Olde Kensington Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on April 05, 2020
Olde Kensington (sometimes referred to as Old Kensington by newcomers) is located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its spelling reflects the historic roots this wonderful neighborhood offers.
The area dates back to colonial Philadelphia. In 1730, Anthony Palmer purchased the land that is now Olde Kensington with the dream of recreating a posh version of London in Philadelphia. His plans did not pan out as the area’s proximity to the waterfront and eventual rail lines attracted manufacturing and the neighborhood became an industrial center.
Fast forward, this working-class neighborhood went through a major transition with a wave of deindustrialization post-World War II, and Olde Kensington has begun to see a resurgence in recent years similar to that of its gentrifying neighbors, Fishtown and Northern Liberties. With a mix of new development, restaurants with accolades, and revitalization of historic buildings -- there is a noticeable vibrance bringing welcomed attention back to the neighborhood.
So, what’s it like living in Olde Kensington? We’ve rounded up some of the key trends and characteristics in our Olde Kensington Neighborhood Guide.
Where is Olde Kensington in Philadelphia?
Olde Kensington is situated west of Fishtown, east of Ludlow, north of Northern Liberties, and south of Hartranft. When looking at a map, Olde Kensington is bounded by 6th Street on the west side, Front Street on the east side, Moore Avenue on the north, and Girard Avenue on the south.
Architectural Appeal
No matter what you are looking for, Olde Kensington has something for everyone. From classic rowhomes to modern condo and townhouse developments, there is a diversity of property choices that is sure to please your needs and desired living style.
Olde Kensington also offers a unique inventory set. With its rich history of heavy industry, the neighborhood has a growing number of formerly abandoned factories that are being converted into lofts, condos, and workspaces. Developers have repurposed lovely old behemoth manufacturing buildings into luxe lofts, such as Michael Samschick’s Core Realty, which took the massive Drueding Tannery on Fifth St. and Master St. and turned it into luxury rentals dubbed The Umbrella Factory.
Browse homes for sale in Olde Kensington
Getting Around Olde Kensington
Olde Kensington is approximately 20 minutes from City Hall by public transportation and is serviced by SEPTA’s 57 bus line, the Market-Frankford Line (the EL) at the Girard Station and the 15 Trolley along arterial Girard Ave.
Many local residents elect to ride their bikes as a convenient, eco-friendly form of transportation. Indego Philly offers bike share locations at 3rd & Girard and multiple nearby stations.
Drinking & Dining
If you are a fan of the Netflix food series "Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner" and looking to recreate it in your own neighborhood - then you should definitely consider Olde Kensington. Foodie choices in this small community run the gamut from welcoming cafes, must have treats, and restaurants with accolades.
What this small restaurant positioned underneath the Market Frankford Line lacks in size, it makes up for in the quality of its offerings. More than just a place to grab a bowl of heartwarming and nutritious soup, Good Spoon also offers tasty sandwiches and salads and warm beverages such as teas and coffees, so come on in and fill up on the good stuff.
Every neighborhood needs a Mexican restaurant and lucky for Olde Kensington denizens because they get Taco Riendo. Some of the best burritos, tortas and tacos this side of the Rio Grande are right here in Philadelphia, so stop in and say hello. Protip: try the Enchiladas De Mole Con Pollo
- Cadence
With the perfect mix of delicious food and warm ambiance, it is no wonder that Cadence was rated #1 on Food & Wine’ best new restaurant list in 2019. Chefs Jon Nodler, Samantha Kincaid, and Michael Fry - who all cut their teeth at Philadelphia’s High Street Hospitality restaurant group - deliver food memories in every course. From wagyu tartare, to herb dumplings in a seafood ragu, to duck for two in asian flavors - you can’t take a wrong turn on this fabulous menu. The only drawback is a BYOB policy, but the food is well worth lugging your own bottle.
Situated on North American Street is Punch Buggy Brewing Company. This taproom and micro brewery keeps it simple, which is refreshing in today’s day and age. The beer offerings are likely to include a stout, a pilsner, a lager and a few other cool new duds, all of which will pair well with the grilled cheese sammies and hot dogs on the food side of the menu. When the weather is nice, the large garage door facade is opened up and it’s the perfect place to hang with friends for a lazy afternoon.
Best Cheesesteak in Olde Kensington
The best steak in Olde Kensington is just a few minutes away in the Poplar section of Philadelphia at Larry’s Steaks on 9th and Girard Ave. Olde Kensington needs to up its steak game!
Things to Do
Live music…
If you enjoy seeing bands at intimate venues, look no further than Kung Fu Necktie on N. Front Street. This is one of the great gems of Philadelphia, offering live music most if not all nights, great Citywide Specials and a pool table. Kung Fu Necktie is the quintessential dive bar and sets the stage for you to discover the next great local or touring band. What else could you ask for?
Artisanal vibes…
Meeting friends for a drink is always a fun idea, however sometimes you want to try something new that’s not a stereotypical bar. In that case, stop by Original 13 Ciderworks for an artisanal cider tasting. In addition to trying their signature Sir Charles Hard Cider, stay for some of their tasty pub fare, that even includes vegetarian and gluten free options, and enjoy time with friends playing a board game from Original 13’s sizeable collection.
Feeling like a kid again...
Whether you are searching for an outing with your kids or planning a quirky adventure with work colleagues or friends, put Keystone Mini Golf & Arcade on your list. This local spot is perfect for parties and will make you feel like a kid again with their mini golf and array of video and table games. If looking to make it a larger boozy event, call ahead for groups of 15 or more and check their policies on parties.
Getting involved in the community...
Olde Kensington is served by two community associations: 1) South Kensington Community Partners (referred to as SKCP), and 2) Olde Kensington Neighbors Association (referred to as OKNA).
Market Snapshot
Olde Kensington has seen considerable price appreciation in recent years as the historic neighborhood has become more gentrified due to its situation sandwiched between two of Philadelphia’s booming neighborhoods -- Fishtown to the east and Northern Liberties to the south.
Here are 4 properties currently for sale in Olde Kensington that caught our eye:
Interested in buying a home in Olde Kensington? Browse listings and see how much you could save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer commission rebate in Philadelphia.
