Things to Do in Washington Square West, Philadelphia A mix of shops, restaurants, and coffee houses, with a notable concentration of gay-friendly establishments in the Gayborhood. The area is anchored by Washington Square, a historic urban park that adds to its appeal.
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Walnut Street Theatre ★ 4.7 · 2.6k Theater★
Founded in 1809, this National Historic Landmark theater is the nation's oldest playhouse.
Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room ★ 4.8 · 526 Bookstore
Long-running, LGBT-focused bookstore in 2 buildings with a large inventory of new & used books.
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 8 PM
Sat 11 AM – 8 PM
Sun 11 AM – 7 PM Where to eat & drink in Washington Square West
High Street Philadelphia ★ 4.5 · 1.2k Bakery· $$
The Franklin Building plays host to this modern American restaurant founded by Ellen Yin.
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sat 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Sun 10 AM – 3 PM
Vedge ★ 4.8 · 1.8k Vegan· $50–100
A stalwart of the city’s dining scene since 2011, Vedge is the creation of husband-and-wife team Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby and is housed in a charming Center City brownstone.
Mon Closed
Tue–Thu 5 PM – 9 PM
Fri 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Sat 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Sun Closed
Vetri ★ 4.8 · 854 Italian· $100+
First timers looking for this charming restaurant will probably walk past it a couple of times as the sign is as discreet as the townhouse that hosts it.
Every day 5 PM – 9 PM
McGillin's Olde Ale House ★ 4.4 · 5.0k Irish Pub· $10–20
Oldest continually operating pub in the city featuring a vast beer selection, pub fare & karaoke.
Every day 11 AM – 2 AM
Bill's Breakfast & Lunch ★ 4.6 · 518 Breakfast· $10–20
A restaurant that serves classic and creative breakfast and lunch dishes, known for using fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Mon–Fri 6 AM – 3 PM
Sat 7 AM – 3 PM
Sun 7 AM – 3 PM
Talula's Garden ★ 4.8 · 3.1k American· $30–90
High-end charmer crafts seasonal American cuisine in a chic farmhouse setting with a summer garden.
Mon–Fri 5 PM – 10 PM
Sat 4 PM – 10 PM
Sun 10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
Dirty Frank's ★ 4.4 · 964 Pub· $10–20
Cash-only corner bar filled with eclectic knickknacks hanging from the ceiling & local art.
Mon–Tue 4 PM – 2 AM
Wed–Fri 1 PM – 2 AM
Sat 1 PM – 2 AM
Sun 1 PM – 2 AM
El Vez ★ 4.5 · 6.5k Mexican· $20–30
Trendy Mexican joint serving upscale eats & cocktails in a colorful, flashy setting.
Mon–Thu 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Sat 11 AM – 11 PM
Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
Double Knot ★ 4.6 · 2.8k Japanese· $50–100
Elegant venue with a cocktail lounge upstairs, plus a sushi bar & robatayaki beneath.
Mon–Tue 4 PM – 10 PM
Wed–Thu 4 PM – 11 PM
Fri 4 PM – 12 AM
Sat 4 PM – 12 AM
Sun 4 PM – 10 PM
Barbuzzo ★ 4.5 · 2.3k Mediterranean· $20–60
Farm-fresh ingredients star at this Mediterranean joint set in a chic, compact space.
Mon–Thu 5 PM – 10 PM
Fri 5 PM – 11 PM
Sat 12 PM – 11 PM
Sun 12 PM – 10 PM
Loch Bar ★ 4.6 · 1.2k Pub· $50–100
A classic seafood tavern located on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, known for blending offerings from both land and sea.
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 12 AM
Fri 11 AM – 1 AM
Sat 11 AM – 1 AM
Sun 11 AM – 12 AM
J'aime French Bakery ★ 4.7 · 897 Bakery· $10–20
Airy counter-serve bakery & cafe serving French pastries, sandwiches, crepes & coffee.
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 7 AM – 4 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Gleaner's Cafe ★ 4.9 · 315 Coffee Shop· $1–10
Mon–Fri 7 AM – 7 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Franky Bradley's ★ 4.4 · 1.1k Nightclub· $20–30
Old-time American classics & cocktails dovetail with the kitschy decor at this retooled revival.
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Thu 4 PM – 12 AM
Fri 4 PM – 2 AM
Sat 4 PM – 2 AM
Sun 4 PM – 12 AM Planning time in Washington Square West?
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1 Walnut Street Theatre 2 High Street Philadelphia 3 Vedge 4 Vetri 5 Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room 6 McGillin's Olde Ale House 7 Bill's Breakfast & Lunch 8 Talula's Garden 9 Dirty Frank's 10 El Vez Other areas in Philadelphia Ready to plan Washington Square West? Turn these Washington Square West picks into a day-by-day Philadelphia plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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