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Northern Liberties is one of the vibrant, trendy areas of Philadelphia that shines with its artistic pull, character and history. The eclectic array of dining, nightlife and post-industrial architecture just north of Old City makes the area a top-desired urban hub for artists, young professionals and couples looking to soak in all of what the city can offer. 

The earliest settlers of Northern Liberties, or NoLibs, as locals call it, were incentivized to move and build their lives here by Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn, who offered Philadelphia buyers additional land in NoLibs. 

At its peak in the first half of the 20th century, breweries and factories flooded the corridor and saw many Eastern European immigrants flock to this less dense area to start a new life. In the second half of the century, NoLibs endured mass factory closures. The area was neglected and the price of rental properties and spaces declined. It prompted a new wave of artists looking for affordable studios and rentals to rejuvenate the area. What followed was a mass revitalization and development project. 

Northern Liberties’ retail boom isn’t only happening on North 2nd Street, but it’s still the neighborhood’s commercial center. (File/Billy Penn)

The apartments typically seen today are a mix of newer complexes, rowhomes and renovated industrial lofts. It has become a go-to location for Philadelphia’s robust dining scene and is praised for its walkability, public transit access and pet-friendly areas. 

“The most appealing aspect of living here is probably the architecture – all of the townhomes are really nice,” NoLibs resident Rosie O’Brien said. “Especially if you’re living on Second, Third, Fourth, or Fifth Street. 
We have some really beautiful homes here and everything is very close. Everything is really walkable.” 

New houses abut old in Northern Liberties, one of the city’s fastest gentrifying areas. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Public transit is also a convenient and popular option for the area. However, traffic congestion is felt during rush hours or busy events, such as the FIFA World Cup. You can get the maximum utilization of bus routes and the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line. Residents generally agree on its walkability to grocery stores, appointments, bars and restaurants. In fact, Philadelphia Magazine gave the area a Walk Score of 96. 

“It’s quiet and peaceful here. My neighbors are genuinely some of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” resident Adrienne Harmon said. “There are so many new restaurants to try, and during Halloween, there is a four-block radius of restaurants that give out food samplers to kids. The people here really make this neighborhood great.” 

Keep in mind, the area is rapidly gentrifying, which means construction noises and construction spaces are littered throughout the area, especially near commercialized areas. Green areas are easily found and maintained within the community. Playgrounds and outdoor social spaces are frequent and within walking distance. Zillow reported that the housing market has seen a steady incline in demand, with the average home value over $500,000, a 4.4% increase in the last year. 

The following list is vetted cafes, eateries, shops and landmarks of Northern Liberties that are worth a visit for new residents and locals and affirm the ongoing cultural fabric of the community. Check out their socials and make sure to check one or all of them out:

Liberty Lands

    Once dedicated land for a proposed senior center, this NoLibs park is one of the largest green spaces you can find in the neighborhood. This privately owned two-acre volunteer-led garden was once proposed as a vacant lot, but bloomed in the late 1990s as a site for a playground and garden space. 

    Cafe La Maude

    This Lebanese-French fusion brunch spot is like nothing you’ve seen before. It has been raved about by many patrons and food critics alike. This indulgent menu features the ‘N-Liberties,” a hummus topped with jalapeño, Lebanese sausage, avocado and fried eggs. 

    Ortlieb’s

    This longstanding bar provides live music, sports watching, and a rare, authentic look inside the heart of Philadelphia. Given its decades-long operation since the 1980s, it has kept up its Monday jazz nights and been a successful independent music venue for artists to perform their work. It’s open every day of the week.

    Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat 

    This beloved brunch spot is your alternative to Cafe La Maude when looking to explore cuisine options offered in NoLibs. This BYOB Jewish-Black Southern cultural fusion diner is sure to catch your eye and your stomach. The lively atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve cemented yourself in North Philly.

    Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak & Pizza CO

    A beloved pizza and cheesesteak spot, it’s in the rankings as one of the best cheesesteaks in the city. The sesame toasted rolls for its sandwiches, as well as its infamous thin-crust grandma-style pizzas, have long been known for some of the best cheesesteaks on this hustling, narrow Northern Liberties corner kitchen off Spring Garden Street. 

    2nd Street Festival 

    One of the biggest festivals in Philadelphia, the annual 2nd Street Festival spans several blocks of Northern Liberties and draws hundreds of dozens in crowds each year. Founded in 2008, the local business owners’ prop vendor stands on the first Sunday of August to provide food from all over the world, drinks and live entertainment.