Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe & Bakery
When Jezabel Careaga moved her Fitler Square Argentine cafe west, she combined it with a teahouse and retail shop, and it immediately became a hit — a place to eat, work, study, host events, and run into the neighbors. 206 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, jezabelscafe.com.
Tinys Bottle Shop
Your go-to source for cloudy California pet-nats, wild-fermented pinot noirs and glou-glou bottles is located in a former garage in Port Richmond. We never thought we’d be writing these words either, but hey — that’s 2019 for you. 3124 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, lunarinn.com/tinys-bottle-shop.
The Hot Dog Stand
The kind of place where you walk up to a window and order Whiz-slathered dogs from a friendly woman who gives free refills on soda. And if you aren’t in the hot-dog mood, the meatball sandwiches are much better than you’d expect from, you know, a hot-dog stand. 401 West MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033, .
R&D
R&D. Photograph by Stephen Recchia A dark, gorgeous, and highly experimental bar with a cocktail list that changes every few months but isn’t too full of itself to serve tiki drinks in volcano bowls. 1206 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, rdphilly.com.
Salmon Cheesesteak at Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen
As Philly’s Muslim population grew, so did the popularity of the salmon cheesesteak. It’s become essential to any aficionado’s checklist. Start here. 4441 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, sismuhammadskitchen.com.
Drag Queen Story Time at Mister John’s Music
Miss Maria TopCatt at Mister John’s Music. Photograph by Jared Gruenwald It's a dance party and a story time hosted by a drag queen named Miss Maria TopCatt. If that all sounds like a lot to take in, look at it from a toddler’s perspective: All they see is that it's okay to look different and be different and be friends with people who look different. And actually, that’s pretty awesome. Keep reading here. 904 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, misterjohnsmusic.com.
Sue’s Art Class
From candy sushi modeling to clothes for American Girl dolls to the most creative self-portraits you’ve seen, upbeat owner Sue Puchowitz keeps her art classes focused on the journey, not the end result. (Fun fact: Her son is Cheu Noodle Bar co-owner/chef Ben.) 2119 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, suesartclass.com/sue.
Butcher’s Sew Shop
Butcher’s Sew Shop. Photograph by Jared Gruenwald Wide-leg jumpsuits, flower pillows, messenger bags … The classes here teach kids and teens they can make anything they dream up. Additional location in Grad Hospital. 800 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .
Jefferson Urgent Care
In the time it’ll take you to get a same-day appointment at your GP, you’ll be seen, diagnosed, and on your way to the pharmacy. Extra points for the immaculate office. 700 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, jeffersonhealth.org.
Brittany Lynne’s Cards Against Humanity
Photograph by The Washington Post/Getty Images This monthly group battle at Mifflin Tavern, hosted by a beloved drag queen, is never boring. And the fact that it takes place in deep South Philly at what used to be Johnny Doc’s bar makes it even more delicious. 1843 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, phillydragmafia.com.
Skate the Foundry
If you’ve always thought the kids kick-flipping at Paine’s Park look really cool but worry that you’d break your neck, the answer is the four-week beginners’ course for adults at this rad indoor skatepark. From $78 including skateboard, pad and helmet loaners. 894 North 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Skatethefoundry.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.
Occasionette
We’ve been fans of Occasionette since the East Passyunk gift shop opened in 2013, but now our friends across the Delaware can enjoy it, too. What to expect at the new 3,800-square-foot spot: style-forward planters (plus, faux succulents!), a large card wall, and locally made chocolates. 724 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, occasionette.com.
The Restaurant Store
Housed in a Costco-like warehouse (they have a map to navigate the 45,000-plus product selection), this 20-year-old restaurant supplier isn’t your mom’s Williams Sonoma. As a lay shopper, you’ll want to skip the heavy-duty equipment and instead stock up on restaurant-worthy pots, pans, dinnerware and tools—most of which are available on the cheap. 615 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020, therestaurantstore.com.