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Categories: Restaurants, Art Galleries, Venues & Event Spaces
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
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A nice place to hang out and eat/drink/shop. They've done a nice job with it. I wonder though, if you live in one of those big, new buildings, does the noise level in the summer (especially on Saturday nights) preclude a quiet family life??
Just sayin'...
Let's just first clarify that this is a strip mall for hipsters, just without the American Apparel. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with hipsters (I let people be as they be). However, I just really don't understand the Piazza / strip mall part. First of all, there is nothing indie about this, so I don't know why this attracts the hipster crowd. With so many open shops that could be utilized on 2nd Street in N. Liberties, I didn't see the need to open a strip mall up. Plus, it looks like a Mexican resort in Cancun without the beach.
With that said, there are some really cool stores in here. I also like the community element it brings with the big screen TV. You couldn't pay me enough to live in those apartments (how do people sleep?) but it is nice seeing people outside watching a phillies game or concert (even though most of the smooth jazz bands are pretty lame).
While the Piazza has mostly indie boutiques, the restaurant crowd is more Juicy Couture than American Apparel. I have mixed feelings about the Piazza but in the end the pros outweigh the cons (I guess). Besides, I am glad to see someone invest into Northern Liberties even if it isn't my ideal way of contributing to the area.
I almost didn't write a review of this place because I just don't have too much to say about it. I just don't like it. I think it's stupid. The stores and restaurants are all overpriced.
I couldn't agree more with the "6th borrough of NYC" comment and that guy didn't even have to go there to get that vibe. It's got all the trendy smugness of Brooklyn and it's only moderately as opposed to ridiculously overpriced.
I'm not a huge Northern Liberties fan anyway, but crap like this is decidedly taking Philly further in a direction I'm not too excited about.
Also, I wish there was grass in the courtyard instead of just a huge cement space, that'd be much cooler.
Very nice addition to Northern Liberties and Philadelphia.
Nice alternative to nightlife and a place to watch the games. There's an outdoor area perfect for nice weather, and art galleries, small boutiques and restaurants for bad weather.
Located on 2nd street, so if it's raining you can go wander up 2nd street to Standard Tap, North Bowl or N 3rd.
Many of you already know that I generally do my First Friday Arts Crawl in Old City since I carry a bit of respect for the OG. But the facts that Tom C. had a photo display in the area that was very documented on here (http://www.yelp.com/ev...), I needed to pay a long overdue visit to Area 919 (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), and my friend Taryn had an goods on sale at the Piazza; it meant that I needed to take things to NoLibs For the first time, And now it's probably going to be a long time before I go back!
With spots like Area 919, and Projects Gallery (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) there was already plenty of good reasons to hit up that area as part of the Arts Crawl. But the Piazza increased that number ten fold! I already included the Toothless Cat Gallery, and Pure Gold Gallery among my long list of reviews. But there's destined to be at least 4-5 others that will add on to my road towards 800 reviews (900 when you factor the added updates goal!). And that just shows the Piazza's dedication towards the local arts.
But there's more! As I foreshadowed above my friend was part of a craft fair that they had going on. And she got opportunity from a random Facebook posting that I sent her *Hint Hint*! Not only that, but there was a DJ spinning some throwback tunes from Prince and Stevie Wonder. They also had the Phillies Game blowing up outside on the big screen. Do you want more? then how about the awesome spreads of food and libations that most of the Galleries offered for their receptions (a special occasion thing of course)? It got to the point that they had me needing the bathroom that most of the galleries seriously lacked. Good thing one of the main buildings had it's own built in public restrooms! So overall it was another awesome occasion at the Piazza!
I already had the chance to write a blog about the Piazza (*ahem* - http://culturemob.com/...)… Read more »
I must say I was a little in awe when the piazza opened... Being that I lived in this area for over two years and it seemingly popped up over night and really became a huge hot spot. I can't say that I'd ever choose to hang out in this area during the night, but it is very enjoyable to walk around looking into the wide variety of stores and galleries making an occasional purchase - especially on a beautiful fall day. There is really something that caters to almost everyone in this area. In addition to stores and galleries there are also a wide variety of different restaurants bars to choose from. If you haven't been to this area its definitely worth the visit.
I don't want to go here because I can't stomach the thought of going to a place that calls itself the "Piazza at Schmidts".
I have zero credibility in this review. Just so you know. I've never been but I hear its nice... Oh well. Hello 6th Borough of NYC.
You're strolling along in Northern Liberties, and you see this hulking conglomeration of buildings in the distance. Imagine your surprise when you find an open-air courtyard nestled amongst the sky-high structures.
The piazza itself is huge and full of life. It's a lovely outdoor space that begs for you to hang out with friends on a sunny day and just enjoy being outside. The perimeter is dotted with new shops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques, all headed by Philadelphians.
The upcoming schedule of events looks great. They're really trying to make this a communal spot for everyone to enjoy and have fun.
I think the Piazza is doing great things for Northern Liberties, including drawing in some people who may not have ventured out there before, and hopefully pumping some cash flow into the neighborhood via local businesses. So far, it looks like a wonderful new addition to the neighborhood.
Ok what a great idea for this city. A little nook with free parking (for us suburbanites), amazing restaurants and shops with crazy mod style apartments overlooking an open walkway. JINXED is now here, sharing a space with the Toothless Cat Gallery, so get your art fix there. I've eaten at a few places down the walk but I'll probably review them separately.
Pros:
*Brought a whole bunch of local businesses and art galleries to a fun and up-and-coming neighborhood.
*Provides a nice space to kill some time, watch a baseball game, or shop from local vendors in the "marketplace".
*There is no other space like the Piazza in the city (that I can think of). Points for originality.
Cons:
*The apartments at the Piazza (and all other Tower Investments properties) are small, poorly designed, and overpriced. Tower Investments is single-handedly driving up rent prices in Northern Liberties while simultaneously lowering expectations for apartments both in size and character.
*And speaking of character, the Piazza is so corporate, so vanilla, that it really detracts from the charm that NoLibs once had.
*I'm really concerned that the local business and art galleries will not be able to afford to stay in the Piazza. If a two bedroom apartment is $1900 per month, I can't imagine what the rent for a storefront must be.
That's it. That's the best I can do.
I totally felt like I was in Europe! To be fair, I only knew beforehand that my friend had moved into a new apartment in no libs at 1050 Hanock. I had no idea the Piazza even existed. So when I saw it I blown away! Spacious open plaza, cute shops, bars, restaurants, diverse crowd with a hipster edge mingling about... and a jumbo-tron on one side showing the phils game. I wanted to become homeless right then and spend the rest of my bum life as a street artist there. Sorta.
This place is beautiful, and kick-ass for people watching. My friend's balcony overlooks the plaza - it doesn't get better than that. I didn't get to spend a ton of time walking around, but it looks like there are definitely some great bars, restaurants and boutiques to check out. Or just spend a day chilling at one of the tables in the center of the plaza. Live music acts on the stage they have set up would be awesome too I'm sure. And there were so many dogs around it almost made me want a puppy. Almost.
My only complaint is the techno music that was booming Sunday early afternoon. Cmon, my head is pounding already...
But this place is fantastic. Just has a super cool vibe. I can't wait to hang out around here more... I had no idea a place like this even existed in philly! Felt like I was on vacation.
Hands down best part though: FREE 24-HR PARKING LOT. 'Nuff said.
I was at the Piazza this weekend for the World music Fest. The festival itself was interesting, but the space here is amazing!
There is a rather nice sized stage set under a pretty large wide screen television. The Piazza is lined with unique stores, art galleries and restaurants. It's really a wonderful project.
I am told there will be events and festivities held all summer here and I will be sure to come out to some.
Hmm.....Huge TV and nice people? Yeah, it's all there. The Piazza is a awesomely friend place to be. The best place to watch a Phillies game. Let us not forget free BBQ on Tuesday when the Phillies place. Tons of trendy stores surround the Piazza.Restaurants, clothing stores and art dealers are a plenty at the Piazza.
Tables and chairs are in the center of The Piazza, so having lunch there is awesome.
Due yourself a favor and get there before the colder months.
Since my visit, The Piazza is the first thing I think of when I wake up & the last before I go to sleep.
World music, good beer, crafts, amazing shops, & good food. What more can a person want? Oh? A good people-watching location? It's that, too. If you have apartment-lust like I do, you'll wish you lived above it all so it could be like vacation everyday.
I'd like to sum up my experience with a line I threw out to Puz while visiting: "I'd like to sit in this chair for the rest of my life. Just never leave. Forever."
Yay for now. Am cautiously optimistic about this new and ambitious development venture/space/concept. Because I live in the 'hood I've seen the area come up from nothing, so for that I'm grateful. I'll take development over empty trash-strewn lots any day. The whole of Liberties Walk (despite its very generic architecture) has held up, so I hope the Piazza does too.
It's been written everywhere that developer Bart Blastein used the Piazza Navona in Rome as his inspiration for the Piazza at Schmidts... which is fine and dandy except the Piazza at... Schmidts doesn't roll off the tongue quite as well, it isn't strewn with gorgeous fountains and it obviously lacks a certain authenticity. But one must move with the times, non?
Love that the space was designed with entertainment in mind with a stage and a huge LCD screen at one end (I've been told they show Phillies games on it too and will have movie night screenings)
The area truly redeems itself with loads of young entrepreneurs and artists taking up the Ground floor space with interesting galleries, accessory and apparel boutiques. Throw in a few eateries, including a new export from the people at Good Dog (called Swift Half - which doesn't seem to be open just yet but it's billing itself as serving food until 1 am which is promising and who doesn't love Good Dog?) and you've got the makings of a cool space.
Everything else in the space however, seems like an afterthought. Tiny lifeless trees have been planted in the perimeter, stainless steel picnic tables are strewn about. In the teensy weensy north west corner is there are some perennials, a patch of grass and a sad looking geometric fountain. Noise level is high and when there are tunes playing the sound properly echoes within the confines of the apartment buildings.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the area continues with its forward movement - only once all the businesses are up and running and the area is fully operating will we know whether the whole effort will be successful - and catch-on. Buona Fortuna Piazza... er.. Schmidts!
First Eagle's game at the Piazza was awesome. Met two buddy's there. It was a little rainy, but they had tents up and the game playing a big screen that was probably worth more than the sum of all my material possessions. Had a quality sausage and peppers sandwich for $8, and you can buy bottled water for $1. A cup for beer costs $15, which you can get filled up as much as you'd like. Anyway, great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a game.
*** Renting at The Piazza at the Schmidts *****
I've tried renting from Tower Development (developer for The Piazza). The actual building is the Erbe, right on 2nd st. The people working in the leasing office are absolutely terrible. They truly have zero customer service skills. They never sound pleasant and really never seem interested in closing a deal.
Clearly, this place is having trouble renting. They posted an ad on craigslist giving two months rent for free and they still can't move the properties. You would think they would be a bit more courteous to try and land a deal. Even in person, as they give the tour, terrible! They lack knowledge in just about every question I asked them.
Don't waste your time! My guess is the developer has deep pockets, can just waste his money, sit on empty units, hire cheap help to work the phones and not care what goes on in the leasing office.
Outside of the developer bullshit - the Piazza is a cool place to hang
WOW! it's like a little bit of Europe in N.Libs. Cool store fronts (mostly galleries and hipster boutiques) with some nice places to sit outside and enjoy a drink or three.
The best part is the stage, nice sound system and even a jumbo-tron. Yes, a full-sized jumbo-tron like they have in sports stadiums. At first I was weary, but they use it to great affect with phillies games, visuals etc.
The music and events programing at the Piazza is great. Always something interesting happening. From string quartets, to jazz, to afro pop, to house...
The skinny: it's a sophisticated mix of looks, tastes and people unlike anything else in Philly, or the US for that matter.
I like it's attempt to create an inviting pedestrian space. Once you visit Europe you realize this is one of the major things American cities lack. Everything seemed pretty fun when I visited at the tail end of First Friday, but I also get this weird sense of how contrived the whole thing is. The post-modern apartment buildings around all the open space... The intent seems good, but as others have said it detracts a bit from the charm of what No. Libs once was.
the Piazza is a cool idea and I think it's generally an asset to the neighborhood. new urbanism is great in theory, I think, but in practice there can be something a little bit sterile about the spaces - that might just be because it's all still so shiny and new, though.
I think I would like it a lot more if they had just put in a pool, because seriously, how awesome would that be? Philly's biggest problem is the lack of private-ish pools - city pools are great and I wish that the city could afford to keep them open, but you can't exactly spend an afternoon by the pool with beer at one of them.
anyway, I guess it's a cool place and everything but I just don't see myself hanging out there a lot. maybe if I got myself one of those tiny dogs, because those seem to be pretty popular down there.
My Promised update...
The four stars remain enthusiastically.
Gotta say, this place has been four for four. Every time I've wandered in, it has been a fun day/night out. Went to the after party last week and it was crazy too.
However, a warning...Last week, I recognized some faces from the trendier people, the traditional cast of characters from the Philly "scene". The Usual Suspects...
This is a bad omen. For where these faces go, corny and drama is sure to follow. But, you gotta have faith.
Going with a whole crew tomorrow, supposed to be the biggest event yet. These are my true Hip Hop heads from West, so let's hope that the trendy folk don't ruin this for everyone...Fingers crossed!
And something all these people need to remember, cause none of them know real Philly. They know "club scene" Philly or they just moved here from somewhere...
You can call it Northern Libs...But it's still North Philly to me. Things like this never last long in this town. Drama and the end of the fun are always one idiot away.
Enjoy it while it lasts!!!
Was over at Liberty Walk having a drink and we heard some Hip Hop bumping from across the… Read more »
One thing that you can't ever replicate in any NEW space and especially in a neighborhood such as NoLibs is the fact that the draw of this place has to do with it's homey, older roots. Philadelphia is an old city! Anything newly built is going to lack that charm that most of NoLibs has but we shouldn't disregard what is happening simply because of its modern approach. I realize that not everyone is going to embrace something like the Piazza or the contemporary construction and over priced apartments around it but at least we have it. It gives us an option for somewhere else to go and people watch during a nice night. It may provide somewhere to hopefully watch the Phillies repeat or the Eagles throughout the approaching season. I think this place is great and needs time to get a little "Philly grime" on it to take its rightful place in this neighborhood.
Totally fun!! Can't wait to go back.
This place is white boy as shit. I'm all about local business and gentrification and investing in your community though, so it's really got a good thing going on. In the center of three huge condo complexes in "beautiful Northern Liberties" is the wonderful concrete piazza. Complete with obscure benches and shops, it's a fun place to hang out on a nice day. Various dance/block parties are hosted there as well. If you're looking to peruse the shops, bring some cash. Most of the stores I stopped into were pricey, but deffinately had nice clothes, jewelry, bike goods, etc. There are also a number of art galleries, restaurants, a Trader Joe's meets Co-op kinda place, and anything and everything else that sorta embraces hipsterdom. Parking is free and it's a fun way to spend a summer afternoon.
coolest thing to happen to philly since cheesesteaks. what a great outdoor space. needs a few more bars though.
free parking. great shops. open outdoor court yard with a stage. dogs everywhere. art galleries. food. great people watching envirnoment. 5 stars.
abominably tacky.
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