Philadelphia’s Very Own Castor Sector in Washington West
Point of Interest Overview by Aaron Stella

The Washington West Area of Philadelphia shares its city-space with what is endearingly called, “The Gayborhood,”—Philadelphia’s LGBT amenities sector. While other LGBT establishments (bars, clubs, clothiers, furnishers, etc…) lie outside of the Gayborhood, within exists the most concentrated gathering. Also, you know you’re in the Gayborhood for sure simply by looking up at the corner street-name signs: if you see rainbow banners beneath them, then you’re in it. Since the Gayborhood lies close to City Hall (Broad and Market streets) and the Avenue of the Arts (southern half of Broad Street), it’s usually bustling with tourists and enraptured Philadlepians of the like, hunting about for one of the many gastropubs and fine eateries in the area; and at night, the streets teem with an eclectic cast of revelers. The Gayborhood also contains some of the city’s most elegant stretches. Mosey around: The quaint lanes and brick row homes are enough to charm one even after the beauty of the area at large. Also, just a few factoids: Philadelphia is home to the world’s first-ever and largest Outfest block party, and also boasts of a fabulous Pride Fest and Equality Forum celebration. So if you ever plan on poking around the Washington West Area for housing, a gourmet bite or a hot nightspot, take a look at the list below to get a sense of what’s out in the neighborhood:
Woody’s Bar & Restaurant
202 S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-1893
www.woodysbar.com
12th Air Command
254 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-8088
www.12thair.com
Pure Nightclub
1221 St. James St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5772
purephilly.com
Tavern On Camac
243 S Camac St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5609
(215) 545-0900
tavernoncamac.com
Uncles
1220 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-6660
Knock Restaurant and Bar
225 S. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-1166
knockphilly.com
Bump
1234 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-1800
bumplounge.com
PHAG
1225 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4914
(215) 627-0461
Lolita
106 S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4522
(215) 546-7100
www.lolitabyob.com
Giovanni’s Room
345 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-2960
www.giovannisroom.com
Valanni
1229 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 790-9494
www.valanni.com