Booker’s outdoor dining space on Baltimore Ave. in December 2020 (Facebook photo)

Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed new legislation giving permission for permanent outdoor dining in some city areas, including West Philadelphia.

Businesses whose outdoor dining structures, aka “streeteries,” comply with city requirements for design and placement will not have to reapply for an outdoor dining permit, something they had to do every year in the past.

Restaurants would normally have to get such a permit from Department Licenses and Inspections before the start of the spring-summer season to provide additional seating for their customers during warmer months. However, outdoor dining quickly became a necessity when the city imposed a ban on indoor dining in 2020 due to the pandemic. Some West Philly restaurants, like Booker’s Restaurant & Bar, weatherized their outdoor seating areas last fall and continued operating in colder weather. Although, the ban on indoor dining was eventually lifted, outdoor dining still remains a safer option for many people. Continue Reading

Photo by Laura Reehling

Small local businesses are still feeling the impact of COVID-19, so here’s a great chance to support them as the popular West Philly restaurant promotion event returns with new dates and new deals. The 2021 University City Dining Days kicks off this Wednesday, Oct. 20 with more than 20 restaurants participating in the event. In addition to returning participants like Dock Street West, 48th Street Grille, and Renata’s Kitchen, new participants include Chengdu Famous Food, Kusina Philly, Woosa Bubble Tea, El Taco, Lulu Cafe and more. Continue Reading

A small locally-owned grocery/general store, Spruce Hill Provisions, has recently opened at 4529 Baltimore Ave and already participated in last month’s Baltimore Avenue Stroll.

At the shop, you can buy fresh, locally-sourced foods – produce, meat and poultry, baked goods, coffee, snacks, and other necessities. You can also buy flowers, plants, pottery, soaps and gifts made by local artisans. By the way, there’s a nice selection of frozen goods at the store, in case you have a sudden craving for a sweet treat.

“We are selling local products wherever possible,” says owner Elizabeth Planet who lives just a few blocks away from the shop.

The list of products has been continuously growing since the shop opened at the end of last month. The owners are open to community input on what other items they should add. Continue Reading

The 2019 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (Photo by Lora Reehling).

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls, typically taking place twice every summer, have always been very popular, drawing huge crowds of both West Philly residents and guests. But this year, the event is returning with a new take, after taking a break last summer due to the pandemic.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12 – 4 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 52nd Streets to visit local small businesses and restaurants during the Baltimore Avenue Saturday Stroll. Although there won’t be $1 offers from most participating businesses like during the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, they will offer Stroll specials, discounts, and unique offerings during the event. Continue Reading

Here’s some great news from the area. Three new businesses have opened over the summer in the Garden Court neighborhood, and other area businesses have recently re-opened or are reopening soon after being closed due to the pandemic.

Openings

• Throttle Gear Apparel Company store has opened at 4746 Spruce St., in the former Aladdin Pizza space, which had been vacant for years. You won’t recognize this space now since it’s been completely redesigned. The store offers streetwear designed by local entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast Todd Briggs. He started the company in 2012 on the basis of his love for motorcycles and relieving stress while riding them. The store hours are: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed on Sundays & Mondays). For more info, visit: www.thrtl.com. Continue Reading

The Clark Park Farmers’ Market is still going strong after many years. Established in 1998, it is one of The Food Trust’s largest markets, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, and many specialty products. Just a reminder that the market operates year-round every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 43rd and Baltimore.

Although there is no Clark Park Thursday Market this summer, The Food Trust has opened other seasonal farmers markets in the city.

Here’s a list of other farmers markets in West and Southwest Philadelphia and their schedules: Continue Reading