Glbl Vllg’s Jams
Lyonzo Vargas of Glbl Vllg at the Barnes Foundation’s Artist Bash. Photograph by Jeff Fusco There's only one rule at these roving events put on by this new grassroots entertainment group: If you are on the rug, you are going to participate. And that's not a threat, that's the point, because wellness comes in many forms, including letting your inner soul out. Keep reading here. glblvllg.com.
Kole Made
The stunning cabinetry, built-ins and shelving coming out of this design-build firm in Brewerytown aren’t just about good looks: Kole Made’s sleek, creative work milks every square inch of potential storage space for all its worth. 3060 West Jefferson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, kolemade.com.
Philly Style Bagels
Just when you thought this bagel boutique couldn’t top that esteemed lox sandwich, they nonchalantly roll out this beaut, an amped-up tuna salad (it’s silky, but also hearty enough to hold up to their chewy rounds) that comes with just tomato and lettuce. Get it on an everything, please. 1451 East Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, phillystylebagels.com/.
Townsend
Townsend is sophisticated and polished, but between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., industry folk from all over Philly descend upon it for some post-service bonding time (a.k.a. partying). A fine-dining French restaurant with an unofficial nightly party? We’ll see you there. 1623 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, townsendrestaurant.com/.
Museum of the American Revolution
Much to our surprise, the people in charge here figured out a way to make something that happened 250 years ago seem relevant, important, and perfectly worthy of an afternoon inside. Maybe they could give the Constitution Center some pointers. 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, amrevmuseum.org/.
Meister's Barbershop
This handsome addition to East Passyunk is everything it needs to be and nothing it doesn't: a smartly designed space, a simple first-come, first-served system, and four chairs where owner Rob Baumiester and his team will deliver the finest fade you've ever received. 1810 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, meistersbarbershop.com.
Boxers' Trail
This nearly four-mile route (where Smokin' Joe Frazier used to train) has wide-open pathways that cut through scenic woods and aren't overcrowded like some other, ahem, more popular riverside trails. Start at 33rd Street and Oxford Avenue in Fairmount Park.
Gruyere Popover and Foie Gras Soup at Sbraga
Okay, so they're not free, exactly ... but this luscious amuse-bouche combo that comes with every prix-fixe menu at Kevin Sbraga's eponymous flagship is the course we look forward to most. And given how amazing those prix-fixe menus are, that's saying a lot. 440 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, sbragadining.com/.
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., .
Exact Solar
The experts at this trusted Yardley company will come to your house to determine what type of panel suits it best water-heating, electricity-generating or even pool-warming and then handle everything from permits to install to rebates. All you have to do is congratulate yourself: Your carbon footprint is now just a carbon toe. 1655 Fairfield Road, Yardley, PA 19067, exactsolar.com/.
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/.
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/.
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.
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/.