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.
Penza's Pies at the Red Barn Cafe
The fruit pies from Penza's in Hammonton look like they're straight out of a Gourmet magazine spread -- and taste even better than they look. (Note: Hammonton is between Philly and Atlantic City on bucolic Route 206.) The pies are worth the detour, especially if you opt for whatever fruit is in season. Right now? That's Jersey blueberries and peaches. 391 Route 206, Hammonton, NJ 08037, penzaspies.com.
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.
Vetter Pet Care
If “make vet appointment” keeps falling to the bottom of your to-do list, take note: Vetter, a newly launched local service, will send a Penn-trained vet to your house (early, late, weekends, next-day) for a checkup, to administer vaccines or to provide ’scripts. And you’ll get a post-visit summary via email. Services parts of Philadelphia and the Main Line. vetterpetcare.com.
Walter Pine
Queen Village plant shop Walter Pine. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou This Queen Village newcomer has done all aspiring plant parents a favor by assembling a selection that’s special — heart-shaped hoya, kangaroo paw fern, burgundy ficus — but never overwhelming. Worth noting: This shop is equal parts plants, gifts and flowers. The small grab-and-go bouquets and full-size arrangements are stunning free-form groupings of color, shape and texture. 729 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, walterpine.com.
Aqeel Dix
When then-21-year-old Lincoln U. student Imani Lamarr told public health professor Dix she’d have to miss his class because she didn’t have a sitter for her son Christopher, he told her to bring the baby to school — and then held him so she could take notes. The video, naturally, went viral. A hero for our times.
Cloud Cups
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Rich red velvet cheesecake, French toast stracciatella with chocolate ribbons swirled throughout, and classics like creamy vanilla are among the extensive repertoire of owner Galen Thomas. (He’s created more than 100 flavors.) Think of Cloud Cups as you would jazz: You’ve got a gelato maestro who has a lot of notes to play with, and the result is music to your taste buds. Locations in Kensington and Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA cloudcupsgelato.com.
Collective Creamery
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the dizzying array of choices at your local cheese counter, opt for this subscription box. Every month, you get a selection of distinctive, rind-blowing styles from small-batch creameries, curated by cheesemakers from Birchrun Hills and Valley Milkhouse Creamery. Complete with tasting notes and pairing recommendations, it’s a good way for curd nerds to up their cheeseboard game. instagram.com/collectivecreamery.