The parklets, those cool little curbside outdoor seating spots, are branching out. There is now one in front of Fu-Wah Mini Market and Deli, home to the best tofu hoagie in the city, near 47th and Baltimore.
The parklet is also back at the Green Line Café at 43rd and Baltimore. Others will return soon in front of Honest Tom’s Taco Shop/Lil’ Pop Shop on the 200 block of S. 44th Street and Ramen Bar at 4040 Locust St.
A reminder that the parklets are public, so no purchase is required to sit at them. Three new parklet locations, including Fu-Wah, are slated for this year. Parklets are cooperative effort between the city and the University City District. More details on the others coming soon.
Enjoying a banh mi from Fu-Wah at the new parklet. (Photo by our Twitter follower @deviantollam).
April 26th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
way to go fu-wah!
April 26th, 2013 at 1:31 pm
This location makes more sense than the parklet at the Green Line on 43rd where it was completely redundant since it was right across the street from a park and right next to the outdoor seating at the Green Line. I still don’t quite get the point of these parklets, but the area around Fu-wah could use outdoor seating.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
A parklet is providing outdoor seating where you say it is needed and you don’t get the point of parklets?
The one at the Green Line may be unnecessary, but it may also be keeping some of the coffee shop trash in the bins at the coffee shop instead of in Clark Park.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
I don’t get why exactly the public is subsidizing outdoor seating at private establishments in the first place. Call me a libertarian kook, which I am not, but that just seems weird to me. All I was saying was that this was at least better placement than the previous one for the reasons stated.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Yep, you’re a libertarian kook. Sit down, Waldo.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Waldo? I don’t get the reference. Where’s Waldo or Ralph Waldo Emerson?
April 26th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
I adore Fu Wah. But that intersection is rough spot for outdoor seating – whizzing cars! The island across from it would have been nice. I think at one time it had a beautiful big tree …
April 26th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
[Oops – just discovered the reply button …]
They should block off that right hand turn from 47th north onto Baltimore, and put some tables and chairs over there.
Also, someone’s been painting lines all over 48th/Baltimore, hopefully they’re going to build that in as well.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
You mean “best tofu hoagie in the world.” Just sayin’.
April 26th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
brendangrad: Ok. You’re a libertarian kook. 😉
April 26th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Dang, beat me to it.
April 26th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Why are all of the parklets in West Philadelphia so ugly? We have so many artists in the city; we should be able to do better. Some of the ones in San Francisco are really gorgeous:
http://www.downing-co.com/2011/07/27/coffee-and-bikes-new-parklet-at-four-barrel/
April 26th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
“whizzing cars”
They should block off that right hand turn from 47th north onto Baltimore, and put some tables and chairs over there.
Also, someone’s been painting lines all over 48th/Baltimore, hopefully they’re going to build that in as well.
April 27th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
I don’t want to eat my tofoagie in the middle of that busy street. that makes no sense. Sitting next to car exhaust and speeding cars. If outdoor seating can be made away from the street, like at Dahlak, then it works.
April 27th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
If you want to eat in someone’s back yard, go eat in their backyardlet.
April 27th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
I’m waiting to hear about the 7 people killed or maimed while enjoying one of these “parklets” because some babe was texting and driving.
Eat, drink and be merry, parkleteers!
May 1st, 2013 at 11:30 am
Since the same thing can happen while walking on any sidewalk, waiting for the trolley, sitting outside the Green Line or Gold Standard I’ll take my chances, “babe”.
April 27th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Baltimore Avenue needs to be closed to automobile traffic from 48th street to 45th street.
April 29th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Because it would be so much better to have that traffic driving down nearby residential streets instead?
April 29th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
They can drive down Market. Or Woodland. Or sell their cars. It’s not my problem.
April 29th, 2013 at 11:05 pm
If you live in the neighborhood then it is your problem. Not everyone is able or willing to get rid of their cars. And like it or not, Baltimore Avenue is a major thoroughfare. It has been for quite some time. Rerouting that amount of traffic is no simple task, nor is it worth it for only a 3-block stretch.
Also, why should Baltimore Avenue between 45th and 48th be closed to auto traffic? Other than your seeming disapproval of cars, you haven’t given a reason.
April 30th, 2013 at 11:15 am
Lauren, he is pushing your buttons and making silly statements to get a reaction. clearly Baltimore won’t be shut down…thos is silly…let’s leave it at that. 🙂
April 30th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Just to be fair, sidewalks between 42nd and 45th on Baltimore should only be open to automotive traffic.
May 5th, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Dont get me wrong, I am huge fan of eating outside and I think these parklets are great BUT, lets level these things.
I remember eating at the one on 44th street last year and my food was sliding off the table because the table was not level, well it was actually the parklet.
just saying!