Metro Men's Clothing
Dudes. You're kind of miserable when it comes to shopping, yes? And when you can dress yourself in one fell swoop from the jacket to the tee to the denim to the shoes this makes you less miserable, correct? Go here. Be less miserable. 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, metromensclothing.com/.
Bar Poulet
Some people were surprised to learn that this new Center City spot is pairing pressure-fried chicken and champagne, but it’s been a thing, and one taste of the sharp bubbles cutting through the rich bird will convince you we’ve long deserved this brilliant concept. 2005 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barpoulet.com.
Vernick Fish
Chef Greg Vernick’s menu is inspired by his summers at the Jersey Shore. It’s why his seafood is fresh as hell, it’s why James’ saltwater taffy comes at the end of the meal, and it’s why his ice cream, made with seasonal fresh fruit, instantly transports you to the boardwalk. One North 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vernickfish.com.
Vaux Studio
Vaux Studio. Photograph by Alexa Nahas Why go to Vegas when with as little as one week’s notice, you can get hitched in the company of up to 25 guests in a cozy, light-filled space on Spruce Street? Package rates vary, but each comes with an on-site officiant who definitely won’t be dressed like Elvis. 1209 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vauxstudio.com.
Rockwater Pools
Anthony DeFazio and his team expertly handle all the annoying stuff that comes with owning a pool: chemicals, cleaning, repairs, and, in one case, evicting a pesky family of ducks. Plus, they answer texts and calls quickly. (We’re talking within the hour.) rockwaterpools.com.
Via Bicycle
Curtis Anthony of Via Bicycle. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Curtis Anthony’s shop looks like your granddad’s garage, and it has bikes and parts older than your granddad. (Some date back to the 1890s.) And Anthony won’t try to sell you $700 in new gear if a $7 part will do the trick. 622 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, Bikeville.com.
Restoration Hardware Outlet
Savvy shoppers (and interior designers) hit this outlet–and hit it often–to score up to 40 percent off on gorgeous chairs, chaises, sofas, soft goods, tables and lighting. Tips for the semi-savvy: Come prepared with room measurements, be ready to comb through a lot of inventory, and ask the staff about any unmarked sales. 2100 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, restorationhardware.com/.
Tavern on Camac
You already know about the always-fun first-floor piano bar. But upstairs is a music-pumping hideaway where the city’s cool-kid creative types go to blow off some steam. Diverse, inclusive and hassle-free—a rare combination in a dance club these days. 243 South Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tavernoncamac.com/.
Thos. Moser
As indie boutiques continue to shutter along this vaunted shopping row, this newly opened handmade furniture haven gives us hope. Hit it up for subtly curvilinear bed frames, leather-wrapped seats, and writing desks so inviting, they’re sure to inspire productivity. 1605 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, thosmoser.com/.
Bona Cucina
At this 31-year-old cash-only BYOB, charming Frankie will take your order while her husband Pat cooks in the tiny kitchen — and never emerges. Come for ravioli, shrimp scampi, red-gravy dishes, and a homemade cannoli that we'll gladly put up against anything in the Italian Market. 66 Sherbrook Boulevard, Upper Darby, PA 19082, .
The Pub in Pennsauken
There's a time and place for fancy, clubby steakhouses. But when you want to go seriously retro, try the Pub, where the steaks all come off a charcoal-fired hearth, an expansive salad bar is included, and you do your feasting in a medieval dining hall on the outskirts of Camden. 7600 Kaighns Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 08109, thepubnj.com/.
A Mano
Townsend Wentz and his chef, Michael Millon, want people to think that A Mano is just some little neighborhood Italian restaurant. But don't be fooled. A Mano is really a poor man's Vetri — a place where remarkable precision and care are brought to classic Italian pastas and entrées, resulting in something uniquely modern and uniquely Philadelphian. 2244 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, amanophilly.com/.
BDDW
This Port Richmond firm is responsible for the most gorgeous, refined furniture to come out of our area since Nakashima: grand live-edge walnut dining tables with cast-bronze wishbone bases, sculptural leather sling chairs, and the coolest ping-pong table we've ever seen. 3450 Salmon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, bddw.com/.
Kristel Closets
Sorry, Stitch Fix. This Conshy-based service is refreshingly old-school in that clients get a closet critique from a real-life style expert, followed by one-on-one shopping trips to fill holes. Stylists are also available via Skype for quick consults. kristelclosets.com.
Rob Peters, Ardmore Wine & Spirits
This a joke, right? Nope, not when it comes to Peters, who holds certifications from the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, among other organizations, and teaches at the Restaurant School. Main Line mavens swear by his recommendations for the best wine to pair with everything from boeuf bourguignon to tacos to pho. 62 Greenfield Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, finewineandgoodspirits.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1.