North of the Ben Franklin Bridge in the Eastern region of the city is a neighborhood of Philadelphia that offers reasonable, rentable rowhomes and alternative, hipster chic nightlife. Northern Liberties and Fishtown are quirky areas of the city -- not as edgy or obvious as South Street, nor trendy and sophisticated like Old City, or even posh and busy like Center City -- but full of youth adorned in thick framed glasses, short bangs, red lipstick, Ray Bans, and high tops. Skinny artist boys wear snug, acid-washed jeans and musician chicks casually sling leather bags across their chests and sport vintage reissued Levis from 1966. Lots of people coast around on bikes as the chosen mode of public transport, whether they’re riding to class or to their bartender or barista part-timers. They claim they’re broke, but they grocery shop at Trader Joe’s and wear neon shoelaces. And their neighbors are mostly former German, Polish, and Irish immigrants and city union employees.
Previously the county was known as the Kensington District. The nickname “Fishtown” originated due to the fishing industry that dominated this neighborhood of the city -- as blue collar workers chiefly occupied the district during the 18th and 19th century. The recent influx of young people has given Northern Liberties and Fishtown a breath of fresh air. Although empty lots and broken down buildings still create a bit of an eyesore, eclectic cafes and dimly lit bars have crept out of the woodwork, injecting some coolness in the midst of the broken sidewalks and historic Roman Catholic Churches.
Located at 4th and Brown Street, Honey’s Sit & Eat is one of these restaurants where the servers are pleasant, uniquely tattooed, and don fanny packs to contain their bank. You will probably wait for at least 45 minutes or so if you’re trying to dine at peak hours, especially for Sunday brunch. The clientele typically doesn’t mind though, and a beautiful diverse crowd is often seen loitering outside, patiently queuing for a table which they may potentially end up sharing with strangers. They offer challah French toast, pear sauce (instead of apple), potato pancakes, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, the infamous “breakfast bomb,” baked mac n’ cheese, and a variety of healthy organic ingredients.
- Allison Cohn
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