Field Guide: 8 Places to Eat, Drink and Shop on Fabric Row

This Queen Village street has so much more than textile shops. Here, the boutiques, cafes and other haunts worth visiting right now.

The Best Fabric Row Shops and Restaurants : The scene along Fabric Row

(Left) The scene along Fabric Row; (right) inside the Hungry Pigeon  | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

A longtime trove for all things textile, Fabric Row has evolved in recent years, welcoming a slew of new stops — beyond fabric outposts — ideal for a weekend jaunt. Here, eight standout eateries, shops and spots to hit next time you visit the Queen Village thoroughfare.

For Coffee: Red Hook Coffee // If you’re searching for a quicker sip or a spot to hunker down and work, look to Red Hook Coffee & Tea. This cash-only hole-in-the-wall serves a rotating lineup of specials like honey turmeric lattes. The menu also offers a ton of options for the food-allergy-riddled, like gluten-free bagels, almond milk and Tofutti. Plus, its cozy, worldly decor, worn-in couch and window seats make it a perfect spot to people-watch on lazy days. // 765 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

The Best Fabric Row Shops and Restaurants: Moon + Arrow

Moon + Arrow | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

For Jewelry and Vintage Goods: Moon + Arrow // At this refined, Western-inspired boutique, owner Chelsea Pearce masters understated cool with her in-house line of crystal pendants, hammered brass earrings and leather fringe necklaces. Shelves lining the surprisingly spacious shop are stacked to the ceiling with found objects, desert-chic vintage (think: embroidered tunics, leather satchels), plants in artful vessels and colorful textiles. Go here to sleuth out a gift for your worldly friend. // 754 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For Bike Expertise: Community Bikes and Boards // Unless you’re a seasoned cyclist sporting that telltale rolled pant leg, bike shops can be intimidating for the novice, but not so at this colorful bike joint where the staff is unusually patient and unpretentious. They’re pros, to be sure, (the shop boasts mountain bike and longboard teams), but they’re also willing to school you in the basics and steer you in the direction of practical, affordable picks. Then, down the line, they’ll service and tune-up your ride on the cheap. Psst: ask nicely, and they’ll let you take the bikes you’re considering for a spin around the block. 712 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For Brunch: Hungry Pigeon // The chef wears denim overalls, the tables are communal, and the fare is comforting at this laid-back, light-filled spot. Visit early to miss crowds; by 11 a.m., the eatery is brimming with tot-toting families stocking up on house-made banana bread sticky buns and buttermilk biscuits. The coffee program, which is helmed by Aaron Ultimo of Ultimo Coffee, is expectedly on point too, so you’ll want to grab a cup to go. // 743 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For Kid-Friendly Entertainment: Mister John’s Music // If you secretly harbor creative ambitions for your little one, look to John Francisco’s classes, which range from lullaby-centric sessions for newborns to a boisterous course for two-year-olds in which he delves into the basics of music creation. Meanwhile, if you have a burgeoning Bob Dylan on your hands, Francisco also offers group guitar classes for students ages five to 10. // Held at Philly P.A.C.K., 729 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For a Workout: ZAKTi Fitness Studio // Even the most ardent spin devotees experience class fatigue. That’s where ZAKTi founder Pete Mattis comes in. The former architect casts aside cookie-cutter classes in favor of individualized sessions that range from yoga to high-intensity interval training. He’ll also help you get your life in order through Yoda-like lifestyle coaching, nutritional programs, and bodywork lessons, during which you’ll learn massage techniques to manage pain and stress. // 744 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For a Sugar Rush: Sweettooth // One of the few spots in town where you can still buy old-school candy by the pound (they stock over 250 varieties), Sweettooth is where to go when you need sugar fix in a pinch. Everything rings in at $9.99/pound, so you can mix those wax cola bottles, gummy sharks and peach rings to your latent-six-year-old heart’s delight. // 630 South 4th Street, Queen Village.

For Craft Beer: Beer Love // Specializing in local, craft and rare brews, this shop and tasting bar is where to go if you’re in the know (or want to be) about beer. To eliminate refrigerator-gazing — they stock 500-plus varieties — opt for a six-month ($140) or year-long ($250) membership. It includes six specialty beers each month, curated by owner Kristen Cevoli, plus early access to new and limited releases and discounted rates to events like tastings. Otherwise, pick your own six-pack, or fill a takeout growler with one of their carefully selected draft varieties. // 714 South 4th Street, Queen Village.