The Lancaster Business Corridor

Even though summer is coming to a close, and the peaceful time of year to visit this shopping district is over doesn’t mean that you should leave it to the college kids until next June. There are a number of fantastic spots along this budding corridor that will make your trip worthwhile.

Lancaster Ave, between 34th and 40th streets, has a great mix of cuisines available for all types of budgets. Here’s a list of some worthy spots.

Stan’s Jewish Deli (37th and Lancaster)

Stan’s is an authentic Jewish deli offering indoor and outdoor seating, friendly service, delivery, catering, and a colossal half-pound corned beef sandwich worthy of a pedestal. Also on the menu: milkshakes and floats, soups and salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and more meat than you can shake a stick at.

Greenline Café Powelton (between 36th and 37th on Lancaster)

The Green Line Café Powelton is the third location for this University City café brand.The menu offers organic gourmet coffee and tea, fresh baked goods, bagels and pastries, as well as sandwiches, salads, and their own line of bottles sodas. All of the coffee is certified fair trade.

Zocalo (36th and Lancaster)

Good margaritas, outdoor seating, and a separate bar and lounge are all draws to this popular, colorful spot. But the menu, centered on a tasty selection of traditional Mexican platters with contemporary touches, is what keeps people coming back. Highlights include homemade guacamole, tostada de pollo, and the marinated skirt steak in mole sauce. Voted “Best of Philly” (2001) by Philadelphia Magazine.

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant (between 36th and 37th on Lancaster)

Lemon Grass features imaginative cuisine and an extensive list of vegetarian options. The food offers a surprising blend of zesty flavors and subtle design. Alongside creative drinks, the reasonably priced prix-fixe lunch is a favorite with the local crowd.

Ranas Middle Eastern Cuisine / Ed’s Buffalo Wings & Pizza (35th and Lancaster)

Rana’s reasonable priced menu offers a combination of Middle Eastern fare and pizza-joint standards, both tasty and fast. From Buffalo wings and sandwiches to babaganouj and tabouli, this recently remodeled eatery offers a wide selection of options.

Powelton Pizza (between 36th and 37th on Lancaster)

Aside from standard and specialty pizzas, including the turkey club and upside-down pizzas, Powelton also offers a selection of salads, strombolis, steaks, and other Italian eats.

Mokas Greek Restaurant and Bar (35th and Lancaster)

This affordable and casual Mediterranean-style bar and grill serves Greek specialties like hummus and babaganoush, a late night munchie menu, and boasts an impressive hookah selection with lounging areas around the bar.

And let’s not forget retail. There are a number of creative and unique shops out here where you can find all kinds of neat goods.

ReSource (36th and Lancaster)

Lancaster Avenue’s gift gallery and boutique, representing more than 50 local artists who work with reused and recycled materials. The shop’s catchall appeal comes from its variety. There are bowls shaped from old vinyl records, key chains of woven hemp, bracelets made of dominos, colander-shade lamps made of old percolators, wallets made of bike tubes and reconstructed clothing for all.

Neglected Truth (36th and Lancaster)

Neglected Truth caters to the aggressive in-line skating crowd, but has skates, clothing, videos and accessories open to all.

Treats and Things (36th and Lancaster)

A small, friendly gift shop on the Lancaster Avenue retail corridor. Offering flowers, balloons, candy, and small gifts.

Dr Cycles (36th and Lancaster)

This friendly neighborhood bike shop specializing in tune-ups, flats, tubes, tires, brake pads, clean bikes, true wheels, parts, service, and more.

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