5 Cool Things to Do in Fishtown, Philadelphia

Get some cake from the place that made Beyoncé’s birthday cake (twice!). If it’s good enough for the “Queen,” then you know it’s out of this world. If that doesn’t convince you, the owners have won Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” three times. Even if this Philly craft bakery couldn’t make those particular claims to fame, it still draws locals with its dreamy pastries and cakes made with only the highest quality ingredients. Scarf down a Cake of the Month in flavors like coconut espresso or blackberry Tahitian vanilla, or choose from a mouthwatering assortment of cupcakes, brownies, croissants, tarts, scones and cookies. You won’t be sorry.

If you’re an antique hound who doesn’t mind a little dust while rummaging through a store full of items that have a past, Jinxed is the perfect place for you. Affordably priced antique sewing machines and furniture, musty old books, vintage cameras and toys, and more framed art than you can count are just some of the things you can buy here. If you’re on vacation, hunt for a small piece you can fit into your suitcase; a one-of-a-kind hand-painted tray or mid-century modern candleholder makes for a better souvenir than a tacky T-shirt, after all.

Join the hordes of Philly hipsters getting their coffee rush at La Colombe Coffee Roasters. This java joint has other outlets throughout the city, but this is its headquarters. The cavernous building is decked out with graffiti-painted rustic barn wood, and the coffee is the talk of the town; they roast their own beans, so it’s very fresh. La Colombe also offers oat milk for those who enjoy vegan options. If you‘re craving a snack, add an artisanal pastry or a crusty loaf of freshly baked bread to your order. There’s plenty of comfy seating, which makes it a great place to hang if you’re looking for fun things to do with friends while sipping your favorite hot beverage.

One of the best places to eat in Fishtown, especially if you like a place with tons of atmosphere, Lebanese restaurant Suraya has topped local and national “Best Restaurants” lists for several years. The vast space, which also houses a small market and café, is exquisitely decorated with red-and-white Moroccan tile floors, plant shelves on white brick walls and a luxurious outdoor patio complete with a fire pit and lots of potted palms. If you’ve never tried Lebanese cuisine, this is the right place to start. Pick a few items from the mezza (small plates) menu, like the fried kibbeh (dumplings filled with ground beef, raisins and pine nuts), or order the tasting menu, which offers a wide variety of dishes, including several small plates and mashawi, which refers to barbecued meats or vegetables. For dessert, the kanafeh, a round pastry filled with melted cheese and drizzled with rose blossom syrup, ends your meal with a bang.

Looking for a good place to buy high-quality, gently used and trendy clothing in Philadelphia? Stop in at this brightly lit, super-clean boutique, a local favorite and the retailer’s flagship store, where the merchandise fits all three descriptions. What’s more, this store donates clothing to those in need, giving away one piece for every piece they sell. You’ll find everything from pastel Lilly Pulitzer skirts and designer dresses for much less than you would expect to barely worn leggings and revamped denim, all in excellent condition.