Believe it or not, lots of new retail outlets and restaurants opened in Center City in 2020 and the first half of 2021. And more eateries and shops are coming soon. If you haven't venture into Center City since the pandemic began, you may be in for a wonderful surprise. The streets are lined with chalets for shaded outdoor dining and the sidewalks are once again bustling with activity. List courtesy of Center City District.
Opened in 2020
In 2020, several shops opened in the Fashion District and throughout Market East. Rittenhouse Square, Midtown Village and other neighborhoods also experienced retail and restaurant growth.
Market East
Alice Pizza - pizza, coffee and bar
Ardene - Family-owned Canadian clothing company in the Fashion District
DSW/Designer Show Warehouse - footware in the Fashion District
Francesca’s - clothing in the Fashion District
Kate Spade NY Outlet - fashion accessory outlet in the Fashion District
Schmear it - bagels
Starbucks - coffee in the Fashion District
The Wayward - American brasserie in the Canopy by Hilton
Midtown Village
Blind Barber - barbershop with speakeasy
Dim Sum Factory - Shanghai cuisine
Federal Donuts - fried chicken, donuts and coffee
Monster Vegan - vegan comfort food and drinks
Morea - resort-style cuisine and bar
Sueno - Mexican with beer and cocktails
Rittenhouse
Allbirds - sustainable footwear
Ancient Spirits & Grille - America's first herbal cocktail lounge
Atmos - Japanese footwear
BetterSpaces - co-working space
Bucky Body Center - wellness center
Greens and Grains - health fast casual
Healthy Picks - neighborhood deli
Huda - sandwiches
Interior Define - customizable furniture
Kevin O’Brien Studio - luxury furnishings inside Joan Shepp
Pizza In Style - pizza on concourse level
Pizzata Pizzeria - natural-leaven dough pizzas for pick up and delivery
Playa Bowls - Acai bowls, smoothies
Sola Salon Studios - salon
Steak 48 - steakhouse
The Garden - outdoor restaurant at the Fitler Club
Tiffany & Company - luxury jewelry
Fitler Square
Sally - sourdough pizza, small plates, bar
North Broad
The Original Hot Dog Factory - hot dogs
Opened in 2021
This year, even more stores opened in the Fashion District and new eateries opened in Reading Terminal Market. Rittenhouse also saw lots of restaurant and retail openings, as did other neighborhoods throughout Center City.
Market East
African Shades - Afro-centric clothing and accessories in the Fashion District American Heritage Federal Credit Union - credit union
El Merkury - Guatemalan in Reading Terminal Market
Lids - athletic headwear in the Fashion District
Naturally Us - A non-profit organization in the Fashion District that promotes strength and unity in innercity neighborhoods. Jewelry, accessories and more.
O’Dat’s Cute - Jewelry, shoes and handbags in the Fashion District
PA Libations - products from PA distilleries, wineries and ciders in Reading Terminal Market
Shopper’s World - discount department store in the Fashion District
Sweet Ts - sweet potato desserts in Reading Terminal Market
Midtown Village
Cockatoo - Latin street food and drink for Philly’s queer community and its allies
LashBee - provider of semi-permanent eyelash extensions
Top Tomato Restaurant & Bar - dining and bar
Rittenhouse
Bar Poulet - upscale fried chicken
Chase Bank - bank
Emma Mac Beauty - beauty, cosmetic and personal care
Flowers & Company - floral boutique
General Tsao’s House - Szechuan, dim sum, noodles and more
Govberg’s Jewelers - luxury watches, fine jewelry and services
Her Place - pop up restaurant
Lost Bread Company - bagels, pastries, bread, pizza and snacks
Pho Mi Rittenhouse - express Vietnamese cuisine
Removery - laser tattoo removal
Skin Devotee Facial Studio - customized skincare services and products
North Broad
Helen’s Cleaners & Tailors - organic dry cleaning, alternations and repairs
Ben Franklin Parkway/Logan Circle
Giant - grocery store with a beer garden
Wash West/Washington Square
Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles Ramen - neighborhood ramen shop
Cloudline Physical Therapy - physical therapy
Huff & Puff BBQ - traditional BBQ & vegan
Historic District
Lamberti Pizza & Market - grab-n-go market, prepared meals, pizza, cheesesteaks
Coming Soon
And more is on the way, especially restaurants in Rittenhouse and Market East and a sprinkling of CBD stores throughout the city.
Rittenhouse
Alchemy Coffee - coffee house
CBD Kratom - CBD and Kratom products
Cyclebar - indoor cycling for all fitness levels
Dolce - Italian dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner the W Hotel
Dr. Martens - Shoes, work boots, bags and accessories
Equinox - upscale fitness club
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream - artisan ice cream from Columbus, Ohio. Opening a second local location in Fishtown.
OceanFirst Bank - bank
Philly Bagels - bagels
Philadelphia Runner - specialty running store selling shoes and gear
Market East
Fruit & Produce - neighborhood grocer
Giant/Heirloom - grocery store
Popeyes - fried chicken
Primark - fashion, beauty, homeware retailer
Popeyes - fried chicken
Starbucks - coffee house
Tambayan - Filipino-fusion at Reading Terminal Market
Ben Franklin Parkway/Logan Circle
Victory Brewing - massive new tap room
Federal Donuts - fried chicken, donuts and coffee
North Broad
Golden Chopsticks - Chinese restaurant
Midtown Village
To Be Determined - New restaurant by Michael Schulson and Jeff Michaud
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - ice cream from Brooklyn, including many vegan options
If you haven’t traveled outside your neighborhood lately or haven’t been to Center City in a year, it’s time to come back! There is a lot to do, see, eat and buy!
by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. Visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com for more tips. Looking for fun things to do? Need gifts? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.
For more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including information about new attractions, attractions opening soon and where to find pop-up beer gardens: click here.