Nectar
Yes, cheese on an Asian menu seems odd, until you learn that chef Patrick Feury is like a Chester County cheese ambassador. He works directly with farmers and ages some of the offerings himself. 1091 East Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312, tastenectar.com.
Jose Pistola's
Jose Pistola's is about as down-to-earth as it gets, with good drink specials ($15 happy-hour marg pitchers), craft brews, a kitchen that's open until 1 a.m., live music, and a come-as-you-are attitude. 263 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, josepistolas.com.
Sullivan Owen Floral and Event Design
If Anthropologie and Martha Stewart got together and had babies, and those babies were flowers, they would look like the arrangements coming out of the charming Queen Village studio of this new talent. 510 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, sullivanowen.com.
Charlie's Pizzeria
Though all the love these days goes to gourmet pies with imported toppings, Charlie's is an archetype for the kind of place we hope never vanishes the classic American neighborhood shop serving crisp, sweet slices. 107 West Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19401, pizzacharlies.com.
Rustica
Some swear by the exotically topped brick-oven beauties at Frank Maimone's Rustica, in NoLibs (cheesesteak pizza?), but the classic red adorned with Claudio's mozzarella and a naturally sweet tomato sauce is hard to beat. 903 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, rusticaphilly.com.
Johnny Brenda’s
Though mostly known for its burgers and beer, Johnny Brenda’s is actually doing some of the best cheffy vegetables in the city–marinated snap peas on a bed of homemade ricotta, and grilled local asparagus with slivers of cured salmon 1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, johnnybrendas.com.
Zachary's BBQ
Two words: free samples ? of everything. Sometimes the best food comes out of a kitchen in between a gas station and a dry cleaner in a strip mall in Montgomery County. This is one of those times. 1709 Markley Street, Norristown, PA 19401, zacharysbbq.com.
Logan Weekday Reset at the Logan Hotel
Seven of this modern hotel spa's popular treatments (from facials and manis to scrubs and massages) come in handy 25-minute versions, meaning you can work a little grooming into your day, instead of derailing it. 1 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, theloganhotel.com.
Art in the Age
Come First Friday, the tastefully rugged boutique transforms into a legitimate scene, complete with seasonal cocktails, boozy confections, and an art installation or pop-up shop courtesy of Philly's most creative souls. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, artintheage.com.
Ambra
When it comes to making an Italian meal feel extra-special, Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s 16-seat dining room is the only restaurant in Philly giving Vetri Ristorante a run for its money. 705 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, ambraphilly.com.
The Head & The Hand Buyouts
Dinner and a movie is so 2019. Instead, drop $65 to rent out this independent bookstore in Kensington for 90 minutes. They provide a playlist curated to your tastes, loads of books to browse through, a candlelit table, and even some beer or wine. You bring a picnic basket and the old amore. 2644 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, theheadandthehand.com.
cinéSPEAK
This West Philly microcinema was scheduled to debut earlier this year, screening real college-film-class types of works that only true movie nerds would love. But then coronavirus happened, so they shifted into a virtual format until they can open their doors. Hopefully in early 2021. cinespeak.org.
Avery Graham
Longtime Main Line skin-care guru Elizabeth Cardarelli finally comes to the city with a glam full-service medspa that serves up micro-needling, laser hair removal, Botox, Cardarelli’s signature peels, and all other manner of skin-perfecting treatments. 2212 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, averygraham.com.
Blume
Pastels, plants, and a butterfly mural that was meant for selfies. If you were born in the ’90s, you’ve probably been here. If you haven’t, get your grandkids to set you up on Snapchat and come see what the fuss is about. 1500 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, blumephilly.com.
Glbl Vllg’s Jams
There's only one rule at these roving events put on by this new grassroots entertainment group: If you are on the rug, you are going to participate. And that's not a threat, that's the point, because wellness comes in many forms, including letting your inner soul out. Keep reading here. glblvllg.com.