Fishtown

Fishtown

Type	Neighborhood
Location	River Wards
ZIP code(s)	19125
Established	1847
Named for	Historic shad fishing industry
Boundaries	North: Norris Street, South: Girard Avenue, East: Delaware River, West: Front Street
Adjacent	Northern Liberties, Kensington, Port Richmond, East Kensington
Major streets	Girard Avenue, Frankford Avenue, Front Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (Girard Station, Berks Station)
Landmarks	Sugarhouse Casino, Frankford Hall, Johnny Brenda's

Fishtown sits in the River Wards section of Philadelphia, north of Center City right along the Delaware River. It wasn't always trendy. For over a century, this was a working-class neighborhood defined by the shad fishing industry that gave it its name. Today? It's been completely transformed into one of Philadelphia's hottest spots, packed with acclaimed restaurants, craft breweries, music venues, and a thriving arts scene. The neighborhood's managed to hold onto its tight-knit community feel even as young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs have flooded in.

Frankford Avenue is the heart of it all. You'll find vintage shops, restaurants, coffee roasters, and bars mixed together in a way that feels organic rather than forced. That's what draws both visitors and locals to this neighborhood.

History

Origins

The neighborhood's name comes straight from the shad fishing industry that dominated the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Fishermen worked the Delaware River, and fish processing turned into a significant economic engine. Originally part of the larger Kensington District, Fishtown became incorporated into Philadelphia in 1854.

Industrial Era

By the late 1800s, fishing gave way to broader industrial work. Factories and warehouses took over. Rowhouses for workers filled in the grid. Irish, Polish, and German immigrant families settled here and built deep roots in the community.

Decline and Transformation

Manufacturing left Philadelphia. Like so many industrial neighborhoods, Fishtown took a hit in the mid-20th century. Then something shifted. Starting in the 1990s, affordable housing and proximity to Center City started attracting artists and young people looking for space.

The real acceleration happened during the 2000s and 2010s. Restaurants opened on Frankford Avenue. Bars appeared. Creative businesses moved in. Property values skyrocketed. With that came both real opportunity and serious concerns about displacement.

Character

Architecture

You'll see several types of buildings here:

• Two-story brick rowhouses (most common)
• Three-story rowhouses with storefronts
• Former industrial buildings converted to lofts
• New construction infill

It's distinctly Philadelphia. Brick rowhouses. Tight urban grid. That's the feel.

Community

Gentrification's happened here. But community character persists:

• Multi-generational families still living here for decades
• Active neighborhood associations that actually matter
• Local business owners who know their customers
• Community events and festivals throughout the year

Dining and Nightlife

Fishtown became a culinary destination in a hurry.

Notable Restaurants

• Wm. Mulherin's Sons - Italian cuisine in a converted whiskey-blending facility
• Suraya - Lebanese restaurant with garden
• Kalaya - Thai restaurant
• Pizzeria Beddia - Nationally acclaimed pizza
• Kensington Quarters - Butcher shop and restaurant
• Front Street Cafe - Breakfast and brunch spot

Bars and Breweries

• Johnny Brenda's - Bar and music venue
• Frankford Hall - German-style beer garden
• La Colombe - Coffee roasters with flagship location
• Evil Genius Beer Company - Local brewery
• Barcade - Retro arcade bar

Music Venues

• Johnny Brenda's - Live music upstairs
• The Fillmore Philadelphia - Large concert venue
• Kung Fu Necktie - DIY music venue

Shopping

Frankford Avenue has some real character when it comes to shopping:

• Vintage and thrift stores
• Independent boutiques
• Art galleries
• Record shops
• Specialty food stores

Getting There

Public Transit

• Market-Frankford Line (The L): Girard Station and Berks Station
• SEPTA Bus Routes: 5, 15, 25, 43, 89

Biking

The neighborhood is very bike-friendly with solid connections to the Delaware River Trail.

Driving

I-95 runs along the eastern edge if you're coming by car. Street parking exists but good luck finding a spot during rush hours.

Living in Fishtown

Housing

• Primarily rowhouse stock
• Increasing condo and apartment development
• Mix of rentals and owner-occupied homes
• Rising prices due to demand

Demographics

• Young professionals (fastest-growing segment)
• Long-term working-class families
• Artists and creative professionals
• College graduates in their 20s and 30s

Concerns

• Affordability and displacement
• Changing neighborhood character
• Parking pressure from new residents
• Balance between growth and preservation

Parks and Open Space

• Penn Treaty Park - A 7-acre historic park marking William Penn's legendary treaty with the Lenape, featuring Delaware River views, playground, and dog park
• Delaware River Trail - Multi-use waterfront trail connecting Fishtown to other neighborhoods along the Delaware River

See Also

• Northern Liberties
• Kensington
• Port Richmond
• East Kensington
• River Wards
• Penn Treaty Park
• Delaware River Trail