North American Street recently went through a huge transformation that was part of a federally funded program. The renovations took place over a 2-mile stretch from Girard Avenue and Indiana Street. Sewage systems were redesigned, sidewalks were modified and expanded, and a green landscaped median straight down the middle was added to assist with water mitigation.
Now that the construction has been completed, these new improvements continue to pique the interest of home buyers and renters. A quick stroll to Fishtown and Northern Liberties, the area surrounding North American Street has everything you need for city living with ease. Many rental buildings with amenities like pools, rooftops, and modern apartments have sprung up in renovated historic buildings or empty lots. If buying, you may even find a property to purchase with your fav Philly Home Girl that allows for as little as 3% down and no PMI!
Whether you are looking to buy or just passing through one afternoon, here is a list of stops in the East Kensington and Norris Square area of North American Street that you won’t want to miss.
Daytime Drinks and bites
The Ground Coffee Plants and Gifts - 2000 N 2nd St C-1 | We discovered this joint when we were in search of a plant pot for a macrame planter- do you know how hard it is to find an affordable and stylish pot? Ever since, we love popping in for a delish coffee, pastry, and a look at their pots, plants, and gifts section. This is one that is on our Holiday Gift Guide for sure!
Buzz Cafe - 1800 N Howard St | An eclectic cafe serving up coffees, sammies, and other items. The real draw is the collections that decorate its cases, walls, and corners. If you are a Star Wars lover, this needs to be on your list.
Es Cafe Lounge - 1447 N American St | Right next door to Punch Buggy, but for your morning and daytime needs. These guys may look like a tiny storefront, but they put on epic events. Think roller skating down American Street, fundraising for kids going back to school, and night markets.
Il Sorrison Cafe - 2400 N Howard St - Pretty lattes? Crepes topped with strawberries and chocolate? We are there! If you’ve never had Albanian Byrek, you have no idea what you’ve been missing. Smoothies, sandwiches, and an assortment of coffee drinks as well.
Wirlybird Coffee - 1526 N American St | Yes, this is inside the family-owned Wissahickon Brewery (see below in the nighttime category). But during the day, until 2 pm, it is also a coffee shop! They even serve pastries from the decadent Au Forunil, and on weekends, you can pull up a stool and enjoy brunch!
ReAnimator Coffee- 310 Master St | Grab a cup to stay and snag a table in the light-drenched Kensington location. You are welcome to laptop it up at one of the many tables, but we suggest you meet up with a friend and soak in the atmosphere.
Nighttime Drinks
Face Clock - 1935 N 2nd St | Is it a gallery? Is it a lounge? All of the above, plus a very special feature, it’s 100% zero proof. Whipping up crazy complicated mocktails with adaptogenic blends all in a warm and inviting atmosphere (the owner is positively lovely!). They have a number of events on the calendar and encourage the community to reach out if they want to host in the space. Come for the art, the people, and most certainly the drinks.
Say No More - 1647 N 2nd St | Moody, beautiful, and drinks that might make you actually talk to strangers and make new friends. There are three floors to choose from, the tippy top usually hosting dancing. Maybe it’s the massive plant collection that makes us feel right at home.
Stateside - 1700 N Hancock St | A cocktail bar where you can always catch a game. They have an extensive cocktail list with their locally made spirits, of course. Check out their happy hour for bargain basement prices, and they even have a $5 hair of the dog Bloody Mary from 12-3 pm on the weekend!
Wissahickon Brewery - 1526 N American St | We walked into the cool air conditioning in the afternoon and instead of finding a sleepy bar, we found friendly faces, some folks working with their laptop propped open, and bartenders that were happy to help. At night, there's often a food truck posted out front, a weekly quizzo, and occasionally live music and other events!
Pray Tell Wines - 1615 N Hancock St | Most places in this neck of the woods pair their offerings with events, and Pray Tell follows suit. What a nice selection of get-togethers, be it a book swap, craft night, or dinner pop-up collaboration. And we haven’t even mentioned the wine yet! It’s no wonder they won Best of Philly 2025. The tasting room is open Thursday to Saturdays from 3-8 pm- get in there and vote for yourself!
Punch Buggy Brewing Company 1445 N American St | Get into Punch Buggy, be it for Quizzo, to cool off after a hot day with an icy cold beer, or just because your dog needs a break on his walk. Anyway you land in there, you’ll be happy you stopped by. Grab nourishment from Happy Bites located inside.
Human Robot - 1710 N 5th St | One of Jeanne and Rob Whipple’s favorite haunts. Is it because of the fabulous Daushaund logo or because their beer is just right after a long day? Doesn't matter; join in the revelry and sidle up to Poe’s Sandwich Shop to complete the picture.
Fermentary Form - 1700 N Palethorp St | Teeny, secret and tasty. Look for the green light and you will know you have arrived at this small artisan brewery. They have spotty hours, so be sure to tune into their IG for opening updates.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sor Ynez - 1800 N American St Unit G | What's better than incredibly creative Mexican food? Outdoor Yoga Flow just before! The partnership you never knew you needed! Grab that margarita outside in the seating area, or at the bar inside.
Luna Cafe - 1700 N 3rd St | A staple in the neighborhood for some time now, but they just keep getting better! Offering not only delish breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, they also serve Mexican for dinner Thurs-Sun. Join their beloved wine club, where they have tastings and events that encourage you to make new friends and learn while at it!
Mi Rancho - 265 W Berks St - Sometimes you don’t want to put on your sweatpants and go in public. Instead, you want to just order in delish Mexican food and enjoy it on the couch. Click on the Happy Box (street corn and ten tacos!!) and you and your boo are set for your Friday nights in!
Soko Lovers- 2308 N Front St | If you’re in the mood for veggie Chinese, look no further. They also have a large selection of American breakfast dishes. Many items are Vegetarian and Vegan and have even earned a place in Happy Cow. Dine in or take out.
Perrystead Dairy 1639 N Hancock St Ste 103 | Although the doors to this address are closed to the public (cheese is a serious business!), you CAN waltz on up to the cheese dispensary and select from the offerings of award-winning and hyper-local cheese! You’ll feel just like you’re in France… but where’s the baguette machine when you need one?
Percy - 1700 N Front St | New on the scene for 2025, Percy is a true experience. We went as a team and enjoyed our lunch/brunch immensely. Lounge in the listening room, or grab brunch or lunch in the bright, sunny, and really pretty dining room.
Around the neighborhood
Moderne Gallery - 1705 N American St STE 3 | If beautiful furnishings make your heart skip a beat, take a stroll through this gallery. They specialize in works from the Studio Craft Movement. They also have rotating art exhibitions that they encourage you to peruse.
Next Fab - 1800 N American St | A staple in the neighborhood for the creative bunch. Offering spaces for rent, endless classes from sewing to woodworking, and events and lectures that help grow skills. If you are a member, you get 10% off class costs, so do the math and support something fab (see what we did there?).
Keystone Bicycle - 1800 N American St | A friendly worker owned a bike shop (one of whom is a PHG client!). Head into this co-op-owned bike shop that services adventure and distance cyclists to everyday commuters, and casual riders. Their goal is to make cycling more accessible to members of our community by providing personalized and knowledgeable service, products, and community programming. KBC aims to be a hub for cycling advocacy and inspiration in Philadelphia. They want to gear up riders for their everyday adventure, whether it is around the block or around the world.
Center for Creative Works - 1800 N American St | If you want to build up your art collection, may we suggest you stop by or check out their selection online. CCW is a “professional art program serving adults with intellectual disabilities”. The work is powerfully creative, and teachers work closely with the artist on technique, different mediums, and skills to be an active and working artist.
Sew and Sew - 155 Cecil B Moore | If you’ve been eyeing that sewing machine in your basement, don’t be intimidated any longer! Sign up for intro to intermediate classes as well as open studio sewing. You’ll be surrounded by color and lots of experience to help you get your creativity on no matter what level. If you’re looking for a tailor, they can do that too!
The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden - 2241 N Philip St | Not to be confused with the Sculpture Courtyard. The goal of the safe space is to “grow, share, and unite”. Come and enjoy the people that have gathered together, be it for live music, a performance, or a community potluck.
Bamn Fitness 1630 N Mascher St | You may walk right by this unassuming building, but if you are looking for a no-nonsense gym, head through the black door. Their name stands for “by any means necessary,” so you know they will help you check the boxes of your fitness goals. They pride themselves on being a community, and the reviews all reflect exactly that!
The Clay Studio - 1425 N American St | Take a class or shop the store for gifts. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never been in a studio with clay before or you are at an advanced level; there is a class for you! They also host fun events throughout the year.
Crane Arts - 1400 N American St | Artist studios for rent. The tenants run the gamut from photographers, ceramicists, sculptors, to design studios and art galleries. Second Thursdays feature open galleries and select studios. Sign up for their newsletter to be sure you don’t miss an event.
Hancock Park and Pool - 1401 N Hancock St | On our super hot stroll around the neighborhood, the cool blue pool was calling our name. A green space with a playground, city pool, and room for your dog walk or casual park hang. There is an active rec center as well that offers art classes, after-school programs, and sports for kids.
We’re digging this new shiny North American Street, and there are always more spots and happenings to explore. If you’d like to explore properties in this area, call, email, or text us, or fill out the form belo,w and we can get you started.
