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Northern Liberties Neighbors Association
Northern Liberties has shed the label “up-and-coming” and undoubtedly arrived. This former manufacturing district first started turning heads in the early ’90s when a progressive, artist-heavy flock migrated north from Old City, lured by the neighborhood’s inherent charm and affordable studio space.
The commingling of like-minded residents and entrepreneurs led to a quirky network of bars, restaurants and boutiques within neighborhood limits — Girard Avenue and Callowhill Street north and south, the Delaware River and 6th Street east and west. Already a hotbed of development, NoLibs’ value further increased with creation of ambitious mixed-use complexes such as The Schmidt’s Commons that reimagined overlooked industrial bones. Long established as a force, NoLibs exerts an economic and cultural influence on surrounding neighborhoods as well.
NoLibs easily stands as one of Philly’s best neighborhoods for dining and drink. Its walkable layout, top-notch bars and authentic international eateries offer no shortage of options. The area also boasts some of the city’s most popular bruncheries. Craft-beer lovers continue to enjoy NoLibs’ bar scene, and now cocktail connoisseurs can join in the revelry with top-shelf offerings popping up around town.
NoLibs has always been home to a fantastic retail lineup, a personality that’s persisted throughout its evolution from up-and-comer to Philly frontrunner. The neighborhood’s artistic daredevilry, meanwhile, has been bolstered by exciting real estate opportunities for gallery owners.
Traveling to and exploring Northern Liberties can be done in a variety of ways. Spring Garden Street and Columbus Boulevard provide access from highways. SEPTA serves the area with two Market-Frankford Line stops and a trolley line. However, the ubiquitous bike racks reveal how locals tend to travel.
Standard Tap in Northern Liberties — Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
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