Around the Block: 1/30/26

Bagel Lovers React,

Witty takes, can’t-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings – by Jeff “City” Block

Blog Copy of JCB 1/30/26 | ATB

1/30/26

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

Bagel Lovers React

Hi Readers,

 

Last week’s ATB on bagels generated quite the response. Excellent comments abound, and very few holes in any of the arguments. Philadelphians love bagels. And they are not messing around. Here is a sampling—

 

  • A couple shout-outs for New York Bagel Bakery on City and Haverford.  I had meant to throw them in under the “heard they were awesome but have not tried yet category.” They were on my list, but I forgot. Totally my bad, and I appreciate the readers' kudos.

  • General high marks for Philly Style all around. Good to hear!

  • A few mentioned how much they love Bart’s, which I mentioned but did not list among my favorites. General high marks for the pumpernickel everything and white fish. I have had this Bart’s combo and agree it is quite good.

  • Several Spruce Hill and Garden Court friends said they loved Barts but had never been to Cleo, even though it is much closer to their homes (and totally walkable). They will now be checking out Cleo.

  • I love the white fish and lox at Schmear BTW. I am generally a smoked fish guy.

  • And talking about smoked fish and Cleo, I happened to be at Cleo this morning for my favorite Salmon & Chevre Special with lemon drizzled arugula when I ran into a friend who mentioned they are opening up a cafe right next door—Little Bean, “espresso, treats, seats & b.y.o. Cleo.”

  • The most detailed response to my newsletter covered several topics—noting that he loves the idea of the horseradish cream cheese on a Four Worlds at Knockbox, really needs to try Cleo, that I missed Ryes in Bryn Mawr, and that he laments the closure of Delancey Street Bagels in Wynnewood. He was also pleased that I ignored Manhattan and Einstein.

  • Regarding Manhattan, the only other comment I got was how the staff was rude. So no great shakes for Manhattan Bagels from this crowd.

  • I also received an important clarification from someone much more familiar with the north of Philly bagel scene—PopUp is apparently from CT, not NY. Either way, I am still looking to “rip and dip.”

  • I do like people who simply agree with me… “Jeff, I agree with your positive evaluation of Philly Style and Schmear and Baker Street and Knead. Cleo is on my (first time) to visit list. Thank you for the chewy report.” Very positive reader!!

  • Finally, one of my favorite comments, if not quite as positive as the previous one—”Bagels, really? The best way to gain weight.” Lots of bagel opinions flying around this week—but this comment offers the only hard, cold, indisputable fact. Sigh. Well, what to do? Uh, I bought a half dozen Cleo to bring home.

 

Have a great weekend, everyone. Stay warm

 

Warm regards,

 

Jeff

 


Please contact Jeff to obtain more information and get the exact property addresses for the Private Exclusive and Coming Soon Listings below!


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Spotlight Property

Graduate Hospital

BRAND NEW LISTING!

2233 Grays Ferry Avenue

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2376 SF | $825,000

This home, perfect for the consummate city dweller, offers 3 bedrooms (or 2 bedrooms plus family room), plus a greenhouse/solarium, and 2.5 baths. Roof deck with 270 degree south and western views. Think of the shape, character, and even neighborhood feel of NYC's flat iron building, but on a comfortable, residential scale—with a focus on urban livability.


The character includes substantial exposed brick, hardwood floors including original random width pine floors, very high ceilings on all three floors, spectacular light, bespoke artisan finishes, and a bevy of nooks and crannies.


Modern kitchen with aqua cabinetry and stainless steel appliances and tastefully stylish, updated baths. 5-zone, ultra-efficient (and quiet) mini-split HVAC (just installed in 2025). Moreover, the home enjoys some passive heating from the south facing Trombe wall and the greenhouse—further reducing heating bills.


With a 96 WalkScore and in the Greenfield School CATCHMENT, this is one of the city’s best locations. Walk to top restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, gourmet markets, and more. Right down the block is a lovely piazza where families sit and enjoy ice cream and coffee. You’re also just minutes from Schuylkill River Park, with its playground, dog park, tennis courts, and Schuylkill River Trail access. It’s a quick walk to Rittenhouse, University City, University of Pennsylvania, CHOP, and public transit. Close to 30th Street Station and all major highways.


NOTE: This property is zoned CMX-2.

Featured Listings

University City

BRAND NEW LISTING!!

OPEN HOUSE!!

502 S 49th Street

5 BD | 2 BA | 2922 SF | $585,000

Rittenhouse Square

BRAND NEW LISTING!

OPEN HOUSE!!

220 W Rittenhouse Square #8B

1 BD | 1 BA | 925 SF | $520,000

University City

400-02 S 47th Street

OPEN HOUSE!!

5 BD | 6 BA | 5850 SF | $1,150,000

Rittenhouse Square

BRand new listing!

405 S 17th Street

2 BD | 1 BA | 675 SF | $385,000

Graduate Hospital

Brand New Listing!

2233 Grays Ferry Avenue

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2376 SF | $850,000

Fairmount-Art Museum

COMING SOON!

3008 Poplar Streeet

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1238 SF | $499,000

University City | DUplex

NEW LISTING!

812 S St Bernard Street

4 BD | 3 BA | 2304 SF | $625,000

Southwest Schuylkill

NEW LISTING!

1214 S 49th Street

3 BD | 3.5 BA | 2010 SF | $329,900

University City

351 S 47th Street #B210

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1821 SF | $446,000

University City

4518 Walnut Street

8 BD | 3.5 BA | 8160 SF | $850,000

University City

PENDING!

508 S 49th Street

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2464 SF | $665,000

Rittenhouse

1710-12 Locust Street

7 BD | 8 BA | 9500 SF | $4,995,000

Albany Township - Berks County

PENDING!

333 New Bethel Church Road

6 BD | 4.5 BA | 2507 SF | $1,497,000

QUEEN VILLAGE

408 Monroe Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 1350 SF | $495,000

Rittenhouse Square

219 S 18th Street #1105

1 BD | 1 BA | 532 SF | $320,000

Fairmount

2601 Pennsylvania Ave #952

2 BD | 1 BA | 958 SF | $250,000

Avenue of the Arts

1425 Locust Street #7D

1 BD | 1 BA | 883 SF | $265,000

Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.


Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.


Office: 646-982-0353
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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