Nomad Roman Pizza
Looking for an early bite and drink before the theater? The Midtown Village Nomad Roman has an amazing happy-hour deal: Get a glass of wine and an excellent 10-inch pizza for $10. If you prefer your snack post-show, the same deal applies Friday and Saturday nights after 10 p.m. 1305 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, nomadpizzaco.com/nomad-roman.html.
Petit Jardin en Ville
True to its name, Petit Jardin en Ville will both show you really cool ways to outfit your tiny backyard with French (and Belgian, and Scandinavian and Spanish) furniture and decor, and sell you the plants and flowers you need to turn it into a little green oasis. 134 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, petitjardinenville.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.
American Mortals
The stylists at AMMO (as the salon is lovingly called by its loyalists) give fashion-forward types pastel shades that are pretty, not punk, so you'll look high-style (see: Chanel's spring runway shows), not My Little Pony. 727 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, americanmortals.com.
FringeArts
Sixty-five bucks a year gets you 30 percent off all FringeArts shows during September's Fringe Festival and throughout the year; priority seating; presale ticket access; and the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting the most daring and innovative theater and dance this city has to offer. 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fringearts.com/membership.
Izumi
that looks too stylish to be a South Philly BYOB. But our affection is more than skin-deep. Chef Corey Baver made his Japanese-food bones at Morimoto, and his creative sushi rolls and delicate miso soup show a confident and experienced hand. 1601 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, .
Ministry of Secret Jokes
Our favorite Philly funnyman, Doogie Horner, and his comedic friends go at it full-throttle every second or third Wednesday of the month upstairs at Fergie's, where the bar's namesake is known to get in on the action ... after a few beers. It's free and hilarious, so show up early if you plan on sitting. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ministryofsecretjokes.com.
November Project
This Boston-birthed, social media-fueled fitness movement has taken Philly by storm. Evidence: the more than 100 people who show up each week for its morning boot-camp classes on Wednesdays at the Art Museum and Fridays at Penn's Franklin Field. Best part? It's totally free. november-project.com.
Forest and Main Brewing Company
At Forest & Main, drinking is (thankfully) more Truman Show than Old School: a big old wooden porch, near-perfect summer ales like the barrel-aged saison, -destination-worthy food, and a "Hey neighbor!" small-town vibe. 61 North Main Street, Ambler, PA 19002, forestandmain.com.
Ben Fileccia at Sbraga
Fileccia, a Vetri-group alum, gracefully, subtly, elegantly and always in a well-tailored suit choreographs the nightly dinner service at Sbraga like it's a long-running show. Even in today's casual restaurant atmosphere, his staff is tightly trained to keep guests thinking about everything but the service. 440 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, sbragadining.com.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
Sycamore
Down with Cheez Whiz nachos and those crusty hot dogs! On Thursday nights, $25 gets you dinner at Delco fave Sycamore (bring wine!) and your choice of art-house films showing at Cinema 16:9 just down the street. 14 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050, sycamorebyo.com.
Robbini Bespoke
A month after he shows up at your home or office with his measuring tape and look books — plus a massive array of Italian fabric samples (the Super 180s are oh-so-divine) — 38-year-old Rob Fung will return with a blazer, suit or trousers that will make everything else in your closet look sloppy and sad. Just ask his regular customers — a whole bunch of Philadelphia Eagles. robbini.com.
Fergie’s Pub
Downstairs is the iconic Irish pub that’s been pouring Guinnesses for nearly 25 years. Upstairs is a lesser-known hideaway with all sorts of no-cover shows, like live-band karaoke, non-sucky comedy open mics and Fringe performances. You never know exactly what you’re going to get — and that’s part of the fun. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Fergies.com.
PHLove
We loved watching Philly (and formerly Philly) music greats Darryl Hall, Questlove, Amos Lee and Patti LaBelle come together for this telethon/variety show, which raised $1.5 million for the PHL COVID-19 Relief Fund. Miss Patti absolutely killed it, as did the gospel choir that followed her. Find the full concert on YouTube. philafound.org/covid-19/phlove.