Kirna Zabête
Come for the Gucci frocks, Marc Jacobs blouses and Saint Laurent jackets; stay for the tucked-away accessory room and endless outfit inspiration, courtesy of the shop’s trendy staffers. So cool, you’ll think you’re in SoHo. 915 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, kirnazabete.com.
SewRob
These experts have been quietly rescuing sad, worn-out denim for nearly two decades now, patching holes, reinforcing weaknesses and adjusting hems on whatever pair of jeans you can’t live without this very moment. (Though the better-kept secret might be that they also do bras and bathing suits!) Multiple locations, sewrob.com.
Tim Kweeder at Kensington Quarters
In this beer-lovin’ town, wine can be a hard sell. Leave it to Kensington Quarters GM and wine director Kweeder to come up with a list of organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines that aren’t just easy on the wallet, but—through clever use of colloquial descriptors—are easy to get excited about, too. 1310 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, kensingtonquarters.com.
Norman Porter
The jeans that come from this small Kensington company are of the thickest Japanese and American selvage denim, with hand-hammered rivets, custom stitching, house-embossed leather patches, and cuts that can be tailored to you. Make an appointment to visit the studio; you'll never go back to Levi's again. 150 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Studio 301, Philadelphia, PA 19122, normanporter.com.
Ben & Irv's
Family history (60 years of it, in fact) is what makes the food that comes from the kitchen so heartfelt. Just scan the options for anything that has the excellent pastrami, corned beef or smoked fish on it, and you'll leave with a big smile on your punim. 1962 Country Lane Road, Huntington Valley, PA 19006, benandirvs.com.
Bonnie's Capistrano
The kind of bar where when you put down five bucks and say, "Lager, please," you won't have some squirrelly hipster asking, "The Sly Fox, the Sixpoint, or the new one made with goat sweat and sriracha?" Plus: You'll get $2 in change when your Yuengling is delivered. 1503 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .
Wonderspaces
Head to Wonderspaces for a night full of interactive art that will spark discussion, imagination, and some unique Instagram snaps. Bonus: A stroll through the thousands of lights of Squidsoup’s Submergence puts candlelight to shame. Another bonus: There’s an on-site bar so you can tote cocktails on your gallery jaunt. 27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com.
The Head & The Hand Buyouts
Dinner and a movie is so 2019. Instead, drop $65 to rent out this independent bookstore in Kensington for 90 minutes. They provide a playlist curated to your tastes, loads of books to browse through, a candlelit table, and even some beer or wine. You bring a picnic basket and the old amore. 2644 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, theheadandthehand.com.
cinéSPEAK
This West Philly microcinema was scheduled to debut earlier this year, screening real college-film-class types of works that only true movie nerds would love. But then coronavirus happened, so they shifted into a virtual format until they can open their doors. Hopefully in early 2021. cinespeak.org.
Avery Graham
Longtime Main Line skin-care guru Elizabeth Cardarelli finally comes to the city with a glam full-service medspa that serves up micro-needling, laser hair removal, Botox, Cardarelli’s signature peels, and all other manner of skin-perfecting treatments. 2212 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, averygraham.com.
Blume
Pastels, plants, and a butterfly mural that was meant for selfies. If you were born in the ’90s, you’ve probably been here. If you haven’t, get your grandkids to set you up on Snapchat and come see what the fuss is about. 1500 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, blumephilly.com.
Glbl Vllg’s Jams
There's only one rule at these roving events put on by this new grassroots entertainment group: If you are on the rug, you are going to participate. And that's not a threat, that's the point, because wellness comes in many forms, including letting your inner soul out. Keep reading here. glblvllg.com.
Kole Made
The stunning cabinetry, built-ins and shelving coming out of this design-build firm in Brewerytown aren’t just about good looks: Kole Made’s sleek, creative work milks every square inch of potential storage space for all its worth. 3060 West Jefferson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, kolemade.com.
Philly Style Bagels
Just when you thought this bagel boutique couldn’t top that esteemed lox sandwich, they nonchalantly roll out this beaut, an amped-up tuna salad (it’s silky, but also hearty enough to hold up to their chewy rounds) that comes with just tomato and lettuce. Get it on an everything, please. 1451 East Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, phillystylebagels.com.
Townsend
Townsend is sophisticated and polished, but between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., industry folk from all over Philly descend upon it for some post-service bonding time (a.k.a. partying). A fine-dining French restaurant with an unofficial nightly party? We’ll see you there. 1623 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, townsendrestaurant.com.