A Walk Down South Street
Part 1: Front Street to Second Street
Back in 1963 the musical group The Orlons recorded their hit song "South Street". Back then as the song says, South Street was "where the hippies meet". Today it remains a place where people of all kinds meet, shop, party and just plain hang out. It is a place that takes on a life of its own after dark.
When most of the city is going to sleep, South Street is just waking up. Never is it busier than right after a major evening event at Penn's Landing which is within easy walking distance.
South Street is actually part of a larger Philadelphia neighborhood called Queen Village. It is also one of the oldest areas of the city having first been settled by Swedes prior to 1640. In fact, the name Queen Village is in honor of Sweden's Queen Christina who encouraged the original settlement of the area. Queen Village is bordered by Lombard Street on the North, Front Street on the east, Washington Avenue to the South, and Sixth Street on the west.
Contained within Queen Village is the heart of South Street whose business district runs from Front Street to Seventh Street. Beginning in sixties but more so in the early 1970's, young entrepreneurs began buying up older properties on South Street and converting them into clubs, bookstores, bistros, cafes, craft and arts stores.
In the 80's national chain stores and restaurants arrived such as the Gap, McDonald's, Starbucks and Tower Records and Books. Today, older stores continue to be renovated and new tenants arrive every week.
The only real way to explore South Street is on foot. In this multi-part feature we will start out at the eastern end of South Street at Front Street and walk west exploring many of the sites, stores, clubs and places to eat along the way.
A good place to park to explore South Street is a parking lot along Columbus Boulevard right at the foot of South Street. While it can be a bit pricey and the rates do change depending on whether there are events at Penn's Landing, it is very convenient lot. There are also a number of metered spaces and even some free parking both north and south of South Street along Front Street.
If you park along Columbus Boulevard or walk to South Street from the Penn's Landing area, you will cross over I-95 using a pedestrian bridge constructed several years ago.
South Street Pedestrian Bridge - Photo by John Fischer
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As you cross the bridge be sure to look up and notice the art work of the three large metal stick figure pedestrians crossing with you.
Gate to South Street - Photo by John Fischer
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At the end of the bridge is a welcome gate to South Street. At this point it's just a matter of walking across Front Street and we can begin our walk.
The first block out South Street begins an area which features some great and diverse restaurants.
Downey's Restaurant - Photo by John Fischer
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On the north side you first see Downey's Restaurant at the corner of Front and South. Much of the ground floor of Downey's was moved from a Dublin Bank built in 1903. The upstairs was taken from a pub in Cork City. There are cafe tables along both the Front Street and South Street sides open to the air as well as an extensive deck on the second floor. Live entertainment is featured often.
Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria - Photo by John Fischer
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Also along the north side in this block you will find the Te Amo Imported Cigars store, the United Check Cashing Service as well as the Thai Palace featuring the cuisine of Thailand and Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria, a 1998 addition to the block.
The opposite side of South Street in this first block includes a number of businesses including Tullycross which features fine Irish handcrafts and Brescia, a full service hair salon.
Ristorante Primavera - Photo by John Fischer
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It also features three additional restaurants including the South Street Diner which is currently under renovation and the Ristorante Primavera and the elegant Monte Carlo Restaurant and Club.
In Part 2, we'll continue our walk down South Street as we look at the very diverse and very busy block between Second and Third Streets.
