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.
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.
Nina's Waffles and Sweets
Something fantastic usually comes from a shop that's committed to doing just one thing really well. Anything off the hot presses at Nina's Waffles and Sweets in New Hope and Doylestown proves just that get a Belgian waffle topped with salted caramel ice cream. 31 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA 18938, ninaswaffles.com.
Vernick Fish
Chef Greg Vernick’s menu is inspired by his summers at the Jersey Shore. It’s why his seafood is fresh as hell, it’s why James’ saltwater taffy comes at the end of the meal, and it’s why his ice cream, made with seasonal fresh fruit, instantly transports you to the boardwalk. One North 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vernickfish.com.
Poi Dog Snack Shop
Even if you close your eyes and try really hard, a Philly street corner will never be a Hawaiian beach, not even for a second. And yet somehow, the Big Island flavors coming from Poi Dog are transformative. Crispy chicken tacos with guava katsu sauce, tofu poke, Kona coffee mochi, ahh. poidogphilly.com.
The Diving Horse
Our tip: Flirt with the staff at Pub and Kitchen all year, then come to their hopping Shore outpost in person to attempt to make reservations. If it works, each heavenly bite will help you swallow the shame of what you had to do to get a table. Promise. 2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202, thedivinghorseavalon.com.
Metro Men's Clothing
Dudes. You're kind of miserable when it comes to shopping, yes? And when you can dress yourself in one fell swoop from the jacket to the tee to the denim to the shoes this makes you less miserable, correct? Go here. Be less miserable. 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, metromensclothing.com.
Strut-This
This line, co-founded and designed by Gladwyne-raised Raquel Lessner, is one hell of a secret weapon for sticking to any fitness regimen. The leggings, tops and shorts are as stylish as workout clothes come, with bright colors, cool patterns and comfortable fits that make shrugging on a sports bra at 6 a.m. way less painful. Strut-this.com.