Bloomsday
It’s a pretty all-day cafe and coffee shop. But it’s also a wine bar and bottle shop where noted Wine Guys Tim Kweeder and Zach Morris prove — with their natural selections — that wine doesn’t have to be fusty or fussy. 414 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bloomsdaycafe.com.
The Monster Minders
Whether your pup needs an hour of leaping and bounding or just a 20-minute potty break and lap around the block, the Minders have you covered. Feeding, fresh water, and a note to mom and dad about the days activities included. 916 League Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, themonsterminders.com.
The Shop at Puttyworld
Goo, slime and putty obsessives, take note: At this new shop, you can mix up custom putties, play with giant blobs of neon yellow and cotton-candy-scented glop, and occasionally get a glimpse of inventor “Crazy Aaron” Muderick. 700 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401, puttyworld.com.
The Velvet Lily
If Condom Kingdom is Walmart, The Velvet Lily is Bergdorf's. (Note: All purchases come packaged in discreet black bags, so you can buy-for, you know, your "friend"-without letting your freak flag fly on the way home.) 1040 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, thevelvetlily.com.
Calder Gardens
This $90 million indoor and outdoor exploration of the works of famed American sculptor Alexander Calder, whose grandfather created the William Penn statue that sits atop City Hall, finally opens on September 21st — note that ticketing is timed — and we couldn’t be more elated. 2100 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, caldergardens.org.
Dr. Cycles
We know, we know: This ramshackle corner storefront doesn’t look like much. But! Pickup and delivery, plus coupons online, plus 10 percent off tune-ups for Penn and Drexel students and faculty, and—as the website notes—for anyone else who simply asks. 3601 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, doctorcycles.com.
Du Jour
With steakhouses and burger shops crowding the city's noontime dining scene, we appreciate that Du Jour has put heart and flair into this zingy veggie option, a lusty mix of brown rice, chickpeas, lentils, feta and Moroccan harissa sauce. Take note, burger kings. 379 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041, dujourmarket.com.
Pretzel Melt at American Sardine Bar
Chef Dane DeMarco takes a Philly pretzel, splits it, crisps it, and stuffs it with Country Time ham, American cheese, mustard and a pickle. Even better: It’s just $5. Editor's note: This Best of Philly entry was updated March 20, 2025 to reflect Dane DeMarco's correct name. 1800 Federal Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, americansardinebar.com.
Erdon
South Jersey's mecca of boundary-pushing fashion set up shop in Old City this spring, so those who fear crossing into the Garden State can score Acne and Maison Kitsune this side of the river. (Take note: The original Marlton location is moving to the Moorestown Mall this fall.) 162 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, erdon.co.
Fond
If the note-perfect dishes and simple, spare charm of this tiny, golden South Philly BYO don't land you a second date, it really is you who's doing something wrong. But hey, at least you'll have the malted milk-chocolate ice cream with peanut brittle to console you. 1537 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, fondphilly.com.
Sheeder Mill Farm
No equine snobbery here—the accommodating staff finds you the right mount and goes at your pace, whether it’s your first or 400th ride, a quick afternoon session or overnight camp. And it’s one of the few horse-riding places in the region that are open all year. Note: Reservations are a must. 12 Sheeder Mill Road, Spring City, PA 19475, smfhorses.com.
Mister John’s Music
With serious musical chops and a sassy side that has parents ROFL, John Francisco’s classes – be it toddler music sessions honoring artists like the Killers and Johnny Cash or guitar lessons for older kids – will become the highlight of your week. (Note to Comcast: Give this guy his own show already!) 904 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, misterjohnsmusic.com.
Sugarcube
Each pair of jeans here has a little something special. Asbury Park Clothing Company’s options have Springsteen-rocker flair (Alice Cooper’s a fan); Williamsburg Garment Company’s raw versions are exclusive to this shop; and the ones from DU/ER are stretchy and breathable — bike commuters, take note. 124 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, sugarcube.us.
Bespoke Home + Life
Bespoke Home + Life. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Once you’ve lived vicariously through the shop’s rotating seasonal themes (the Joshua tree iteration featured a stock-tank swimming pool), browse the terrariums, ferns and more peeping out from nearly every corner, indoors and out. Green thumbs, take note: Philodendrons with variegated leaves are so hot right now. 817 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, bespokehomeandlife.com.
Ps and Qs
Guys can like candles when they come in Ps & Qss woodsy scents, with notes of oak moss and birch tar. Also on tap at this distinctly modern hip-dude outlet are Herschel Supply Co. bags, manly Juniper Ridge pine-scented soap, Penfield caps, and art and photography books. Bonus: Gift-wrapping is free. 820 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, psandqs.com.