All Caps Studio
Irony is out; earnestness is in. Want proof? All Caps Studio’s graphic tees, totes and socks, with their colorful phrases like “STOP TALKING ABOUT LOVE … MAKE LOVE,” are a hit among the über-fashionable streetwear crowd. Act fast: Each month’s “drop” is only available online for a few days before the brand moves on to its next design. instagram.com/allcapstudio.
SUP Fitness with Aqua Vida
Aqua Vida's roster of stand-up paddleboard fitness classes (full moon yoga, floating boot camp) gives you plenty of opportunities to sculpt your six-pack. Because nothing tests your core strength quite like the consequence of falling into the Delaware River — in front of a staring crowd of Spruce Street Harbor Park revelers, no less. 301 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, aquavidasup.com.
Kenyatta Johnson
It’s hard to stay a fan of the once-admired City Councilmember as he continues to battle federal bribery charges alongside his wife, consultant Dawn Chavous. A mistrial only left us with more questions than answers, and taxpayers now have to endure a retrial in the fall. If there was ever a time to reconsider your vote in the 2nd District next year, this might be it.
Zig Zag
A meal at Zig Zag. Photograph by Ted Nghiem There are smoked whole chickens smothered in everything bagel spice, and sandwiches stuffed with brisket and a fistful of pulled pork seasoned with fish sauce and lime. The slaw here is made with tehina, coriander, sumac and Aleppo pepper. There’s even a Szechuan-style cucumber salad. None of it really makes sense together (especially as far as barbecue restaurants go) — until you get there and eat. 2111 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, zigzagbbq.com.
The Rounds
The Rounds uses the power of collective buying to help eliminate wasteful cardboard and plastic packaging. Instead of landing a dozen delivery boxes at your door — which then head right into the recycling bin or trash can — the Rounds delivers your toilet paper or dog treats in a reusable canvas tote. The company has already teamed up with 20 apartment buildings across the city. therounds.co.
Osayi Osunde, Fit Academy
It takes nothing short of superpowers for a fitness trainer to make flutter kicks fun. So fun, in fact, that you leave the workout looking forward to doing more of them the next day, like some sort of masochist. Meaning: Osayi Osunde, who leads muscle-burning, laughter-filled boot camps at the Art Museum steps, might just be ... a superhero? Fitphl.com.
Suitsupply
It's Holland's best export, with everything you'd expect from a place that offers velvet dinner jackets but none of the intimidation factor. Prices are low ($399 for a two-piece suit), alterations are quick (no more than three days), and the non-suit stock (leather bags, crisp shirts) will help you finally understand what "business casual" actually means. 1601 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home.
Occasionette
Sara Selepouchins brand-new shop has all those handcrafted party goods (charming banners, stripy paper straws) that make any party look pulled-together. Her great gift-y items like pretty greeting cards and housewares (napkins, dishtowels, totes, etc.), which feature her own darling illustrations, are only a bonus. 1825 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, occasionette.com.
George Costa
Standing behind the long oak at Pub and Kitchen, Costa has the three talents every great bartender needs: He makes a classic drink to your exact specifications, he shakes up a custom cocktail like nothing you've ever tried before, and he knows more about bitters and rye than you do about your own children. 1946 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thepubandkitchen.com.
cBOP
Nope, those aren’t pint-size Comme des Garçons tees – they’re by luxe kiddie loungewear brand Noggi. And those mini Gucci-looking slides? They’re actually Hoo shoes. (The Chloé label, however, is the real deal.) cBOP is stocked with clothes so stylish that you’d covet them for your own closet if the sizes didn’t range from newborn to a children’s 6. 393 West Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041, shopcbop.com.
Kamihira
Those in the know can snag one-of-a-kind (yet modestly priced) art objects made by the community of artists and makers in the broad Kamihira universe. The gallery, which exists online after closing its Kensington location during the pandemic, has a constantly changing array of artists making everything from colorful quilted pillows to embroidered tote bags to sweatshirts with hand-drawn artwork. 1206 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, kamihira.us.
Flight Club
You’ve probably played darts before, but you’ve probably never played them like this. The bar, which opened in May, features a newfangled technology called Social Darts. Yes, there’s automated scoring (there’s nothing worse than trying to keep score after a few IPAs), but there are also interactive dart experiences that put a new spin on a very, very old game. 1417 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, flightclubdartsusa.com/philadelphia/philadelphia.
What a Crock
With ready-made frozen meals requiring nothing more than a few hours in a slow cooker—no chopping, no pans, nada—What a Crock has out-convenienced the Blue Aprons of the world and managed to make delicious Crock Pot meals. (Try the buffalo chicken mac and cheese.) Buy them at stores in Delco and Chestnut Hill or, yes, have the meals delivered right to your door. Multiple locations, whatacrockmeals.com.
Savona
Sommeliers, with their esoteric winespeak and predictably expensive recommendations, can ruin a nice dinner out. Not the laid-back Monosoff, who's more supportive wine cheerleader than intimidating salesman. She's added handy features like a half-bottle list at Savona. And while her wine list is terrific, nothing beats getting her friendly, jargon-free, budget-sensitive wine recs. 100 Old Gulph Road, Gulph Mills, PA 19428, savonarestaurant.com.
Crown & Feather Tattoo Co.
Since opening in 2019, Andrew Robinson and Dylan Carr’s private studio specializing in fine-line and Japanese styles has earned some two million likes on TikTok and recognition at both local and international tattoo conventions. There’s a cozy area for consultations, and the team is always welcoming — and constantly booked. Can’t snag an appointment? One of their wildly cool totes or tees will suffice till you can. 2628 Martha Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, crownandfeather.com.