20 Best Restaurants in Northern Liberties to Enjoy

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So you’ve found yourselves in Northern Liberties (No Libs) on an empty stomach. Luckily for you, there are countless restaurants in Northern Liberties that will have you coming back for seconds. The walkability of No Libs paired with its vibrant community of hip, young people and aspiring creatives make the Northern Liberties neighborhood ripe for a culture of delicious and thoughtfully crafted food.

With no shortage of places to eat in Northern Liberties, this hipster hotspot is the ideal destination for a date night, girls’ night out, or recovery brunch. For a breakdown of our favorite No Libs spots, keep reading!    

Café La Maude

Huevos Rancheros brunch at  Cafe La Maude
One of the best brunches in the city

No reservations, no days off, no complaints. Café La Maude is a staple in Northern Liberties restaurant culture. This French-Lebanese cafe infuses both flavor profiles into their dishes while offering a European cafe vibe. Snag a sidewalk table and devour some shakshuka or a stack of red tiramisu pancakes to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. It’s one of the better brunch spots in the city and a BYOB. Location: 816 N. 4th St.

Jerry’s Bar

There’s always something going on at Jerry’s Bar! Between live music Fridays, impressive happy hour deals, and seasonally curated cocktails, Jerry’s is a No Libs must. While the spicy fried chicken sandwich is the bar’s calling card, the weekend brunch is nothing to joke about either. Location: 129 W. Laurel St.

Soy Cafe

This one’s for all the vegans and vegetarians out there. Soy Cafe owners describe their restaurant as an “omnivore’s haven where friends can enjoy wholesome meals together.” With delicious, dairy-free coffee drinks and a menu including vegan pho, oat milk soft serve, and killer veggie burgers, Soy joyfully combines healthy cuisine with international flavors. Location: 630 N. 2nd St.

Urban Village Brewing Company

Appetizer at Urban Village
Who doesn’t love beer, burrata, and cocktails?

The hazy IPAs! The truffle fries! Urban Village is your classic Philly brewpub where the food is just as good as the beer (making it one of the better breweries to visit).

The cozy atmosphere in and out is what keeps people coming back. Either that or the brick oven pizza! The pizza is arguably some of the best in the city. Location: 1001 N. 2nd St.

Silk City Diner

Exterior of Silk City Diner
The funky Silk City Diner on Spring Garden

Diner food never tasted this good. Whether you’re coming for brunch, dinner, or an after-hours DJ set, you will leave Silk City wanting more. It wouldn’t be a diner without a standout burger and humongous pancakes. Make sure to check out the outdoor beer garden if you’re visiting on a nice day. Location: 435 Spring Garden St.

Honey’s Sit n’ Eat

Salad on plate
Brunch at Honey’s

Southern comfort meets Jewish deli. If there’s anything these two groups have in common, it’s making sure you’re well-fed and happy. Honey’s takes big flavors and even bigger portions to a totally new and delicious place. The Honey Cristo (ham, egg, and cheese on challah french toast) is worth every last calorie. Location: 800 N. 4th St.

Hikari

Exterior of Hikari BYOB sushi
Extending Philly’s BYOB tradition to sushi

For Michelin-quality sushi at an affordable rate, try Hikari. This BYOB spot serves some of the freshest fish in the 215 and does an unforgettable omakase (chef’s choice). For great vibes and stellar sushi, grab a bottle of natural wine from Bardot Cafe just around the corner and enjoy it with a delicious meal at Hikari. Location: 1040 N. American St. #701.

Apricot Stone

Looking for something that feels a little homier? Syrian chef Fimy takes family-inspired recipes and brings them to life, highlighting Mediterranean flavors and traditional dishes. Apricot Stone is known for its chicken shawarma, dip platters, and juicy kabobs. Location: 1040 N. 2nd St. #601.

One Shot Cafe

Interior of One Shot Cafe
Cute and cozy One Shot is a great spot to work or meet friends

Let’s get caffeinated! One Shot is a great grab-n-go coffee option, but don’t get it twisted—they do not skimp on the weekend, sit-down brunch! Our mouths are watering just thinking about the cinnamon bun pancakes and white bean, mushroom avocado toast. Location: 217 W. George St.

Ortlieb’s

Exterior of Ortlieb's in Northern Liberties
Ortlieb’s is a local institution

For a small music venue/bar, Ortlieb’s has some darn good tacos. Check out this No Libs jazz and rock bar if you’re seeking some cheap eats, local brews, and great live music. Location: 847 N. 3rd St.

Bourbon & Branch

Another tasty Southern spot with an extensive bourbon list to boot is Bourbon & Branch. The standout at this No Libs establishment is the brunch, featuring shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits, and, most importantly, bottomless mimosas. Note that most things on the menu can also be made vegan. Location: 705. N. 2nd St.

Heritage

Exterior of Heritage
Another great brunch spot

Another spot to enjoy live music while you eat! Heritage offers a Bluegrass Brunch on the second Sunday of the month from 11 am to 3 pm. The inviting, open floor plan invites you in and the Dutch Baby with Pennsylvania maple syrup and fresh peaches seals the deal. Location: 914. N. 2nd St.

North Third

Exterior of North Third restaurant
The exterior tables are a great spot to enjoy your wings and cocktails

“The place with the good wings” should be North Third’s tagline if it isn’t already. However, while the Thai wings are a standout, this No Libs gem also serves a decadent brunch and an excellent New American style dinner with plenty of yummy cocktails for pairing. Location: 1801 N. 3rd St.

Anejo Philadelphia

Exterior of Anejo restaurant
For when you love your Mexican food…

Anejo has made a splash in the No Libs brunch scene with a 90-minute premium option that provides guests with bottomless drinks. Make sure to pace yourself with some of Anejo’s delicious entrees like the breakfast tacos or huevos rancheros. Location: 1001 N. 2nd St.

Cantina Dos Segundos

Generous portions, creative dishes, and strong drinks– what more could you ask for? Get your tequila and guac fix at No Libs favorite Cantina Dos Segundos. They serve dinner daily plus weekend breakfast, and they’re open late night. Vegan options are also available! Location: 931 N. 2nd St.

Baan Thai

Exterior of Baan Thai
In a city of great Thai restaurants, Baan Thai is a standout

Baan Thai is a popular Thai spot in the No Libs neighborhood. You will no doubt get a bang for your buck with their large portions of authentic thai dishes. Also, Baan Thai is BYOB! Location: 1030 N. American St.

SET NoLibs

Exterior of SET NoLibs
Popular at every time

Fact: mimosas and margaritas are infinitely better when served in a tower. Well, maybe not a fact but definitely one of SET’s calling cards along with the tempura shrimp poppers. This is a great place for a group outing but remember to make reservations ahead of time as it gets pretty crowded on the weekends. Location: 1030 N. 2nd St #101-102.

Ken Love’s BYOB

Ken Love’s specializes in complex flavors in a fine dining atmosphere. The six-course menu rotates weekly, portions are huge, and the dishes are inventive. Ken Love’s is the perfect place for a special occasion dinner. Note that it’s cash only. Location: 701 N. 3rd St.

The Abbaye

Take your classic pub food, make it upscale, and you get The Abbaye. Stop by for a burger and a beer or try some of The Abbaye’s vegan options like the seitan cheesesteak. Location: 637 N. 3rd St.

Hello Vietnam Asian Bistro

For outstanding Vietnamese food, Hello Vietnam Asian Bistro should be your new go-to. Get your bahn mi fix or a tasty bowl of pho to enjoy in the outdoor dining area nestled between fresh flowers and greens. Location: 722 N. 2nd St.

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