Mayfair: Where Philly Pride Meets Global Flavor

Can’t-Miss Experiences

1. Dine at historical eateries

Some of Philly’s most enduring foodie institutions got their start right here in Mayfair.

Take a bite out of history with crab fries from the original Chickie’s & Pete’s location, a hoagie from classic sandwich shop Marinucci’s Deli or a pretzel from the first Philly Pretzel Factory.

Plus, don’t miss a sizzling, 1950s-style breakfast or lunch at Mayfair Diner, a neighborhood staple since 1932 (located right across the street from Philly Pretzel Factory).

2. Dig into diverse food offerings

Beyond Philly fare, Mayfair’s food scene spans the globe, thanks to its vibrant and growing immigrant community.

Go on a culinary journey with Thai dishes and desserts from House of Thai and Ice Moon, Dominican eats at Kocinao Restaurant, Japanese cuisine at Rayaki Ramen, or Cantonese bites at China Gourmet.

Kocinao Restaurant   — Photo courtesy Kocinao Restaurant

3. Don’t miss the Third Thursday Night Markets

The intersection of Cottman & Frankford avenues — home to the retro Mayfair Welcome Sign — comes alive on summer nights. May through September, Mayfair’s Third Thursday Night Market fills the streets with live entertainment, vendors, food and drink.

But if we’re being honest, that intersection bumps all year long with impromptu celebrations for major sports victories (remember the Super Bowl) and yearly traditions, like the Thanksgiving parade (held the Sunday before the holiday for 50 years and counting) and the Christmas tree lighting and village.

4. Relax in Pennypack Park

Just a touch north of Mayfair, Pennypack Park stretches for nine miles, covering over 1,600 acres of woodlands, meadows, wetlands and fields.

Perfect for long bike rides, scenic hikes and runs, and leisurely horseback rides, the expansive park boasts a rambling creek, scenic trails, relaxing picnic areas and tons of natural wonder.

  — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

5. Get transported at Otherworld Philadelphia

Journey into the unknown at the nearby Otherworld Philadelphia, your gateway to unimaginable sci-fi realms and fantasy worlds through art.

Featuring 55 rooms decked out in surreal projections, screens, and large-scale art pieces, the family-friendly immersive experience is part artistic playground, part escape room, but all fun.

  — Photo courtesy Otherworld Philadelphia

Visit Philly staff says...

My favorite Mayfair weekend ritual? That’s easy! First up: a walk or jog around the Lincoln Loop (a just-over-two-mile circuit around Lincoln High School), with the occasional detour into Pennypack Park if I’m feeling especially ambitious and in need of tranquility, followed by a trip to Marinucci’s Deli for some post-workout nourishment. My go-to? The Italian hoagie, which like all Marinucci’s sandwiches, is packed with enough meat and fillings to cover at least two meals.

Cathy McVey,
Marketing

Where to Stay

Staying over? For accommodations nearby — including the Four Points by Sheraton Northeast Philly and more — check out our guide to Northeast Philly Hotels.

King Guest Room at Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast   — Photo courtesy Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast

Local Tips

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

• Mayfair is easily accessible by public transportation via SEPTA using the Route 66 trolley.
• Looking to drive? There’s plenty of metered parking from Sheffield Avenue to Tyson Avenue, and a PPA parking lot is located at Frankford Avenue & St. Vincent Street.
• Insider tip: Neighborhood locals refer to the heart of Mayfair as the intersection of Cottman & Frankford. (None of this Frankford & Cottman business.)