THE STORY
East Falls is a neighborhood in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, adjacent to Roxborough, Manayunk, and Germantown, and Fairmount Park. The neighborhood runs along a stretch of Ridge Avenue that is only a few miles long, along the banks of the Schuylkill River then extends northeast to Wissahickon Avenue.
It overlooks the multi-use recreational path of Fairmount Park along Kelly Drive, and is desirable for its central location, an easy commute to Center City, with easy access to several major roadways and public transportation.
East Falls is best known as the childhood home of Grace Kelly, actress and Princess of Monaco, who grew up in a house at 3901 Henry Avenue. In addition, former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Jewish studies scholar Chaim Potok, Pennsylvania Governor and former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell have homes in East Falls. East Falls features two train stations, Thomas Jefferson University, a number of bars and restaurants and hiking and biking paths along Kelly Drive. There is a thriving, diverse arts community setting up shop in Sherman Mills, a 19th century textile mill which houses the second largest group of artist studios in Philadelphia. Here you’ll find sculptors, painters, stained glass artists, warm glass artists potter and weavers. The housing stock in East Falls ranges from tightly packed rowhomes winding through hilly narrow streets to illustrious mansions.
THINGS TO DO AROUND EAST FALLS
VAULT + VINE
Vault + Vine is a floral studio, greenhouse, café, gathering place, and thoughtfully curated retail space in East Falls, Philadelphia.
Founded in 2017, they offer: Floral design services for weddings and events; Custom floral arrangements made daily and delivered; Plants for the home and garden; A collection of specialty homegoods, gifts, and objects (many sourced from Philadelphia-area creators); A café and gathering place.
At the heart of the shop is love for the East Falls community and a desire to create, promote, and connect with our neighbors. The vision is to create a community of businesses and customers that supports, promotes, and celebrates the local and global economy and by demanding accountability in every aspect of the supply chain.
TALKED ABOUT EATS
Fiorino
A masterful Italian BYO from the renowned chef, Franco Faggi. Faggi has a long history in the Philadelphia area, having most recently owned and operated Franco’s Trattoria on Ridge Avenue in East Falls in the space now occupied by In Riva. The restaurant stays fairly busy, and Fiorino’s dining room does not include a waiting area, so reservations are “pretty much a must,” said Faggi.
As for the food, “this is the type of cuisine I know,” said Faggi. “This is the food that I grew up eating.” For the dishes at Fiorino, Faggi drew inspiration from his own experience, both from growing up in Italy and from working in a variety of different restaurants over the course of his career in Italy, Bermuda and the United States.
"Though from nearby Mount Airy, I have brought a small bit of Italy to the neighborhood, providing a comfortable environment, comprehensible menu, and affordable prices, all with a smile. During this time, I am grateful to have been embraced by the community, especially the residents of East Falls, many of whom I have developed friendships with that will last a lifetime." - Franco
Murphy's
The cult-like following of Billy Murphy's is well deserved. The food, atmosphere, and service at this family owned Irish saloon never disappoints. Melt in your mouth Turf Burger served on a soft brioche bun? YES. Crunchy sweet potato fries with cinnamon dipping sauce? YES. $.50 cent de-freaking-licious pig wings on Wednesdays? YES. Sign us up for all of these and many more.
Billy Murphy's is an East Falls staple. Proof? Check out this (not-so-funny) April Fools prank they played on the neighborhood.
Warning: Cash Only but they have an ATM in the restaurant.
Thunder Mug Cafe
"Our vision is to share our love of coffee and tea with the community. We want to have a space where people can come and feel like it’s their second home." - Lizette and Brandon
Falls Deli
Falls Deli is a family-owned breakfast, sandwich, and specialty hoagie restaurant located in East Falls. They offer exclusively Boars Head quality meats, Liscio's Bakery products, and La Colombe Roasters coffee.
Plus, they also have comfort hoagies + sandwiches for any occasion!
The Black Squirrel Pub and Haunt
The newest creation from Chef Arthur Cavaliere and developer Mark Sherman takes the old English Pub and elevates it to a new, decadent level. Their special Brunch Menu is available on Saturdays from 11 AM to 3 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Make sure to drop by on Saturdays for Match Day, where the Premier League soccer games will be live in the main dining room!
TALKED ABOUT DRINKS
Wissahickon Brewing Co.
Wissahickon Brewing Company (WBCo) is a family owned & operated production brewery & tasting room located in East Falls, Philadelphia, PA. Founded by a local neighborhood family, Tim Gill & family opened the doors to the public in April 2017.
WBCo traces its roots nearly 10 years ago to a Father’s Day home brewing kit. After nearly a decade of home brew batches, experimentation, national awards & recipe perfection, the Gill family decided to make their dream a reality. They're family & pet friendly, host food trucks every day & continue to explore new & interesting styles, ingredients, & recipes. See you soon on School House!
LeBus East Falls
Nearly fifteen years after leaving his restaurants behind, David saw his next opportunity at the corner of Ridge & Midvale Ave. in East Falls, mere blocks from his own home. David seized this stroke of luck, and assembled a team of the industry’s finest to reincarnate the LeBus that Philadelphians remember and love. With the help of JT Dunn, David has developed a menu featuring some LeBus classics, a stack of fun experiments that turned out utterly awesome, and the house-baked breads and pastries for which LeBus is known.
Come have a visit at the cozy restaurant, sip a hand-crafted cocktail, dine on the American homestyle eats, and taste the sense of dedication in everything that they do.
THE FREE LIBRARY
Located at the intersection of Midvale Avenue, Warden Drive, and Conrad Street, the Falls of Schuylkill Branch has a lovely garden tended by volunteers. The branch serves the community of East Falls with a variety of programs for all ages.
To learn more about other locations, click here.
If you would like to become a friend of the library, visit here.
We love Philly. It is where we live, eat, play and do business. East Falls's residents are our friends and neighbors. Zillow doesn’t live here. We do.
The Philadelphia Home Collective
Compass
1430 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | 267.289.2693