New York Bagel Butler
Unwilling to wait in line for some of the city’s best new bagels? Let us suggest this service, which on Fridays and Saturdays leaves Philly at three a.m. to collect New York bagels (and bialys, and schmear!) and delivers them right to your door. nybagelbutler.com.
Draw to Action
Draw to Action features original drawings from 30 Philly-based artists, with 100 percent of sales donated to local charities. So when you decide to avoid some grown-up responsibilities to go grab your box of Crayolas, you’re practically a philanthropist. instagram.com/drawtoaction.
PucciManuli
This shop feels like the set of The Nutcracker, where items like heirloom rocking horses, model boats and life-size stuffed animals (some of which cost thousands of dollars) share space with sweet wooden puzzles, floppy teddies, and goods made by old-school crafters. 35 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, puccimanuli.com.
AMDG Exterior Contracting
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. 2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, TRUSTAMDG.COM.
Century 21
There are plenty of things that aren't worth a second look (e.g., the lackluster shoe section), but do some digging and you'll find coveted brands (from the likes of Missoni and Armani to Vince, Theory and DVF) at prices worth the hunt. Bonus points for the luxury vintage shop-in-shop and the stellar athletic-wear department. 821 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, c21stores.com/Philly_.
The People's Store Antiques Center
Take 50 of the best area antique dealers, spread them out over four floors, and sprinkle in some quirky curiosities (a giant plastic dolphin from a 1950s carnival ride, for example), and you've got this sprawling Jersey stalwart. 28 North Union Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530, peoplesstore.net.
Chez Yasmine
The tofu-stuffed vegetarian bánh mi here is as packed as a 10-inch Wawa hoagie but light-years better. But the best part—besides Tunisan-born owner Jihed Chehimi, who makes hearty bowls, salads and sandwiches—is the free bottled water and fruit that comes with every order. 37th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, .
Malena's Vintage
This is where designers and stylists for brands like Free People come to score vintage inspiration. Ask nicely, and Malena might walk you around the corner to her new, semi-secret private showroom, packed with treasures (arranged by decade) that will make vintage hounds go weak in the knees. 101 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380, malenasboutique.com.
Fette Sau
With a judicious use of smoke, well-chosen brown liquors and stay-all-day outdoor seating, Fette Sau is still the champion when it comes to American barbecue in Philly. The cafeteria-style ordering means leftovers, making this the meal that keeps on giving. 1208 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, fettesauphilly.com.
Indy Hall
If group feedback and hanging with like-minded design-types is what keeps you motivated, nothing can top the energy level at Indy Hall, where it's first-come, first-serve for space and anyone is welcome to join in the events. 22 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, indyhall.org.
The Arden's Play-in-a-Day Workshop
Your kids (and a dozen or so other K-to-second-graders) spend five hours inside the Old City theater, concocting, writing and rehearsing an original play. Afterward, you come back to witness the too-cute fruits of their labor. Don't forget the camera. 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, ardentheatre.org/classes.
Brauhaus Schmitz
Modern German isnt exactly the easiest trick to pull off, even in this golden age for multi-ethnic cuisine. But chef Jeremy Nolen is wickedly skilled when it comes to getting his food onto the minds and into the mouths of Philadelphians who wouldnt know a stopfleberwurst from a schinkenbrot. The dirndls on the waitresses dont hurt, either. 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brauhausschmitz.com.
Tammy Arbeter
This certified birth doula coaches expectant moms and dads on birthing options and what to expect in the delivery room, and sticks around come D-day to make sure all goes smoothly. (Well, as smoothly as these things go.) Her clients say they wouldn't deliver without her. 00000,
Fork
This upscale American bistro helped coax serious eaters to Old City when it opened back in 1997. And now that chef Terence Feury is behind the line, his cooking seasonal, but just slippery enough to keep things interesting has given 'em a reason to come back. 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, forkrestaurant.com.
Barclay Prime
They come in a cheeky pair, wrapped in paper and served simply with cheddar, mustard, onions and pickles, but that's where -Barclay's walk on the low-rent side ends: The two so-worth-it $20 patties are made of dry-aged strip, rib eye, filet and of course Kobe. 237 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barclayprime.com.