Philly is, without a doubt, a diverse city. Home to residents of all backgrounds, its vibrant diversity and genuine sense of community create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and rich in character. Reflecting the city’s incredible assortment of cultures, several spots stand out as examples of how Philly's architectural heritage intersects with community–driven spaces.
Whether you’re looking for a rooftop escape, historic food hall, or beer garden, these spots bring Philly’s charm to life. Each offers a unique combination of the past and present, proving that history and creativity can coexist beautifully.
Irwin’s
Location: 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Finding your way to Irwin’s, which is in the Bok Building, feels like walking into the first day of 8th grade: tiled floors, classrooms, and long hallways. Little do you know, you're discovering a space that feels like a hidden gem of the city–a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the skyline, a menu rooted in local ingredients, and a vibe that effortlessly blends the nostalgia of the building’s history with the energy of something fresh and new.
This unique dining experience encourages foodies to appreciate how spaces can be reimagined while holding on to their original essence. It's only at Irwin's that you can pull out a bright yellow school chair to enjoy a three–course Sicilian meal with a backdrop of city lights. It is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, making the experience all the more memorable.
The Bourse
Location: 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Much like the Bok Building, this former commodities exchange is a space rich in history. Since its early years, The Bourse has been reimagined as a bustling food hall offering a little something for everyone. Its historical roots include housing stock, maritime, and grain exchanges in the 1960s, which add depth to the dining experience. Today, visitors can enjoy diverse cuisines, from Hawaiian poke at Abunai to Italian classics at Rustica Rosticceria.
The Divine Lorraine Hotel
Location: 699 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Once a fancy 1800s luxury hotel, The Divine Lorraine has been given new life. Now, instead of checking in for a lavish stay, you can check your aim at Libertee Grounds, a beer hall with a mini–golf course. As one of the first racially integrated hotels in the U.S., all are invited to enjoy its blend of historic charm and contemporary flair.
Reading Terminal Market
Location: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The one we all know and love—Reading Terminal Market has been open since 1893. While you won’t find horse–drawn carriages on cobblestone streets, you will find just about every kind of food that you can imagine. Reading Terminal is a culinary time machine in the Philly community where you can grab an Amish soft pretzel and Pad Thai all under one roof. Many Penn students coin this place as a must–visit for any food lover or anyone needing a quick escape from campus dining.
Frankford Hall
Location: 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
With its gritty, industrial exterior, Frankford Hall presents itself as just another abandoned Fishtown factory. But when you step inside, prepare to be welcomed into a lively open–air beer garden with steins of beer, giant pretzels, and fire pits. Frankford Hall is a place where Philly’s industrial past meets a modern–day hangout spot for the community.
Like many small businesses, The Bourse, Irwin’s, and other local spots had to get creative to survive the challenges brought by COVID–19. More than 17,000 of Philadelphia’s small businesses, about 63% of all small businesses in the city, were estimated to be impacted by the economic shutdown. From shifting to takeout and delivery to embracing outdoor dining, these restaurants swiftly adapted to the new normal. Their resilience helped to keep Philly’s culinary scene lively. Now, as they welcome diners back, these spots not only preserve their history but also reflect the community’s strength in the face of adversity.
Whether you're seeking history, great food, or just a cool spot to people–watch, these Philly gems are the perfect blend of the past and present. These spaces aren’t just places to visit—they are capsules to step back in time to the early years of our city's history.
