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Explore the Neighborhood
Discover everything to do in University City.
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Neighborhood GuideOur curated suggestions for seasonal happenings, major landmarks, local guides, and new offerings.
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Community CalendarEvents including restaurants promotions, concerts, live theater, community meetings, art galleries & public spaces -
Neighborhood SpotlightsGet to know the people, places, and organizations that make University City such a great place to live, work, and visit.
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Our Events
Enjoy University City District's signature events.
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Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll$1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses & vendors -
University City Dining DaysUniversity City’s version of “restaurant week” -
University City Summer SeriesFamily-friendly free outdoor summer concerts -
Movies in Clark ParkFamily-friendly free outdoor screenings every August -
University City MixNetworking happy hour series -
Trolley Portal Gardens EventsFamily-friendly free events at 40th & Baltimore
- About UCD
Learn more about UCD and our thriving neighborhood.-
Latest NewsUpdates on UCD's work and the neighborhood. -
What is University City District?A partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses, and residents that creates opportunities and improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City section of West Philadelphia. -
What is University City?University City is Philadelphia’s academic heart, a hub for innovation & scientific discovery, and a historic neighborhood full of artistic & cultural exploration.
- Doing Business
Learn how we promote growth and innovation, and how you can too.-
Choose University CityUniversity City is a top Philadelphia neighborhood to work, live, attend school, open a business, or visit. -
Reports and DataResearch & analysis tied to the local economy, transportation, public space use, public safety, workforce development, & more.
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Become a SponsorSponsorships provide valuable visibility while fostering community engagement, and enhancing the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
- What We Do
Explore our range of services and specialties.-
Maintain Clean and Safe StreetsCreating a safe and welcoming environment for residents, employees, students, and visitors -
Assist the UnhousedAddressing homelessness through a compassionate, people-first approach -
Improve TransportationAddressing bike & pedestrian safety, traffic congestion & public transit routing -
Support Our Local EconomySupporting the local business community and residents through a wide range of services -
Provide Landscape ServicesOur landscaping social venture provides design-build-maintenance services -
Connect Residents to CareersHarnessing the hiring power of our area’s major employers while cultivating local talent
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-
Explore the Neighborhood
Discover everything to do in University City.
-
Neighborhood GuideOur curated suggestions for seasonal happenings, major landmarks, local guides, and new offerings.
-
Community CalendarEvents including restaurants promotions, concerts, live theater, community meetings, art galleries & public spaces
-
Neighborhood SpotlightsGet to know the people, places, and organizations that make University City such a great place to live, work, and visit.
-
-
Our Events
Enjoy University City District's signature events.
-
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll$1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses & vendors
-
University City Dining DaysUniversity City’s version of “restaurant week”
-
University City Summer SeriesFamily-friendly free outdoor summer concerts
-
Movies in Clark ParkFamily-friendly free outdoor screenings every August
-
University City MixNetworking happy hour series
-
Trolley Portal Gardens EventsFamily-friendly free events at 40th & Baltimore
- About UCD
Learn more about UCD and our thriving neighborhood.-
Latest NewsUpdates on UCD's work and the neighborhood.
-
What is University City District?A partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses, and residents that creates opportunities and improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City section of West Philadelphia.
-
What is University City?University City is Philadelphia’s academic heart, a hub for innovation & scientific discovery, and a historic neighborhood full of artistic & cultural exploration.
- Doing Business
Learn how we promote growth and innovation, and how you can too.-
Choose University CityUniversity City is a top Philadelphia neighborhood to work, live, attend school, open a business, or visit.
-
Reports and DataResearch & analysis tied to the local economy, transportation, public space use, public safety, workforce development, & more.
-
Become a SponsorSponsorships provide valuable visibility while fostering community engagement, and enhancing the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
- What We Do
Explore our range of services and specialties.-
Maintain Clean and Safe StreetsCreating a safe and welcoming environment for residents, employees, students, and visitors
-
Assist the UnhousedAddressing homelessness through a compassionate, people-first approach
-
Improve TransportationAddressing bike & pedestrian safety, traffic congestion & public transit routing
-
Support Our Local EconomySupporting the local business community and residents through a wide range of services
-
Provide Landscape ServicesOur landscaping social venture provides design-build-maintenance services
-
Connect Residents to CareersHarnessing the hiring power of our area’s major employers while cultivating local talent
New Business Roundup: February 2026
Discover new businesses opening their doors in the neighborhood.
West Philadelphia is welcoming a wave of new business openings, bringing diverse cuisines, new retail options, and neighborhood cafés to the area. Read on to see what’s new!
The Soapbox: Community Print Shop & Zine Library
4542 Baltimore Ave
The Soapbox is moving this spring from 47th and Kingsessing to a larger, more accessible space at 4542 Baltimore Ave, where it will more than double its artist studios and expand programming for letterpress, screen print, risograph, and other book and paper arts. Founded in 2011 as a zine library and basement studio, the West Philly community hub has launched a $50,000 fundraising campaign to support renovations and its next chapter on Baltimore Avenue.
Sunny Pharmacy
4307 Locust Street
Sunny Pharmacy, an independent, locally-owned store, is now open at 4307 Locust Street! This is the second Sunny Pharmacy, joining a location in Lansdowne, and will offer healthcare advice, excellent service, and free delivery. Learn more by stopping into their new location or visit them online.
Chai Nashta
4520 Baltimore Ave
Chai Nashta, which translates to “tea and snacks” in Hindi, is a new cafe and community hub on bustling Baltimore Avenue specializing in Indian food and drink with a goal of being a community hub and event space. Visit their website to learn or catch this feature on 6ABC.
The Pink Gym
4112 Lancaster Ave
The Pink Gym is a new women-centered fitness studio bringing mat Pilates, strength training, and wellness-focused classes to University City. The studio offers a supportive, community-driven space for women to build strength and confidence.
Kabobeesh and Karak Cha House
3748 Lancaster Ave.
Kabbobeesh will soon have a new home! The popular Pakistani restaurant is relocating within University City, moving into a larger space at the Triad Apartments to continue serving its beloved street food and classic dishes. Stay tuned for updates on their official re-opening!
Uyghur Noodle King
3816 Chestnut St
Uyghur Noodle King has arrived in University City, serving up hand-pulled lagman noodles tossed in bold, spice-packed sauces and loaded with flavor. If you’re craving chewy, made-from-scratch noodles and comforting halal dishes, this new spot is worth a visit!
Love & Honey Hot Chicken
4060 Chestnut St.
Love & Honey, a popular local fried chicken chain, will soon open a new location in University City featuring crispy, buttermilk fried chicken and scratch-made sides. Once open, check them out for comfort food made in small batches with plenty of heart. Expect golden, crunchy chicken, house-made sauces, and desserts that hit the sweet spot.
Taco Bell
3901 Chestnut St.
Taco Bell has officially opened at 3901 Chestnut Street (the former Boston Market site), bringing a new fast food option to University City and quickly becoming a hot topic among local fans. Check out this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, “Why is everyone so excited about University City’s new Taco Bell?”, to dive into why this opening has people so hyped.
Little Bean (Cleo Bagels Expansion)
5015 Baltimore Ave.
Little Bean, a new cafe connected to Cleo’s Bagels, is now open at 5015 Baltimore, bringing espresso, treats, and a welcoming place to sit and stay awhile. The new spot will also feature a BYO bagel twist, inviting you to pair your favorite Cleo bagels with a great cup of coffee in a cozy, neighborhood setting.
TAP Esport Center
101 S 39th St Basement #2
Calling all gamers! TAP Esport Center has opened in the neighborhood and everyone’s invited to check it out. Stop by to play a huge range of PC games on high-performance setups, hang out with friends, or discover a new favorite title in a welcoming, community-driven gaming space.
Korea Taqueria
3401 Walnut St.
Korea Taqueria is now open at Franklin’s Table, bringing its beloved Korean-Mexican fusion from food truck favorite to full-time spot at 34th and Walnut. Stop by for bold burritos, tacos, and bowls that have earned a loyal following across Philly, now right in the Shop Penn Retail District.
Shibam Coffee
3748 Lancaster Ave.
Shibam Coffee is coming to Powelton Village this spring, bringing Yemeni coffee and sandwiches to a new space at 3748 Lancaster Avenue. The café will add another cozy coffee destination to the neighborhood as Yemeni coffeehouses continue to grow in popularity across Philadelphia.
Santucci’s Original Square Pizza
3700 Lancaster Ave.
Santucci’s Original Square Pizza is a Philadelphia classic rooted in family, tradition, and a square slice done differently. Founded in 1959 by Joseph and Philomena Santucci, the pizzeria became famous for its signature square pizza with sauce layered on top of the cheese, a style that helped define Philly pizza culture. Now led by the third generation of the Santucci family, the brand continues to expand while staying true to the recipe, quality, and family values that made it a neighborhood staple.
Oh Brother
3400 Lancaster Ave
Oh Brother Philly is serving up no-shortcuts comfort food with never-frozen, freshly ground burgers and 100% ribeye cheesesteaks made daily. It’s also BYOB, so you can bring your favorite drink, grab a burger or cheesesteak, and settle in with friends. Fresh food, good company, and your drink of choice, that’s a solid plan.
Discover Other Happenings in University City
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