Center City Concierge
Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day. And even if there is time to do it all, sometimes you'd simply rather not. Enter well-connected, close-lipped Philly native Joan Silverstein, who'll do your grocery shopping, write your thank-you notes, find blinds for the beach house all just as diligently as you would. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, centercityconcierge.com.
The Restoration Studio
Husband-and-wife team Rod and Jen Keyser have been picked three times to restore parts of the beloved, one-of-a-kind, 112-year-old Wanamaker Organ. (Worth: $57 million.) So it's safe to say you can trust them to make your great-grandmother's armoire — or that Craigslist fixer-upper — sing again, too. Their online gallery of before-and-after shots will take your breath away. 1932 Route 212, Quakertown, PA 18951, werefinish.net/learningcenter/furniture-restoration-studio/contact-the-restoration-studio.
Egan Rittenhouse
Call us gluttons, but ever since Kate Egan opened her jewelry store back in 2008, we've been aching for her to do more. Finally, she has, in the form of this three-month-old gift shop in the Rittenhouse Hotel, where she stocks elegant luxuries like French linen caftans, Pehr Designs mobiles, Alumnae sandals, and flower creations by Terrain floral designer Matthew Muscarella, all worthy ways to woo out-of-town hotel guests and locals alike. 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19102, eganrittenhouse.com.
Greatest Friend (@greatestfriend)
While Greatest Friend's Kensington showroom is worth a visit, it's the well-curated Instagram shop that has us clicking the refresh button with alarming frequency. Owner Angela Winter Means posts tidy images of lacy frocks, '70s gowns and mid-century Japanese dresses, complete with measurements and prices. All it takes is a quick DM to make them yours 1714 N Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, shopgreatestfriend.com.
Yardley Ice House
If cold treats with "ice" in their names (ice cream, shaved ice) could have an inferiority complex, they'd all hang their heads in shame when confronted with the water ice from this tiny, cash-only shop in the sleepy borough of Yardley. The flavors are interesting but not "bacon-cilantro" weird (orange creamsicle, cherry bordeaux, cappuccino), the consistency is velvet-smooth, and the end result is that you'll never go to Rita's again. 77 South Main Street, Yardley, Yardley, PA 19067, yardleyicehouse.com.
Stargazy
London native Sam Jacobson has packed his tiny South Philly pie shop with nothing more than a sprinkling of tables, some mismatched spoons, free tea, and, oh yeah, two bakery cases brimming with flaky sausage rolls, an ever-changing roster of pastries and meat pies, and traditional beef pies with mash and parsley liquor, fresh from the bakers working in the back. It's the best thing to come from Britain since Kate Middleton's hair. 1838 East Passyunk Avenue, East Passyunk, Philadelphia, PA 19148, facebook.com/StargazyPhilly.
Goodman Plumbing
Leaking toilets, flooded basements and clogged disposals always (always!) happen on Sundays. Thank God Goodman is a 24/7 shop, and a great one at that, with experienced pros who are quick to respond and don’t leave until the problem is solved, even if that means installing a new toilet the same day. Service in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties. Multiple Locations, goodmanplumbers.com.
The Good Deal at Stock
Everything about this soup-focused restaurant—from the size to the decor to the menu—is intentionally pared down. It’s that way because chef- owner Tyler Akin wants to keep it focused. Kempt. And while most of the offerings rival those of more authentic noodle shops, it’s his fiery, zingy, aromatic pho (with a surprise Thai twist) that makes Stock a must-hit destination on any noodle tour 308 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, stockphilly.com.
Market at the Fareway
Hipper than Reading Terminal, with more variety than your neighborhood farmers’ market, this Chestnut Hill spot is basically our very own Chelsea Market. You can shop for produce, grab a beer that’s brewed on-site, get your knives sharpened, have a gourmet pizza, and then top it all off with a sweet from Barry’s Buns. But don’t rush through; there are too many awesome places in which to sit and luxuriate. 8229 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, marketatthefareway.com.
Joe Grooming Lounge at Duross & Langel
The latest addition to this soap shop and salon is a perfectly chic and masculine barbershop located just outside the women’s salon. You can get a cut from co-founder Steve Duross himself (he’s back behind the chair after a decade away) or a shave, a beard trim, neck cleanup, highlights, waxing or a facial. 117 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, joegroominglounge.com.
The Boutique at 25 South
After a cursory spin through the front of the shop (it's only polite), beeline to the cluster of sale rooms in the back, which are bursting with steeply discounted womenswear by designers like Mara Hoffman, Clover Canyon and Helmut Lang. The very last room has spangly stuff and is where we discovered a drop-dead-gorgeous beaded-and-sequined jacket for $150, originally $600. (Sorry. We bought it.) 18 South State Street, Newtown, PA 19073, davidjwitchell.com/boutique.
La Fogata
As happens so often, a run-of-the-mill strip mall yields ethnic-dining gold. This small mom-and-pop just down the road from the Berlin Farmer's Market has a fiercely dedicated clientele and is always filled with soccer-watching Mexican guys and young families chowing down on menudo, amazing tacos al pastor and homemade horchata. Just as a heads-up, not every staffer speaks English, so feel free to try out your Espa�ol. 33 West White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009, .
Greensgrow Farms
Greensgrow is more than a gardening shop; it's an everything-that-grows epicenter. So at the very least, you'll walk out with seeds, shrubs and expert advice; at most, you'll sign up for the CSA, get a lesson in container gardening, and book an expert to install a vertical garden on your patio. The new West Philly location is as Eden-like as the original Kensington one. Two locations, greensgrow.org.
Garage
You no longer have to dread taking visitors on the requisite Pat's/Geno's hometown tour. Across from Cheesesteak Vegas, tucked behind an auto shop facade, this beer-centric spot serves only canned and bottled suds (from mid-priced IPAs to bargain PBR pounders) and has Skee Ball and pool plus rotating chefs in a food cart, as well as a BYO cheesesteak policy. 1231 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, garagephilly.com.
Monarch Yoga
This energetic, community-minded space has it all: a range of all-levels practices, from heated power flow to yin yoga and slow flow; roof-deck, garden and pop-up classes across the city; and regular $5 classes. Plus, the dynamic, rotating event roster includes live DJ sets, journaling, meditation and sound baths. 171 West Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, monarch-yoga.com.