Where to Eat Within Walking Distance of The Fillmore
Craft breweries, fancy burgers, and a Mexican bar with over 100 tequila bottles, all within a 10-minute walk from The Fillmore.
Mamajuana burger / Photograph courtesy of Mamajuana Cafe
On any given night, Fishtown’s entertainment hub — where Brooklyn Bowl, the Fillmore, and Punch Line Philly form a lively corner of music and laughs — is crowded with ticketholders looking to grab a bite before a show. This wonky island between I-95 and the Delaware River may feel removed from the restaurant scenes of Fishtown and Northern Liberties, but there are plenty of dining spots within a 10-minute walk.
If you plan your night right, you can easily squeeze in dinner and a show. Here’s where you can grab a bite to eat and walk to the Fillmore before the opening act takes the stage.
Mamajuana Cafe
Walking Distance: 0 minutes
When it comes to dining options near the Fillmore, it doesn’t get any closer than Mamajuana Cafe. The new Latin-fusion restaurant is in the same complex as the music venue. The menu is sprawling with flavorful options like the grilled octopus and the fettuccini oxtail. The burger will run you $24, but after paying Live Nation all those fees for your ticket, you might as well treat yourself. 1000 Frankford Avenue.
Other Half Brewing
Walking Distance: 1 minute
Across the street is Other Half Brewing, a sprawling craft brewery and tasting room with a full menu and a beer garden. Unless you’re a super fan and you want to secure a spot in front of the stage, there’s no sense in sitting around, waiting for the doors to open. Other Half Brewing is the perfect spot to hang out, enjoy a pre-show beer, and share some onion rings and nachos with your friends while you wait for the show to begin. 1002 Canal Street.
Philadelphia Distilling
Walking Distance: 1 minute
This is one of those spots hiding in plain sight. Philadelphia Distilling is just a few doors to the left of the Fillmore, but it doesn’t jump out at you if you don’t know it’s there. The distillery has a small but delicious menu of food — including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — to pair with its well-made cocktails. 25 East Allen Street.
Vince’s Pizzeria
Walking Distance: 3 minutes
The Fishtown outpost of this Northeast Philly restaurant serves up thin-crust pizza, Stromboli, and salad all at very reasonable prices. It’s a great choice if you’re on a budget and don’t want to miss a second of the show. Located just behind the Fillmore, you’ll have more than enough time to house a few slices of pizza and get back to the venue for the opening act. 965 Frankford Avenue.
Elwood
Walking Distance: 4 minutes
If you don’t mind missing the opener, a meal at Elwood is a fancy way to start your night. Chef Adam Diltz focuses on recreating elevated versions of traditional Mid-Atlantic dishes that both celebrate the local bounty and our region’s history. If you’ve got some friends coming in from out of town, the snapper soup and venison scrapple are a great introduction to Philly’s dining scene. 1007 Frankford Avenue.
Photograph courtesy of Love & Honey
Love & Honey Fried Chicken
Walking Distance: 5 minutes
Fill your belly with some of the best fried chicken around at Love & Honey. Choose from chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, or traditional fried chicken; plus tater tots, potato salad, or cornbread. Everything is cooked fresh to order and can take a while on a busy night, so give yourself time or order ahead so it’s ready when you get there. 11 North Front Street.
Jerry’s Bar
Walking Distance: 6 minutes
For eclectic bar bites, cocktails, and a solid beer list, head to Jerry’s Bar. The service is fast, and the menu has a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including the ever-popular hummus trio starter (it’s vegan and gluten-free), grilled mahi mahi, and even lobster ravioli. If you’re going to a show on a Friday night before 7 p.m., check out their happy hour. 129 West Laurel Street.
Craft Hall
Walking Distance: 8 minutes
With multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, TVs playing sports, beer brewed onsite from Mainstay Independent, and a classic American menu, Craft Hall has a little bit of everything for everyone. There’s pizza, BBQ platters, sandwiches, and plenty of bar snacks to go around. 901 North Delaware Avenue.
Pera Turkish Cuisine
Walking Distance: 8 minutes
When you are craving lots of flavor and don’t want to feel overstuffed (no one wants to groove to the music on a full stomach), this Turkish restaurant hits the spot. Order from the cold and hot mezze menus (we recommend the baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel hummus) to share with friends, or treat yourself to a mixed grill gyro. The warm pita and aromatic spices will keep you satisfied no matter how long the set list is. 944 North 2nd Street.
Cantina Dos Segundos
Walking Distance: 8 minutes
Drinks at venues are notoriously expensive. That’s why we like to go to the bar and get a little buzzed before the show. And with over 100 bottles tequilas to choose from, the buzz you get from Cantina Dos Segundos is sure to last through the encore. 931 North 2nd Street.
Urban Village Brewing
Walking Distance: 9 minutes
On the edge of the Piazza, it’s a bit of a trek to Urban Village, but it’s worth it. Grab a pint or a cocktail made with PA-produced spirits and a wood-fired pizza or vegan black bean burger to satiate your hunger before your show. Open seven days a week, it’s convenient before a Monday show. 1001 North Second Street.
Standard Tap
Walking Distance: 9 minutes
Both the beer and food menus at Standard Tap never disappoint. Choose from over 20 drafts on tap to pair with upscale bar food (think roast pork sandwich on Merzbacher’s focaccia and steak frites), and you may want to come back for seconds after the curtain closes. 901 North 2nd Street.
Middle Child Clubhouse
Walking Distance: 10 minutes
On the outer edge of the Fillmore’s 10-minute walk radius is Middle Child Clubhouse, a nostalgia-inducing place that will take you back to the days hanging out with your friends at the diner. Only now you’re an adult and can have a pickle martini with your Okonomiyaki-style latke while playing a game of pool with your fellow show-gowers. Just keep an eye on the clock; it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re having fun at the clubhouse. 1232 North Front Street.
