The Modern Republic, a midcentury modern home decor shop opened by long-time friends Kenya Abdul Hadi and Steven Brown on is a colorful, ebullient and very large, high-ceilinged space filled with tastefully curated and thoughtfully placed furniture, lamps, pottery, paintings and rugs from (mostly) midcentury. I admired a set of '70s Italian red and metal dining chairs with woven seats so co-owner Steve Brown brought one down for me to sit in (surprisingly comfortable. Items, such as lamps and pottery were organized on shelves by eye-pleasing colors. Vintage art (I noted a piece by Peter Gee) shares space with more recent work with a number of pieces by local artists.
A modern republic, by definition, is a place where sovereignty rests with the people, and a big goal of Abdul Hadi and Brown is to uplift. As successful African-American males who grew up in “rough” neighborhoods in Philly, they intentionally chose a space in North Philly as they are aware that the area is typically associated with drugs, guns, crime and poverty and they wanted to offer something of beauty - vibrant works of abstract modern art, leather chairs and cool lighting. A small piece of pottery spoke to me and I took it home for $26. It looks lovely on my hall table.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
by
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
by
"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
by
My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
by
"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
by
"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
by
"Herman’s Coffee" is in a former auto repair and car wash garage in Philadelphia. It's much more than just a coffee shop with espresso & yummy pastries...
by
The "Rosenbach Museum" in Philadelphia will almost make you expect the residents to saunter out in Victorian garb! A must for literature lovers...
by
"St. Marks Episcopal Church" in Philadelphia is just beautiful. Even though I'm not religious, I have enjoyed many free classical music concerts here...
by
When I tasted one of "Function Coffee Labs" buttery flaky sourdough-based croissants in Philadelphia, I knew I'd found pastry bliss...
by
Considered the Grand Dame of neighborhood bars, "Sassafras Bar" in Philadelphia is dark and cozy, with a beautiful vintage wooden bar... A local favorite!
by
"Dizengoff" in Philadelphia makes just amazing hummus made by Star Chef Michael Solomonov. The best part is the warm pita bread...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips