Gold Million Records
This nifty shop is an homage to vinyl, and a must-stop for diehard collectors, come-lately hipsters, and anyone looking for a present (bowls and clocks made from old albums) for a record fan. Or just a place to show the kids what the world was like before iTunes. 851 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, goldmillionrecords.com.
Brauhaus Schmitz
This house-made ber-pretzel is served with salted radishes and mustard, but we recommend you ditch all that and dip it in Brauhaus's parsley-chive-and-dill-flecked butter (it comes with bread service, but if you ask for it with the pretzel, they'll accommodate you) instead. 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brauhausschmitz.com.
Styer's Garden Cafe
Now that Terrain's greenhouse cafe has expanded to a patio and dinner four nights a week, and Supper alum Keith Rudolf as executive chef we couldn't be more excited to put our fannies in the Fermob folding chairs, uncork the BYO riesling, and order one of everything (two, when it comes to the cheese plates). 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, shopterrain.com/glen-mills-restaurant.
Ting Wong
Its fast, its cheap, its small (so plan your visits accordingly), but it also has several dishes that are the best versions in Chinatown namely the shrimp dumplings (in any soup theyre served in), the roast duck (which, conveniently, also comes in a soup with the aforementioned dumplings), and the congee. 138 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, phillychinatown.com/tingwong.htm.
Master Tailor and Cleaners
They'll shake their heads disapprovingly. They'll hem and haw and make no guarantees. And then you'll come back one week later and pick up your totally red wine/oil/makeup-free silk blouse or cashmere cardigan or white linen pants. 1620 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, facebook.com/pages/Master-Tailor-Cleaners/191404560944818.
Nina's Waffles and Sweets
Something fantastic usually comes from a shop that's committed to doing just one thing really well. Anything off the hot presses at Nina's Waffles and Sweets in New Hope and Doylestown proves just that get a Belgian waffle topped with salted caramel ice cream. 31 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA 18938, ninaswaffles.com.
Vernick Fish
Chef Greg Vernick’s menu is inspired by his summers at the Jersey Shore. It’s why his seafood is fresh as hell, it’s why James’ saltwater taffy comes at the end of the meal, and it’s why his ice cream, made with seasonal fresh fruit, instantly transports you to the boardwalk. One North 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vernickfish.com.
Poi Dog Snack Shop
Even if you close your eyes and try really hard, a Philly street corner will never be a Hawaiian beach, not even for a second. And yet somehow, the Big Island flavors coming from Poi Dog are transformative. Crispy chicken tacos with guava katsu sauce, tofu poke, Kona coffee mochi, ahh. poidogphilly.com.
The Diving Horse
Our tip: Flirt with the staff at Pub and Kitchen all year, then come to their hopping Shore outpost in person to attempt to make reservations. If it works, each heavenly bite will help you swallow the shame of what you had to do to get a table. Promise. 2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202, thedivinghorseavalon.com.
Metro Men's Clothing
Dudes. You're kind of miserable when it comes to shopping, yes? And when you can dress yourself in one fell swoop from the jacket to the tee to the denim to the shoes this makes you less miserable, correct? Go here. Be less miserable. 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, metromensclothing.com.
Strut-This
This line, co-founded and designed by Gladwyne-raised Raquel Lessner, is one hell of a secret weapon for sticking to any fitness regimen. The leggings, tops and shorts are as stylish as workout clothes come, with bright colors, cool patterns and comfortable fits that make shrugging on a sports bra at 6 a.m. way less painful. Strut-this.com.
Dylanlex
The jewelry at online shop Dylanlex (crafted by Drexel grad Drew Ginsburg) comes in the form of rings, bracelets and chunky multi-layered collars, made from mixed metals and Swarovski crystals, that have earned a cult following among style-blazers. (Rihanna's a fan.) Dylanlex.com.
DIG Yoga
You might come to either location of this airy, white-walled studio to get your downward dog on, but after spotting the well-stocked corner full of ultra-soft leggings and handstand-friendly tops, you'll leave with a new workout wardrobe in hand. 204 North Union Street, Lambertville, and 410 Monroe Street, Queen Village, digyoga.com.
Wardrobe Clinic
Ron Wilch, designer by trade, is a fit genius: Everything that goes into his two-year-old tailor shop—bridesmaids’ dresses, old suits, new suits, slacks, sundresses, you name it—looks custom by the time it comes out. Fast turnaround times, too. By appointment only. 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 408, Philadelphia, PA 19102, wardrobeclinic.com.
Bok Bar
When it comes to rooftop bars, it’s all about the view. And at Bok, you get the full vista—river to river—which is pretty rare for a watering hole. Pair the panoramas with great snacks (this year, dumplings!) and well-priced drinks, and you’ll develop a new appreciation for Philly just by looking at it. 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, bok-bar.com.