Tom's Dim Sum
The new Tom's Dim Sum squats under a bridge on 11th Street like some kind of troll's shack in a culinary fairy tale. The treasure here? Soup dumplings as big as toads, thin-skinned, juicy and perfect in their tin basket steamers. 59 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tomsdimsum.com.
Fink's
The longtime Northeast Philly shop expanded into Center City last year and showed a whole new audience that the city's very best Italian hoagie comes on a seeded roll with chopped (not sliced) provolone and the gotta-have-it secret ingredient, olive spread. (Center City and Northeast Philly.) 132 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, finkshoagies.com.
The Universal Sphere
Make a reservation for the Universal Sphere in the upper lobby of the Comcast Technology Center. It looks like a mini EPCOT globe from the outside, and you step in for a dome theater experience that kind of feels like a ride. It’s hard to explain, but it’s only seven minutes long, so you’ve got time. 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, comcastcentercampus.com/universal-sphere.
Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins
For 45 years, Oster has sold 17th-century instruments so expensive that he won’t even list some prices. If his luthiers are good enough to handle those masterpieces, you bet they’re good enough for your grandmother’s old fiddle. 507 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Osterviolins.com.
Sarvida
Chicharron with crumbled kesong puti cheese goes best with a cold lager. Pancit is perfect with a crisp white, and the lechon pork belly pairs nicely with a fruity red. Good thing you can bring all three to this homey BYO in Fishtown, a spot that helped birth Philly’s Filipino food boom. 300 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, sarvidaphilly.com.
Janean Malloy at Irwin’s
Malloy is a true talent — a server who always anticipates a table’s wants and needs, deals with difficult guests with aplomb, and acts like she owns the place (in the best way possible). She’s got the kind of swagger that keeps people coming back for reasons that have nothing to do with the food or drink. 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, irwinsupstairs.com.
Colugo Strollers
Wharton School grad, twin dad and Philly resident Ted Iobst created a genius stroller that weighs 16 pounds, folds with one hand, is well-priced, and still looks cool. Wavering? Don’t; it comes with a 100-day trial run. hicolugo.com.
The Blue Béret
Like walking into the pages of a Madeline, Paddington Bear or Winnie the Pooh book — or any other tome that’s European and ultra-sweet. What started as an online shop last spring is now a pop-up shop (open until January at least …) that’s shared with other local makers and artists. 122 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, theblueberet.shop.
New York Bagel Butler
Unwilling to wait in line for some of the city’s best new bagels? Let us suggest this service, which on Fridays and Saturdays leaves Philly at three a.m. to collect New York bagels (and bialys, and schmear!) and delivers them right to your door. nybagelbutler.com.
Draw to Action
Draw to Action features original drawings from 30 Philly-based artists, with 100 percent of sales donated to local charities. So when you decide to avoid some grown-up responsibilities to go grab your box of Crayolas, you’re practically a philanthropist. instagram.com/drawtoaction.
PucciManuli
This shop feels like the set of The Nutcracker, where items like heirloom rocking horses, model boats and life-size stuffed animals (some of which cost thousands of dollars) share space with sweet wooden puzzles, floppy teddies, and goods made by old-school crafters. 35 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, puccimanuli.com.
AMDG Exterior Contracting
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. 2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, TRUSTAMDG.COM.
Century 21
There are plenty of things that aren't worth a second look (e.g., the lackluster shoe section), but do some digging and you'll find coveted brands (from the likes of Missoni and Armani to Vince, Theory and DVF) at prices worth the hunt. Bonus points for the luxury vintage shop-in-shop and the stellar athletic-wear department. 821 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, c21stores.com/Philly_.
The People's Store Antiques Center
Take 50 of the best area antique dealers, spread them out over four floors, and sprinkle in some quirky curiosities (a giant plastic dolphin from a 1950s carnival ride, for example), and you've got this sprawling Jersey stalwart. 28 North Union Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530, peoplesstore.net.
Chez Yasmine
The tofu-stuffed vegetarian bánh mi here is as packed as a 10-inch Wawa hoagie but light-years better. But the best part—besides Tunisan-born owner Jihed Chehimi, who makes hearty bowls, salads and sandwiches—is the free bottled water and fruit that comes with every order. 37th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, .