Passyunk Square

Passyunk Square

Type	Neighborhood
Location	South Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	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	Bella Vista, Point Breeze, Whitman
Major streets	East Passyunk Avenue, Broad Street, 9th Street
Transit	Broad Street Line (Snyder Station, Tasker-Morris Station)
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.

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

See Also

• Cheesesteak
• Pat's King of Steaks
• Geno's Steaks
• Italian Market
• Bella Vista
• South Philadelphia