There is so much to explore in our West Philadelphia neighborhood and our residents have easy access to public transportation, through the subway, multiple bus lines, or nearby 30th Street Station. If you prefer you can also walk or ride your bike to explore the area.
When you rent an apartment in University City, you have easy access to some of the best food, shopping, culture, and experiences that Philadelphia has to offer. Here are some of our favorite things to do just down the street from Garden Court Plaza:
Neighborhood:
There’s nothing like the charm of living in a historical part of Philadelphia! Our building is named after the Garden Court Historic District of University City which we call home. We are proud to be located in an area known for its variety of housing types and diversity of residents – many of whom have local businesses that add to the character of the neighborhood! If you’re new to Philly, want to be in University City, or just looking for a diverse and welcoming community, you can’t go wrong with the Garden Court neighborhood of West Philadelphia.
Where to Eat
The variety of restaurants in University City represents the diversity of West Philadelphia. In just a short walk from Garden Court Plaza Apartments, you can find numerous options for cuisine from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and more. Whether you’re looking to grab a latte at a local cafe, share an elegant meal at an upscale restaurant, or find the best slice of pizza in Philadelphia, the options are endless when it comes to dining in University City.
A Few of Our Favorites:
If you are looking for delicious food with the freshest ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, look no further than Bookers. You can order takeout online, make a reservation to dine in for dinner, or for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
A long time West Philly coffee staple, The Gold Standard Cafe, is a fantastic spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or brunch.
Loco Pez is a neighborhood taqueria and bar serving LA-style street food. They have locations in Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, and right here in University City.
Vietnam Cafe is a family-run restaurant that came from humble beginnings and came to be a staple in West Philadelphia. If you are looking for delicious food, wonderful ambiance, and great service, this is the place.
Injera, hummus, and other Ethiopian dishes can be found in a colorful setting at Kaffa Crossing. This is a great spot for coffee and has a host of vegan food options.
J&P Seafood, this family-owned seafood market also offers a large dining menu and prides itself on fresh seafood at a reasonable price.
Where To Drink
What’s another perk of renting an apartment in West Philadelphia? We are located walking distance from many bars, pubs, and breweries at the heart of the West Philadelphia social scene.
Our Favorites:
Enjoy a delicious local beer at Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia’s first microbrewery.
Are you a beer or whiskey lover? Fiume is for you. This beloved dive bar is hidden away above Abyssinia, it’s a great place to enjoy a whiskey drink and live music.
Where to Shop
The local shopping scene is centered around Baltimore Avenue which is just a 10-minute walk from Garden Court Plaza. There you can find everything from books and bicycles to groceries and gifts. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit or treating your pet to an organic treat, the locally owned shops on Baltimore Ave have you covered.
Our Favorites:
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is a twice a year festival that features a variety of West Philly businesses. They set up shop on the sidewalk on Baltimore Avenue from 43rd to 52nd streets with food options, gifts, and services available for just $1.
The Mariposa Food Co-Op is a great place to find groceries sourced from local farmers. You can even join the co-op and become a partial owner of a Baltimore Ave business yourself!
The Clark Park Farmers’ Market is full of local vendors and is the perfect place to grab your fruits and veggies.
Where to Work Out or Enjoy the Outdoors
There are so many great outdoor spots in University City! Garden Court Plaza is conveniently located between Malcolm X Park, Cedar Park, and Clark Park – three great options for walks, picnics or just taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your sweat on, the University City Swim Club, yoga studios, and a kickboxing gym are located right nearby.
Our Favorites:
Directly adjacent to the building are a beautiful community garden and community tennis court. In 2018 the Garden Court Community Association partnered with the Community Design Collaborative to design and plan this beautiful gathering space.