Born and raised in Northwest Argentina, entrepreneur Jezabel Careaga always had a passion for cooking. In the summer of 2010, she opened Jezabel’s (originally named Gavin’s Café with a former business partner), located at the corner of 26th and Pine Streets in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. With eight years of hotel restaurant management under her belt, she restored and renovated the space, which previously had sat vacant for almost 20 years after its original occupant, Kellien’s Bar, closed in 1989. She gave the darkened, wood-laden room a light, airy feel, while leaving a few original details intact, including the “Ladies’ Entrance” sign located above the side entrance as well as the lovely mirrored, red oak back bar. Today, the walls are adorned with beautiful photographs depicting the natural beauty and architecture of Argentina.

At Jezabel’s, Careaga strives every day to deliver the tastes of Argentina from her childhood, yet her culinary influences extend beyond there and she strives to fuse global tastes and flavors in uniquely delicious ways. Inspired by the bakers in her family— her grandmother Julia, mother Aurelia, and aunt Sara – her pastries are an evolution of recipes she prepared as a child. She hopes to inspire friends and guests to create their own personal connections through food as she did. Jezabel’s café is filled with aromas of freshly baked sweet and savory Argentine treats, including empanadas, alfajores, and medialunas. Careaga prides herself on providing excellent food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.