Greensgrow Farms
Greensgrow is more than a gardening shop; it's an everything-that-grows epicenter. So at the very least, you'll walk out with seeds, shrubs and expert advice; at most, you'll sign up for the CSA, get a lesson in container gardening, and book an expert to install a vertical garden on your patio. The new West Philly location is as Eden-like as the original Kensington one. Two locations, greensgrow.org.
Garage
You no longer have to dread taking visitors on the requisite Pat's/Geno's hometown tour. Across from Cheesesteak Vegas, tucked behind an auto shop facade, this beer-centric spot serves only canned and bottled suds (from mid-priced IPAs to bargain PBR pounders) and has Skee Ball and pool plus rotating chefs in a food cart, as well as a BYO cheesesteak policy. 1231 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, garagephilly.com.
Snacktime
What started in the early days of the pandemic as a bunch of horn players and a drummer who would set up shop in Rittenhouse Square and South Philly to bring joy to the neighbors has become the coolest and hardest-to-book band in town. They just dropped their debut album, Sounds from the Street: Live, which is a must for your summer backyard playlist. Find them in September at the XPoNential Festival in Camden. snacktimephilly.com.
Devon Lanes
Though the arcade games and bowling tech have been upgraded since this suburban gem opened in 1959, the place still retains the charm of another era. That may be due in part to the pricing: On some nights, you can play as many games as you want for just $10, including shoe rental. Plus it’s BYO, making this one of the cheapest nights out on the Main Line. 300 West Lancaster Avenue, Devon, PA 19333, devonlanes.com.
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Would you be surprised if we told you that some well-known Philadelphians can be found scavenging for cast-off decor treasures at the new Warminster warehouse? Whether you’re intent on saving the planet or your wallet, ReStore’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it selection of new and gently used furnishings is diverse and eclectic. A single shopping haul could yield a low-slung velvet couch, a Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, and enough decorative baskets to populate Pinterest. 539 Jacksonville Road, Warminster, PA 18974, habitatbucks.org.
Sabor Latino II
Though we still have a special place in our heart for the occasional Sack O’ Subs or White House hoagie on the beach, the flaky, overstuffed empanadas at this brand-new shop two blocks from the water have won our affection. And since they’re so much less messy than the aforementioned sandwiches, there’s more for your mouth and less for those nefarious seagulls. 4227 Ventnor Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, facebook.com/SaborLatinoAtlanticCity.
Wayne Edwards Workshop
With 50-plus years in business and a move to a new 1,500-square-foot shop and studio — the former home of Joseph Fox Bookshop — the Wayne Edwards team has more room to tailor your tux, plus a ready-to-wear section with luxury duds for your honeymoon. (Pair those Rubirosa sneakers with Candiani Italian denim.) And in the workshop? On average, 37 measurements to perfectly match your silhouette. 1724 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, wayneedwardsworkshop.com.
C.M. Neff: Cook Sup. Co.
Chef Cary Neff opened this impossibly small East Passyunk shop back in April, lining his shelves with both new and used tools, cookbooks, pots, pans and knives. While you’re looking around, Neff will bring your dull santoku back to razor-sharp life for just $9. The trick is to catch him — the hours, according to the front window, are “by chance.” 1940 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, instagram.com/cmneffcooksupco.
Rescue Spa
Danuta Mieloch’s impressive new space inside the former Barneys is the stuff of beauty dreams. The opulent 9,700-square-foot haven offers luxe facials and massages (natch) but also nail and hair salons, a makeup counter, a brow room, a “Relaxation Room” complete with an infrared sauna and a hydrotherapy shower, and a shop full of 100-plus brands, including Mieloch’s new clean-beauty line, Danucera. Consider your movie makeover sequence handled. 1811 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rescuespa.com/philadelphia.
Ambler Tire and Auto
The first thing you notice at Ambler Tire and Auto is that it’s clean. This isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for an auto mechanic — and often, the opposite may be true — but it’s emblematic of the shop’s work. For more than 40 years, they’ve been providing fair, honest work, leading to generations of return customers. Ambler specializes in European makers (Volkswagens, Audis, BMWs and Porsches), but you’re welcome to bring in your humble American auto, too. 123 South Main Street, Ambler, PA 19002, amblertire.com.
Jean-Jacques Gallery
Not quite the size of Carrie Bradshaw's walk-in closet, this teeny shop is nevertheless the perfect place to outfit you and your gal pals for a night on the town or weekend getaway: Boss Lady body wash for prep, a kicky cocktail shaker for pre-game, Imooi necklaces to bring on the cute, and temporary tattoos to throw in just a wee bit of (manageable) danger. 7118 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119, .
And We Evolve
Why you love secondhand shopping: It’s sustainable and affordable. Why you hate it: hours of slogging through overstuffed racks. Well, Liz Funk’s Fairmount-based company plays the role of stylist for that which is slightly worn. Get handpicked J.Crew, Madewell, DVF and Boden delivered to your door monthly. andweevolve.com.
ToBox
ToBox has racked up a handful of BOP nods for its shoe selection, and yes, that’s still the main reason to visit. But if you go just to hang out in its tucked-away man cave – a moody, mellow haven where top customers can unwind with cocktails from personal whiskey cages – well, we wouldn’t blame you. 1822 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, facebook.com/Toboxshoes.
Big Top Thrift
Even if Big Top didn’t have a huge charitable aspect — which it does — we’d still want to shop here for the many lighthearted and fun finds (cowboy boots, kitschy kitchen goods). But winking tees are definitely the centerpiece: Garfield, Hard Rock Osaka, Mrs. T’s Pierogies and Uncle Fester are only a few examples. Claim yours by sending a DM through Instagram. @bigtopthrift. instagram.com/bigtopthrift.
Walter Pine
Queen Village plant shop Walter Pine. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou This Queen Village newcomer has done all aspiring plant parents a favor by assembling a selection that’s special — heart-shaped hoya, kangaroo paw fern, burgundy ficus — but never overwhelming. Worth noting: This shop is equal parts plants, gifts and flowers. The small grab-and-go bouquets and full-size arrangements are stunning free-form groupings of color, shape and texture. 729 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, walterpine.com.