The Cone Rangers
Last winter, despite police warnings of potential violence, fed-up Philadelphians formed a rogue collective named after the fictional Western lawman to snatch traffic cones holding down neighbors’ parking spots on snowy days. Yeah, yeah, savesies are illegal. “So what?” as they say in South Philly. Vivid pro-and-con discussions on Reddit and other online outlets ensued.
Big Top Thrift
Even if Big Top didn’t have a huge charitable aspect — which it does — we’d still want to shop here for the many lighthearted and fun finds (cowboy boots, kitschy kitchen goods). But winking tees are definitely the centerpiece: Garfield, Hard Rock Osaka, Mrs. T’s Pierogies and Uncle Fester are only a few examples. Claim yours by sending a DM through Instagram. @bigtopthrift. instagram.com/bigtopthrift.
Classic Game Junkie
Whether its the dreaded Playstation 3 red light of death, a scrambled screen image or a console that overheats, the experts here will fix up your childs gaming system before he starts exhibiting symptoms of serious withdrawal. Theyll also give you hope that maybe, just maybe, your kid can build an actual successful moneymaking enterprise out of that Halo addiction. 111 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038, classicgamejunkie.com.
And We Evolve
Why you love secondhand shopping: It’s sustainable and affordable. Why you hate it: hours of slogging through overstuffed racks. Well, Liz Funk’s Fairmount-based company plays the role of stylist for that which is slightly worn. Get handpicked J.Crew, Madewell, DVF and Boden delivered to your door monthly. andweevolve.com.
Hygge Facial Spa
At this Rittenhouse spa, inspired by the Danish word loosely translating to “coziness,” owner and aesthetician Tia Pinizzotto and aesthetician Bri Crosson deliver curated, uber-relaxing facials using high-quality brands like Naturopathica and Circadia, plus additions like dermaplaning, gua sha and micro-channeling at no extra cost — so you can simply float off the warm, cushy bed with your dewy glow. 1601 Walnut Street, suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19102, hyggefacialspa.com.
Good Good Comedy Theatre
The tickets are cheap (rarely more than $10) and it’s BYOB (no pesky drink minimums), but those are only a few of the reasons Good Good is most definitely not your Uncle Mort’s laugh house. While some of Philly’s best stand-up comedians are featured, there’s also innovative programming like Weeding Out the Stoned, in which the audience tried to guess which performer wasn’t high. 215 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, goodgoodcomedy.com.
The Republican
Common sense will tell you to avoid this place: It's dark. It's grimy. There are two poles and a mirror, and they're used frequently and with varying degrees of skill. But come 2 a.m., this place fills up with an almost glorious assortment of humanity. It's South Philly, folks; embrace it until the wee hours. And if you get too skeeved/drunk/hungry, the Melrose is mere steps up the street. 1734 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145, .
The Pennypack Park Music Festival
Where else can you see the Grateful Dead, Heart, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd and the All-Catholic Jazz Band in a Northeast Philly park — for free? Okay, so they're not the actual artists (except for the All-Catholic Jazz Band), but these evening concerts are a ton of fun. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a well-stocked picnic basket. Welsh Rd at Cresco St, Philadelphia, PA 19136, pennypack.org.
Vanity Tintype
Looking for an almost-instant heirloom? Head to Maurene Cooper’s Fishtown studio for some old-timey alchemy. Cooper revived the wet-collodion process to make one-of-a-kind black-and-white images, produced on tin plates placed in a 19th-century camera and developed before your eyes in a chemical bath. The striking, otherworldly portraits can even incorporate a beloved furry friend — she occasionally offers dog sessions. 2316 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, vanitytintype.com.
Sales by Helen
In the market for some rare antiques? Or maybe you’re looking to get rid of the ones currently cluttering up your attic? In any case, Sales by Helen can handle it. Led by certified appraiser John Romani, they serve both city and Main Line clients looking to sell or buy luxury items of any kind at the in-person sales they organize and through their online shop (which is updated weekly with hundreds of new pieces). salesbyhelen.com.
Modrn Wellness
Photograph courtesy of Modrn Wellness With its bold, moody aesthetic, this spa feels like a secret sanctuary for the très chic. Modrn’s biggest flex is alternative services like a meditative chakra-balancing crystal bed, a lymphatic drainage facial paired with a BallancerPro body massage, shadow-work therapies designed to uncover repressed emotions, and stress-alleviating hypnosis. (Take a look at other mystical winners throughout Best of Philly’s 50 years here.) 1420 Walnut Street, suite 1212, Philadelphia, PA 19102, modrnsanctuarypa.com.
Nishi Jewelry
You can peruse Joanna Bengoa’s delicate ready-to-wear diamond necklaces, engagement bands and stud earrings on her web shop. But the jeweler can also utterly transform your dusty old heirlooms that have been lying untouched in the bottom of your drawer for a decade. Bengoa, who has a degree in gemology, will work with you to design a new one-of-a-kind piece that feels contemporary, fresh, and totally personal. nishiny.com.
Pita Chip
It’s a random weekday, and an intense falafel mood strikes. Your next move should be Pita Chip, the fast-casual spot inspired by Damascus street snacks. Order a few perfectly crisped falafel over a bed of steamy yellow rice with grilled peppers and salty marinated zucchini. Even if your emergency doesn’t require fries and garlicky white sauce, you might as well indulge that mood, too. Multiple locations, pitachipphilly.com.
Phileo
For years, New York and L.A. had Pinkberry and Red Mango and Yolato, while we had, well, Rita's custard. Then last summer came Phileo, the shiny green-and-pink fro-yo mecca on South Street, with 16 creamy and often tangy pay-by-the-ounce flavors, and a do-it-yourself toppings bar that houses everything from Cap'n Crunch and Oreo pieces to fresh-cut kiwi and mango. Take that, L.A. 416 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .
Cafe Soho
Forget everything you think you know about this American classic. Caf Soho's bon chon, or Korean fried chicken, is twice-fried (meaning more crunch, less grease) and served with a mysterious spicy/sweet soy dipping sauce (they swear it's just soy sauce and red chilies) and a side of pickled radish (way better than mayo-drenched coleslaw). It's our new comfort food. 468 West Cheltenham Avenue, Cheltenham, PA 19126, mycafesoho.com.