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.
Vintage
We wanted this subterranean shop to stay our own little tucked-away secret. But then it moved its digs aboveground, dashing our hopes that we could keep the huge explosion of vintage clothes (and baubles and bags and housewares) to ourselves. 63 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, Vintage-doylestown.com.
The Piazza at Schmidts
Grab some Stupid Hot wings from Homeslice and a couple of Fleur de Lehigh ales from Gunners Run, and find yourself a seat among the outdoor tables. The same weather and camaraderie as the throngs enjoy at sold-out Citizens Bank, but you don't pay a penny for admission. North 2nd Street at Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, atthepiazza.com.
Desert Rose
Sometimes you turn up at a restaurant and immediately wish you had brought some friends so you could try more food. Such is the case with this cute husband-and-wife-run BYO, where the chicken shwarma, eggplant sandwich and hummus with poached egg platter will have you planning another Delco run ASAP. 305 West State Street, Media, PA 19063, desertrosemediapa.com.
Callowhill Archery
Make like Cupid and take aim with Callowhill Archery’s “Love and War” date-night package. This 90-minute tryst includes intro-to-archery lessons and some games to inspire a little friendly competition. Bull’s-eye! 446 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, phillyarchery.com.
Classic Game Junkie
Whether its the dreaded Playstation 3 red light of death, a scrambled screen image or a console that overheats, the experts here will fix up your childs gaming system before he starts exhibiting symptoms of serious withdrawal. Theyll also give you hope that maybe, just maybe, your kid can build an actual successful moneymaking enterprise out of that Halo addiction. 111 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038, classicgamejunkie.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.