Brood Coffee Truck
Let’s just state the facts: Brood Coffee Truck is the best mobile coffee-slinging, fresh-pastry-making business around town. The usual coffee suspects are all done well here, using Càphê Roasters beans. Similarly, the mochi doughnuts and sweet cronuts will have you wondering which neighborhood you can find the traveling truck in next. 2201 Brown Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, broodcoffeetruck.com.
The Free Library’s Digital Resources
If your relationship with the Free Library of Philadelphia has simply been one of borrowing a book and returning it, you’re really missing out. From the comfort of your couch, you can delve into the library’s digital resources. Our favorites: the vast American Music archives; the 35,000 songs in Smithsonian Global Sound; and two different movie streaming services (Hoopla and Kanopy). freelibrary.org.
Southwark
This institution—revamped last year by Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira—does it all right, from the tidy menu of casual comfort foods to the elegant cocktail list. Both are best enjoyed on the Secret Garden-like patio, where twinkly lights, soft music, and the aromatics of fresh herbs (grown by the kitchen staff) make for the chillest summer hang in the city. 701 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southwarkrestaurant.com.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
During the week, it sometimes seems Del Frisco's isn't a lofty steakhouse at all, but rather a cocktail party hosted by Michael Nutter. The Mayor works the room with flair, visiting tables filled with power lawyers, City Council members and business honchos who are talking shop and foraging through the expansive wine list. (Pay no attention to the lash-batting ladies at the bar ... or do.) 1426-28 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, delfriscos.com/location/philadelphia.
CORK
The best gift baskets are the ones that are too pretty to rip open, and you may never bring yourself to unpack the ones from CORK. The Rittenhouse bottle and gift shop pulls from its elevated selection of goods for the gourmand to create eclectic baskets that go beyond tired fruit and crackers. Whiskey Business, Movie Night, and A Sardine Dream are a few of our favorites to give (and get). 253 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, audreyclairecork.com.
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.
Steve Odabashian
As more colleges reverse the test-optional policies they implemented during COVID, and with a brand-new (computerized!) SAT dropping earlier this year, proper test prep is a must. Fortunately, the father of four behind Main Line Test Prep has been taking and teaching the SAT for 30-plus years and knows all the tricks and tips your own kids need to boost their scores. mainlinetestprep.com.
Philadelphia Film Center
No, the building formerly known as the Prince Music Theater doesn’t have those reclining seats. But it does boast one of the largest screens in the area, 35mm film capabilities (a rarity these days), audiophile-worthy sound, and an impressive spread of repertory selections for all tastes. Coming up: classics like Psycho, Taxi Driver and The Night of the Hunter plus a retrospective of Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, filmadelphia.org.
Charming Garlands
In 2022, balloon installations are just as ubiquitous as floral arrangements. Demand for these larger-than-life creations has been so keen in the region that Ali Kahan was able to turn her pandemic side hustle into a successful business. Her two-year-old company uses biodegradable organic balloons for Insta-worthy garland installations that float like colorful clouds around chuppahs. Charminggarlands.com.
Walls For Justice
During the civil unrest of 2020, Walls For Justice began painting murals and messages on the plywood that covered up so many storefronts. Fast-forward two years, and the group has now expanded its footprint, pairing artists with businesses, schools, and other public spaces that are looking for a unique way to show support for their communities (and maybe spruce up a plain brick wall in the process). wallsforjustice.org.
Flaunt Fitness
After 10 years in business and with a new studio space in the works, Flaunt Fitness remains the place to channel your inner vixen, whether through a pole workout, an inversion workshop, a sultry heels sesh, a twerking party, or one of the many high-energy dance fitness classes. You’ll feel so empowered, you’ll have no shame posting your progress all over IG. 1939 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, flauntfitness.net.
Philadelphia Film Socieity's Aquisition of the Ritz at the Bourse
We don’t normally give Best of Philly to the same business or organization twice in the same issue, but, well, when the Ritz at the Bourse closed in January 2020, film lovers shed a collective tear or 12. So we have high hopes now that the film-snobby Philadelphia Film Society has recently taken over the space, bringing the best of independent films back to the block. 400 Ranstead Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, filmadelphia.org.
Brewerytown Beats
Vinyl heads come here to flip through the 50,000-strong record collection (all genres, though the specialty is funk, soul and hip-hop), to listen to live midday performances, and to talk music with owner Max Ochester, who has sold LPs to everyone from Questlove to Q-Tip. Check out the shop’s Instagram feed for a first look at the latest rare finds. 2710 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, brewerytownbeats.com.
The Craftery Market
You probably know the Craftery from its popular workshops, but if you happen to be of the buying rather than DIY-ing camp, check out their new seasonal market housed inside a rustic barn. (The next one is slated for the fall.) The $5 entry will get you access to handmade goods, fresh flowers, vintage finds, live music, and wine from local vineyards. 123 North Main Street, Suite 256B, Dublin, PA 18917, thecrafterypa.com.
Doylestown
The Bucks County borough boasts a respectable dining scene (see: Honey, Hickory Kitchen, Boccadito, Spuntino), a handful of good bars (Chambers 19 Bistro & Bar and Stephanie’s for the college set, 86 West and Slate Bleu for the martini crowd, the Amber Inn for smokers), an incredible old-school movie theater (the County), an impressive music venue (Puck) and a castle (Fonthill). A castle, people! Doylestown, PA 18901, doylestownpa.org.