Rosemarie Certo at the 2012 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll/ Photo by West Philly Local

Dock Street Brewery at 50th and Baltimore is changing hands after 15 years.

Owner Rosemarie Certo announced in a mass email yesterday that she is selling the equipment in the brewpub but not the Dock Street name.

“On June 1st, there will be a talented duo taking over Dock Street’s space in the Firehouse – they are young, ambitious, hardworking, and kind,” she wrote. “They are seasoned brewers and will make fantastic beers and other fare. We can’t wait for you to meet them and to welcome them to the community.”

Dock Street opened in the former firehouse at 701 S. 50th St. (which had been converted to a farmer’s market) in August 2007 after a long process that included opposition from local church leaders and multiple zoning rejections. But several longtime residents, the neighborhood group Cedar Park Neighbors and the University City District pushed the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment to reverse its decision. Continue Reading

One of the most popular local outdoor events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return this summer.

University City District (UCD), the longtime organizer of the event, is planning two Strolls this year – on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15, each from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Over the years, the event has drawn thousands of visitors, both local residents and guests, who enjoyed dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offers will be expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5.

UCD is now accepting applications from both community food vendors and community merchandise vendors to join in this event as official participants. The purpose of selecting official vendors is to ensure all vendors are in compliance with various City agencies, including the Philadelphia Health Department and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspection (L&I). Continue Reading

As COVID-19 continues its yet another surge in the city, all Philadelphia-area restaurants, eateries and bars will begin requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for eating and/or drinking in their indoor establishments starting next month, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole announced today. All restaurant workers also must be vaccinated.

The plan’s rollout will begin on Monday, Jan. 3 and will initially also allow a recent negative COVID-19 test from patrons (made within the last 24 hours), to be able to be served at a restaurant or bar. However, starting Jan. 17, the negative test will no longer be accepted by restaurants for most patrons. The exception includes children younger than 5 and people with valid medical or religious exemptions. Continue Reading

Booker’s outdoor dining space on Baltimore Ave. in December 2020 (Facebook photo)

Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed new legislation giving permission for permanent outdoor dining in some city areas, including West Philadelphia.

Businesses whose outdoor dining structures, aka “streeteries,” comply with city requirements for design and placement will not have to reapply for an outdoor dining permit, something they had to do every year in the past.

Restaurants would normally have to get such a permit from Department Licenses and Inspections before the start of the spring-summer season to provide additional seating for their customers during warmer months. However, outdoor dining quickly became a necessity when the city imposed a ban on indoor dining in 2020 due to the pandemic. Some West Philly restaurants, like Booker’s Restaurant & Bar, weatherized their outdoor seating areas last fall and continued operating in colder weather. Although, the ban on indoor dining was eventually lifted, outdoor dining still remains a safer option for many people. Continue Reading

Photo by Laura Reehling

Small local businesses are still feeling the impact of COVID-19, so here’s a great chance to support them as the popular West Philly restaurant promotion event returns with new dates and new deals. The 2021 University City Dining Days kicks off this Wednesday, Oct. 20 with more than 20 restaurants participating in the event. In addition to returning participants like Dock Street West, 48th Street Grille, and Renata’s Kitchen, new participants include Chengdu Famous Food, Kusina Philly, Woosa Bubble Tea, El Taco, Lulu Cafe and more. Continue Reading

A small locally-owned grocery/general store, Spruce Hill Provisions, has recently opened at 4529 Baltimore Ave and already participated in last month’s Baltimore Avenue Stroll.

At the shop, you can buy fresh, locally-sourced foods – produce, meat and poultry, baked goods, coffee, snacks, and other necessities. You can also buy flowers, plants, pottery, soaps and gifts made by local artisans. By the way, there’s a nice selection of frozen goods at the store, in case you have a sudden craving for a sweet treat.

“We are selling local products wherever possible,” says owner Elizabeth Planet who lives just a few blocks away from the shop.

The list of products has been continuously growing since the shop opened at the end of last month. The owners are open to community input on what other items they should add. Continue Reading