South Street and Black history in Philadelphia are inextricably linked. This stretch of the city is rich with cultural history, from W.E.B. DuBois’s field research to the debut of Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly.” Eclecticism is at the heart of this area; every corner offers something new and exciting. From art and food to home goods, there is a little something for everyone! 

Today, South Street remains one of the most vibrant areas for Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia, offering things like vintage apparel, DIY fragrances, comic books, and more. The Black community of South Street has always made, and continues to make, this piece of Philly feel like home. Be sure to check out our guide to the amazing Black-owned businesses that breathe life into this neighborhood!

If you want to explore more of the area, you can browse our Stories for additional guides, neighborhood picks, and nearby recommendations.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of our favorite spots, with more detail below.

South Street Black-Owned Business Cheat Sheet

Here are some of the Black-owned businesses that make the South Street neighborhood such an essential part of Philadelphia’s creative community.

YOWIE Hotel & Shop: Design-Forward Boutique Hotel and Gift Shop

226 South St

Our little shop of wonders, YOWIE, is located on South St, between 2nd and 3rd. Founded as a gift shop in 2016, YOWIE began as a webshop of just twelve items. The business has now blossomed into a combination of boutique hotel, lifestyle shop and community space. YOWIE exists to uplift independent creators and emerging artists through carefully curated design.

“Philadelphia native and co-founder Shannon Maldonado hopes guests will venture to the different neighborhoods and cultural spaces across the city and feel grounded in the space when they return at the end of their day.”

If you want to take a piece of the neighborhood home, explore the YOWIE Shop for design-forward pieces curated by our team, or stay with us at the YOWIE Hotel while you explore South Street.

Moore Vintage Archive: Curated Designer Vintage

725 S 4th St

The Moore Vintage Archive, located on Philadelphia’s historic fabric row, is a vintage shop specializing in designer vintage womenswear and documented couture. The owner, Keesean has honed in on his passion for fashion collection and preservation while engaging with the greater fashion community of Philly. At its core, Moore Vintage values sustainability, community, and entrepreneurship. If you’re exploring vintage along South Street, you can also read our Vintage Guide for more neighborhood favorites.

“Our business model provides an alternative to over-manufacturing, that preserves the history of garment making while supporting organizations advocating for social change.”

South Street Art Mart: Artist-Run Goods from Local Creators

530 S 4th St

South Street Art Mart is a queer-owned, artist-run shop located on 4th and South. Originally launched in 2018 as a seasonal pop-up, its success can be attributed to the community support. Currently, the shop features the work of over 200 independent artists, many from Philly! The store is full of goods like T-shirts, candles, and keychains to zines, prints, and jewelry, which have all been selected by the owners, Nicole and Nicole. Art Mart is deeply rooted in the local art scene, supports queer creators, and builds meaningful connections with the Philly community.

“It’s our honor to continue the tradition of keeping South Street WeiRd!”

Black and Nobel: Black-Owned Bookstore and Cultural Hub

422 South St

Nestled between 4th and 5th St, Black and Nobel is one of the few remaining Black-owned bookstores in Philly. However, it is more than just a bookstore; this store serves as a cultural hub for the South St. community. They have a wide selection of African American literature, urban fiction, and other media alongside holistic wellness products like sea moss and herbal remedies. They also provide books and educational materials to incarcerated people. Beyond retail, Black and Nobel serves as a community space supporting local authors, artists, and musicians.

Atomic City Comics: Comics, Graphics, and Old-School Finds 

638 South St

Atomic City Comics is a long-standing, Black-owned comic book shop located between 6th and 7th. Since 2001, the store has built its reputation for its huge selection of new and back-issue comics, graphic novels, and other collectibles. With its dollar comics and old-school arcade machines, this shop is sure to bring back your whimsy for physical media. The owner, Darryl Jones, has curated a warm, inclusive atmosphere that is sure to draw you in. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and a strong community feel, Atomic City is such an important part of South Street.

Marsha’s: Philly’s First All-Women’s Sports Bar 

430 South St

Marsha’s is Philadelphia’s very first all-women’s sports bar! Open just this past September, Marsha’s has received much love from the Philly community. With great drinks, delicious bites, and adorable decor, this is the spot to visit when you’re looking for a safe space to enjoy an Eagles game or the occasional event.

“In Philly, we’re all about honoring our founding fathers. Here at Marsha’s we’re supporting and loving our founding mothers.”

Loomen Labs: DIY Fragrance and Candle Studio 

322 South St

Loomen Labs is a DIY fragrance studio! Founded by Jordan Lee Cook, this scent bar is filled with delicious scents, offers candle making, custom perfumes, and so much more. At its core, this business values sustainability and utilizes zero-waste, eco-friendly practices. Whether you want to enjoy a cozy DIY night with a loved one or treat yourself to a candle with all your favorite fragrance notes, this is the place for you.

This holiday season, it’s easy to make mindful choices about where to spend your money thanks to the incredible variety of shops right here on South Street. Our neighborhood is rich with diverse and exciting businesses. For another neighborhood walk, our Sandwich Guide is a good place to start. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the amazing Black-owned shops that contribute so much to making South Street such a beautiful place to be.