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

This Saturday, Sept. 13, the Painted Bride Art Center is hosting a celebratory community event, Relish & Remember, at the Paul Robeson House (4949 Walnut St). The event, which will be held from 3-5 p.m., is honoring the foodways of 52nd Street and the people who have shaped them.

“Most would agree that food and memory are inseparable. Unique tastes, smells, and textures can transport us back through time, returning us to kitchens, corner tables, and community gatherings where laughter and stories were shared,” reads the event description.

The event, led by Painted Bride’s Voices of 52nd Street project director Pamela Hooks, features a Memory Potluck with dishes from local restaurants and community cooks, wine and cheese tastings, live poetry, and more.

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Image courtesy of University City District

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is returning Thursday, Sept. 4. The year’s second and final edition of the Stroll (the first one was held in June) is 5-8 p.m. between 40th and 51st streets and will feature dozens of local businesses and community vendors. As always, this event is a great opportunity to enjoy special one-night-only deals for $1, $3, or $5 from your favorite businesses, check out new local businesses and vendors, and finally, enjoy live performances while strolling along this vibrant commercial corridor.

Check out the map above featuring all the deals and participating business/vendor locations. And here’s the list of live performances and activities:

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Wonder, a new kind of food hall which lets customers enjoy dishes from some of the world’s best chefs and award-winning restaurants in one order, is opening its newest location in University City next week. This will be Wonder’s third location in Philadelphia and eighth in the greater Philadelphia region.

Wonder allows customers to order from multiple restaurants in a single transaction, with all items prepared fresh in one location. The University City kitchen will feature the full roster of Wonder’s chef partners, including Bobby Flay, Jose Andres, and Marcus Samuelsson, all of which are available for dine-in, pickup or delivery through Wonder’s app throughout University City.

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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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