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The Eraserhood Might Not Be a Thing, But the Rail Park Is

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The so-called Eraserhood is a tiny little section of Philadelphia that has inspired quite a disproportionate amount of both art and ire.

The post-industrial area of Center City north of Vine Street between 9th and 15th Street has indeed been answering to the name 'Eraserhood' of late, much to the chagrin of some of its residents, who claim that the nomenclature is the work of the hipsters and the area is, and always has been, simply "Callowhill." Or similarly "The Callowhill Loft District."

If some knucklehead puts up a Facebook page about David Lynch it does [sic] define a neighborhood or the actual community who lives here.
It's actually a bit insulting...
This area has always been called the Callowhill Loft District.

—Guest 5 [What you get when you decide to live in the Eraserhood]
Filmmaker David Lynch has said the area inspired the creation of his seminal movie Eraserhead while living at 13th and Wood Street. And so, fans of the film took to calling it the Eraserhood. You can read all about the muggy history of who was the first to give the neighborhood its lightning-rod name here.

But with housing prices in the area on the up and up, neighborhood pleasantries galore, and a little thing called the Rail Park actually really happening for real, the argument of whether the Eraserhood is really the Eraserhood may soon fade under the din of people clamoring to get in.

A short while ago, the City Planning Commission passed a bill authorizing the City to acquire an portion of the elevated rail line known as the "Viaduct," and to lease a portion of the property to SEPTA. Those following the development of 'Philadelphia's High Line' know that this means Phase I of The Rail Park is officially underway, with plans still to break ground later in 2015. To all of you, this means that one of the hottest public spaces in Philadelphia is coming soon to the Eraserhood. Or Callowhill. Whatever. You're gonna want to be here when it does.

Here's an updated map of just some of the many amenities this area of Philly has to offer. Have anything you want to add? Hit up the comments or the tipline.



· Curbed Philly's Eraserhood Coverage [Curbed]

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Goldtex Apartments

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Ok, we'll bite. Goldtex Apartments, whose overtly-sexual listing photos comprise a good portion of a silly little craigslist post we wrote a short while ago, actually has one heck of a sexy building in the 'hood. Conrad Benner of Streets Department says Goldtex does good by its graffitied past, and not only leaves street art saturated beams and pillars exposed, but also employs artists such as ESPO (Steve Powers of Love Letter Murals fame) "to paint murals throughout the building. Other street artists/graff writers works are on rotating display on the first floor."

Modern Airbnb Loft for $99/Night

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Not sure you want to stay? Test drive the neighborhood in this modern loft, renting through airbnb for $99/night. The new one-bedroom split-level loft was designed by Edward E. Agoos, and offers you windows a-plenty through which to scope out your neighbors. And vice versa.

The Trestle Inn

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Whiskey and go-go. This old friend has been around for over 100 years.

Prohibition Taproom

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Ah, that red neon beacon of light. This gastropub serves a wide variety of delicious pub food. And all the craft beers. Of course.

Union Transfer

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We'd be remiss not to mention Union Transfer, which really doesn't care whether you call it the Eraserhood or not. Actually, it would probably prefer you didn't. Just a guess.

This Venezuelan restaurant has a wide variety of decadent treats like truffles and hot cacaos that are created by chocolate alchemist Robert F. Campell. If chocolate isn’t your thing, the restaurant has great savory great dishes, such as empanadas, corn patties, and cultural dinners. NOTE: Cash only.

Bufad Pizza

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This restaurant sells a variety of wood-fired pizza styles you don't see every day, such as a Brussels sprouts pie with taleggio cheese, speck and scallions, drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

The Institute

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The Institute is your weeknight institution. Also - one major annual event you don't want to miss is the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Festival – a pumpkin beer festival featuring over 100 beers. Didn't think that was even possible, did you.

W/N W/N

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This coffee/cocktail bar is something new, and refreshingly different. You can expect local food and beverages – the smell of Elixr and ReAnimator coffee beans fill the space. There’s a humble but delicious menu of drinks, including beer on tap. Their small, rotating menu is meant to keep the shop’s waste to a minimum – the name actually stands for “waste not, want not.”

Jose's Tacos

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This hidden taco joint (located behind Union Transfer) is the ultimate source for authentic Mexican food.

Café Lift

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The byline is: Brunch. All Day. Everyday. Need we say more?

Llama Tooth

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This new restaurant just sprouted at 10th and Spring Garden, and it features a large outdoor patio framed by building-sized murals. Try the Beer and Blue Fondue for Two for $10. You won't be sorry.

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Goldtex Apartments

Ok, we'll bite. Goldtex Apartments, whose overtly-sexual listing photos comprise a good portion of a silly little craigslist post we wrote a short while ago, actually has one heck of a sexy building in the 'hood. Conrad Benner of Streets Department says Goldtex does good by its graffitied past, and not only leaves street art saturated beams and pillars exposed, but also employs artists such as ESPO (Steve Powers of Love Letter Murals fame) "to paint murals throughout the building. Other street artists/graff writers works are on rotating display on the first floor."

Modern Airbnb Loft for $99/Night

Not sure you want to stay? Test drive the neighborhood in this modern loft, renting through airbnb for $99/night. The new one-bedroom split-level loft was designed by Edward E. Agoos, and offers you windows a-plenty through which to scope out your neighbors. And vice versa.

The Trestle Inn

Whiskey and go-go. This old friend has been around for over 100 years.

Prohibition Taproom

Ah, that red neon beacon of light. This gastropub serves a wide variety of delicious pub food. And all the craft beers. Of course.

Union Transfer

We'd be remiss not to mention Union Transfer, which really doesn't care whether you call it the Eraserhood or not. Actually, it would probably prefer you didn't. Just a guess.

Sazon

This Venezuelan restaurant has a wide variety of decadent treats like truffles and hot cacaos that are created by chocolate alchemist Robert F. Campell. If chocolate isn’t your thing, the restaurant has great savory great dishes, such as empanadas, corn patties, and cultural dinners. NOTE: Cash only.

Bufad Pizza

This restaurant sells a variety of wood-fired pizza styles you don't see every day, such as a Brussels sprouts pie with taleggio cheese, speck and scallions, drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

The Institute

The Institute is your weeknight institution. Also - one major annual event you don't want to miss is the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Festival – a pumpkin beer festival featuring over 100 beers. Didn't think that was even possible, did you.

W/N W/N

This coffee/cocktail bar is something new, and refreshingly different. You can expect local food and beverages – the smell of Elixr and ReAnimator coffee beans fill the space. There’s a humble but delicious menu of drinks, including beer on tap. Their small, rotating menu is meant to keep the shop’s waste to a minimum – the name actually stands for “waste not, want not.”

Jose's Tacos

This hidden taco joint (located behind Union Transfer) is the ultimate source for authentic Mexican food.

Café Lift

The byline is: Brunch. All Day. Everyday. Need we say more?

Llama Tooth

This new restaurant just sprouted at 10th and Spring Garden, and it features a large outdoor patio framed by building-sized murals. Try the Beer and Blue Fondue for Two for $10. You won't be sorry.