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.
Styer's Garden Cafe
Now that Terrain's greenhouse cafe has expanded to a patio and dinner four nights a week, and Supper alum Keith Rudolf as executive chef we couldn't be more excited to put our fannies in the Fermob folding chairs, uncork the BYO riesling, and order one of everything (two, when it comes to the cheese plates). 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, shopterrain.com/glen-mills-restaurant.
Ting Wong
Its fast, its cheap, its small (so plan your visits accordingly), but it also has several dishes that are the best versions in Chinatown namely the shrimp dumplings (in any soup theyre served in), the roast duck (which, conveniently, also comes in a soup with the aforementioned dumplings), and the congee. 138 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, phillychinatown.com/tingwong.htm.
Genesis Nail Salon
We have actually been known to get in a cab in order to lounge for nearly an hour-nearly an hour, we tell you!-at this low-key spot that delivers some of the most thorough nail maintenance and accompanying massages we've had. 729 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, genesisnailsalon.com.
Robertson's
Proper flowers for life's major passages. Inimitable Robertson's, in Philly since 1927 and on the Main Line since 2001, has tasteful arrangements, simple bouquets and impeccable delivery that have made Philadelphians' lives elegantly easier for 80-some years. 8501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, robertsonsflowers.com.
Master Tailor and Cleaners
They'll shake their heads disapprovingly. They'll hem and haw and make no guarantees. And then you'll come back one week later and pick up your totally red wine/oil/makeup-free silk blouse or cashmere cardigan or white linen pants. 1620 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, facebook.com/pages/Master-Tailor-Cleaners/191404560944818.
Poe’s Sandwich Joint
Leave it to pothead N.A. Poe to come up with the ultimate match for the munchies. The bulging, cheesy meatball, chicken and eggplant parmesan sandwiches — and, yes, the funnel cake fries — are available late on weeknights and, blissfully, until 3 a.m. on weekends. 1429 Marlborough Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, .
Neighborhood Ramen
Lines out the door, graffiti on the walls, hip-hop on the playlist, and some of the most inspired ramen and gyoza you’ll find anywhere. Rumor is they don’t let you take leftovers. Who knows if it’s true? We’ve never had to ask. 617 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, neighborhoodramen.com.