Jose Pistola's
Jose Pistola's is about as down-to-earth as it gets, with good drink specials ($15 happy-hour marg pitchers), craft brews, a kitchen that's open until 1 a.m., live music, and a come-as-you-are attitude. 263 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, josepistolas.com.
Sullivan Owen Floral and Event Design
If Anthropologie and Martha Stewart got together and had babies, and those babies were flowers, they would look like the arrangements coming out of the charming Queen Village studio of this new talent. 510 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, sullivanowen.com.
Charlie's Pizzeria
Though all the love these days goes to gourmet pies with imported toppings, Charlie's is an archetype for the kind of place we hope never vanishes the classic American neighborhood shop serving crisp, sweet slices. 107 West Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19401, pizzacharlies.com.
Rustica
Some swear by the exotically topped brick-oven beauties at Frank Maimone's Rustica, in NoLibs (cheesesteak pizza?), but the classic red adorned with Claudio's mozzarella and a naturally sweet tomato sauce is hard to beat. 903 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, rusticaphilly.com.
The Head & The Hand Buyouts
Dinner and a movie is so 2019. Instead, drop $65 to rent out this independent bookstore in Kensington for 90 minutes. They provide a playlist curated to your tastes, loads of books to browse through, a candlelit table, and even some beer or wine. You bring a picnic basket and the old amore. 2644 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, theheadandthehand.com.
cinéSPEAK
This West Philly microcinema was scheduled to debut earlier this year, screening real college-film-class types of works that only true movie nerds would love. But then coronavirus happened, so they shifted into a virtual format until they can open their doors. Hopefully in early 2021. cinespeak.org.
Avery Graham
Longtime Main Line skin-care guru Elizabeth Cardarelli finally comes to the city with a glam full-service medspa that serves up micro-needling, laser hair removal, Botox, Cardarelli’s signature peels, and all other manner of skin-perfecting treatments. 2212 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, averygraham.com.
Blume
Blume. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg Pastels, plants, and a butterfly mural that was meant for selfies. If you were born in the ’90s, you’ve probably been here. If you haven’t, get your grandkids to set you up on Snapchat and come see what the fuss is about. 1500 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, blumephilly.com.
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.