Northern Liberties is Closing Down 2nd Street for Open Streets Dining This Saturday!
Northern Liberties is Closing Down 2nd Street for Open Streets Dining This Saturday!
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District announces the debut of Easy StrEats on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Between Noon and 8:00pm, North Second Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for one half mile, from Germantown to Spring Garden. Easy Streats is modeled after the City’s Open Streets program and is not a street festival, but instead is an opportunity for people to spread out and explore Northern Liberties’ restaurants while safely distancing. For restaurants, this is an important day where they can safely expand their seating capacity and aid in recovery efforts from shut-downs earlier this year.
As part of the city’s first temporary street closure pilot program, and modelled after Philadelphia Open Streets, locals and visitors are invited to enjoy expanded outdoor dining in the street from nearly two dozen of the neighborhood’s top restaurants and cafes. Tables for al fresco dining will be set up outside of restaurants in the street itself, giving restaurants a much-needed opportunity to help with their recovery efforts from shut-downs due to the global pandemic.
For this pilot and debut of Easy StrEats, dining reservations will be required – and patrons can make their reservations by contacting their favorite participating restaurant. This will help with social distancing, safe table set-ups and for planning for the restaurants. This will also ensure guests do not congregate to wait for a table and group together.
On top of dining under the blue skies, patrons are invited to stroll, run and bike with their family and household stay-home pods on blocks where restaurants will not be set-up. Look for several blocks to be open and clear for the same type of strolling and walking that has made Open Streets so popular. However, please remember this is not a festival and there will not be games, street vendors and music. This is a chance to enjoy one of Philadelphia’s most prominent business district’s and main streets with no cars and no traffic.
Guests must follow all city and state safety protocols, including wearing of masks to and from their table, use of hand sanitizer and good hygiene, the making of advance reservations, social distancing from other guests, and opting to stay home if you are not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with a positive case of COVID19.
Participating restaurants include a who’s who of Northern Liberties dining scene – that has seen incredible excitement and interest this year as the single most outdoor dining spots in the entire city in one neighborhood. The growing list – with other names to be added includes:
An imaginative drinks list pairs with modern Mexican small plates in a chic, wood-and-brick space – set to grand open later in July. This event is a preview of their offerings.* Bourbon and Branch – 705 N 2nd St, (215) 238-0660
https://www.opentable.com/
A hip outfit offering American fare and Whiskey Bar.
* Cantina Dos Segundos – 931 N 2nd St, (215) 629-0500
https://www.opentable.com/r/
Mexican fare, fresh margaritas, hipster vibe & outdoor seating.
https://www.opentable.com/
From generations of Italian experience comes Dolce & Caffe, a premier espresso bar, pastry shop, and food venue.
https://www.opentable.com/r/
Hip cantina meets Southern smokehouse at this Tex-Mex spot for tacos, barbecue & margaritas.* Green Eggs Cafe – 719 N 2nd St, (215) 922-3447
Popular brunch spot serving creative breakfast & lunch dishes.
* Hello Vietnam Asian Bistro – 722 N 2nd St, (215) 922-2800
Hello Vietnam is a casual BYOB in Northern Liberties that’s good for date night and group dinners.
Hudson Table traditionally offers culinary classes so that food lovers can learn more about the joys of cooking. Due to the pandemic, Hudson Table has evolved beyond that and officially is now open for outdoor dining. Our dinners are delicious high-quality meals from top-notch chefs.* Just Cravings – 946 N 2nd St, (267) 639-3071
Self-serve frozen yogurt with many toppings & espresso drinks with sidewalk seats.
* Rustica Pizza – 903 N 2nd St, (215) 627-1393
Well-known neighborhood pizza parlor boasting an extensive variety of specialty slices.
* SET NoLibs – 1030 N 2nd St #101-102, (267) 761-9480
Relaxed gastropub offering cocktails & eclectic nibbles with an Asian twist in a cozy atmosphere. SET will grand open later this month. This is a preview of their menu.
* Soy Cafe – 630 N 2nd St, (215) 922-1003
Cozy coffee shop offering salads & sandwiches with vegan & veggie options, plus all-day breakfast. Offering garden seating by reservation only. Sidewalk seating out front is also available on a first come first serve basis!
* Standard Tap – 901 N 2nd St, (215) 238-0630
https://www.opentable.com/
Specializes in a rotating menu of American eats & a variety of local beers on tap.
* The 700 – 700 N 2nd St, (215) 413-3181
https://www.opentable.com/r/
They are back serving up potent potables to go. A fantastic collection of bottles and cans available individually, or in customizable six packs to go prices.
* Urban Village Brewing Company – 1001 N 2nd St, (267) 687-1961
https://www.opentable.com/r/
Spacious brewpub with brick-oven pizzas, small plates and an outdoor lounge with fire pits.
