Serpico
Every time we go, we rediscover what made Peter Serpico’s South Street namesake so special in the first place. We’re reminded of how seriously he takes his craft, how smart he is about mixing and matching familiar and unfamiliar flavors (like the duck mole), how playful he can be with textures (surely you’ve had his steamed egg custard?). Now in its fifth year, Peter’s South Street kitchen has every bit of his quiet genius on full display, and we can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve. 604 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147, serpicoonsouth.com.
Kasey Manwaring at GoalsFit
This is the trainer other trainers go to because they love how Manwaring emphasizes bodyweight exercises (push-ups, burpees) using whatever equipment (benches, fountains) happens to be around. Even better? She'll give you the know-how to tone your muscles effectively on your own, too. 4450 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, goalsfit.com/about-us.
Philly Improv Theater
Philly Improv Theater in Rittenhouse. Photograph by Linette and Kyle Kielinski The current social and political climate has made everyday conversations strained and kicked burnout into high gear. At these classes, you’ll remember how to loosen up and be silly and, if your life involves public speaking, how to make people laugh again. Imagine that. 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, phillyimprovtheater.com.
Stadler-Kahn
Shop in this quirky, crazily eclectic subterranean emporium of vintage curiosities and accessories, and youre guaranteed to run into most of Phillys creative class. That pretty much sums it up. 1724 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, stadler-kahn.com.
Bánh Mì & Bottles
It’s a well-stocked neighborhood bottle shop when you need it and a really solid Vietnamese restaurant—with cool cocktails!—when you want it. 712-714 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, banhmiandbottles.com.
AAA Ardmore
Anyone who’s ever set foot in a DMV will have a hard time believing how cheerful and efficient the employees here are, or how mercifully quick and painless the whole process is. 30 Greenfield Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, midatlantic.aaa.com/about/StoreDetails?id=MA001#.
City Planter
No matter how small the space or how black the thumbs, the gardening whizzes, plants and tools at City Planter can make any and all parts of a city dweller's urban abode into a flower-filled retreat, a veggie-lover's paradise, or a lush and lovely place to entertain. 814 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, cityplanter.com.
Philly Typewriter
This no-frills shop is the place to buy, trade and repair Remingtons, Royals, Olympias and Smith Coronas – or to indulge in the sweet, simple thrill of click-clacking on some old-school keys. 1439 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147, phillytypewriter.com.
The Outrage
Over in Old City, activist shop The Outrage sells smart-slogan tees, pins and buttons and donates 100 percent of proceeds from six of its collections to nonprofits like Planned Parenthood, RAICES and the ACLU. 321 Arch Street, Philadelphia , PA 19106, the-outrage.com.
Ritual Shoppe
Ritual Shoppe. Photograph by Jillian Guyette Angela Monaco has moved her NoLibs shop to the fanciest square in town and created a pink-walled store that’s as dreamy as the fine rings, necklaces and earrings designed by her and other local artists. 2003 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, ritualshoppe.com.
Eye Love Eyewear
High-end stunners from Dita, Prada and Gucci star at this new shop, but there are also stylish frames that cost as little as $60. And for every pair of glasses sold, ELE donates two pairs to those in need. 1318 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, eyeloveeyewear.com.
Revel Ride
It’s the best of both worlds: Locally owned Revel has all the high-end amenities and tech to rival the big studios — and the cycling-shoe rentals are free. 1632 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, revel-ride.com.
Fancy Wine Club at Bloomsday
When the PLCB temporarily closed all its stores, Philly wine shops stayed open and kept us drinking and drunk during the apocalypse. And they deserve all the attention in the world. 414 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bloomsdaycafe.com/wine-club.
The Children's Clothing Patch
If the success of a tot shop were measured in squeals alone, these proprietors could have retired yesterday. See website for locations, 00000, childrensclothingpatch.com.
Spot 86
Shop this appointment-only studio for Chanel, Dior, glitzy jumpsuits and beading on denim — all curated on owner Troy Blake’s trips to Paris and London. 2424 East York Street, Suite 212, Philadelphia, PA 19125, spot86.com.