Northern Liberties (also known as NoLibs) is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Philadelphia, drawing plenty to live, shop, eat, and experience all it has to offer! New restaurants and shops pop up seemingly every other day, making it one of the fastest growing spots in Philly, and one of the most enticing to visit. We’re detailing exactly how to spend a day in NoLibs, from breakfast to bowling and all things in between!
1. Breakfast at Federal Donuts
First things first: hot and fresh goodness from Federal Donuts! FedNuts puts an interesting spin on donut shopping, offering fried chicken, coffee, and plenty of ingenious flavors, such as strawberry lavender, chocolate glazed, and cookies and cream. There are hot and cold options for donuts, and we definitely recommend the classic old-fashioned – it’ll melt in your mouth.
Monday | 7am–6pm
Tuesday | 7am–6pm
Wednesday | 7am–6pm
Thursday | 7am–6pm
Friday | 7am–6pm
Saturday | 7am–6pm
Sunday | 7am–6pm
📍 Location
701 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
2. Shopping on Second Street
Next up, time to shop until you drop on the famous 2nd Street of Northern Liberties! This stretch of N 2nd Street is known for its restaurants and boutiques, as tons of small businesses line the road and promise sweet finds. We suggest stopping in for a sweet treat at Madison K.’s Cookies, and then crossing the street to experience Freedom Apothecary’s soothing spa-feel. Make sure to hit Once Worn Thrift Store as well, where you’re sure to find a hidden gem for a great price.
📍 Location
North 2nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19123
3. Standard Tap for Lunch
Open at 11 on weekends, Standard Tap is the perfect choice for lunch in NoLibs. The multi-level space is both cozy and vast, with string lights stretched across every rafter and plenty of local beers on tap. In fact, Standard Tap preaches locality, offering food made with ingredients sourced locally in Philadelphia and many Philly breweries represented heavily behind the bar. The American-style food is also incredible, making Standard Tap an all-around great dining experience in Northern Liberties.
Monday | 4–10pm
Tuesday | 4–10pm
Wednesday | 4–10pm
Thursday | 4–10pm
Friday| 4–11pm
Saturday | 11am–11pm
Sunday | 11am–10pm
📍 Location
901 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
4. Yard's Brewing for a Drink
Feeling sleepy after a big lunch? Switch up the scenery and visit Yard’s Brewing Company for a tall glass of Philly’s home-brewed beer, in either their outdoor or indoor seating area! Yard’s is one of our favorite Philly taprooms, as the variety of beers offered has something for everyone, from IPAs to Coquito Stouts and every lager in between. We recommend the Pynk fruit beer in support of breast cancer awareness, or the classic – and incredibly named – hazy IPA known as “Philthy”.
Monday | 11:30am–9pm
Tuesday | 11:30am–9pm
Wednesday | 11:30am–9pm
Thursday | 11:30am–10pm
Friday | 11:30am–10pm
Saturday | 11:30am–10pm
Sunday | 11:30am–9pm
📍 Location
500 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
5. North Bowl
End your perfect day with dinner and bowling at North Bowl, the uniquely funky bowling alley of Northern Liberties! Neon lights, incredible food (what other bowling alley serves pan-roasted Brussel sprouts?!), and plenty of space for both bowling and drinking, North Bowl is the ideal place to bring your friends and have some fun. We also love just how beautiful it is inside: prepare to take some Instagram pics and bowl a strike, because North Bowl is a bowling alley like no other.
Monday | 5pm–12am
Tuesday | 5pm–12am
Wednesday | 5pm–12am
Thursday | 5pm–12am
Friday | 5pm–12am
Saturday | 2pm–12am
Sunday | 2pm–12am
📍 Location
909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123