Your favorite food trucks may be coming back soon as the city has started lifting some restrictions on business operations imposed at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in March. Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf announced on Friday that Philadelphia will move to the “yellow” re-opening phase on June 5 when many businesses can reopen (under state safety guidelines), including retail stores, childcare centers, and day camps.

While dine-in service at restaurants will still be prohibited, the City of Philadelphia has lifted restrictions on walk-up service in the yellow re-opening phase. Walk-up customers will be required to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. Lines may not exceed 10 customers.  Continue Reading

POP volunteer laying the groundwork for the new orchard. (Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

The Woodlands has recently announced a very exciting project in partnership with the Philadelphia Orchard Project – the POP Learning Orchard! (You may have noticed new trees planted in the fenced in area along Woodland Avenue.)

The POP Learning Orchard space is designed to provide West Philadelphia residents with educational, nutritional and recreational opportunities. It will also help transform The Woodlands, which has a rich horticultural history, closer to how it would have functioned in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  Continue Reading

We have shared information on what’s happening at local restaurants and eateries and how you can order food (takeout or delivery). Some restaurants have also posted information on how you can help their workers during the pandemic. University City District’s UC Dining Days website provides information on dozens West Philly restaurants. Check it out here.

But what about other businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus? An online resource, Support PHL, has been created to support businesses that were closed following Governor Wolf’s directive to help spread COVID-19 in the state. There you can find information on many West Philly businesses – barber shops, gift and flower shops, fitness studios, cafes and bars, art studios, and more. There is also information on various COVID-19 relief funds and resources for small businesses.

For more information and to donate to small businesses, go here. For relief funds, check out this page.

Pennsylvania liquor stores have been closed since March 18th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But starting this Monday (April 27), the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has expanded the list of Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores that accept orders for curbside pickup. Now three West Philly stores – 43rd and Chestnut, 49th and Baltimore and at 51st and Lancaster – are included in the list.  Continue Reading

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This year, Ramadan is being observed by Muslims all over the world from April 23rd to May 23rd. This is a reminder that some halal restaurants in the area close or have special hours during this month.

Saad’s Halal at 45th and Walnut will be closed for the month of Ramadan. The popular Spruce Hill restaurant, which has been offering takeout in the last few weeks due to the COVID-19 health crisis, will reopen on May 24th. For more information, visit their website.

Manakeesh Cafe across the street from Saad’s will remain open for takeout and delivery, but will have special hours – from 7:00-9:30 p.m. During Ramadan, Manakeesh offers special packages and platters that can be pre-ordered for free delivery. Check out the flyer for more info. To order online, go here.

Visit UCD’s new Digital Dining Days website

To help support local restaurants in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, University City District has launched the Digital Dining Days website, an in-progress online guide to restaurants offering takeout, delivery, gift cards, and staff fundraisers in West Philadelphia. The website will be continually updated as conditions at restaurants change. If you don’t see a local favorite on the list, please email UCD at marketing@ucd.org and let them know! As of April 1st, the website includes information on around 80 local restaurants, cafes and eateries.  Continue Reading