• Celebrity
    • OTE – Screen Kings
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Best In Black Beauty 2023
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United

WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for ESSENCE Newsletters the keep the Black women at the forefront of conversation.

Your email is required.
Your email is in invalid format.
Confirm email is required.
Email did not match.
Select the newsletters you'd like to receive:
Please select at least one option.
By clicking Subscribe Now, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • OTE – Screen Kings
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
      • Paint The Polls Black
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Best In Black Beauty 2023
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Visit Philly

Philly Hotspots That Prove The City Loves Black Women

Sponsored by Visit Philly
By · Updated October 23, 2020
The City of Brotherly Love is indeed filled with sisterly affection. Within Philadelphia’s metro area, Black women can explore an abundance of Black culture, including recently opened French-influenced restaurants, intimate jazz clubs, thrift-like shops and tucked-away museums curated especially for melanin queens. And what’s a trip to Philly without visiting at least one iconic landmark? Since Philly is home to a wealth of must-visit locales, ESSENCE takes you on a journey of spaces for us, by us.
01
Akwabaa
A remarkably cozy bed & breakfast, this hospitable abode sits in a historic 1880s manor. With quiet lounge spaces, music-inspired vintage decor and magazines splashed with powerful Black women (hi, Oprah), Akwaaba’s warm and inviting space instantly made me feel at home, and even better — at peace before a long day of food tasting and site seeing. [3709 Baring St | Philadelphia, PA 19104 | Phone: (866) 466-3855]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Akwabaa BOOK TODAY Book
02
Pretty Girls Cook
A place with good R&B music and delicious food is harder to come by than you think, but not at Pretty Girls Cook. PGC, owned by Dominique Ryan is surrounded by nostalgic images of powerful Black women at every eye level, I dug into a variety of comfort food staples like french toast and shrimp and grits, each with a flavorful Philly twist. The hip, copper and pink decor give the notion that PGC is where I need to be for girls’ night or a quick after-work kiki. [1016 N Marshall St | Philadelphia, PA 19123]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Pretty Girls Cook RESERVE TODAY Make A Reservation
03
The Colored Girls Museum
This beautifully curated gallery doubles as a sacred sanctuary for healing and praise of the everyday Black woman — from her storied history to the politics of her hair. With intentional, thoughtfulness and an array of art forms, The Colored Girls Museum started by Vashti DuBois and her partners Michael Clemmons and Ian Friday is a therapeutic dwelling that exhibits the strength and beauty of my lineage without triggering traumas and tragedy. [4613 Newhall St. | Philadelphia, PA 19144 | (267) 630-4438]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at The Colored Girls Museum SCHEDULE TODAY Schedule A Tour
04
The Sable Collective
The Sable Collective is a hub for uplifting Black women, not only by the shop’s aesthetic but its owners Shanti Mayers and Syretta Scott’s mindful curation of other Black artists. Here, I found items for wellness, beauty and joy, like Rayo and Honey’s handcrafted adornments and Chiquita Brujita’s candle designs — all things I’ve coveted online. After trying on a customized camo jacket and Moroccan slides, I walked away happily with a vintage Etienne Aigner. [3133 N. 22nd Street | Philadelphia, PA 19132 | (267) 666-0126]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at The Sable Collective SHOP TODAY Shop
05
Franny Lou’s Porch
Named for both Frannie Lou Hamer and Frances E. W. Harper, this corner coffee shop is a nod to Black women activists and community. As coffee ground and tea leaves steeped, I ordered a cup of Renewal of Strength Health Tonic to chat with owner Blew Kind about the quaint vibe of her “porch” and, above all, rest in the comfort of this peaceful space. [3133 N. 22nd Street | Philadelphia, PA 19125 | (215) 739-2357]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Franny Lou’s Porch VISIT TODAY Visit
06
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse
What’s beautiful about Philly is there’s a space for every type of Black woman. If you’re more blerd than Erykah Badu, Ariell Johnson’s haven, inspired by her childhood comic book, is the perfect shop for you to geek out about your interests. After flipping through books on Marvel sheroes and finding a literary masterpiece on natural Black hair, it became clear that this is a necessary space for us. [2578 Frankford Ave. | Philadelphia, PA 19125 | (215) 427-3300]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse VISIT TODAY Visit
07
The LOVE Park
Where is the love for Black women in Philly exactly? Well, a piece of it is in John F. Kennedy Plaza. Situated at the entrance of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the iconic sculpture is a must-stop attraction for Philly first-timers and Black women looking for the perfect Instagram photo op. Even in the rain, the dazzling city centerpiece catches everyone’s eye! [Arch St. | Philadelphia, PA 19102]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at The LOVE Park VISIT TODAY Visit
08
Maison 208
Located directly in downtown Philly, Maison 208 is a sophisticated dining experience at a price point that won’t break a Black woman’s wallet. With cuisine that lightly reflects Chef Sylva Senat’s Haitian roots, every bite of delightful fare is tasty and comforting to the soul.[208 S 13th St. | Philadelphia, PA 19107 |(215) 999-1020]
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Maison 208 RESERVE TODAY Make A Reservation
09
Maison 208
In the second-floor lounge, I really enjoyed the vibe of the French-inspired eatery as a Philly native jazz band played late into the night. To experience the food, fun and history of this magical destination for Black girls, visit Philly today.
10 Must-See Spots That Prove Philly Loves Black Women
Photo: Redens Desrosiers | rexcamera.com
available at Maison 208 VISIT TODAY VISIT
TOPICS:  travel Visit Philly
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now