Colonial Farms
At a time when cupcakery is becoming not just an overdone art (we'll pass on the chocolate-covered bacon sprinkles, thanks) but a reviled one, Colonial Farms bucks the trend with back-to-basics flavors. The chocolate, vanilla and killer red velvet cakes are adorned with occasionally cutesy icing creations (flowers, frogs, etc.), but the taste hits that just-like-Mom's sweet spot that was always the point of the cupcake's sudden rise to celebrity. 1108 Taylorsville Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977, colonialfarms.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.
Hoagiefest NFTs
Last summer, Sizzli colossus Wawa proudly announced the debut of Hoagiefest NFTs, a line of “one-of-a-kind digital collectibles” that marked the convenience store/gas station’s entrée into the then-red-hot metaverse. Not long after, the non-fungible-token bubble burst. In a tribute to brand loyalty, 65,000 Shorti lovers still signed on for a sweepstakes to win the imaginary goodies — even if some grumblers likened Wawa’s move to Anakin’s journey to the dark side.
Barry's Philadelphia
Long before 50 Shades of Grey, Barry’s created its own red room for addictive HIIT workouts that are said to burn up to 1,000 calories in less than an hour (talk about efficient). At the Rittenhouse spot, the team provides an easy-to-learn, ever-changing lineup of intense treadmill sprints and strength-training exercises that are accessible for self-proclaimed non-runners but tough enough to challenge the most athletic among us. 1915-17 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barrys.com/studio/philadelphia.
Lynn Gallagher
If you’re looking for a hands-on, high-touch holistic facialist, Gallagher is a stalwart on the scene. Her 90-minute ritual-focused facials include herbal-infused skin treatments (with customization like gua sha, microdermabrasion, and LED light therapy) that double as intuitive consultations: Do you have tension in your back? Stress? Headaches? Vision blur from staring at a screen? “Skin is the medium” for focusing on the whole picture of health, Gallagher says. instagram.com/lghtwellness.
Tommy Oliver and Mike Africa Jr. for <em>40 Years a Prisoner</em>
With their critically acclaimed HBO documentary, this dynamic duo led the way in a year when the city is finally — finally — confronting its fraught dealings with MOVE, from the 1978 shoot-out that sent Africa’s parents to jail to the infamous 1985 bombing of its compound. Oliver’s filmmaking gave Africa Jr. the opportunity to exonerate his family and reframe not just how we view that family, but how we see Black activism in Philadelphia. hbo.com/documentaries/40-years-a-prisoner.
Dawn Staley
Photograph by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos/Getty Images Oh look, another Best of Philly for North Philly native and former Temple coach Staley. This year she led her South Carolina Gamecocks to their third national championship (besting Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team, no less) and notched a perfect 38-0 season in the process. Plus, she’s been refreshingly outspoken about the rights of trans athletes at a time when other high-profile coaches prefer to sidestep the question.
Exceptional Finds
If we had to guess where Taylor Swift shops for jewelry in the Philly area, we’d guess Main Line boutique Exceptional Finds. The space carries Three Stories, the couture jewelry collection the Berks County native was spotted in not once but twice during last year’s NFL season. We also think she’d swoon for playful designs by Sydney Evan, from heart wrap hoop earrings to a mosaic horseshoe charm necklace. 101 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 201, Wayne, PA 19087, exceptional-finds.com.
La Chele Medical Aesthetics
Still freaked out by the idea of a med spa, but also jealous of your friends results? Lisa Espinoza, the medical doctor whos always in-office, will put you instantly at ease. Shes a walking advertisement you wont believe it when she tells you her age, or that her natural-looking, wrinkle-free visage once had horrible acne. Lasers and liquid face-lifts suddenly dont look so scary. 430 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA 18938, lachelemedspa.com.
Broadway Bar and Grill
When Tony Blanche, owner of Clifton Heightss Clam Tavern, bought the bar across the street, he found waffle irons in the kitchen. That led to the jalapeo-cheddar waffle creation that he tops with roast beef, roast pork, turkey or meatloaf. He branches out with other varieties, too (why serve plain stuffing with turkey dinner when you can serve stuffing waffles?), and theyre all comfort-food genius. 329 East Broadway Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, broadwaybar-grille.com.
The Sound Lab
Luna Maye’s web-based “Sound Lab” is a multi-sensory treat assembled by a killer array of Philly talent. Featuring harp accompaniment from local musician Elizabeth Steiner (and visually brought to life by photog Max Grudzinski and stylist Liz Barella), the sound meditation sessions range in mood from “Love + Longing” to “Focus + Motivation.” They’ll have you meditating yourself to a state of mind far away from your living room couch. lunamaye.com/the-sound-lab.
Jewellee Williams
Photograph by Jillian Guyette Williams isn’t just an aesthetician extraordinaire, Hydrafacial pro or lash whiz — though she humbly showcases these talents and more at her Rittenhouse med spa, Crown Jewel Esthetics. She’s a serious educator, teaching clients how to best support their skin health with custom services and recommended regimens and mentoring beauty-industry folks through one-on-one coaching, global pop-ups, and her just-launched second biz, Beauty Pros United. 255 South 17th Street, suite 2407, Philadelphia, PA 19103, crownjewelesthetics.com.
All + None
Philly-based queer personal trainer Anna Claire (AC) Loper was on a mission to find new workout shorts — ones that were lined, supportive and gender-neutral. Fed up with lackluster options, Loper created All + None, an activewear brand with size-inclusive and non-gendered pieces — a compressive bodysuit, a full-coverage muscle tee, and the boxing shorts Loper envisioned — meant to make all bodies feel good, especially when they’re moving. shopallandnone.com.
Cartesian Brewing
For years, we’d walk by this garage just south of Pat’s, press our faces to the windows, and look for signs of progress. Years of thirsty waiting finally paid off last fall when Cartesian rolled up its doors and started pouring pints of tart saisons and malty ambers. We’re partial to the Concrete Picnic, a spring ale that comes in at a this-beer-still-has-flavor-but-won’t-put-you-on-your-ass 5.8 percent ABV. 1326 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, cartesianbrewing.com.