Zachary's BBQ
Two words: free samples ? of everything. Sometimes the best food comes out of a kitchen in between a gas station and a dry cleaner in a strip mall in Montgomery County. This is one of those times. 1709 Markley Street, Norristown, PA 19401, zacharysbbq.com.
Pub and Kitchen
Readers' Choice: New menu, new chef and a refreshing new remodel... but the same sort of smart offerings that fans have come to count on. Plus a very solid bar burger (and at $13, one would hope so). 1946 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thepubandkitchen.com.
Logan Weekday Reset at the Logan Hotel
Seven of this modern hotel spa's popular treatments (from facials and manis to scrubs and massages) come in handy 25-minute versions, meaning you can work a little grooming into your day, instead of derailing it. 1 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, theloganhotel.com.
Art in the Age
Come First Friday, the tastefully rugged boutique transforms into a legitimate scene, complete with seasonal cocktails, boozy confections, and an art installation or pop-up shop courtesy of Philly's most creative souls. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, artintheage.com.
Ambra
When it comes to making an Italian meal feel extra-special, Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s 16-seat dining room is the only restaurant in Philly giving Vetri Ristorante a run for its money. 705 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, ambraphilly.com.
Madalynne Intimates
You can be underwire-free! Local maker Maddie Flanigan’s comfy, sexy, stretchy-yet-supportive Barrett bralettes fit up to a 48.5-inch bust and come with matching panties. madalynne.com.
Cultured Couture
It's unexpected (weathered Louis Vuitton luggage, vintage Hermés ties — on Girard?), unassuming (owner Erik Honesty knows everything about the history of menswear, but he's never snobby or pushy), and, when it comes to selection and style, unparalleled. 703 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, culturedcouturegallery.com.
Jose Pistola's
Jose Pistola's is about as down-to-earth as it gets, with good drink specials ($15 happy-hour marg pitchers), craft brews, a kitchen that's open until 1 a.m., live music, and a come-as-you-are attitude. 263 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, josepistolas.com.
Sullivan Owen Floral and Event Design
If Anthropologie and Martha Stewart got together and had babies, and those babies were flowers, they would look like the arrangements coming out of the charming Queen Village studio of this new talent. 510 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, sullivanowen.com.
Art Star Gallery and Boutique
Go because you love the non-brand-name charm, because shopping here gives you instant street-style cred, and because you want your friends to come here when it's time to buy gifts for you. 623 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, artstarphilly.com.
La Cucina at the Market
Anna Maria Florio's intimate classes on basics like yummy from-scratch pasta and flawless fish dishes mean you'll have more than just Hot Pockets in your repertoire next time the in-laws come to dinner. Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107, lacucinaatthemarket.com.
Poe’s Sandwich Joint
Leave it to pothead N.A. Poe to come up with the ultimate match for the munchies. The bulging, cheesy meatball, chicken and eggplant parmesan sandwiches — and, yes, the funnel cake fries — are available late on weeknights and, blissfully, until 3 a.m. on weekends. 1429 Marlborough Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, .
The Crème Brûlée Waffle at Avenue Kitchen
When you need energy to power you through your morning, you get eggs. When you’re staring down an obligation-free Sunday, you order this Belgian waffle, which comes with vanilla bean cream and a shell of caramelized sugar that cracks when you tap it with your fork. 509 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, avekitchen.com.
Cadence Cycling & Multisport Center
Opt for the “Overhaul” if your two-wheeler needs new life, or simply ask for a brake adjustment: The staff at this longtime local fave will give you their best work no matter what. (You’ll probably wind up coming back for a fitting or indoor spinning class, too.) 5000 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128, cadencecycling.com.
Mariel Freeman
A skilled yogi in her own right, Freeman is the mentor behind other top Philly yoga instructors who have come through her Queen Village studio. She’s down-to-earth, and her myofascial release technique will teach you how to use a tennis ball like you never have before. 410 Monroe St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, threequeensyoga.com/mariel.