Pennsport: A Riverfront Slice of South Philly Life

Can’t Miss Experiences

1. Take a bite out of the local food scene

Bringing a bevy of flavorfully diverse eats to the table, Pennsport serves up everything from iconic Philly staples at John’s Roast Pork to some of the city’s best pho at Pho Saigon to delightful deli fare at Gooey Looies.

Dive into a world of flavor at gems like Aroma on 3rd (Italian), Taste of Punjab (Indian), Ginza Sushi and Ramen (Japanese), and Tonalli Philly (Italian and Mexican).

John's Roast Pork   — Photo by E. Teel for Visit Philadelphia

2. Grab a pint at one of the many neighborhood taverns and Irish pubs

This neighborhood knows its way around a tap or two.

Take your pick from old-school corner pubs like McKenna’s, newer go-tos for craft brews like Jaxx Steaks Taproom, and everything in between at spots like Mifflin Tavern, O’Jung’s Tavern, 2street, 2nd Street Brew House, Mick Daniels and Moonshine Philly.

Just a note: Some neighborhood bars are old school (read: cash only), so don’t always rely on plastic to grab a drink.

3. Enjoy the fresh air at local green spaces

Scenic bike rides and jogs along the Delaware River waterfront are major perks of the neighborhood’s prime riverfront location. You can get your fill of waterfront views (without breaking a sweat) at Pier 68 or atop the Land Buoy at Washington Avenue Pier.

For something a little cozier, hit up neighborhood parks like Jefferson Square or Dickinson Square.

Land Buoy   — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

4. Find sips and pastries at local cafes

Who deserves a little treat? You do. Grab a coffee and snack at cafes like Cake and Joe, Herman’s Coffee, Rebel & Wolf, and vegan coffee shop Grindcore House.

5. Make a day of it with fun and games

Knock down pins or practice your trick shot at South Bowl, a one-stop fun destination with bowling alleys, pool tables and a seasonal outdoor beer garden with batting cages.

Or hit the ice at Rizzo Rink, a hidden gem tucked under I-95.

South Bowl   — Photo courtesy South Bowl

6. Strut on down to the Mummers Museum

Pennsport — specifically the stretch between Front Street and 2nd Street, or “Two Street” as the locals call it — serves as Mummers HQ.

Mummer clubhouses and pubs blend into the neighborhood’s narrow blocks, and every day is New Year’s Day at the Mummers Museum, a vibrant celebration of Philly’s 100-plus-year tradition.

The site honors the Mummers Parade — the oldest continuously running folk parade in the U.S. — with exhibits featuring colorful costumes, oral histories, video and audio archives, and more.

Where to Stay

As a largely residential area, hotel accommodations within Pennsport are limited — but you don’t have to go far with hotels like the Hotel Bella Vista in nearby Bella Vista, Yowie further north on South Street and Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia just south at the South Philly Sports Complex.

Local Tips

Ready to experience the area firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:

• Pennsport is extremely bikeable and walkable, but the near-instant access from I-95 makes it drivable as well. Just note that parking in the evenings may be tight.
• Those hopping on public transit can catch SEPTA buses up and down the neighborhood’s main arteries: Moyamensing Avenue, Front Street and Washington Avenue.
• Rob McElhenney, creator of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, is a Pennsport native. His inspiration for Paddy’s Pub in the show came from the real-life, authentic neighborhood bars of Pennsport.