History
Fishtown is a neighborhood in Philadelphia located immediately northeast of Center City. The name “Fishtown” is derived from the area’s former role as the center of the shad fishing industry on the Delaware River. The name comes from the fact that a number of 18th and early 19th centuries German and German-American families bought up the fishing rights on both sides of the Delaware River from Trenton Falls down to Cape May, New Jersey.
The area was originally inhabited by members of the Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape Indian tribe (who the Europeans named the Delaware Indian Tribe). The first European settlers were a group of six Swedish farming families, later replaced by British landed gentry, then British shipbuilders and German fishermen.
The neighborhood has been working class for centuries. While poverty grew after jobs left in the deindustrialization which afflicted many “rust belt” cities, Fishtown’s workers continued to maintain a stable working-class community. Most long-time residents trace their ancestry to Irish, German, and Polish Catholic immigrants.
In recent years Fishtown has experienced gentrification characterized by significant rises in housing prices and the opening of upscale art, entertainment, and dining establishments. An influx of artists and professionals has joined the ranks of police officers, fire fighters, nurses, carpenters, electricians, stonemasons, plumbers, sheet-metal workers, and teamsters. (From Wikipedia)
Fishtown is home to many well known bars and restaurants. The more well known bars and restaurants include Fette Sau, Frankford Hall, Pickled Heron, Pizza Brain, Pizzeria Beddia, Loco Pez, Barcade, The Barbary, M Room, East Girard Gastropub, Memphis Taproom, Sketch, Interstate Draft House, Lloyd, Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen, The Rocket Cat Cafe, Kraftwork, Johnny Brenda’s and Ida Maes Bruncherie.
Boundaries
The neighborhood is a triangle, bordered by the Delaware River, Frankford Avenue and York Street.
Zip Code: 19125
What To See / Do
More Information
Schools
Public Transportation
- SEPTA Market / Frankford Line
- The Route 15 Trolley Line
- Septa Bus Lines 15 and 25
