Malena's Vintage
This is where designers and stylists for brands like Free People come to score vintage inspiration. Ask nicely, and Malena might walk you around the corner to her new, semi-secret private showroom, packed with treasures (arranged by decade) that will make vintage hounds go weak in the knees. 101 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380, malenasboutique.com.
Fette Sau
With a judicious use of smoke, well-chosen brown liquors and stay-all-day outdoor seating, Fette Sau is still the champion when it comes to American barbecue in Philly. The cafeteria-style ordering means leftovers, making this the meal that keeps on giving. 1208 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, fettesauphilly.com.
Indy Hall
If group feedback and hanging with like-minded design-types is what keeps you motivated, nothing can top the energy level at Indy Hall, where it's first-come, first-serve for space and anyone is welcome to join in the events. 22 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, indyhall.org.
The Arden's Play-in-a-Day Workshop
Your kids (and a dozen or so other K-to-second-graders) spend five hours inside the Old City theater, concocting, writing and rehearsing an original play. Afterward, you come back to witness the too-cute fruits of their labor. Don't forget the camera. 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, ardentheatre.org/classes.
Brauhaus Schmitz
Modern German isnt exactly the easiest trick to pull off, even in this golden age for multi-ethnic cuisine. But chef Jeremy Nolen is wickedly skilled when it comes to getting his food onto the minds and into the mouths of Philadelphians who wouldnt know a stopfleberwurst from a schinkenbrot. The dirndls on the waitresses dont hurt, either. 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brauhausschmitz.com.
Tammy Arbeter
This certified birth doula coaches expectant moms and dads on birthing options and what to expect in the delivery room, and sticks around come D-day to make sure all goes smoothly. (Well, as smoothly as these things go.) Her clients say they wouldn't deliver without her. 00000,
Fork
This upscale American bistro helped coax serious eaters to Old City when it opened back in 1997. And now that chef Terence Feury is behind the line, his cooking seasonal, but just slippery enough to keep things interesting has given 'em a reason to come back. 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, forkrestaurant.com.
Barclay Prime
They come in a cheeky pair, wrapped in paper and served simply with cheddar, mustard, onions and pickles, but that's where -Barclay's walk on the low-rent side ends: The two so-worth-it $20 patties are made of dry-aged strip, rib eye, filet and of course Kobe. 237 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barclayprime.com.
Fat Salmon
Dozens of innovative maki will lure you in, but what will keep you coming back to this sleek modern venue are the hand rolls-simple, delicious, and so fresh that every single piece seems to melt in your mouth like a luscious dessert. 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fatsalmonsushi.com.
Lamb neck gravy at the Industry
Pat Szoke first experimented with pork on the way to developing this memorable dish, but his pivot over to lamb necks which are even richer than the shoulder landed him an instant classic. Its simple: lamb necks braised in red wine and rosemary-accentedtomatoes, topped with creamy house-made ricotta and then served with grilled baguette rounds. Warning: When the bread is gone, you might find yourself licking the cast iron skillet the gravy comes in. 1401 East Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, theindustrybar.com.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
You've never been to the 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park? What kind of Philadelphian are you? Come for the monthly traditional chado tea ceremonies, to see the just-restored Sakura Pavilion from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, or simply to stroll the grounds and feed the koi. Psst: The summer camps for kids-taiko drumming, origami, calligraphy, kimono-dressing-are the chicest in town. Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131, shofuso.com.
Bistrot La Minette
Vive la charming private back room big enough for you and 19 of your closest friends! The $45-per-person family-style French meal is perfect for those who've finally come to appreciate the classy charms of wine over Jager, leather over vinyl and gteau l'opra over Fudgie the Whale. 623 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bistrotlaminette.com.
Fork
When you see the private room so prettily set, when your guests get to make their choices from the three-course menu you handpicked, when the servers keep the wine a-flowing, when the Madagascar chocolate cake (with peanut nougatina) comes, and when you finally get the bill (just $20 a head?), you'll be so glad you threw that luncheon here. 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, forkrestaurant.com.
Lisa Korn, Saks Fifth Avenue
Sixteen years at Saks and eight before that at Nan Duskin and Lisa Korn is still as fashion-obsessed as ever. The secret to her coveted status as one of the 5th Avenue Club's top sellers? Could be her elite buying access to every designer out there (even ones the Bala Cynwyd Saks doesn't carry). Could be that when it comes to that Oscar ball gown you just have to have, she'll be absolutely relentless until you're in it. 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, saksfifthavenue.com.
Ps and Qs
Guys can like candles when they come in Ps & Qss woodsy scents, with notes of oak moss and birch tar. Also on tap at this distinctly modern hip-dude outlet are Herschel Supply Co. bags, manly Juniper Ridge pine-scented soap, Penfield caps, and art and photography books. Bonus: Gift-wrapping is free. 820 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, psandqs.com.