Sean Agnew
Fourteen years ago, Agnew, an Ardmore native, started booking bands occasionally as a hobby. Now 32 and a Drexel dropout, he's the biggest independent promoter in the region, producing close to 300 shows a year via his company, R5 Productions, at venues like Johnny Brenda's and the First Unitarian Church, in warehouses and basements, and even at a private airport/pool/motel complex in South Jersey. "I have absolutely no musical ability," says Agnew. "That's why I started doing shows because I was frustrated I couldn't play." 00000,
Franky Bradley's
There are bars that happen to have music, and then there's this place, whose whole second floor has been turned into a space for entertainment. On any given night, that might be a touring rock band, your favorite local act, or a Balkan dance party with the West Philadelphia Orchestra. 1320 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, frankybradleys.com.
Osteria
No muss. No fuss. The highest-quality meats, cooked simply and to perfection, presented absolutely unpretentiously. 640 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, osteriaphilly.com.
The Post
Quizzo, live music, dollar taco nights, weekend DJs, Skee-Ball and shuffleboard — a.k.a. things that are better than studying for midterms. 129 South 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, thepostphl.com.
Capa Shoe and Leather
They’ll fix your downtrodden soles and broken straps with the artisanship that has kept them in business since 1936. 1015 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphiacustomleather.com.
Commerical Snow + Ice
When winter hits, these guys hit back harder, even if that means clearing trickier spots the old-fashioned way with a shovel in hand. Just ask the dozens of schools, townships and businesses that trust them to get the job done. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, philadelphiasnow.com.
Go Fox
The perfect solution for anyone too busy, important, lazy, fancy, rich or cool to wait in line anywhere. And honestly, who doesn't fit into one of those categories at some point? Call or see website for consultation, 00000, gofoxonline.com.
Dave's Appliance Repair
Keep Dave's on your speed dial: Response times are ridiculously quick, even at clutch moments like busy holiday weekends (which are, of course, the fridge's favorite time to fail). 280 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044, davesappliance2.com.
Goodman Plumbing
Goodman's has been in business for more than 50 years, leaving a trail of satisfied (and relieved!) customers in its wake. Just try to find a smidge of negative feedback on these guys. goodmanplumbers.com.
Virtual Classes
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming.
Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast
This black-owned establishment that pays homage to Philly’s music history has a fantastic breakfast spread and historic touches. (So yeah, you’re gonna want to book a second night at this newcomer.) 3709 Baring Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, akwaaba.com/akwaaba-philadelphia.
Danzeisen & Quigley
They've got the square footage of a Dick's or Modell's, but the personalized expertise of a specialty bike, ski or snowboard shop. It's no wonder D&Q has stayed in business for the past 52 years. 1720 East Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, dandq.com.
Allens Lane Art Center
You get a party for creative tykes, featuring musical or child-friendly theatrical performances tailored to your kid's age and likes. Bring everything you need for a successful party:plates, 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19106, allenslane.org.
Giovanni and Pileggi
There's something about having the approval of an Italian man before you head out on the town that lets you know you must look good and no one walks out of this stately salon with anything less. 256 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, giovannipileggi.com.
L&M Bakery
Not beignets. Not crullers. Not "doughnuts," with their braggy extra letters and European sensibility. No, these featherweight, sugar-dusted, gooey and buttercream-y spheres of fresh-baked goodness are so deliciously, delightfully, undoubtedly all-American that they must go by "donuts." 11 St. Mihiel Drive, Delran, NJ 08075, lmbakery.com.