Washington Square West
The Vibe
Rainbow pride meets cosmopolitan dining—where LGBTQ+ heritage and Marcie Turney's restaurant empire define contemporary Philadelphia cool. Turney and Valerie Safran's 13th Street destinations (Barbuzzo, Bud & Marilyn's, Little Nonna's) anchor the neighborhood's culinary scene, while legendary nightlife at Woody's (named '50 Greatest Gay Bars in the World') and Tavern on Camac (Philadelphia's oldest LGBTQ+ bar) continues proud tradition. Annual Pride festivities and OURfest celebrations draw thousands. The neighborhood attracts creatives, young professionals, and anyone seeking accepting community with excellent walkability and restaurant access.
Description
Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ cultural heart, officially designated 'The Gayborhood' with 36+ rainbow street signs and rainbow crosswalks at 13th & Locust. The neighborhood spans 7th to Broad Streets and Chestnut to South Streets, containing Midtown Village's dining corridor on 13th Street and Washington Square (1682, one of William Penn's original five squares). The William Way LGBT Community Center opened as a hub for community arts and advocacy, while Giovanni's Room (Philly AIDS Thrift) maintains the nation's oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore legacy. Historic Camac Baths (registered 2019) operated as a gay meeting place since the 1930s, with connections to Christopher Isherwood.
Neighborhood Stats
Popular With
- LGBTQ+ Community
- Foodies
- Young Professionals
- Nightlife Seekers
Key Attributes
- LGBTQ+ District
- Rainbow Streets
- Nightlife
- Restaurant Row
- Inclusive Community
Food Scene
Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran's empire dominates 13th Street—Barbuzzo (110 S. 13th St) serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Bud & Marilyn's offers retro comfort food with legendary funfetti cake, and Little Nonna's delivers Italian trattoria excellence. Charlie was a sinner (131 S. 13th St) brings stylish plant-based cocktails and small plates, while Knock (225 S. 12th St) hosts drag brunches in its New American setting. Double Knot combines sushi with a cocktail bar, and Mission Taqueria adds Mexican with an oyster bar. The 2024 arrival of Little Gay Pub from DC expands the neighborhood's vibrant scene.