Palm Tree Market
Looking for kombucha, a pint of vegan ice cream, or the ingredients to whip up some fresh guacamole? They've got it. And while you're there, be sure to grab a vegetarian cheesesteak from the deli—it's way too good to miss. Locations in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Bridgeport, and Manayunk., .
Vetri
What'll it take to knock Marc Vetri's flagship out of this top spot? We don't know maybe some sort of apocalyptic continental drift that rams Italy's boot halfway up the Schuylkill? His new second-floor dining space only makes an experience here that much more personal. 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vetriristorante.com.
MasterJays Roller-Skating Dance Class
Doesn't matter if the last time you strapped on skates you had a comb in the back pocket of your -Sergios this rollicking, glutes-firming $12 class helps you recapture the time when you actually wanted to draw attention to your butt. 1807 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, masterjaymoves.com.
Circles
For years, the most solid Thai in the region came from this takeout-only kitchen in a not-so-nice section of the city. (Sorry, Point Breeze.) This year, Circles finally opened a proper dining room across the street. But trust us, dinner here is worth the risk. 1514 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, circlesthai.com.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
The Old Guard House Inn
The dark woods and crackling fireplaces may rightfully conjure up images of Colonial days, but it's playing "who's drinking with whom" at the bar that keeps this landmark the Main Line's answer to Peyton Place. If only Joe the bartender, who knows everybody's secrets, would spill some. 953 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035, guardhouseinn.com.
Genesis Nail Salon
We have actually been known to get in a cab in order to lounge for nearly an hour-nearly an hour, we tell you!-at this low-key spot that delivers some of the most thorough nail maintenance and accompanying massages we've had. 729 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, genesisnailsalon.com.
Robertson's
Proper flowers for life's major passages. Inimitable Robertson's, in Philly since 1927 and on the Main Line since 2001, has tasteful arrangements, simple bouquets and impeccable delivery that have made Philadelphians' lives elegantly easier for 80-some years. 8501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, robertsonsflowers.com.
Kelce and Harper
Kelce & Harper, the Philadelphia Zoo's new sloth bear cubs / Photograph by Jeff Fusco Also known as the Zoo’s adorable new sloth bear cubs, born in January. They just came out of their den for the first time in May, after which the public named them for two Philly sports heroes. See them before they lose their baby cuteness. 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, philadelphiazoo.org.
Addison Bay
Ready to look beyond Lulu? Local gal Marguerite Adzick’s e-comm shop carries cheery sweats, capris, sports bras and travel apparel from brands like Spiritual Gangster, Sundry and Michi, and her own line of AB leggings, too. addisonbay.com.
Melissa Weller
This James Beard-nominated pastry chef came from New York’s famed Per Se to help open Walnut Street Café. Memories of her apple slab pie will stay with you long after you’ve licked the plate clean. Walnut Street Café: 2929 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, melissaweller.net.
Puppy Yoga
Don’t expect to do a lot of working out in this workout. It’s mostly about animal rescue orgs helping puppies find homes – and puppy snuggles. Lots of puppy snuggles. Popping up at studios like Amrita Yoga & Wellness and OpenBox Athletics.
Bar Poulet
Some people were surprised to learn that this new Center City spot is pairing pressure-fried chicken and champagne, but it’s been a thing, and one taste of the sharp bubbles cutting through the rich bird will convince you we’ve long deserved this brilliant concept. 2005 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barpoulet.com.
Nutty Buddy at Wister
Imagine if the Little Debbie chocolate wafer bar was homemade. Now stop imagining and go taste chef Benjamin Moore’s version for yourself. It has Franklin Fountain ice cream, chocolate peanut ganache, caramel, and broken shards of homemade cone. 26 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, wisterbyob.com.
Tom's Dim Sum
The new Tom's Dim Sum squats under a bridge on 11th Street like some kind of troll's shack in a culinary fairy tale. The treasure here? Soup dumplings as big as toads, thin-skinned, juicy and perfect in their tin basket steamers. 59 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tomsdimsum.com.