically take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For those traveling from further away, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately a 20-minute drive south of Fishtown, serving as the primary hub for American Airlines in the Northeast.

Road trippers will find ample street parking in Fishtown, given its residential character.

Where to Stay in Fishtown, Philadelphia

While there are numerous points hotels in Center City like the W Philadelphia and Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, I opted to stay at the new boutique Hotel Anna & Bel to fully immerse myself in the charming Fishtown neighborhood for the weekend.

Make sure to maximize your points earnings by using a travel credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, to earn 5 points for each dollar spent on hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠.

Hotel Anna & Bel

Located at the intersection of East Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street, Hotel Anna & Bel is a stylish, comfortable boutique hotel. Opened in August 2024 and run by the locally based Foyer Project, a hospitality and real estate development firm, this hotel features 50 uniquely arranged rooms maintaining the historical character of the original 18th-century red brick structure.

Each room is artistically decorated with custom furniture from Bali and artwork primarily by local female artists. Some rooms also offer shared balconies overlooking the hotel’s heated pool in its courtyard. Accommodations include kitchenettes, a thoughtful addition by the owners, who are a couple and parents of three boys, designed to cater to families looking for a residential experience.

The ambiance was relaxed during my visit, with groups of friends enjoying the pool area as they reconnected for a weekend getaway, while couples sought a quiet escape. Guests and locals mingled in the hotel’s restaurant, Bastia—offering a mix of Corsican and Sardinian cuisine—and Caletta, an intimate cocktail bar and piano lounge.

Room rates start at $217 per night at Hotel Anna & Bel.

Where to Eat and Drink in Fishtown, Philadelphia

With an abundance of bars and restaurants, Fishtown offers the potential for a week’s worth of culinary exploration. However, if you only have 48 hours like I did, here are the must-visit spots. As a bonus, I earned 4 points per dollar on dining with my American Express® Gold Card at these establishments (this applies to up to $50,000 in purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

Kalaya

After her James Beard Award victory in 2023, Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon of Kalaya was featured in the seventh season of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.”

Located on West Palmer Street, this eatery serves southern Thai specialties in a lively, warehouse-style setting. My friends and I indulged in the $75-per-person “Taste of Phuket” prix-fixe menu that included 13 dishes, with highlights such as the beautiful purple shaw muang flower dumplings, hearty poh taek seafood soup, and two flavors of shaved ice (coconut pineapple and coffee caramel). I left feeling pleasantly stuffed.

Middle Child Clubhouse

Under the elevated train on North Front Street, Middle Child Clubhouse operates daily except Mondays, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Upon our arrival on a busy Friday night, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere.

A few of my favorite unique takes on comfort food included the latkes served “okonomiyaki-style” featuring unagi, kewpie, pickled ginger, and scallion ($3 each), along with the pepperoni ragu rigatoni in blush sauce garnished with Sicilian oregano and parmesan ($22). I also enjoyed the seasonal “Philly Chilly,”—a pumpkin spice painkiller ($14), blending spiced rum, pineapple, coconut, and orange juice.

Fiore

For a delightful breakfast or lunch, stroll from Hotel Anna & Bel to Fiore, a traditional Italian bakery just over the Fishtown border in East Kensington on Frankford Avenue. We shared a variety of treats, including a saltimbocca sandwich with soft scrambled eggs and whipped ricotta on house-made focaccia ($11), a maritozzi bun filled with fresh whipped cream ($5), a pistachio cornetti ($6), a savory tomato pastry ($5), and crispy hash browns ($7).

Perrystead Dairy Cheese Vending Machine

While technically located just a few blocks from Fishtown in Olde Kensington, Perrystead Dairy is known for its award-winning cheeses and is worth the short walk for picnic supplies or souvenirs. The shop closes on weekends, but you can enjoy the fun of using its 24/7 vending machine outside to purchase cheese.

I chose the Intergalactic cheese ($17), a delightfully fragrant soft cow’s milk cheese made using Iberian cardoon thistle flowers instead of animal rennet. The vending machine also stocks crackers, jams, and cured meats for your picnic needs.

Cake Life Bake Shop

Cake Life Bake Shop is famously known for crafting multiple birthday cakes for Beyoncé, but I visited looking for a delicious treat one Saturday afternoon.

Though flavors change seasonally, the strawberry shake cupcake ($5) I enjoyed may not be available during your visit. Classic options like Funfetti and red velvet are always around to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Mural City Cellars

As Philadelphia’s first urban winery, Mural City Cellars relocated to Fishtown in March 2024, setting up shop in a former auto body facility. Here, you can find a winemaking facility, a bottle shop, and a wine bar, producing a limited selection of artisan wines sourced from growers within 300 miles of Philadelphia.

The relaxed vibe drew my friends and me back twice in one weekend—first for a bottle of skin-contact pinot gris ($55) while enjoying live music outdoors on Friday night, and then on Saturday afternoon for glasses of fruity chambourcin ($14) at the bar, perfect for breaking up our walk back to the hotel after lunch.

Things to Do in Fishtown, Philadelphia

While my itinerary largely involved food and drink, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Fishtown, especially for fans of boutique shopping or live music.

Jinxed Vintage

Frankford Avenue boasts several vintage and antique shops, but Jinxed Vintage caught my attention with its eclectic assortment of furniture, home goods, jewelry, and unique trinkets. Established around a decade ago, Jinxed also has locations in South Philly and Manayunk.

Penn Treaty Park

On Fishtown’s eastern edge lies the Delaware River, nicely observed from Penn Treaty Park—a quaint urban park with views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The park derives its name from the historical event where, according to legend, William Penn signed a peace treaty with the Lenape tribe in the 17th century.

Consider packing lunch for a picnic when visiting on a sunny day or taking a leisurely coffee walk like I did while my friends caught a few extra hours of sleep before our departure on Sunday morning.

Johnny Brenda’s

While I wasn’t able to catch a live performance at Johnny Brenda’s, this beloved venue has been a fixture in the neighborhood since its 2003 debut. It features a gastropub downstairs serving delicious smashburgers and local beers, while upstairs, indie rock acts perform, including upcoming artists like Kurt Vile and Matt Pond PA.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Philadelphia traveler, exploring Fishtown and its dynamic dining scene is a worthwhile experience. For an unforgettable weekend, consider staying at the newly opened Hotel Anna & Bel, allowing you to thoroughly soak up the local atmosphere and discover a unique side of Philly.

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