A former mechanics garage transformed into a bowler’s pipedream, Northern Liberties’ very own North Bowl provides a hang out space unlike any other. Instead of drab, commercially carpeted walls, greasy fast foods and dingy lounging areas typical of bowling rinks of old…

From the leisurely stroller to the tireless skateboarder, Rittenhouse Square is concentrated mingling grounds for Philadelphia’s eclectic denizens. The square’s namesake…

Center City Philly isn’t the only one with sprawling, boutique promenades. Northern Liberties’ very own Liberties Walk has by far become the area’s de facto outlet for chronic, specialty shoppers.

BY AARON STELLA Tea has been making a come back, and in Northern Liberties, it’s in a big way. Actually, regarding The Random Tea Room, tea purveyor and curiosity shoppe, tea is a delicate essential to restoring mind and body; and here, it’s petite, bejeweled in eclectic charms. The first thing one notices once setting foot inside Random Tea Room is the collection of artisanal curios lying about (hats, spectacles, jewelry, knick-knacks, statuettes, etc…) Not to mention the chessboard table (pieces available), and the quaint furnishings. Everything in sight is for sale, by the way.

Apparitions of Ireland’s renowned writers gather at The Bards, Rittenhouse’s choice Irish gastorpub, where the finest of fare and drink that’s served is indistinguishable to those of the ole’ green isle.

In the midst of one of Northern Liberties‘ small-biz incubators, there’s a dark wood door guarded by an intricate grating of pipework and valves. Behind this door is the Standard Tap, one of NoLibs most popular hangout joints.

Soy Café in Northern Liberties is an haute hangout spot and vintage clothier. In chambers consummated with leaf-stenciled crown moldings, a motley medley of furniture can be found…

Silk City. A Phoenix risen from the ashes of its past dinerdom. Now a full-fledge bar and diner, this little slice of Northern Liberties nightlife is a must-go-to. Bathed in red neon lighting, Silk City’s checkered-floored quarters…

Vodka and gin have had their heyday, now it’s rum’s turn, and its all happening at Rum Bar in Rittenhouse. Owner Adam Kanter must have had pirates on the brain when he designed the joint.

BY AARON STELLA Northern Liberties‘ Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus is a proverb incarnate, which says, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” And perhaps an appropriate addition would be, “Or else you’re going to miss out.” Ortlieb’s is a legendary jazz bar well-settled and well-aged into the 3rd Street hill of NoLibs-where local legends come to jam. Jazz luminaries like Jimmy Oliver, Mickey Roker, Mike Boone and, one of my personal favorites, Sid Simmons ignite Ortlieb’s speak-easy environs aflame while cooling the mood with their virtuoso strains. Sundays from 8pm-12am are devoted to jam sessions with the Roger Prieto Quartet, and Tuesdays during the same hours it’s jammin’ with Ortlieb’s Hausband. You can also catch some unsung local talent during scattered open-mic nights throughout the week. Ortlieb’s happy hour, Tues-Fri 5-7pm, is one of the best in the city.