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Washington Square West in Philadelphia

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.

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.

  • Walnut Street TheatreWalnut Street TheatreTheater
  • High Street PhiladelphiaHigh Street PhiladelphiaBakery
  • VedgeVedgeVegan
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By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in Washington Square West

  • Walnut Street Theatre in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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 in Washington Square West, Philadelphia

    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

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Washington Square West map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Washington Square West with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Walnut Street Theatre
  2. 2High Street Philadelphia
  3. 3Vedge
  4. 4Vetri
  5. 5Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room
  6. 6McGillin's Olde Ale House
  7. 7Bill's Breakfast & Lunch
  8. 8Talula's Garden
  9. 9Dirty Frank's
  10. 10El Vez

Other areas in Philadelphia

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