Oyster House

When Sansom Street Oyster House closed its doors two years ago, we sighed with sadness … and relief. The eatery, run by the Mink family since 1976, had sunk into mediocrity after it was sold in 2000. Fast-forward to 2009—Sam Mink, grandson of the original Mink, took back the biz, reworked the menu, and brought light (white subway tile, floor-to-ceiling windows) to a space that had clung to its dark, wood-paneled decor. Of course, there are still oysters, and the snapper soup is still served properly, with sherry. There are lots more Philly institutions that could use such a face-lift—we suggest putting a Mink in charge of them all.