Marsha’s South Street is a groundbreaking addition to Philadelphia’s queer nightlife and sports culture. Located at 430 South Street in the heart of Queen Village, it holds the distinction of being the city’s first queer women’s sports bar. The space is owned and founded by Chivonn Anderson, who envisioned it as a hub for women’s sports fans, queer folks, and allies who want a safe, affirming, and celebratory place to gather. In her own words, Anderson wanted to create “an anchor for Philadelphia — for the queer community, for the sports community, and for anybody that just wants to go out and have fun and feel safe and be seen.”

The bar is named in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, the legendary Black trans activist who played a pivotal role in LGBTQ+ history and the Stonewall uprising. True to its namesake, Marsha’s blends the energy of sports culture with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that queer women and people of color — often sidelined in both sports and nightlife — are placed front and center. Visitors will find thoughtful design elements that reflect this mission: a portrait of Marsha P. Johnson above the bar, bleacher seating repurposed from an old stadium, and vintage sports memorabilia decorating the space. There are also plans to showcase community contributions like old trading cards or youth sports mementos, reinforcing the idea that Marsha’s is as much about belonging as it is about entertainment.

Food and drink are a big part of the experience. The menu is casual, approachable, and playful, echoing classic bar food with a Philly twist. Guests can order snacks like buttered popcorn, “crabby corn” seasoned with crab boil spices and parmesan, or street corn popcorn with cotija cheese and tajín. Heartier fare includes Mom Mom’s pierogies (available in potato & cheese or cheesesteak varieties), a nostalgic fried bologna sandwich with pimento cheese, and loaded Touchdown Totchos. Hot dog lovers get to choose from both all-beef and plant-based versions, with creative toppings like pickled onions, caramelized onions, or Cooper sharp cheese. On the drinks side, Marsha’s serves colorful cocktails and mocktails, alongside a full bar stocked for game-day celebrations and late-night gatherings.

The atmosphere blends sports bar energy with queer bar joy. Multiple screens broadcast women’s sports, Philadelphia teams, and other programming that reflects the bar’s community focus. The schedule and layout also make room for events, performances, and fundraisers, solidifying its role as more than just a bar — it’s a cultural space. Operating hours run mid-week through Sunday, with late closings on Friday and Saturday to keep the energy going. The grand opening took place on September 19, 2025, marking the start of a new chapter for South Street, where Marsha’s now stands as a vibrant, women-owned queer venue that both honors the past and builds a bold, inclusive future for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.