Fitler Square - Philadelphia, PA Area Guide

The neighborhood is named for Edmund H. Fitler, a popular Philadelphia mayor from 1887 to 1891. Fitler Square was once a center for brick-making, shipping and shipbuilding businesses, with ships making port along the Schuylkill River banks. Factory workers lived in houses on narrow streets like Naudain and Addison. Once the size of ships began to increase in the late 19th century, though, the Schuylkill River ports were no longer large enough to accommodate them, and the industry declined. Instead, the neighborhood began to shift to become a more residential area. Notable residents of the Fitler Square neighborhood include naturalist Edward Drinker Cope and war journalist and novelist Richard Harding Davis.

A popular cultural attraction is the Naval Home, a historic site next to a major 19th century U.S. naval base and shipyard. For art, stop into Twenty-Two Gallery or Gallery 339, both of which represent local contemporary artists. As for neighborhood events, most take place in Fitler Square Park. Spring Fair occurs each Mother’s Day weekend and includes games and a moon bounce for kids and a host of live bands and musical performances over the length of the weekend.

As a quiet neighborhood with many young families and older residents, nightlife isn’t a top priority in Fitler Square, but there’s still a restaurant option for any occasion, from a classy night out to a casual drink.

Several Fitler Square pizza joints offer up traditional Italian Pies. At Mama Palma’s, bring your own wine to pair with one or two gourmet pizzas. For the hungry diner, try the Veal and Brie pizza pie. Topped with veal sausage, brie, Dijon mustard, creme fraiche, peppers and mozzarella, you’ll be rolling out of the door by the last slice, if you get to it, that is. Be sure to get an order of the raved-about polenta bread, with its thin crust and layers of polenta, roasted peppers and cheese. The waitstaff is attentive but not hovering, and you’ll never feel rushed out of the restaurant.

For a more upscale experience, take your date to Fitler Dining Room. The open kitchen and bar and the rustic décor all lend to the intimate atmosphere. Start with a cheese board, and pair with one of the restaurant’s wine offerings. If you’re not sure what else to choose from the eclectic menu, the knowledgeable staff is sure to make helpful recommendations based on your preferences. The fried oyster appetizer is a standout dish, and the changing fish entrée is always a favorite.

At night, the drinking crowd flocks to Doobies, right on the edge of the Fitler Square neighborhood. The long-standing establishment offers up pub food with plenty of vegetarian options, such as the vegan nachos and veggie burger. The draft list is extensive and includes local and craft brews, and they even have seasonal cocktails like hot beverages in the winter. Stop by Doobies, even with your dog, if you’re in the mood to play board games with good friends.

Because it’s only about half a mile in any direction, Fitler Square is best experienced on foot. You can walk to get groceries at the store or the farmers' market, to RiteAid for pharmaceutical goods, or to Center City or University City for work. Drivers are generally respectful of bikers, and 22nd Street has a dedicated bike lane. Just north of Fitler Square on 22nd and Market is a SEPTA trolley stop that brings travelers west to University City and West Philadelphia or east to City Hall, where transfers can be made to other SEPTA lines. Buses also stop in the neighborhood and can bring travelers to most destinations in the city.

Cabs are everywhere in this part of town, and Uber is an option, too. The one drawback is parking, which can be hard to find so close to the center of Philadelphia. Metered parking can also get expensive. Some of the houses in the area have garages, but for residents without that luxury, a parking permit might make sense. The neighborhood is close to the Schuylkill Expressway, which can bring drivers northwest and also connects with I-95 to the east.

Residents of the neighborhood have two park options. Fitler Square Park, the center of the neighborhood, is a small, quiet retreat with benches, a fountain and a few bronze animal statues that kids adore. It’s where most neighborhood events take place, including an Easter egg hunt and a holiday lighting event with music, hot cocoa and a special appearance by St. Nick.

A few blocks to the west is the larger Schuylkill River Park, which has a playground for kids and a special enclosed green just for dogs. The park connects to the Schuylkill River Path, so Fitler Square joggers can end their run with a little people-watching from a park bench.

As a neighborhood of Philadelphia, the cost of living is on the cheaper side compared to similar-sized cities like Chicago and LA, and that goes for food, entertainment and shopping. Compared to the rest of Philadelphia, however, Fitler Square is a bit more expensive. A typical one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,600.

Most shopping can be done along the South Street strip of Fitler Square. For bike repairs and a selection of new rides, head to Bicycle Therapy, where the friendly and knowledgeable staff of hip bike experts are happy to talk to you about your latest bike build or to just change a tire. For the vintage shopper, don’t miss Sophisticated Seconds on South, a consignment shop full of thrifty finds. Look closely, and you might stumble upon the designer boots you’ve been dying for.

For groceries, Fitler Square residents can go to the South Square Market on South Street, but most locals prefer the year-round farmers' market right on Fitler Square Park. Grab some local produce, meat and artisanal bread, and call it a feast.