Editing Passyunk Square

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Passyunk Square
| type = Neighborhood
| location = South Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19147, 19148
| named_for = Passyunk Avenue (from Lenape "in the valley")
| boundaries = North: Washington Avenue, South: Snyder Avenue, East: 6th Street, West: Broad Street
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Bella Vista]], [[Point Breeze]], [[Whitman]]
| major_streets = East Passyunk Avenue, Broad Street, 9th Street
| transit = Broad Street Line (Snyder Station, Tasker-Morris Station)
| notable_landmarks = [[Pat's King of Steaks]], [[Geno's Steaks]], Singing Fountain
}}

'''Passyunk Square''' is a neighborhood in [[South Philadelphia]] centered on East Passyunk Avenue, a diagonal street that has become one of Philadelphia's premier dining destinations. The neighborhood is home to the famous rivalry between [[Pat's King of Steaks]] and [[Geno's Steaks]] at 9th and Passyunk, but has evolved far beyond cheesesteaks to include acclaimed restaurants, local shops, and a distinctive Philadelphia character.<ref name="eastpassyunk">{{cite web |url=https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com |title=Visit East Passyunk |publisher=East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins ===

East Passyunk Avenue follows the path of an ancient Lenape trail, predating William Penn's grid. The name "Passyunk" derives from a Lenape word meaning "in the valley."

=== Italian Heritage ===

Passyunk Square developed as an Italian-American neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, part of South Philadelphia's broader Italian community. The [[Italian Market]] lies at the neighborhood's northern edge.

=== Restaurant Renaissance ===

While Pat's and Geno's put the intersection on the tourist map, East Passyunk's modern renaissance began in the 2000s when innovative chefs opened restaurants along the avenue. Today, the corridor hosts dozens of acclaimed eateries, from casual BYOBs to destination dining.

== The Cheesesteak Corner ==

The intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue is Philadelphia's most famous food destination:

=== [[Pat's King of Steaks]] ===

* Founded 1930
* Birthplace of the cheesesteak
* Open 24 hours

=== [[Geno's Steaks]] ===

* Founded 1966
* Famous neon signage
* Open 24 hours

The two rivals face each other across the intersection, drawing tourists and locals around the clock.

== East Passyunk Avenue ==

Beyond cheesesteaks, East Passyunk Avenue has become a dining destination:

=== Fine Dining ===

* '''Laurel''' - Tasting menu, multiple James Beard nominations
* '''Will BYOB''' - French-inspired fine dining

=== Casual Favorites ===

* '''Fond''' - New American BYOB
* '''Bing Bing Dim Sum''' - Chinese small plates
* '''Cantina Los Caballitos''' - Mexican
* '''Barcelona Wine Bar''' - Spanish tapas
* '''Her Place Supper Club''' - Asian fusion

=== Pizza ===

* '''Nomad Pizza''' - Wood-fired pizza
* '''Marra's''' - Old-school Italian

=== Coffee and Bakeries ===

* '''Rival Bros Coffee''' - Local roaster
* '''Plenty Cafe''' - Breakfast and lunch
* '''Isgro Pastries''' - Italian bakery (nearby on Christian Street)

== The Singing Fountain ==

The '''Singing Fountain''' at the intersection of East Passyunk, Tasker, and 11th Streets features:
* Musical water display
* Gathering place for the neighborhood
* Symbol of East Passyunk's revival
* Regular programming and events

== Shopping ==

East Passyunk Avenue offers independent shops:
* Vintage clothing stores
* Home goods boutiques
* Book shops
* Specialty food stores
* Gift shops

The avenue maintains a local, independent character without chain retail.

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Snyder Station, Tasker-Morris Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 29, 45

=== Driving ===

* Accessible from Broad Street
* Street parking available (easier than Center City)

== Living in Passyunk Square ==

=== Housing ===

* Philadelphia rowhouses (2-3 stories)
* Some apartment buildings
* Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
* Rising prices due to dining scene popularity

=== Demographics ===

* Mix of Italian-American families
* Young professionals
* Restaurant industry workers
* Newcomers attracted by food scene

=== Character ===

Passyunk Square offers:
* World-class dining at BYOB prices
* Walkable neighborhood feel
* Authentic South Philadelphia character
* Less expensive than Center City
* Strong community identity

== Events ==

* '''Second Saturday Stroll''' - Monthly arts and shopping event
* '''Fall Fest''' - Annual neighborhood festival
* '''Restaurant Week''' - Seasonal dining promotions
* '''Holiday events''' at the Singing Fountain

{{FAQ
| q1 = Where is East Passyunk Avenue?
| a1 = East Passyunk Avenue runs diagonally through South Philadelphia from Broad Street to the Delaware River. The main dining and shopping corridor is centered between Broad Street and 6th Street, accessible via the Broad Street Line at Snyder or Tasker-Morris stations.
| q2 = What restaurants are on East Passyunk?
| a2 = East Passyunk features acclaimed restaurants including Laurel (James Beard-nominated tasting menu), Will BYOB (French fine dining), Fond, Barcelona Wine Bar, Bing Bing Dim Sum, and dozens of casual BYOBs and cafes.
| q3 = How do you pronounce Passyunk?
| a3 = Passyunk is pronounced "PASH-unk" - the 'y' is silent. The name comes from the Lenape word meaning "in the valley."
| q4 = What is the Singing Fountain?
| a4 = The Singing Fountain is a musical water feature at the intersection of East Passyunk, Tasker, and 11th Streets. It serves as a community gathering place and symbol of the neighborhood's revival, hosting regular events and programming.
| q5 = Is Passyunk Square just about cheesesteaks?
| a5 = While Pat's and Geno's at 9th and Passyunk are famous, the neighborhood has evolved into one of Philadelphia's premier dining destinations with chef-driven restaurants, BYOBs, and independent shops. The cheesesteak corner is just one part of a vibrant culinary scene.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Cheesesteak]]
* [[Pat's King of Steaks]]
* [[Geno's Steaks]]
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Bella Vista]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Passyunk Square Philadelphia - East Passyunk Restaurant Row Guide
|description=Guide to Passyunk Square and East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia's top dining destination. Pat's vs Geno's, acclaimed restaurants, and South Philly's food scene.
|keywords=Passyunk Square Philadelphia, East Passyunk Avenue, Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, Philadelphia restaurants, South Philadelphia dining, BYOB Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Dining Districts]]