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East Passyunk Avenue, a premiere dining destination and shopping area, splurged as best shopping district in South Philly.
Known as the cheesesteak home base, East Passyunk Avenue offers many other award-winning and famous eateries, including readers’ choice award first-place winners Cantina Los Caballitos, Fuel and Birra.
Restaurant selections vary from Japanese to Mexican to authentic Italian, fancying a wide array of modern or traditional tastes.
More than 150 of the businesses in the shopping district are independently owned, keeping most establishments unique to the area.
Neighborhood residents appreciate the gardening and home improvement shops, fitness centers, clothing stores, food markets, hair salons and barber shops offered, all of which cater to everyday needs in a very close radius.
“There are so many great places in such a short walk,” East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District’s Executive Director Renee Gilinger said,
Facebook and Twitter have played a major factor in creating better business along the avenue and directing patrons to events such as its monthly Second Saturday, as well as its annual Flavors of the Avenue April 28 and Car Show and Street Festival July 29.
“[Social media] is just so effective in getting the word out about our businesses and events,” Gilinger said. “A lot of these are free community events and we want to let as many people know as possible.”
Gilinger is pleased to announce the development of a mobile website and phone application to further promote events, provide directories, links to SEPTA transportation, maps and more, all for the convenience of the customers.
“We’re really trying to gear up for people who’ve never been here before,” Gilinger said. “I’m really excited about that.”
Quartermaster Plaza splurged in second, while Snyder Plaza and Whitman Plaza both bargained for third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
2012 Readers’ Choice Award winners
Cuisine
Fuel: Soup; Hummus; Lunch menu (sit down); and healthiest menu
Geno’s Steaks: Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
John’s Roast Pork: Pork sandwich
SliCE: Specialty pizza
Penrose Diner: Diner
Ippolito’s Seafood: Seafood selection
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: BYOB; Italian Restaurant; Dessert menu; Chef
Cantina Los Caballitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Birra: New restaurant
Night on the Town
South Philadelphia Tap Room: Craft beer selection
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Celebrate a special occasion
Chickie’s & Pete’s: Friday happy hour; Bar menu; French fries
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli; Cookies
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Caffe Chicco: Iced coffee
People
Barbara Capozzi: Civic leader
Dr. Steven Moskowitz and Dr. William Mestichelli: Dentist
Johnny Looch: DJ
D. Olivieri Jewelers: Jeweler
Rev. Joseph Kelley: Priest/minister
Dr. Gail Avicolli: Principal
Sports
Carl Arrigale: High school coach
Neumann-Goretti Saints: High school team
St. Monica: CYO program
Mike Schmidt: All-time pro athlete
Antonio "Scoop" Jardine: Local current college athlete
And the Rest …
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Headhunters Hair Design: Salon
Roast beef sandwich: Category not on this list
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