Photo: West Philly Local

The ground-floor commercial space in the Garden Court Towers that was occupied by Garden Court Eatery until last summer is no longer vacant. Good Hatch, a South Philly-based eatery, has just opened its second Philly location at this space at 4721 Pine St.

Good Hatch specializes in breakfast sandwiches and has other breakfast options, like bagels and toasts. If you want something more substantial, they serve breakfast platters. Various lunch options are also available. Plus, they serve coffee, tea and smoothies. There is some seating available inside, so you can eat in.

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Here’s some exciting news about new cafe and restaurant openings in the area, but there is one business closing, too.

Out West’s barista @swagscappuccino at work. (Instagram photo)

• A new cafe, Out West, opened over the summer at 5127 Walnut Street and already has a lot of admirers. Founded by Philadelphia entrepreneur and James Beard Award winner Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (he also owns Down North Pizza in Strawberry Mansion), Out West offers “coffee, breakfast and community,” according to its website. Executive Chef Mike Carter has prepared a creative menu, including items like Crispy Lamb Scrapple Sandwich and Smoked Black Bean Toast. Out West also has an interesting selection of specialty drinks, like Avocado Lemonade and Honeydew Sage Matcha Soda. Just like Down North Pizza, Out West is mission-driven – it provides job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Continue Reading

Made West, the West Philly hub of Made Institute, is relaunching under a new name and offering updated classes and curriculum in a revamped space at 4719 Pine Street.

Community members are invited on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6 – 9 p.m., to celebrate the relaunch of West Workshop. There will be live music, drinks and sewing class giveaways. This is a great opportunity to network with West Workshop’s community of local creatives, teachers, students, artists and designers.

West Workshop is the sister studio of Made Institute, Philadelphia’s independent fashion design school with over a decade of experience. It creates accessible and inclusive sewing classes and workshops. With a deep appreciation for West Philly, the director, Thomas Rowe of Chrysalis Clothing, has been creating garments for local West Philly craft shows and fairs selling upcycled clothing and connecting with the local community since 2022.

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If you have wanted to explore University City/West Philly area restaurants, here’s a great chance.

University City Dining Days, is returning from July 17th through July 27th. This year’s event, organized by University City District (UCD), will include over 25 local restaurants and eateries. During these 11 days, guests can enjoy three-course meals for lunch or dinner for the set prices of $20, $30, or $40.

Dining Days offers a great opportunity to sample the area’s diverse restaurant scene at reduced prices while boosting business for eateries during the slower summer months. This is a great chance to try something new or revisit a neighborhood classic.

Participants this year include returning favorites Han Dynasty, Sabrina’s Cafe, and New Delhi along with first-time participants Haraz Coffee House, Lulu Cafe, and Corio.

Please note that all the reservations should be made directly at a restaurant of your choice. See the full list of participating restaurants and their contact info, plus Dining Days menus by visiting ucdiningdays.com.

The June 2025 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll map featuring the participating businesses, activities and specials.

The first 2025 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is set to return on Thursday, June 5. As usual, you can stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue (between 40th and 51st Streets) and enjoy $1, $3, and $5 deals from dozens of local businesses and neighborhood vendors. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the deals, there will be live music and entertainment all along Baltimore Ave. Check out a jazz performance by Gretchen Elise at Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Baltimore), an activity zone at the HMS School parking lot (44th and Baltimore), the All Love Block Party at 48th Street near Calvary Church featuring DJs, interactive activities, and food and merchandise from community vendors, plus Double Dutch at 50th and Baltimore.

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UPDATE (5/20/25): The restaurant began dine-in lunch service on Tuesday, May 20, and now offers takeout and dine-in lunch on Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

(5/16/25): Corio, a neighborhood restaurant and takeaway serving pizzas, homemade pastas, curated wines, craft cocktails, and more in an Italian Modernism-inspired space, will open this spring in uCity Square at 3675 Market St., next door to Liberty Kitchen and Two Locals Brewing Company.

The new restaurant is a collaboration between three Vernick Food & Drink alumni: Chef David Feola (former Chef and Partner of Ember & Ash), General Manager and Beverage Director James Smith, and Ryan Mulholland, who is also currently the Director of Operations at CookNSolo.

Corio’s menu features creative twists on Italian cuisine with regional American specialties. It will include a variety of small plates, salads, pizzas, and pastas. Lunch will have an addition of sandwiches and dinner will have several entrees. A seasonal and classic cocktail menu will include flavors that complement the food menu with inspirations from Italy, and the wine menu will include selections from well-known staples to unique varietals.

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