Origin of the Name

The Artful Dodger was a character in the Charles Dickens classic, “Oliver Twist”, a work that has been performed live in theatres large and small as well as on the big screen where it won an Academy Award in 1967.

The Neighborhood

Artful Dodger is situated in Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhood, Society Hill, at Head House Square. Society Hill is located on the southerly portion of William Penn’s original settlement and was named for a tract given to the Free Society of Traders in 1685. In 1745, a “New Market” was established on this block to serve the growing communities in Society Hill and Southwark. In 1805 the existing Head House replaced “The Shambles” and included a firehouse at the north end of the structure. The cobblestone streets where our Founding Fathers once walked are a great setting for a cozy pub. This photo dates from the early 1900’s and The Dodger buildings can be seen to the right behind Head House. The pub once served as the barracks for the First Continental Marine Corps. The structure dates back to the early 1800’s. While it is rich in history, it remains an active part of the neighborhood where you can enjoy a pint of ale, great food, sports, music, and other activities.