Polish immigrants began arriving in the late 19th century to work in Port Richmond’s docks and rail yards, and subsequent waves have buoyed the population allowing it to retain much of its Polish character. Signs of Polish life are everywhere and you can still hear Polish spoken shops and restaurants.
A favorite spot to eat is the tiny, rowhome Dinner House on Allegheny St. (Philly Restaurant Review: The Dinner House (Polish Home Cooking)). Polish sodas, the tenderest pierogie I’ve ever had, potato pancakes, goulash… Everything we had was delicious.
For a take-home taste of Port Richmond’s Polish-American food, check out the 1938 Czerw’s, a family-owned butcher and market specializing in kielbasa and pierogie. Try their Philly and American hybrids, including Philadelphia cheesesteak pierogie and hotter than hell smoked kielbasa.
As you wander, keep an eye on the doors. The area is full of the brick row homes that typify Philadelphia. Since much of the housing stock dates to a similar period as its South Philly neighbor, it’s a great place to look for South Philly made Tofani doors (Philadelphia + Architecture = South Philly Doors… into the Atomic Age). It was here that I found an illusive tear drop:
Secrets of Philadelphia 