Friday, July 29, 2011

PHILADELPHIA

(includes Bala Cynwyd, Folcroft, Horsham, Langhorne, Lower Merion & Mt. Airy)

BAKERIES, COFFEE, ICE CREAM, JUICE & TEA
Artisan Boulanger Patissier – 1218 Mifflin Street (South Philadelphia, East Passyunk); 215-271-4688; exceptional almond croissants & pork belly banh.
Ba Le Bakery – 606 Washington Avenue (Bella Vista); 215-389-4350; facebook.com/bale.philadelphia; great banh mi.
Black N Brew – 1523 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 267-639-6070; blackbrew.net; coffee, omelets & sandwiches.
B2 – 1500 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 215-271-5520; facebook.com/b2cafephilly; vegan-friendly; desserts, including soft-serve ice cream.
Capofitto Pizzaria + Gelateria – 233 Chestnut Street (Old City); 215-897-9999; capogirogelato.com; artisanal ice cream; try cioccolato scuro (bitter chocolate).
Capogiro Gelato Artisans – 117 South 20th Street (Rittenhouse Square, at corner of 20th & Sansom Streets); 215-636-9250; capogirogelato.com; artisanal ice cream; try cioccolato scuro (bitter chocolate).
Capogiro Gelato Artisans – 3925 Walnut Street (University City); 215-222-0252; capogirogelato.com; artisanal ice cream; try cioccolato scuro (bitter chocolate).
Capogiro Gelato Artisans – 119 South 13th Street (Market East, corner of 13th & Sansom Streets); 215-351-0900; capogirogelato.com; artisanal ice cream; try cioccolato scuro (bitter chocolate).
Chestnut Hill Coffee Co. – 8620 Germantown Avenue (Chestnut Hill); 215-242-8600; chestnuthillcoffee.com; family-friendly cafe.
La Colombe – 130 South 19th Street (Rittenhouse Square, at Penn Center); 215-563-0860; lacolombe.com; original location; chain.
La Colombe – 1335 Frankford Avenue; 267-479-1600; lacolombe.com; coffee emporium, with pizza oven; enormous.
La Colombe – 1414 South Penn Square; 215-977-7770 (Rittenhouse Square, at Penn Center); lacolombe.com; coffee emporium, with pizza oven; enormous.
Federal Donuts – 1219 South 2nd Street (Pennsport); 267-687-8258; federaldonuts.com; food lovers’ paradise that capitalizes on Korean fried chicken angle, too; donuts prepped several times daily; chicken comes crunchy or glazed; order both chicken & donuts to go.
Federal Donuts – 1632 Sansom Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-665-1101; federaldonuts.com; food lovers’ paradise that capitalizes on Korean fried chicken angle, too; donuts prepped several times daily; chicken comes crunchy or glazed; order both chicken & donuts to go.
Federal Donuts – 701 North 7th Street (Spring Garden); 267-928-3893; federaldonuts.com; food lovers’ paradise that capitalizes on Korean fried chicken angle, too; donuts prepped several times daily; chicken comes crunchy or glazed; order both chicken & donuts to go.
Federal Donuts – 3428 Sansom Street; 267-275-8489 (West Philly); federaldonuts.com; food lovers’ paradise that capitalizes on Korean fried chicken angle, too; donuts prepped several times daily; chicken comes crunchy or glazed; order both chicken & donuts to go.
Federal Donuts (Port Fednuts) – 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard (Penn’s Landing); federaldonuts.com; food lovers’ paradise that capitalizes on Korean fried chicken angle, too; donuts prepped several times daily; chicken comes crunchy or glazed; order both chicken & donuts to go.
Franklin Fountain – 116 Market Street (Old City); 215-627-1899; franklinfountain.com; old-time soda fountain; try Egyptienne Egg Shake Phosphate (orange & rose water, syrups, seltzer, egg & date).
High Street on Market – 308 Market Street (Old City); 215-625-0988; highstreetonmarket.com; great breads & pastries, as well as good coffee; try sesame-tahini bread.
Menagerie Coffee – 18 South 3rd Street (Old City); 920-579-0696; menageriecoffee.com; coffee & sandwiches.
Passyunk Scoop Shop – 1625 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 215-462-3790; capogirogelato.com/flavors.php?location=3; artisanal ice cream by Capogiro Gelato Artisans; try cioccolato scuro (bitter chocolate).
Philadelphia Style Bagels – 1451 East Columbia Avenue (Fishtown); phillystylebagels.com; boiled in beer.
Ryan Crown’s Juice Club – 1425 Arch Street (Penn Center); 215-519-8935; facebook.com/rcjuiceclub; health juice bar.
Ultimo Coffee – 1900 South 15th South; 215-339-5177; ultimocoffee.com; artisanal pastries & unusual coffee drinks.
Ultimo Coffee – 2149 Catharine Street; 215-545-3565; ultimocoffee.com; artisanal pastries & unusual coffee drinks.



BARS & NIGHTCLUBS
a.kitchen + bar – 1737 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-825-7035; akitchenandbar.com; sleek spot on Rittenhouse Square.
Alla Spina – 1410 Mount Vernon Street (Fairmount); 215-600-0017; allaspinaphilly.com; Italian bar treats & numerous beers on tap at this “industrial-looking,” graffiti-graced space; can reserve table atop walk-in beer fridge; not cheap.
Johnny Brenda’s – 1201 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown); 215-739-9684; johnnybrendas.com; eclectic dive bar decor, live music, local beer.
Ela – 627 South 3rd Street (Queen Village); 267-687-8512; elaphilly.com; great cocktails & huge martinis.
Fette Sau – 1208 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown); 215-391-4888; fettesauphilly.com; dry-rubbed barbecue & whiskey until midnight.
Frankford Hall – 1210 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown); 215-634-3338; frandfordhall.com; family friendly bar, with ping-pong & picnic tables.
Franklin Bar – 112 South 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 267-467-3277; thefranklinbar.com; named for 1920s bootleggers; low lighting, leather banquettes & old-fashioned menu.
Khyber Pass Pub – 56 South 2nd Street (Old City); 215-238-5888; khyberpasspub.com; back bar dates to 1876 World Fair.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House – 1310 Drury Street (Market East); 215-735-5562; mcgillins.com; city’s oldest bar; in dark alley; try McGillin’s ale.
National Mechanics – 22 South 3rd Street (Old City); 215-701-4883; nationalmechanics.com; every weekend morning, offers Bloody Mary bar; building dates to 1837.
Newbold Brew – 1900 South 15th Street (Point Breeze); 215-339-5177; newboldbrew.com; craft beer boutique.
Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar – 1200 East Passyunk Avenue (Passyunk Square); 215-365-1169; thehappybirthdaybar.com; 75 year-old corner tavern.
Ranstead Room – 2013 Ranstead Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-563-3330; elreyrestaurant.com; has own entrance (behind & connected to El Rey Restaurant); 1970s-era nudes on wall, red vinyl booths.
Time – 1315 Sansom Street (Market East); 215-985-4800; timerestaurant.net; absinthe bar.
12 Steps Down – 831 Christian Street; 215-238-0379; 12stepsdown.com; great Bloody Marys.
Village Whiskey – 118 South 20th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-665-1088; philadelphia.villagewhiskey.com; upscale pub with great burgers.



HOTELS
Hotel Palomar – 117 South 17th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-563-5006 or 888-725-1778; hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com; stylish & comfortable.
Rittenhouse Hotel – 210 West Rittenhouse Square (Rittenhouse Square); 215-546-9000 or 800-635-1042; rittenhousehotel.com; contemporary & elegant.
Ritz-Carlton – 10 Avenue of Arts (Rittenhouse Square); 215-523-8000 or 800-741-5072; ritzcarlton.com; in old bank building; lovely.
Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia – 120 South 17th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-569-8300 or 800-763-4835; sofitel.com/Philadelphia.



RESTAURANTS
a.kitchen & bar – 1737 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-825-7035; akitchenandbar.com; stylish American bistro offers seasonal small plates & craft beers in white-oak-lined space.
Alma de Cuba – 1623 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-988-1799; almadecubarestaurant.com; Stephen Starr Cuban/Latin restaurant.
Amis – 412 South 13th Street (Washington Square West); 215-732-2647; amistrattoria.com; simple, Roman-style pastas.
Ba Le Bakery – 606 Washington Avenue (Bella Vista); 215-389-4350; facebook.com/bale.philadelphia; great banh mi.
Barbuzzo – 110 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-546-9300; barbuzzo.com; Mediterranean-inspired menu; polished-farmhouse atmosphere; good for lunch; try to grab stool & marble counter; desserts outstanding – try blood orange tiramasu and/or budino.
Barclay Prime – 237 South 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-732-7560; barclayprime.com; best steak house in city; Stephen Starr restaurant.
Bibou – 1009 South 8th Street (Bella Vista); 215-965-8290; biboubyob.com; BYOB; French; excellent pan-seared fois gras.
Black N Brew – 1523 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 267-639-6070; blackbrew.net; coffee, omelets & sandwiches.
Brü Craft & Wurst – 1316 Chestnut Street (Midtown Village); 215-800-1079; bruphilly.com; beer garden.
Cafe Diem – 1031 South 8th Street (Bella Vista); 215-923-8347; facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Diem/143088755727119; Vietnamese.
Cheu Noodle Bar – 255 South 10th Street (Washington Square West); 267-639-4136; cheunoodlebar.com; Asian noodle bar; try noodles with lamb neck.
La Colombe – 130 South 19th Street (Rittenhouse Square, at Penn Center); 215-563-0860; lacolombe.com; original location; chain.
La Colombe – 1335 Frankford Avenue; 267-479-1600; lacolombe.com; coffee emporium, with pizza oven; enormous.
La Colombe – 1414 South Penn Square; 215-977-7770 (Rittenhouse Square, at Penn Center); lacolombe.com; coffee emporium, with pizza oven; enormous.
Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies – 600 Wendover Street (Roxborough); 215-482-5407; dalessandros.com; crowded storefront diner; cheesesteak sandwich.
Dante & Luigi’s – 762 South 10th Street (Bella Vista); 215-922-9501; danteandluigis.com; some consider best Italian in city; among oldest Italian restaurants.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse – 111 South 17th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-563-4810; davios.com/phil; specialties include spaghetti Bolognese & crispy chicken livers (in addition to northern Italian-style steaks); dramatic dining room on Provident National Bank building’s 2nd floor caters to power crowd breakfast through dinner; weekday happy hour is well-kept secret (from 5-7 pm martinis are $5 & thin-crust pizza is free); also, try Philly cheese-steak spring roll.
Devon Seafood Grill – 225 South 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-546-5490; devonseafood.com; excellent seafood of all kinds; really good crab cakes.
DiNic’s – 2149 South 20th Street; 215-463-4114; tommydinics.com; by some accounts, best sandwich in Philly – even better than cheesesteak.
Earth & Bread – 7136 Germantown Avenue (Mount Airy); 215-242-6666; earthbreadbrewery.com; gastropub with 11 beers on tap, 4 of which brewed in-house.
Fette Sau – 1234 Locust Street (Fishtown); 215-391-4888; fettesauphilly.com; dry-rubbed barbecue & whiskey until midnight.
Fond – 1537 South 11th Street (Passyunk Square); 215-551-5000; fondphilly.com; 34-seat, upscale, BYOB spot; try crispy, brined pork belly.
Fork – 306 Market Street (Old City); 215-625-9425; forkrestaurant.com; 215-625-9425; excellent meals; contemporary American cuisine.
Frankford Hall – 1210 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown); 215-634-3338; frankfordhall.com; big German-style beer garden with communal seating.
Garces Trading Co. – 1111 Locust Street (Washington Square West); 215-574-1099; garcestradingcompany.com; lunch.
Geno’s Steaks – 1219 South 9th Street (Bella Vista); 215-389-0659; genosteaks.com; cheesesteaks.
Grocery – 101 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-922-5252; grocery13.com; good for breakfast & lunch; to go foods.
Han Dynasty – 3711 Market Street (University City); 215-222-3711; handynasty.net; locally beloved; notable for dan dan noodles, double-cooked fish, and/or spicy crispy cucumbers; BYOB.
Han Dynasty – 108 Chestnut Street (Old City); 215-922-1888; handynasty.net; locally beloved; notable for dan dan noodles, double-cooked fish, and/or spicy crispy cucumbers; BYOB.
Han Dynasty – 4356 Main Street (Manayunk); 215-508-2066; handynasty.net; locally beloved; notable for dan dan noodles, double-cooked fish, and/or spicy crispy cucumbers; BYOB.
High Street on Market – 308 Market Street (Old City); 215-625-0988; highstreetonmarket.com; inventive cafe; sandwiches, soups & other gourmet-to-go items; breakfast, lunch & dinner; emphasis on locally-sourced products, including appetizing breads & pastries baked daily; house-bottled cocktails.
Hungry Pigeon – 743 South 4th Street; 215-278-2736; hungrypigeon.com; 2 chefs cook simple, all-day fare in artsy, brick-walled corner storefront.
ITV – 1615 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk Crossing); 267-858-0669; ITVPhilly.com; Chef Nick Elmi’s inspired & shareable plates complement thoughtful lineup of wine & cocktails.
Jamonera – 105 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-922-6061; jamonerarestaurant.com/jamonera; Sangria & tapas.
JG Domestic – 2929 Arch Street B (University City, Cira Centre, Ground Floor); 215-222-2363; jgdomestic.com; curiously situated, dinner-and-lunch spot; try Keswick Creamery Fondue for lunch; also try lobster cappuccino.
Jim’s Steaks – 431 North 62nd Street (South Street District); 215-747-6617; jimssteaks.com; probably best cheese-steak; can eat inside & sit down.
Jim’s Steaks South Street – 400 South Street (Center City East); 215-928-1911; jimssteaks.com; original location; probably best cheese-steak; can eat inside & sit down.
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop – 6030 Torresdale Avenue (Tacony); 215-535-9405; joessteaks.com; charming destination in 1950s neighborhood; cheesesteak sandwiches.
John’s Roast Pork – 14 East Snyder Avenue (Pennsport); 215-463-1951; johnsroastpork.com; open only Monday through Friday, for breakfast & lunch; working person’s restaurant; open since 1930 but no indoor seating; cheesesteak sandwich.
Jones – 700 Chestnut Street (Market East); 215-223-5663; jones-restaurant.com; Stephen Starr restaurant; better for lunch than dinner; modern take on 50s-style diner; basic, good food like fried chicken, huge salads, brisket, grilled cheese & tomato sandwiches, etc.
Kanella Cypriot Restaurant & Bar – 757 South Front Street (Penn’s Landing); 215-644-8949; kanellarestaurant.com; Greek-Cypriot fare prepared with free-range meat & chicken, served in cozy white-walled space; BYOB.
Kensington Quarters – 1310 Frankford Avenue; 267-314-5086; kensingtonquarters.com; for juicy, wonderful grass-fed burgers.
Leo’s Steak Shop – 1403 Chester Pike (Folcroft); 610-586-1199; cheesesteak sandwich.
Little Fish – 746 South 6th Street (Bella Vista); 267-455-0172; littlefishbyob.com; BYOB; beloved.
Little Nonna’s – 1234 Locust Street (Washington Square West); 215-546-2100; littlenonnas.com; Italian-American.
Lolita – 106 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-546-7100; lolitaphilly.com/lolita; scene-y; well-prepared carne asada; loud.
Mama’s Pizzeria – 426 Belmont Avenue (Bala Cynwyd); 610-664-4757; facebook.com/Mamas-Pizzeria-425218417521723/; steak sandwich is excellent.
Monk’s – 264 South 16th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-545-7005; monkscafe.com; dark hole-in-wall that serves Belgian food (think fries & mussels).
Nom Nom Ramen – 20 South 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-988-0898; nomnomramen.com; original crowd-pleaser is ramen shio (seasoned with salt & white soy sauce) in tonkotsu broth (comes with chashu, kikurage mushrooms, naruto, bamboo, scallions & pickled ginger.
Nom Nom Ramen – 3401 Walnut Street (University City); 215-988-0898; nomnomramen.com; original crowd-pleaser is ramen shio (seasoned with salt & white soy sauce) in tonkotsu broth (comes with chashu, kikurage mushrooms, naruto, bamboo, scallions & pickled ginger.
Osteria – 640 North Broad Street (Fairmount); 215-763-0920; osteriaphilly.com; try veal liver ravioli with figs & carmelized onions.
Otto’s Brauhaus – 233 Easton Road (Horsham); 215-675-1864; ottosbrauhauspa.com; serving traditional German food, 7 days week, since 1930s, in beautiful setting.
Paesano’s Philly Style – 148 West Girard Avenue (Italian Market); 267-886-9556; paesanosphillystyle.com; teeny, “Fishtown” gem; great broccoli rabe; try locally-made, Hank’s black cherry soda; try “Arista” (roasted suckling pig sandwich with broccoli rabe), Italian long hots, sharp provolone & natural jus; others say “Always. Get. The. Gustaio.”
Parc Brasserie – 227 South 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-545-2262; parc-restaurant.com; Stephen Starr restaurant; atmospheric & good.
Percy Street Barbecue – 900 South Street (Washington Square West); 215-625-8510; percystreet.com.
Pho 75 – 1122 Washington Avenue (Bella Vista); 215-271-5866; facebook.com/pages/Pho-75/111729412191156; Vietnamese soup.
Pho 75 – 823 Adams Avenue (Northeast); 215-743-8845; facebook.com/pages/Pho-75/111729412191156; Vietnamese soup.
Pizza Brain – 2313 Frankford Avenue; 215-291-2965; pizzabrain.org; quirky BYOB eatery known for pizza memorabilia, artisanal pies with unique toppings & ice cream.
Pizzeria Beddia – 1313 North Lee Street (Northern Liberties); 267-928-2256; pizzeriabeddia.com; some of best pizza in America.
Pizzeria Vetri – 1939 Callowhill Street (Fairmount); 215-600-2629; pizzeriavetri.com; set in high-ceilinged, white-tiled Franklintown space down block from Barnes Foundation; casual; mid-priced Neapolitan pies emerge from custom-built oven; small beer, wine & cocktail menu.
Pizzeria Vetri – 1615 Chancellor Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-763-3760; pizzeriavetri.com; casual; mid-priced Neapolitan pies emerge from custom-built oven; small beer, wine & cocktail menu.
Pod – 3636 Sansom Street (University City); 215-387-1803; podrestaurant.com; Stephen Starr restaurant; futuristic space with ever-changing colors; high-end Pan-Asian fare & sushi.
El Rey – 2013 Ranstead Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-563-3330; elreyrestaurant.com; has own entrance (behind & connected to El Rey Restaurant); 1970s-era nudes on wall, red vinyl booths.
Royal Tavern – 937 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 215-389-6694; royaltavern.com; go-to gastropub that is extremely popular; great burgers.
R2L – 50 South 16th Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-564-5337; r2lrestaurant.com; mixed reiews on food & service but tremendous views.
Sampan – 124 South 13th Street (Market East); 215-732-3501; sampanphilly.com; Chinese dim sum with American twist.
Sbraga – 440 South Broad Street (Arts Avenue South); 215-735-1913; sbragadining.com; 4-course meals one would expect at fancier place; inventive food; modern American.
Serpico – 604 South Street (South Street District); 215-925-3001; serpicoonsouth.com; contemporary American cuisine; chef from Momofuku.
Stargazy – 1838 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk Crossing); 215-309-2761; facebook.com/StargazyPhilly; humble storefront with simple woodwork serving savory pies & mash, plus British breads & sweets.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks – 7200 Bustleton Avenue (Northeast); 215-338-0985; stevesprinceofsteaks.com; cheesesteak sandwich; this is original location.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks – 2711 Comly Road (Far Northeast); 215-677-8020; stevesprinceofsteaks.com; cheesesteak sandwich.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks – 1617 East Lincoln Highway (Langhorne); 215-943-4640; stevesprinceofsteaks.com; cheesesteak sandwich.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks – 41 South 16th Street (Center City); 215-972-6090; stevesprinceofsteaks.com; cheesesteak sandwich.
Supper – 928 South Street (Washington Square West); 215-592-8180; supperphilly.com; seasonal, New American menu of small plates loaded with fresh produce from local farm; popular weekend brunch menu (try red velvet waffles with sweet cream cheese mousse); also, 3-course vegetarian set menu.
Talula’s Garden – 210 West Washington Square (Washington Square West); 215-592-7787; talulasgarden.com; compared with Chez Panisse; try braised rabbit with handkerchief pasta & golden potato gnocchi.
Talula’s Table – 102 West State Street (Kennett Square); 610-444-8255; talulastable.com; gourmet bakery, café, & market; considered toughest reservation in America.
Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks – 39 East Oregon Avenue (South); 215-551-5725; tonylukes.com; cheesesteak sandwich; too many other locations to list here.
Valanni – 1229 Spruce Street (Washington Square West); 215-790-9494; valanni.com; casual Mediterranean with small plates.
Vedge – 1221 Locust Street (Washington Square West); 215-320-7500; vedgerestaurant.com; inventive vegan & vegetarian small plates in charming old mansion.
Vetri Ristorante – 1312 Spruce Street (Washington Square West); 215-732-3478; vetriristorante.com; roasted capretto; premier authentic Italian restaurant; try pig’s foot ravioli.
Vernick Food & Drink – 2031 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Square); 267-639-6644; vernickphilly.com; returning to his hometown after years with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef Gregory Vernick has set up bi-level American in brownstone; pricey menu of simple, polished classics (roasted Amish chicken, braised beef cheek); chic, Euro-inspired setting includes 7-seat counter at open kitchen & sunny window seating on 2nd floor.
El Vez – 121 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-928-9800; elvezrestaurant.com; Mexican.
White Dog Cafe – 3420 Sansom Street (University City); 215-386-9224; whitedog.com; local pioneer in organic & sustainable food.
Will BYOB – 1911 East Passyunk Avenue (South Philadelphia); 215-271-7683; willbyob.com; worth special trip; French-inspired fare & regional ingredients served in cozy cafe atmosphere.
Zahav – 237 St. James Place (Society Hill); 215-625-8800; zahavrestaurant.com; Israeli food.



SHOPPING
Center for Art in Wood – 141 North 3rd Street (Old City); 215-923-8000; centerforartinwood.org; gallery & store.
Di Bruno Bros. – 1730 Chestnut Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-665-9220; dibruno.com; old-time Italian cheese store; huge food emporium with everything you can imagine; casual restaurant has good food if you want quick lunch.
Green Aisle Grocery – 1618 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 215-465-1411; greenaislegrocery.com; all local produce, snacks, condiments & soaps.
Joseph Fox Bookshop – 1724 Sansom Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-563-4184; foxbookshop.com; Philadelphia institution since 1951.
Lore’s – 34 South 7th Street (Market East); 215-627-3233; loreschocolates.com; among country’s oldest candy stores.
Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates – 108 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-546-8700; marcieblaine.com; Mediterranean & Spanish chocolates.
Metro Men’s Clothing – 1600 East Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk Avenue); 267-324-5172; metromensclothing.com; form-fitting mens’ wear & products.
Open House – 107 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-922-1415; openhouseliving.com/openhouse; nice home accessories & housewares.
Reading Terminal Market – 51 North 12th Street (Market East); 215-922-2317; readingterminalmarket.org; worth special trip; takes up entire city block at 11th Street & Arch near Convention Center; do not miss Bassett’s ice cream, which has been there forever &/or Dutch Eating Place (for old-school sweet apple dumplings).
South Philly Comics – 1840 E Passyunk Avenue (East Passyunk); 267-318-7885; southphillycomics.com; graphic novels & DVDs.
Talula’s Table – 102 West State Street (Kennett Square); 610-444-8255; talulastable.com; gourmet bakery, café, & market.
Verde – 108 South 13th Street (Midtown Village); 215-546-8700; verdephiladelphia.com; eclectic women’s wear.



SIGHTS & SITES
Barnes Foundation Museum – 300 North Latchs Lane (Lower Merion); 610-667-0290; barnesfoundation.org; designed by Paul Cret.
Barnes Foundation – 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Museum Row); 215-278-7000; barnesfoundation.org; among world’s great collections (Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, etc.).
Comcast Center – 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard (Penn Center); 215-963-9399; libertyproperty.com; 15th tallest building in US; gorgeous fountain display, 8-story “Winter Garden” with glass curtain that wraps around building, allowing 360° city view; make sure to see “HD Video Wall.”
Franklin Institute – 222 North 20th Street (Penn Center); 215-448-1200; www2.fi.edu; science museum.
Anne D’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden – 2525 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Fairmount, at 26th Street, on Philadelphia Museum of Art grounds); 215-763-8100; philamuseum.org/sculpturegarden.
Independence Hall – 143 South 3rd Street (Old City); 215-597-8787; nps.gov/inde; liberty bell.
Library Company of Philadelphia – 1314 Locust Street (Rittenhouse Square); 215-546-3181; librarycompany.org; started by Benjamin Franklin in 1731; holds 500K rare volumes.
Mutter Museum – 19 South 22nd Street (Center City); 215-563-3737; collphyphil.org/Site/mutter_museum.html; anatomical & pathological specimens, antique medical equipment, medical oddities, & wax models; College of Physicians of Philadelphia part; donated by Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter in 1858; best known for Hyrtl Skull Collection & other anatomical specimens including wax model of woman with horn growing out of her forehead along with several wax molds of untreated head conditions; tallest skeleton currently on display in North America; 9' long human colon that contained over 40 pounds of fecal matter (originally from sideshow act called Human Balloon); body of Soap Lady, whose corpse turned itself into soapy substance called adipocere (better known as grave wax); also hosts teratological specimen collection (preserved human fetal specimens); malignant tumor removed from President Grover Cleveland’s hard palate; Siamese twins Chang & Eng Bunkers’ conjoined liver; tissue piece removed from John Wilkes Booth’s thorax;, Albert Einstein’s brain slides; & Charles J. Guiteau’s brain specimen (he assassinated President James A. Garfield).
National Constitution Center – 525 Arch Street (Independence Mall); 215-409-6600; constitutioncenter.org.
Philadelphia History Museum – 15 South 7th Street (Market East); 215-685-4830; philadelphiahistory.org; originally WPA renovation project (of original 1820s Greek Revival building); recently renovated again; since 1941, celebrates day-to-day life in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Museum of Art – 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Fairmount, at 20th Street); 215-640-0171; philamuseum.org.
Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site – 532 North 7th Street (Spring Garden); 215-597-8780; nps.gov/edal; take ranger-led tour (not self-guided); lived there for only 1 year (1843-1844) with his wife & mother-in-law; this is where he wrote “Tell-Tale Heart” & “Gold Bug”; tours include basement where cobwebs left in place for effect; features 3 permanent & 2 rotating exhibits.
Rodin Museum – 2154 Benjamin Franklin Parkway; 215-763-8100; rodinmuseum.org; designed by Paul Cret.
Rosenbach Museum & Library – 2008-2010 DeLancey Place (Rittenhouse Square); 215-732-1600; rosenbach.org; hands-on tours of rare books collection; Maurice Sendak’s ultimate repository.
Schuylkill Banks Trail – between Fairmount Water Works & Locust Street (Mantua); 215-222-6030; schuylkillbanks.org; 1.2 mile waterfront trail.
Sister Cities Park – North 18th Street (Center City District, at Benjamin Franklin Parkway); 215-440-5500; centercityphila.org/life/sister_cities.php.

No comments:

Post a Comment