Ultimo Coffee
The inviting staff, comfortable vibe and Counter Culture coffee would be enough to make Ultimo Philadelphia's best. That the Newbold spot shares space with Brew-a beer store-makes it the ultimate for a 2 p.m. pick-me-up followed by a 4 p.m. happy hour. 1900 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, ultimocoffee.com.
Beans Beauty
The products here are so good, they can almost make you believe that, Yes, I could look like a picture in a magazine. We can't promise you will. But the unending selection of nifty products and tools will get you closer than you ever dreamed possible. 1733 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, beansbeauty.com.
The Velvet Lily
If Condom Kingdom is Walmart, The Velvet Lily is Bergdorf's. (Note: All purchases come packaged in discreet black bags, so you can buy-for, you know, your "friend"-without letting your freak flag fly on the way home.) 1040 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, thevelvetlily.com.
Crown & Feather Tattoo Co.
Since opening in 2019, Andrew Robinson and Dylan Carr’s private studio specializing in fine-line and Japanese styles has earned some two million likes on TikTok and recognition at both local and international tattoo conventions. There’s a cozy area for consultations, and the team is always welcoming — and constantly booked. Can’t snag an appointment? One of their wildly cool totes or tees will suffice till you can. 2628 Martha Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, crownandfeather.com.
Clover Market
Now in its 14th year, Clover has exploded from its beginnings as a 25-vendor pop-up market in Ardmore to a roving shopping extravaganza with four locations, eight different events, and a curated roster of nearly 100 different small-biz vendors, artists and artisans, plus live music and food trucks. In short, it’s the happiest treasure hunt around. theclovermarket.com.
Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow
Shelves stocked with things like organic treats, Jimmy Chews and Furcedes pet beds to keep Fido and Kitty happy; an on-site grooming salon and seminars, events and classes to keep you happy. 701 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072, store.buzzysbowwowmeow.com.
Nordstrom
Guys can get fitted actually fitted, like man-on-the-stool-with-a-shoehorn for new pairs of Nikes, Toms and Cole Haans. We didnt get the hard (read: annoying) sell after browsing, either. Our salesman encouraged us to weigh our options and order later online, where free shipping and returns are standard. King of Prussia and Cherry Hill malls, 00000, shop.nordstrom.com.
Pinot Boutique
Come here for Riedel decanters for your snooty oenophile uncle, handpainted glasses for Mom and her gal pals, and a posh picnic basket stocked with stemware for you (because outdoor drinking need not be limited to tailgating at the Linc). 227 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, pinotboutique.com.
Safa Persian Teahouse
Safa has siphon-brew teas served in a room meant to evoke the teahouses of Iran. But what makes it a must-visit is the other side of the menu, which has excellent baklava, hummus, dolmeh, and the Turkish Supreme — a decadent iced coffee mixed with chocolate syrup, milk and whipped cream. 4165 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, safateahouse.com.
Bower Cafe
If doughnuts and fried chicken works, why can’t coffee and cured meats? And honestly, it’s one of those things we can’t believe someone didn’t think of before. 263 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, bower-cafe.com.
Orchestra
You’d be crazy not to join the membership club at the first U.S. location of this chic French brand. A $10 annual fee gets you half off Orchestra’s trendy children’s clothes – making all those adorable but oft-ruined outfits you buy for your kids infinitely replaceable. 160 North Gulph Road, Suite 2143, King of Prussia, PA 19406, us.shop-orchestra.com.
Herman’s Coffee
Now that Herman’s exists – roasting its own beans in-house (that “house” being a converted auto repair shop), serving carefully crafted espresso tonics, hosting all sorts of events and food trucks – every other coffee spot in Philly is going to have to try just a little bit harder to stay cool. 1313-17 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia , PA 19147, hermanscoffee.com.
Mina's World
Mina’s World is a retail space for local artisans, a community fridge, a meeting place for West Philadelphians. But mainly, it’s a cafe — a coffee shop that serves expert cortados, rose syrup chai lattes, tehina mochas (!), and regular ol’ cups of joe brewed with locally roasted coffee. (Try a plate of pakoras and samosas while you’re at it.) While it’s all these things at once, Mina’s World is, at its heart, a perfect neighborhood coffee shop. 511 South 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, mw4u.net.
Neighborhood Bike Works
Last spring, when SEPTA and Uber and every other means of transportation suddenly felt like a pandemic hot box, Neighborhood Bike Works launched Bikes For Neighbors, which refurbished dozens of cycles and donated them to essential workers. 3943 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, neighborhoodbikeworks.org.