Port Richmond is a neighborhood in Philadelphia that contains a deep Polish heritage. The residents are predominantly of Polish origin, while the nationalities of other locals range from German, Irish and Italian. Located between the neighborhoods Kensington and Fishtown, Port Richmond is home to some of the oldest Catholic churches in the country. Besides having a rich, cultural and historical reputation, Port Richmond residents pride themselves on being a friendly, hard working, blue collar neighborhood.
Syrenka Luncheonette
Located at 3173 Richmond St. sits Syrenka Luncheonette (above), a little, cafeteria-style restaurant that has been serving Port Richmond locals for 40 years. Personally cooked by the owner, Syrenka’s top sellers are their pierogies, stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes. In 1998 world famous comedian Robin Williams stopped by Syrenka for a quick bite to eat. If you want a taste of Port Richmond and it’s culture, Syrenka is the perfect dining spot for you.
Saint Adalbert’s Church
One can not help but marvel at its twin steeples that can be seen for miles along Allegheny Avenue. St. Adalbert’s Roman Catholic Church, or as local residents like to call it, “St. Al’s,” is a Polish parish a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Daily masses are held in both English and Polish and are lead by Rev. Jan Palkowski. Those whom attend Sunday mass at St. Al’s have the privilege of hearing traditional Polish hymns played from its authentic pipe organ.
In August of 1976 the church was graced by the presence of a future saint. Pope John Paul II, who was the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland at the time, led mass at St. Adalbert’s during the 41st Eucharistic Congress.
Stock’s Bakery
Established in 1924 as a bread bakery, Josef Stock opened the establishment when he came over to the United States from Germany. Today, Stock’s prides itself on its one of a kind pound cake. The recipe, which was introduced by Frank Stock, is still prepared the same way and is kept a secret on a single recipe card in a box locked away in a safe.
Besides its pound cake bricks, Stock’s also sells butter cakes, donuts, ceremonial pound cakes and assorted cookies. However during the Christmas holiday because of such high demand only pound cakes are sold. Manager Kristine Stock-DeCarles stated that during the holiday season, “Pound cake is king.” DeCarles said that the bakery has a strong clientele including local customers that come in daily, patrons from the suburbs as well as seasonal visitors from New York. The Bakery has also sent its pound cakes to connoisseurs in Hawaii and to our troops in Afghanistan.
Located at 2614 E. Lehigh Avenue, Stock’s Bakery is a must-see Port Richmond gem, five generations in the making. Hurry in to get your summer sweets because the bakery closes for the entire month of July.
Tony’s Pizzeria
After serving the people of Port Richmond the most authentic Philly food for the past 33 years, Tony’s Pizzeria, located on 3128 Belgrade St. is closing down. Established in 1981 by the Ditri brothers, Mario, John and Sal, Tony’s has won the “Best of the River Wards” throughout the past 10 years for serving the best pizza and cheesesteaks in the neighborhood. This year they were voted once again to receive the honor for their delicious hoagies. Well known throughout Port Richmond for their food and their friendly smiles, the Ditri brothers came to the United States from Italy in the 1960s. They settled in Port Richmond and decided to name their pizza shop after their dad, Antonio.
Although the brothers have yet to release when their last day at Tony’s will be, they want all their customers to know that Port Richmond will always have a special place in their heart.
“Tony’s isn’t just where we all came to work each day, it’s like our second home, and it always will be,” said Adriano Ditri, Mario’s son.
Polmart
Established in 2004 by the Radzimska family, Polmart is a well-known Polish grocery store located in the heart of Port Richmond at 2712 E. Allegheny Ave. With the majority of their customers originating from Poland, Polmart’s products are shipped straight from the motherland. Their number one seller is their genuine Polish sausage, which is also known as kielbasa.
Unlike most modern day grocery stores, Polmart is very quaint and almost like a time machine that takes you back to the old days in Port Richmond. Instead of a massive store filled with every product under the sun, Polmart carries the culinary necessities for the Polish community, keeping the old Port Richmond spirit alive.
– Text and images by Angelise Stuhl and Catherine Palmer.
This article is very well written and very informative! Definitely makes me want to visit Port Richmond!
My maternal family goes back four generations in port richmond I have lived here all 58 years luv all the neighborhood has to offer would never leave
Really? No Tacconellis? No mercer cafe? No brynses!?
It would have been great to include the Richmond library to this group!
I agree with all except Tony’s.
Tacconelli’s is the greatest around for miles in them parts of town.
lets not forget Maries Beauty Salon at Almond and Clearfield st In PortRichmond in business for 45years.IwaS JUST THERE TODAY and did Maria Pace complement me by doing such awonderful job on my hair and agood waxing on my eyebrows. Also as ive said before Marie the proprietor is also there to greet you and to offer you the best service and stylist in Port Richmond.
Oh yeah my hood! Miss it! Great article!
I miss good-polish food. Nothing like it in hammonton I miss Port Richmond, TULIP street and Feeneys
Very intriguing article! Represents Port Richmond well.
Very well written and well reported. I found this article very informative and am now going to explore this neighborhood. I heard great things about Tonys before, and can’t wait to give it a try.
Can’t include everything great about Port Richmond in one article. No need to get upset people, seriously.
Great read! Reminds me of growing up in the neighborhood!
Such an informative article! Can’t wait to check out Stocks!
Love, Port Richmond! I got married in St. Adalbert’s and Stock’s pound cake is the best. It was my wedding cake!!! Great Articles!!!
I grew up down there and cherish the memories. What a great place t grow up. Still keep in touch with friends from the neighborhood.
Great article, I was actually glad not to see Tacconellis included they have no interested in Port Richmond anymore, but Bernsies would have been nice to include.
All great places!
Tacconelli’s didn’t make it probably cause of the way they treat the locals now.
Krakus Market was around way before Polmart and has a much broader array of good from Poland. Right across the street from Syrenka’s and better keilbasy than Czerw’s too.
Great piece on a great little neighborhood!
Stocks! The best, what great establishments
Interesting! It’s hard to pick just 5 places in Richmond, but I am quite fond of all the above.
Amazing article! Was so happy to read something on my neighborhood! Was glad to see Tony’s made it actually! They are so nice, always have amazing food, and are grateful to the locals. Tacconelli’s does not care for the locals anymore and are rude to them. It’s a shame their attitude has changed for the worst.
nothing about St. Ann’s? Love Tony’s though.
Aww, brings me back. 34 of the best years of my life.
good article, sadly ignored Tacconellis and Czerws world famous 3rd generation homemade Kielbasi, main staples of the community
Many wonderful memories of a truly caring community. Would that it always stays that way.
My family goes back 6 generations in Port Richmond. Great, great grandparents came to America in 1864 and other great grandparents arrived from Poland soon after. I still have family living there and it is still my home even though I live in N.E. Philly. You can take the girl out of Port Richmond, but you can never take the love of Port Richmond out of the girl. I wish you could have shown Nativity, B.V.M., it is the Irish church and one of the oldest also. It is a friendly neighborhood and residents take care of their homes. It was always the best kept secret neighborhood in Philly and those that live/lived there like/liked it that way. You would have a hard time finding a better neighborhood to live in…can you tell I’m biased!!!!
Great Articles!!!Greetings from Poland!!
“Pierogi” is the plural form of “pierog. “… sellers are their pierogies” Good article, but why dumb down on the correct word?