Gelato, spaghetti, Cheesesteak Vegas, grease pole…okay okay, that’s enough about that.
The market extends from Angelo’s Pizzeria at the Southwest corner of 9th and Fitzwater to the Percy Street Project nestled in an alleyway off 9th just south of Wharton. Some say it’s a tourist trap, and I can’t really disagree since my childhood holiday activities always included making a day trip to Philly to pick up a backseat full of imported goods to make lasagna and whatever fancy hors devours my father entertained our guests with. Once a tourist, now I am happily trapped here. Since I’ve never been in the business of gatekeeping, I wrote this article to share some of the gems of the Italian Market neighborhood. Let’s get into it.
12 Steps Down not only has a great name, they have a pool table and dollar hot dogs during all Phillies games. Thanks for keeping traditions alive, 12 Steps!
Gleaner’s Cafe is a cash-only coffee shop that doubles as an art gallery, that somehow is also a kids’ library, dog treat hub, and both a reader’s and mingler’s paradise (no wi-fi)! I guess you can also call Gleaner’s a pharmacy, since their Painkiller sandwich has cured many hangovers.
If you ever took a walk through 9th Street during the day, surely you have smelled the wonderful homemade corn tortillas being made at Tortilleria San Roman. The store sells a variety of salsas and tortillas that are made fresh every day and will make you want to boycott grocery stores. Pair them with imported fair trade as well as locally sourced produce found up and down the block between Washington and Montrose.
And if you aren’t feeling like making your own dinner, you have plenty of options: Taqueria La Prima will serve you tacos until 4AM, perfect for those who accidentally stay out too late and almost lose enough self-respect to order a cheesesteak. Their horchata is by the quart but it should be by the gallon in my opinion. Blue Corn will serve you a pair of happy hour tacos, salsa and guacamole, mojitos and freshly made flavored margaritas with some of the most amazing hospitality I’ve ever experienced. Mole Poblano has breakfast or dinner chilaquiles with outdoor seating and is BYOB.
Now that readers have plenty of places to indulge in breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcohol, let’s get to the sweet stuff. Chamoyada! If you aren’t familiar, think of it as a mango and chili pepper slushy. The main ingredients are freshly peeled mango and Chamoy sauce, which is a sweet and spicy combination of peppers, lime, and stone fruit. Bambino at 9th and Ellsworth serves Chamoyada as well as unique ice cream flavors like rum raisin, rice milk, guava cream, and tequila. If you want a John’s Water Ice fix post-season, this is your spot.
DiBruno’s Plaza serves as an escape for teachers on their lunch breaks, for kids to play while their siblings are taking music lessons at Mister John’s, and for the Euro-style mid-day wine drinkers.
9th Street also has a South Philly Community Fridge and a People’s Kitchen at 1149 S. 9th Street. The volunteers of this incredible organization serve individually packaged hot meals every day during the mid afternoon and keep their fridge and pantry clean and organized. Having benefited from their efforts, they are an integral element of keeping 9th Street a community.
Don’t take my word for any of this! Our Market is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. All are welcome, and that’s what makes it so dear.
Writer’s note: This ended up being an op-ed that I fear reads like an ad, which is not what I had originally intended. I urge our readers to not feel advertised to or pressured for the sake of capitalism—but rather to take a moment and appreciate the businesses that are in need of support and comradery from all of us.
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