Le Souk Market
From the owners behind Northeast Philly’s Bishos (the very same Bishos that won Best of Philly in 2023 for their highly refreshing lemonana) comes a new organic market stuffed to the gills with goods from across the Middle East and North Africa — many of them made in-house, such as their roasted nuts, pickles, baklawa and spice blends. Don’t miss their extravagant and utterly popular made-to-order crepes and waffles. 7952 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, instagram.com/lesoukmarketphilly.
La Chelé Ellis Preserve
Okay, so La Chelé isn’t exactly new. The cult-favorite med spa got its start in New Hope more than 15 years ago, then opened locations in Newtown and Upper Dublin. But its latest outpost in Newtown Square, which debuted in April, just might be its best yet because this one comes equipped with a private infrared sauna and red-light therapy, plus an aromatherapy shower for you to enjoy post-sweat-sesh. 101 Squire Drive, suite B, Newtown Square, PA 19073, lachelemedspa.com.
Dreams, Diaspora and Destiny
Philly DJ legend King Britt and muralist Joshua Mays collab-ed on this experimental ode to Afro-futurism. To hear and see Philly’s first augmented-reality mural, just download an app, wave your phone, and watch as the colorful display comes to life on your screen. 53rd and Media streets in West Philly. Muralarts.org.
Next In Line Comedy
If you want to see the best up-and-coming local comedians paired with out-of-town jokesters who’ve appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix and HBO, look no further than this collective, which stages its shows at chill venues like Franky Bradley’s and Tattooed Mom each month — all for $20, with no drink minimum. A nice change of pace from places like Helium. instagram.com/nextinlinecomedy.
Cartesian Brewing
For years, we’d walk by this garage just south of Pat’s, press our faces to the windows, and look for signs of progress. Years of thirsty waiting finally paid off last fall when Cartesian rolled up its doors and started pouring pints of tart saisons and malty ambers. We’re partial to the Concrete Picnic, a spring ale that comes in at a this-beer-still-has-flavor-but-won’t-put-you-on-your-ass 5.8 percent ABV. 1326 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, cartesianbrewing.com.
Pickle Fried Chicken Sandwich at Tattooed Mom
The pickle fried chicken at Tattooed Mom’s / Photograph by Michael Persico You go to Tattooed Mom for bright, boozy drinks and the come-exactly-as-you-are vibe — not necessarily expecting great food. But that’s where you’re wrong. The pickle fried chicken is brined, double-fried, and stuffed into a sweet potato brioche bun along with house-made fried dill pickles and Crystal hot sauce mayo. There’s an equally standout vegan version, too. Either makes for a surprise when you realize this is one of the best sandwiches in the city. 530 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, tattooedmomphilly.com.
Anyabwile Love of Bailey Street Books
Most people retire and relax, but this beloved CCP professor had other plans. After years of teaching history and Black studies, Love has taken his passion for the field and transformed it into a bookstore featuring a vintage collection of Black history and literature that’s more timely than ever. Bailey Street Books (1517 North Bailey Street in Brewerytown) will continue to educate Philadelphians for many years to come — making it ultimate retirement-plan goals.
Jamal Johnson
Nobody can question Johnson’s steadfast commitment to demanding change when it comes to gun violence. The Marine-turned-activist has staged a hunger strike, marched to Washington, and put his life and body on the line to urge the city to reverse its lackluster response to an epidemic that’s continuing to devastate. If “no-B.S.” was in the dictionary, Johnson and his unapologetic advocacy would be pictured there.
Jim Kenney
Kenney is bringing new meaning to the term “lame duck” as he comes up with increasingly lame and uninspired ways to duck any kind of public scrutiny. Refusing to meet with a Democratic state Senator, forcing that Senator to resort to a sit-in outside Kenney’s office? Check. Publicly stating he’s looking forward to the day he’s no longer mayor? Check. Who knows what new, magical disappearing acts Kenney will pull off in the 17 months between now and Inauguration Day 2024?
PHL Pride Collective
Just when you thought change couldn’t come any faster in the city’s ever-evolving LGBTQIA community, PHL Pride Collective told everyone to hold their beer. After last year’s dismantling of the original (and arguably antiquated) Philly Pride Presents, this diverse group of community activists organized one of the most intersectional, inclusive and overall-badass Pride celebrations ever. Those trying to reimagine their problematic programming (looking at you, Mummers) should take notes from them ASAP. phlpridecollective.org.
PHLove
We loved watching Philly (and formerly Philly) music greats Darryl Hall, Questlove, Amos Lee and Patti LaBelle come together for this telethon/variety show, which raised $1.5 million for the PHL COVID-19 Relief Fund. Miss Patti absolutely killed it, as did the gospel choir that followed her. Find the full concert on YouTube. philafound.org/covid-19/phlove.
Dispatches from Elsewhere
Jason Segel’s Dispatches From Elsewhere started streaming in March. Photograph by Jessica Kourkounis/AMC Look, we love Rocky, but there comes a time in every city’s life when it needs to diversify its film reel. Jason Segel’s Dispatches From Elsewhere, with its sultry montages from Rittenhouse and Fishtown and South Philly, helped us do just that, at a time when we couldn’t actually experience our city because of lockdown. Segel may have chosen Philly over other cities in part because of tax incentives, but we’re tickled by the results, regardless. amc.com/shows/dispatches-from-elsewhere.
State & Union
Come for gear from brands you already know: Pendleton beach towels, Red Wing shoes, Filson bags. Leave with goods from the brands you don’t: Charlotte’s Weld bottle openers made from repurposed horseshoes, J.R.Burd leather wallets and keychains, and lisa b. cashmere socks. 103 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, stateandunion.co.
Brewerytown Beats
Vinyl heads come here to flip through the 50,000-strong record collection (all genres, though the specialty is funk, soul and hip-hop), to listen to live midday performances, and to talk music with owner Max Ochester, who has sold LPs to everyone from Questlove to Q-Tip. Check out the shop’s Instagram feed for a first look at the latest rare finds. 2710 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, brewerytownbeats.com.
Vanilya
It’s true: The best bagels in the city don’t come from a bagel shop. Baker Bonnie Sarana Noll makes a limited batch fresh each morning at her cozy dessert cafe, and they’ve got those New York qualities (chewy on the inside, crisp and bubbly on the outside) that we could never quite replicate in Philly – until now. 1611 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, vanilyabakery.com.