The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

 

You're considering your lunch options in Rittenhouse Square when it hits you. Tacos. A nice, sunny spot in the Square. An hour of pure contentment. You drag your coworker to Mexico on the Square. They grumble that it better be worth it. You know it will be, so you just smile.

The former owners of Savoy Mexican Grill (the odder than odd taqueria/deli/flower shop that used to be at 18th and Spruce Streets) have moved over to 15th and Pine. They're calling it Mexico on the Square, and while it isn't exactly as close as their old location, the tacos are just a worthwhile. The free delivery and takeout only shop make their own tortillas in-store, and if you've ever had fresh tortillas, you know that the difference is major. You can also get your hands on burritos, tortas, sopes, tostadas, and flautas. Is your gang no on the board with Mexican food? They can choose from burgers, hoagies, and cheesesteaks, which are also on the menu. It's tiny, but the bright red bannered shop will not disappoint you.

Midtown Lunch Philadelphia recently took a look at the made-to-order goodness going on at Mexico on the Square. As though you needed further convincing.

Mexico on the Square

1511 Pine Street

215-732-1907

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Related:

Rittenhouse’s Only Speakeasy That Serves Guacamole

What’s Open 14 Hours in Rittenhouse Square and Will Change Your Life?

 

It all started with the Fish House Punch. While reading Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh, we learned a little more about the contents of Philly's original punch bowl. Grab a copy of the handy book for the recipe, but know that it involves a ton of rum and oddly, green tea. Members of the Schuylkill Fishing Company created the crowd-pleaser. According to Haigh, "a recipe as old as Fish House Punch, fervently slurped by the Father of Our Country, has inevitably gone through many fanciful formulations." However, you can still find the drink on the menus of cocktail bars like Village Whiskey, APO Lounge, and a variation at the Oyster House and the Franklin Bar.

At Village Whiskey in Rittenhouse Square, the Philly Fish House Punch combines peach brandy, cognac, dark rum, tea, lemon, and spiced sugar for a veritable punch of old-school flavor in a classy setting.

A few blocks away at the Franklin, the Flowing Bowl menu lists some punchy concoctions like Pass and Stow Punch, Professor's Punch with green chartreuse, and Passyunk Punch with aged rum and chai tea.

The Oyster House, also in Rittenhouse, has an Oyster House Punch, which separates itself from the Philly version with gin and sparkling wine.

And finally, APO Lounge in Washington Square West will serve up a Fish House Punch that will please a crowd, of brandy, peach cordial, rum, strong tea, and lemon.

You can always whip up your own at home with Esquire's recipe. Cheers!

[photo credit: Esquire.com]

Welcome to Ranstead Room. Congratulations, because you've found it. Tucked away on Ranstead Street, in the middle of nothing, look for a black door with two red R's. The quieter component of Stephen Starr's Mexican diner, El Rey, is this dimly lit barroom. Vintage velvet wallpaper, scandalous artwork, and deep red booths all bring a hush to the room. The sound of 40's-era cocktails being made at the bar and the matching music all place you in a softer time.

Ranstead Room's cocktail list was developed by New York mixologist Sasha Petraske and bears concoctions like the zesty Piquin Cocktail, a complex sipper that features blanco tequila, chili piquin, lemon juice and sugar. It gets even spicier as you reach the final drops. The Brooklyn No. 2 takes on rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino. A bowl of guacamole and chips arrive from the connecting hall to El Rey, that only food runners are allowed to use. If you've never even guacamole in the dark before, this is your chance. It's delightful. There are three snacks to choose from for your tipples here.

If you're craving the rest of El Rey's no-frills Mexican menu, you have to head outdoors, around the corner to Chestnut Street, and through the front entrance of El Rey itself. Here you have a bright diner with plaid-shirted servers and a view of the kitchen doors that the smiling staff swing through, holding platters of steaming enchiladas and queso fundido. Margaritas are not the sweet-and-sour regrettables that always seem like a bad idea, no, they are traditional and perfectly sweetened with agave nectar and fresh fruits like guava and mango. El Rey might be the familiar, comforting room full of friends sharing a plate of churros, while Ranstead Room is the sultry drinking quarters where you go in search of some quiet reflection over a strong drink.

Take your pick, or have it both ways. But whatever you do, please introduce yourself to the guacamole.

El Rey/Ranstead Room

2013 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA

215-563-3330

Related: What’s Open 14 Hours in Rittenhouse Square and Will Change Your Life?

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Answer: El Rey, Stephen Starr's answer for an empty former Midtown Diner IV space in Rittenhouse Square.

While the interior of the Mexican diner still looks like the old 24-hour haunt that you remember, the design of the restaurant involved a trip to Mexico and flea market finds to stir El Rey to life. The exterior has only changed slightly, brightening the 2000 block of Chestnut Street with a golden brick front and a fun sign that promises to change your life. The original Midtown Diner IV sign is still there, with some slight adjustments. Are those 14 hours 11 - 1 am? If so, expect lunch hours right out of the gate. We're curious to see what chef Dionicio Jimenez will bring to the table when the latest from Starr opens later this month. We're guessing there won't be any scrapple on the menu.

El Rey, 2013 Chestnut St.

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[Midtown IV photo from Yelp]

1 Bedroom Condo Unit for Sale in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

1908 Rodman Street, Unit C

This 1 bedroom condo unit for sale in Rittenhouse Square is a spacious, bright, 1 bedroom, bi-level, Rittenhouse Condo located on a quiet tree lined street is waiting for you. This condo offers extremely low condo fees and is only 3 blocks from Rittenhouse Square! Everything you want or need is in walking distance!

Enter the building through a foyer with stairs leading to Unit C which puts you in the main living room. Some of the interior features include:

• high ceilings
• soaring 13 foot windows
• central air
• large open living and dining area.
• Plenty of storage throughout the unit

The kitchen is completely updated with the following desirable features: recessed lighting, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

Photo Gallery  

 

The 2nd level offers an oversized bedroom, plush carpeting, and a separate alcove currently being used as a home office.

The bedroom closet has been custom fitted for maximum storage and there is even a remote controlled ceiling fan installed for your convenience.

The 2nd floor also features a laundry area and a beautifully renovated bath with upgraded ceramic tile floor and vanity.  

We welcome your visit to this 1 bedroom condo unit for sale in Rittenhouse Square.

 

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

If you like art, food, and prefer when the two influence each other, this event is for you.

Down to Earth event planners will coordinate with Art in the Age and Noble Cookery to put on a sustainable feast with ceramic pottery on display.

It'll kick off with a cocktail hour with seasonal drinks inspired by local ingredients and a pottery preview at the modern farmhouse-style restaurant Noble Cookery in Rittenhouse Square. Over 75 pieces of functional pottery by Jim Dugan, Mel Griffin, Ayumi Horie, and Gwendolyn Yoppolo will be available. The family-style dinner at 8pm will focus on locally grown food. The exhibit itself is intended to highlight the connection between food, art, and people.

A Useable Feast

Tuesday, March 30, 7pm

$85 ($20 goes to local food bank), tickets are required, beer, wine and cocktails included

Noble Cookery, 2025 Sansom Street

Cocktail culture is kept alive at Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co., Rittenhouse Square's only speakeasy that we know about.

After a long, busy day in the spring market, you deserve some relaxation. The fittingly-named Franklin Mortgage has just unveiled its spring drink menu, a list of 34 season-ready sippers that will be available starting Monday. All cocktails are $12 and there's absolutely no vodka. Some of the new offerings include:

• The Coal Cracker Swizzle - Rye Whiskey, Galliano, Ginger Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Muddled Blackberry, Angostura, Mint, Sasparilla Tincture, Served Tall on Crushed Ice

• Destructive Urges - Bermuda and Demerara Rums, Green Chartreuse, Cane, Fresh Lime Juice, Angostura, Served Up

• Delores Haze - Barbados Rum, Honey, Fresh Lemon Juice, Muddled Strawberry, Egg White, Peychaud, Served on a Rock

• Kensington - Bourbon, Dry and Sweet Vermouth, Peychaud, Orange Marmalade, Served Up

We made the Kensington the other night at home and it remains one of our favorites.

Every Monday night, the classy, sultry hideaway hosts Monday Night School, an evening of liquor-learning and spirits tasting. You may RSVP for this event on their website.

The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co.

112 S. 18th Street

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Rittenhouse Square is in Center City, Philadelphia. The major shopping, dining, and business destination is where visitors and locals come together for culture and nightlife. As one of the most convenient areas for commuters to get to by public transportation, many Philadelphians come to Rittenhouse for work, shopping and entertainment. Those that travel end up staying near Rittenhouse Square, due to the variety of hotels that it offers.

Rittenhouse Square itself is akin to Central Park, albeit much smaller, as it attracts dog walkers, musicians, and all types in one common public space. There is a lot to see and do here, whether you're overlooking the square at an outdoor table at Parc or browsing the sales rack at Barneys Co-op. Many of the historic homes that surround Rittenhouse Square have been restored, but still maintain their handsome exteriors.

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When New York outfitters Brooklyn Industries scoped out their 13th location, they decided it was time to travel to Philadelphia. I'm guessing they were tired of so many Philadelphians raiding their sale racks at the Williamsburg location. They've branched out to other trendsetting cities like Portland and Chicago, so we are flattered that they chose a Walnut Street outpost in Rittenhouse Square for their functional minis, soft pima cotton tees, and casual men's shirts.

The new store, open since February 1st, is one floor of fashion with a second floor slated for an art gallery. BKI made use of wood pallets on the walls and restored furniture throughout the shop. The warm gold and dark green walls work harmoniously with the clothing line.

What's special about this urban retailer? Bags from BKI come with a lifetime guarantee and are made with recycled billboard or organic materials. The shop is powered by 100% wind power, and it's right next to Lululemon, another Walnut Street business that is brightening the shopping scene. We also really love their blog, Words from the Watertower, which is currently accepting nominations for its LIVE, WORK, CREATE series. Nominate a creative individual from Philadelphia that practices BKI's philosophies and they could be featured in an upcoming series.

Welcome to Rittenhouse Square, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Industries

1525 Walnut Street

Looking for a home in Rittenhouse Square? Search our Rittenhouse Square listings.

 

New Listing in Rittenhouse Square - 2026-30 Chancellor Street for $414,900

Welcome to one of the finest blocks in the Rittenhouse Square area of Center City. Stephanie Somers takes you on a tour of this new listing and invites you to imagine yourself living in this great space.

This Carriage House condo has the Old World Charm indicative of Historic Philadelphia and is expertly updated for all of the modern conveniences. The condo offers a spacious open layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a formal dining and living area as well as a kitchen with all of the expected upgrades such as granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

Hardwood flooring adorns the entire unit and the bedrooms have ample closet space with each bedroom having its own private bath. There is an extra storage room in the building. This condo also includes a side by side washer and dryer neatly tucked away in the laundry closet.

This unit has the preferable roof rights for a roof deck and there are stairs in place that currently lead to the roof where you can enjoy beautiful sky line views.

This unit also has low condo fees and convenient monthly parking a block from the building.

We welcome you to this warm and charming home.

 

 

 

 

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !