South Street
Posted by: 
chstress53
N 39° 56.499 W 075° 09.237
18S E 486847 N 4421292
South Street is Philadelphia's hip strip and trendy melting pot. Here you'll find a many-splendored promenade alive with way-kewl boutiques, eccentric shops, singular restaurants, bars, night clubs and cafes — and where the people-watching is as fun as the window-shopping. Aging hippies, the fashionably unfashionable, tongue-piercers, spike-haired skateboarders, and even nuclear families commingle comfortably on this eclectic and electric swath.
Waymark Code: WM5Z3
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 01/11/2006
Views: 152
Zipperhead, Erogenous Zone, Condom Nation, and Trash and Vaudeville are but some of the titillating stores in this bizarre bazaar. At Zipperhead, those looking for biker leather, piercing accessories, or your black-to-basics wardrobe will find the latest rage of the age. And even after a few years on the street, condom stores are sure to draw rubberneckers to their window displays.
Yet, part of South Street's attraction remains the living dinosaurs from an earlier commercial era. One such is Harry Horn — "Electric Supplies and Lighting Fixtures." Plugs, fuses, meter boxes, circuit breakers dating to the Taft administration are proudly displayed in Harry's front window. Aaron's King of Mattresses, Bridals designed by Zelman, and Krass Brothers clothing store with its autographed photo of Frank Sinatra in the window add a retro touch to the vista.
Chain stores and restaurants arrived in full force in the '80s, but have done little to homogenize this center of counterculture. Though one now finds McDonald's, the Gap, Starbucks, Pizzeria Uno, and Tower Records, South Street retains its chic boutique mystique.
On weekend nights in particular a party atmosphere prevails. Mardi Gras is in the air as Jersey boys with slicked back hair stare at the South Philly girls with way up-in-the-air hair. Longhairs (classical music lovers) roam the Tower Classical music annex, longhairs (those with long hair) party in grizzled night clubs like J.C. Dobbs.
Certain blocks stand out. A drunken sailor's heaven is the best way to describe Fourth Street between South and Bainbridge. Here, for the time being, are four tattoo parlors, a couple of bars, and a punk-oriented-record-and-clothes store. Interested in getting your navel, nipple, or tongue pierced? You've come to the right place. Sound a bit off-putting? Then perhaps you'd like the Pink Rose Pastry Shop which daintily decorates the corner at 4th and Bainbridge. This happy juxtaposition, pastry and punk, tattoos and tarts, best sum up South Street's lure.
Cafes are in vogue right now as manifested by the bulk of beaneries on the street. Enjoy the coffee scene at Supreme Bean, Santa Maria's, Coffee World, Starbucks or whatever java joint will open between now and the future.
Though the street has many fine restaurants, three of historic importance stand out. The Knave of Hearts was a pioneer in Philadelphia's restaurant revival as well as the 1960s revival of South Street itself. Loyal locals have long enjoyed the Knave's whimsical strawberry soup. Famous 4th Street Deli has been operated by the same family for three generations. It's also the best deli in town — lox, stock, and bagel. A reminder of the days when the area was a thriving Jewish community and a fabric center, Famous is one establishment that has earned its name. Finally, Jim's Steaks vies for the honor of Philly's best cheese steak. Sandwich makers with bulging biceps pile tremendous mounds of onions and thinly sliced steak on a spattering grill. Take your steak upstairs and enjoy the show on the street below.
Most of the action on South Street takes place between Front and Ninth Streets. However, a renaissance is occurring on the western end of the street as well. Galleries, music stores, and restaurants can now be found between 12th and 16th on South. Of note are two stores catering to the voodoo community where spells, potions, and powders can be purchased.
Bob and Barbara's bar at 15th and South is a throwback to the smoky bebop days, with cracked red bar stools and a bar sanded smooth by decades of beer bottles. Jazz-lovers will bow before the jukebox — a shrine to Basie, Parker, and Lady Day. The house special, a can of Pabst and a shot of bourbon for $3.00 will warm you on even the coldest winter night. At Broad and South a historic marker honors Lady Day — Billie Holiday — a reminder of the time when South Street was Philly's jazz central.
Song Lyrics:
Where do all the hippies meet? (South Street, South Street)
Where the dancin' is elite. (South Street, South Street)
Side by side we're loose and neat.
When we're stompin' down the street.
Hurry down, baby she's the hippest street in town! (Oh baby)
Meet me, on South Street. Oh yeah. Hurry on down.
Come on now, meet me on South Street.
The hippest street in town.
Well you take West Street. East Street. North Avenue. (Cause I know)
South Street's the best street
To have a ball with you.
Do you hear that groovy beat? (South Street, South Street)
Don't it make you move your feet? (South Street, South Street)
Everybody gathers round.
Cause they dig that crazy sound.
Now hurry down, baby she's the hippest street in town. (Oh baby)
Meet me on South Street. (Come on.) Oh yeah. Hurry on down.
Come on now, meet me on South Street.
The hippest street in town.
Well you take West Street. East Street. North Avenue. (Cause I know)
South Street's the best street
To have a ball with you.
