Is Ardmore the Fishtown of the Main Line?

A friend and I set out on foot to eat and drink our way through a happening neighborhood the other day. We downed black and tans over fish tacos in an old-school Irish pub. We sampled tart cherry saison in a brewpub screening cartoon clips; warmed up with a hot toddy and a cream-capped Duke of Suffolk cocktail at a coffee shop-meets-bottle shop; and noshed on grilled flatbread slathered with mustardy Welsh rarebit, then hopped two doors down to a cozy new Japanese lounge serving hand rolls, bao buns, shochu highballs, and matcha martinis. Had we more time, we might have made our way to a whiskey distillery’s craft cocktail bar, a recently renovated music venue, a swanky steak house in an old bank, or a nonalcoholic bottle shop with a sprawling selection.

» READ MORE: The essential places to eat and drink in Ardmore

We weren’t traipsing around Philly. It was Ardmore, home to a food, beverage, and shopping scene so jam-packed and hip (as suburbs go), I’d argue it’s the Main Line equivalent of Fishtown, the city’s buzziest neighborhood.

“I can see the similarities,” said Michael Haggerty, general manager of Ripplewood and Izzy’s, sister restaurants on Lancaster Avenue. With so many businesses clustered within a totally walkable radius in Ardmore, “you can park your car and get three different experiences,” he said.

Haggerty praises the flaky viennoiseries and perfectly coiffed pâtisseries at Delice et Chocolat, from Le Bec-Fin alum Antonie Amrani; the coffee at Char & Stave, where Bluebird Distilling serves caffeine by day and booze by night; and the impressive array of NA beer, wine, and spirits at Wallace Dry Goods.

Some may find the comparison between these two places unflattering (hi, mom!), but there are undeniable commonalities between Ardmore and Fishtown. They both claim many of the same out-of-town retailers: Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, Warby Parker, and soon, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Wonder. (“If New York wants to be in Ardmore, that screams Fishtown, right?” Haggerty jokes when I tell him the Upper West Side-born ghost kitchen is potentially coming to Lancaster Avenue.)

The two places have small business analogs, too. Both have great Italian specialty markets (Castellino’s in Fishtown, Carlino’s in Ardmore), gastropub/whiskey bars (Lloyd, Ripplewood), Italian steak houses (SIN, DePaul’s Table), energetic music venues (Johnny Brenda’s, Ardmore Music Hall), funky boutiques (Craft Foundry, Past Present Future), kid’s playspaces (PlayArts, Lulu’s Casita), and fancy soft-serve ice cream places (1-900-ICE-CREAM, Lu & Aug’s). A couple local booze makers have even planted flags in both spots, like Manatawny Still Works (where Venezuelan standout Autana has taken up residence on weekends) and Tired Hands, which operates its Brew Cafe and Fermentaria in Ardmore and St. Oner’s in Fishtown.

Ripplewood and Izzy’s owner Peter Martin, a real estate developer and longtime Lower Merion resident, gravitated toward Ardmore’s duality. “You’ve got this gritty side of the street, and then on this other side of the street you’ve got a Sephora and Trader Joe’s and an Apple Store,” Martin said, describing the polished Suburban Square side of town, north of the Ardmore train station, vs. Lancaster Avenue’s comparatively rough edges to the south. ”This is really a special place, different than Bryn Mawr, different than Bala Cynwyd,” he said.

Over the last nine years, Martin has acquired seven properties along Lancaster Avenue, including Ardmore Music Hall. He’s excited about the upgrades underway to Ardmore’s train station. “We’re going to have a completely ADA-compliant train station hub that goes to New York and downtown Philly. ... I‘m hoping that when it reopens in the next six months, that’s when [Ardmore’s] really gonna thrive,” he said.

A thriving scene runs the risk of attracting so much out-of-town investment it boxes out local entrepreneurs — a worry that’s currently brewing in Fishtown. Martin could see that happening in Ardmore, where proposed developments and the pricing out of longtime residents have already generated concern. Development is fewer and farther between here than in the city, but it’s percolating where possible. A five-story, 131-unit mixed-use complex is going up across the street from the Ardmore Farmers Market, while a massive mixed-use project on Lancaster Avenue is currently in a holding pattern. (At least some of Ardmore’s current buzz is thanks to developer-dependent revitalization efforts that Lower Merion launched almost two decades ago. Martin, for instance, got interested in acquiring Lancaster Avenue storefronts while One Ardmore, a 110-unit apartment building, was slowly coming together.)

“I feel like I every other week I hear new developers saying, ‘I want to put in a parking garage. I want to put in a giant grocery store with seven-story apartment above it,’” Haggerty said. “There’s a lot of talk.”

The residential real estate market is also red-hot, with houses going in a flash. “It’s very hard to break into Ardmore. You have to be ready to go,” said Main Line Realtor Erica Deuschle, whose office is in Suburban Square. “You have this mix of hipsters and people that want to move into Ardmore to have the walkability to public transit, to shopping, dining, schools, parks, you name it.”

Compared to the rest of the Main Line, “Ardmore has more variety,” Deuschle said. “It’s a diverse vibe ... and I think that’s what people love about it.”

Haggerty echoes this. “The people that we draw in at Ripplewood is absolutely every demographic you can think of ... It’s every type of person, every age group, every ethnicity. It’s awesome.”

Ardmore is more diverse than you might expect. You’ll see that in the people walking around town, the variety of housing stock, and the makeup of the stores. The prices reflect it, too. You can buy plenty of ritzy things in Ardmore — Suburban Square has a West Elm and a Lululemon, after all. But there are also bargains to be had, like the $10 designer ties at the Junior League Thrift Shop (an absolute gold mine) or the perfectly serviceable $6.50 breakfast platter at Jeannie’s Deli, where the staff know the regulars by order.

All that texture makes Ardmore fun to explore, even in bone-chilling cold. Let’s hope Lancaster Avenue can maintain its relative affordability and edge, and that it can stem the tide of chains and franchises.

As Martin puts it, “without the mom-and-pops, there’s just no energy.”

It’s a bit of a misnomer, but this Reading Terminal-style hall in the Suburban Square vicinity has a fishmonger, a produce stand, an Amish stall, a Mediterranean vendor, a Di Bruno Bros. outpost, and public restrooms.

📍120 Coulter Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-416-3311

Erica Deuschle endorses the Caesar salad at this standard-issue neighborhood pizza place as “the best around.” Purists will be happy to know that it includes anchovies.

📍10 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-649-7320, 🌐 ardmorepizza.net

Mandoo dumplings, Korean fried chicken wings, seafood pancake, LA galbi ribs, and kimchi jjigae — this Lancaster Avenue BYOB has the works. If you want Korean food with a full liquor license, head to Songsan Korean BBQ on Rittenhouse Place.

📍31 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-844-7827, 🌐 order.bambamkitchen.com

Brace for temptation at this Italian institution, where you can buy sauce sampler packs, a zillion pasta shapes, antipasto platters, trays of lasagna, and much, much more.

📍2616 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-649-4046, 🌐 carlinosmarket.com

Bluebird Distilling’s ingenious marriage of caffeine and booze is set in a cozy, exposed-brick cafe. In keeping with its grain-to-glass mentality, the Phoenixville distillery roasts its own coffee.

📍 21 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 🌐charandstave.com

At this Szechuan-Taiwanese standby, Craig LaBan goes for the dumplings in chile oil, dry pot fish, cumin lamb, spicy basil clams, ginger shredded duck, and sweet and tangy three cup chicken. He also holds their gluten-free protocols in high regard.

📍30 Parking Plaza, Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-412-8178, 🌐dandanrestaurant.com

Expect one of the area’s finest croissants, picture-perfect macarons, and elaborate cake slices from this bakery/cafe owned by two French brothers, including a former Le Bec-Fin executive pastry chef. Quiche, panini, and cold sandwiches roll out at lunchtime.

📍 9 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-649-7001, 🌐 delicechocolat.com

This posh steak house from the owners of Stove & Tap and Joey Chops might be your best chance for a celebrity sighting in Ardmore: Saquon Barkley recently paid a visit.

📍7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-589-0500, 🌐 depaulstable.com

There’s good reason there are a lot of locations of this Conshohocken-born indie chain: You can count on them to serve up very good Mexican food. LaBan likes the hand-pressed sopes, meats al pastor, smoky chicken tinga, and marinated shrimp tacos.

📍 51 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-567-0120, 🌐 ellimontaquerias.com

For this intimate cocktail lounge, owner Peter Martin took inspiration from New York’s KazuNori and the SG Club in Tokyo. There’s an impressive selection of Japanese spirits, plus fun food (bao buns, hand rolls) to snack on.

📍 35 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-952-0631, 🌐 instagram.com/izzys_ardmore

There’s nothing fancy about this bustling backstreet deli, and that’s what makes it special. Prices are beyond reasonable and the service is swift.

📍2 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-896-8995, 🌐 jeanniesdeli.org

Two friends teamed up to pull off a hard feat at this Mediterranean-tinged spot: healthy food that’s also delicious. Think lentil bowls, salads, hummus and pita, and smoothies. For a similar spin with Asian influences, try Sesami on Wynnewood Road.

📍44 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-414-4917, 🌐 lentilco.com

Soft-serve and affogato all year long? We are in, especially with one-off flavors like key lime, bourbon, and masala chai apple pie.

📍 28 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 🌐 luandaugs.com

Visiting this Ardmore staple is like taking a mini trip to Japan. Don’t miss the lunch (and early dinner) counter; LaBan’s pick here is Maido’s okonomiyaki, a savory omelet/pancake laced with dashi, cabbage, scallions, pickled ginger, and grated yam. If that’s outside your comfort zone, there are noodle dishes, rice bowls, and tonkatsu (crispy fried pork cutlet). Afterward, roam the aisles of the market, where they sell everything from snacks, sauces, and sushi rice to stationery, puzzles, and kitchen supplies.

📍5 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-417-6745, 🌐 maidoardmore.com

Claiming to be the oldest Irish pub on the Main Line, McCloskey’s stays current with craft beer selections and food specials (think grouper tacos), but its warm charm never changes.

📍17 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-642-9280, 🌐 mccloskeystavern.com

At any given time, there are upward of 15 cocktails on the menu at this bar/bottle shop from Pottstown’s award-winning distillery. As of January, you can get Autana’s excellent arepas, empanaditas, and patacon plantain sandwiches here on Friday and Saturday nights — an excellent perk.

📍 49 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 215-282-9696, 🌐 manatawnystillworks.com/ardmore

This gastropub made a big splash when it first opened, introducing Ardmore to Caesar-filled croutons, pretzel-ized Parker Rolls, and a burger that can lure LaBan to the Main Line. Almost seven years in, it continues to deliver creative food and cocktails that make it a must-visit.

📍29 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 610-486-7477, 🌐 ripplewoodbar.com

It’s not clear whether there’s still a “dude-bro culture” at Ardmore’s James Beard-nominated brewery, but the beers are unquestionably still very good. Go to Fermentaria for a bigger menu and room to spread out, or head to the original Brew Cafe for a cozier brewpub feel.

📍 Brew Cafe: 16 Ardmore Ave., 📞 610-896-7621

📍 Fermentaria: 35 Cricket Terrace, Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞484-413-2983; 🌐 tiredhands.com

Deuschle gives high marks to this family-owned Italian spot, which serves lunch and dinner six days a week. You’ll find tried-and-true favorites like burrata, lobster ravioli, and chicken piccata.

📍 53 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-414-4997, 🌐 villaartigiano.com

This Lancaster Avenue shop deals exclusively in products made in the U.S. Trench coats may have been the store owners’ starting point, but they’ve branched out to all kinds of apparel, plus shoes, hats, belts, bags, and more.

📍 15 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞484-413-2170, 🌐 americantrench.com

It should come as no surprise that members of the Junior League have some really nice hand-me-downs. Need a fur coat or a dress to wear to your daughter’s wedding? This store has them. Ladies’ slacks and exercise attire? It has them. China sets? Books and toys? Yes and yes. Prints of Philly, Baltimore, and Boston in gilded frames? Too late, I bought ‘em.

📍 25 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-896-8828, 🌐 jlphiladelphia.org/thrift-shop

A mom and her twin daughters opened up this indie bookstore last year and it became a community hub soon after, hosting various author talks and genre-focused book clubs (horror, romance, fantasy, etc.). Stop in to browse or hang out.

📍 8 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-818-2494, 🌐 maveybooks.com

This fixture on Lancaster Avenue bills itself as “part gift store, part mini-museum.” Owner Sherry Tillman curates a selection of funky jewelry, ceramics, picture frames, and home decor.

📍15 Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-642-4040, 🌐 past-present-future.net

You’ll find gifts for people of any age (and really high-end rocking horses) at this boutique with a made-up Italian name. For the kids, there are wooden block sets, dollhouse furniture, arts and crafts sets, marble run kits, paper dolls, and puppets. For the adults, there are silicon baking molds, throw pillows, and candles.

📍 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-649-2909, 🌐 puccimanuli.com

Another Japanese gem on Ardmore’s main drag, this elegant lifestyle store does most of its business online, but its showroom is a treat to visit. A pair of art-school grads launched the store downtown in 2009 before moving it closer to home post-pandemic. All the better to browse its gorgeous serving ware, extensive towel selection, and objets d’art.

📍19 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞215-609-4972, 🌐 rikumo.com

Every old Philly suburb should have a lighting store this nice. Wander through the showrooms and admire the sconces, lamps, and chandeliers.

📍14 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-649-2609, 🌐 rittenhouseelectric.com

If I have to go to a mall, it may as well be Suburban Square, whose open-air format and mix of shops and restaurants is more appealing than most. Big-name retailers include West Elm, Lululemon, Urban Outfitters, Apple, and Gap, but there are a bunch of small local shops mixed in, too, including El Quetzal and Dandelion Jewelry. I’ll go back to check out Framebridge.

📍Anderson and Coulter Avenues, Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-896-7560, 🌐 suburbansquare.com

Ripplewood GM Michael Haggerty swears by this full-service flower shop. “His stuff is exceptional,” he said of owner Wally Happenstall III, who opened the shop in 1982. Order an arrangement or pop in to see what they have ready to go.

📍41 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞610-642-8140, 🌐 trilliumflowers.com

Even tipplers can get into nonalcoholic drinks of the caliber that Wallace Dry Goods carries. There’s a wide variety of makers of NA wine, beer, and spirits, including some harder-to-find brands like Leitz’s Eins Zwei Zero and Best Day Brewing.

📍1 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞484-413-2003, 🌐 wallacedrygoods.com