During the school year, thousands of students in Philadelphia benefit from access to free and reduced price breakfast and lunch. But during the summer many struggle to get access to healthy meals.

This a reminder that the USDA provides free meals to children, teens, and students with disabilities in Philadelphia during summer months. This food is accessible at hundreds of summer meals sites throughout the city, including recreation centers, parks, churches, and neighborhood blocks. Summer meals sites provide free meals and snacks to kids and teens age 18 and under.  Continue Reading

The highly anticipated restaurant serving authentic Mexican dishes, Don Barriga Mexican Grill, has opened at the corner of 45th and Spruce. It was very short notice for the restaurant’s grand opening on Sunday (the owners announced it on Saturday evening), but it was enough for the locals to swarm the place with calls and orders, prompted in part by half-off prices for everything on Sunday. The crowds forced Don Barriga to close for a few hours in the afternoon. One of the partners apologized on Facebook for some orders taking too long. “It was the grand opening and we were packed,” he wrote on our Facebook page. “We will improve every day.”  Continue Reading

The new Panera Bread has opened at 40th and Walnut, in the former Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar space:

The new @panerabread at 40th and Walnut is now open. pic.twitter.com/zM7XE2ydiK

— University City (@ucdphl) June 12, 2019

This is the third and largest Panera location in Philadelphia. The two-story restaurant features several conference rooms, community tables, and even a private room for meetings and studying, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian. There’s also an outdoor patio with approximately 40 seats.

This summer’s first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will be held Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Stroll the avenue from 43rd to 52nd Streets and enjoy $1 deals – food, drinks, dessert, merchandise, theatre tickets, and even a 15-minute business consultation!

Before heading to the Stroll, check out the map below for more info on participating businesses and their offers. University City District will also have paper maps available at the two UCD tents located at 50th and Baltimore, and at 43rd and Baltimore near the entrance to Clark Park.

Also, don’t forget about live music and entertainment. While strolling, check out performances by The Ramblers at 48th and Baltimore, playing your favorite 90s songs as Mardi Gras Jams, Clancy and Lolli’s face painting & balloons at 49th and Baltimore, and Positive Movement Drumline at 50th and Baltimore (shows at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.).  Continue Reading

University City District has released dates and more details for their signature summer events.

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 6 and Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This popular event showcases local businesses with a chance to try their signature items and offerings – for just $1! The event also provides an opportunity for new businesses to introduce themselves to the community. As the event has grown over the years, more community vendors have joined it. UCD is now also offering smaller vendors an opportunity to sell food and merchandise at the event after they obtain a permit through the Philadelphia Health Department. Read more about participating vendors for the June 6th Dollar Stroll here. Continue Reading

A sign inside Saad’s Halal restaurant.

The fasting month of Ramadan began on Sunday evening, and this is a reminder that some local businesses will be closed or have limited hours during this month.

As usual, Saad’s Halal (45th and Walnut) will be closed during the month and will reopen on June 8th.

Manakeesh Cafe and Bakery across the street will be closed during the day for the month of Ramadan (until June 4th). It will be open in the evening from 7:30 p.m. for order pickup and for dinner from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. It’s also accepting iftar catering orders during this month (please email manakeesh@gmail.com).