Live Band Karaoke
Because karaoke is infinitely better when performed with a real band, there’s Philly music vet Pat Finnerty’s Live Band Karaoke night. Finnerty’s outfit plays backup–to you!–at several area bars, but the production value (awesome lights and a killer sound system) is best at Johnny Brenda’s. Rock on.
Charlie's Old Original Hamburgers
Craving a burger the way burgers used to be just a slim, juicy patty tucked into a squishy white roll? The tasty one at this no-frills roadside shack will take you back. Prices will take you back, too: The Charlie's Special (cheddar, tomato, fried onions and pickles) is just $2.50. You can spend the savings on the killer black-and-white milkshakes, made with Bassetts ice cream. 336 Kedron Avenue, Folsom, PA 19033, .
Taqueria Morales
Twenty thousand retweets. Sixty thousand likes. It was one simple, unassuming tweet from Daniela Morales about her family’s brand-new South Philly taqueria that started it all, but after that? It was all about the service, the welcoming vibe, the bright, comfortable dining room, and, of course, the food: hand-pressed tortillas, killer tacos al pastor, rolled tacos stuffed with potatoes, enchiladas Suizas that you’ll dream about long after they’re gone. True, the gods of social media are fickle and often bestow the boon of virality on the shallow and undeserving. But this time? This time, they got it absolutely right. 1429 Jackson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, taqueriamorales.com.
Amis
People forget about this Italian favorite as a brunch-time option, but they shouldn't: The space is bright, the espresso is dark and delicious, and the offerings are rich and complex, but also so perfectly portioned that you're left deeply satisfied rather than stuffed. Don't leave without ordering the bufala ricotta with hazelnut honey. 412 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, amisphilly.com.
Amis
Every week, the chefs at Amis pick out one of God's creatures (shark! Goat! Crab!), break it down, and serve it in a variety of delicious and creative ways, whether tucked into pasta or as a simple crudo app. Have faith in this kitchen crew and just say "Beast of Amis" before the waiter even hands you the regular menu. 412 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, amisphilly.com.
Amis
Looking for the new restaurant at which to proclaim your status as a Very Important Philadelphian? Goodbye, burger-and-martini lunch overlooking Rittenhouse Square, and hello, table-hopping at Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin's trattoria. Of course the food is good, but it's watching bigwigs work the room while nibbling on Sal's meatballs that would be Sal Vetri, the chef's father that's the real draw. 412 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, amisphilly.com.
Saté Kampar
This cool, new and very popular addition to the East Passyunk restaurant scene offers excellent Malaysian food and a killer coffee service. The one thing it doesn't have? A bar. So the pro move here is to bring a bottle of vodka, ask for a tall glass of ice and a shot of Ribena (a black-currant cordial that, when drunk straight, tastes like the decorative soaps in your grandmother's bathroom), and then just thank us later. Because nothing goes better with a plate of goat satay and some coconut-sweet chicken kurma than this DIY cocktail. 1837 East Passyunk Avenue, East Passyunk, Philadelphia, PA 19148, facebook.com/SateKampar.
Amis
Anatomy of the perfect waffle: Crispy exterior. Warm, cakey interior. Deep pockets overflowing with a silky Nutella-esque house-made chocolate-hazelnut sauce. 412 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, amisphilly.com.
Couch Cafe
There are the potlucks you host for a few friends before watching Sunday HBO legacy television. And then there are the dinner parties that Elizabeth Grothe throws in her Northern Liberties apartment. Every month or so, the Fiorella line cook invites strangers (mostly industry pals and whoever gets a hold of the Google form via Grothe’s personal Instagram) over for five-ish courses of restaurant-quality dishes based on themes like “Spaghetti Western,” “Lizakaya” or “A Night in Lizbon.” At $65 per person, it’s the best tasting-menu experience that’s not really a tasting-menu experience you can have right now. Click here for Grothe's tips on throwing a killer dinner party. lizlaugh.love.
Aki
Love agedashi tofu and crisp, cold salmon but hate soggy paper boxes and fish with all the taste of damp Styrofoam? We have your fix and from a place that won't Morimoto your wallet. From delicious, well-kept uni and toro to a simple spicy tuna roll, Aki delivers both literally and in taste. 1210 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, akiphilly.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.
10 Arts
Never has one bowl of soup so perplexed and delighted the palate as chef Jennifer Carroll's corn chowder. It's bursting with the sweetness of Lancaster corn but has a slightly spicy finish. (That's from the addition of jalapeos.) It's vegetarian but has the depth of chowder made with bacon. (That's from the smoked sea salt.) It's light enough to eat on a 90-degree day but creamy enough to satisfy the staunchest New Englander. (That's from the touch of heavy cream and hunks of potato.) Well done, Jen. Broad and Chesnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 10arts.com.
Art in the Age
Not only does it commission artists (most of them local) to design the clothes sold in its Old City shop (the tees are especially fantastic) even the outside brands it carries, from Lauren Moffatt to Good Society Denim, can't be found elsewhere in Philly. Plus, they've got housewares, stationery and artwork, and leather accessories crafted by local folk artisans. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, artintheage.com.
Anima Iris
Last August, start-up accessories designer and recent Wharton grad Wilglory Tanjong opened Instagram and spotted a familiar item in Beyoncé’s latest post: her very own raspberry Zaza bag. And with that, a new must-have handbag brand was born. animairis.com.
Cary Neff
What good is private air travel without a private chef to feed you in-flight? Neff — a longtime personal chef for tony Main Liners and, on occasion, Will Smith — can customize your menu, package it according to aviation regulations, and provide flight attendants with meticulous instructions (and piping bags!) for PJ-worthy plating. caryneffevents.com.