5 Fabulous Places to Visit Along Philly’s Rail Park
Have you checked out Rail Park yet? Phase 1 of Philadelphia’s exciting new park, built atop the former Reading Railroad, officially opened this past June and offers sweeping views of the city, lush greenery and oversized bench swings. But Phase 2, currently underway, will bring Rail Park to the next level, spanning across 3 miles, 10 neighborhoods and 50 blocks once it’s expected to be completed in June 2019.
And much like New York City’s High Line, the free, family-friendly Rail Park itself is all about the stunning greenspace, the architecture and the views, but there are plenty of cool shops and restaurants to check out in the area. Here are 5 to get you started:
Boxcar Beer Garden (1129 Callowhill Street)
One of the main entrances in Phase 1 is on Callowhill Street between 11th and 12th streets, where there’s an impressive new beer district brewing. One of our favorite hotspots there is Boxcar Beer Garden, a picnic-style brewery serving up unique beers and BBQ. Plus, a portion of proceeds go to The Friends of the Rail Park, so you can feel good about indulging in more ways than one.
Café Lift (428 N. 13th Street)
In the same vicinity you’ll also find this hip BYOB brunch spot. The lines are long at Café Lift but worth it for unique dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes and cannoli French toast. Plus, the space is converted from an old warehouse, so there’s lots of character and charm to be seen.
Brewerytown Beats (2710 W. Girard Ave)
One section coming to Rail Park in June is called The Tunnel, which is one-and-a-half-miles beginning behind the Rodin Museum and ending by the Philadelphia Zoo and Brewerytown. There are countless places to eat in this hip neighborhood, but be sure to stop by Brewerytown Beats before or after your meal. This record store is a must-go for music fans and/or record collectors, as it’s got new and vintage records in every genre, from classical to rock & roll.
Win Win Coffee Bar (931 Spring Garden Street)
The Viaduct, another of Rail Park’s new entrances, is a section that will wrap around from Vine St. up to Fairmount Avenue. A few blocks away lies this cute coffee shop, which has coffee and snacks, sure, but also cocktails and delish Detroit-style pizza baked on-premises by the Instagram-famous Pizza Gutt.
Umai Umai (533 N. 22nd Street)
The Cut, a below-street-level section of Rail Park, will run west to Benjamin Franklin Parkway where 22nd St. meets Pennsylvania Ave. While you’re there, stop by the quaint, BYOB Umai Umai for some specialty sashimi and inventive sushi rolls. And don’t leave without ordering the oyster shooters appetizer—they taste as good as they look.