Pica’s
Tiny Fey loves the pizza—for good reason—but that’s just the start of this stalwart’s appeal. The pastas are all made in-house, the escarole soup cures illness, and the meatballs are as good as any made in South Philly. It’s the plate of roasted peppers the waitress plunks down at the start of every meal, though, that entices you back again and again and again. Multiple locations, picas-restaurant.com.
Blue Corn
Really, any of Blue Corn’s cold seafood—be it the shrimp cocktail or the octopus—is a great way to start a meal. They’ve made something that has become so fancy wonderfully casual: simply dressed, meant to be spooned onto the salty-sweet plantain chips, and even better with a splash of La Bruja, the spicy vinegar served on the side. 940 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, facebook.com/pg/BlueCornRestaurant/about.
Quintessence Theatre Group
After just five years, this small repertory company has earned a reputation for creating beautiful adaptations of classic works for the modern stage, like last season's The Three Musketeers and Alice in Wonderland. In their sixth season, you'll want to see Romeo and Juliet, Saint Joan and -- for the kids -- Hansel and Gretel. (They're in residence at the Sedgwick Theater in Mount Airy.) Quintessencetheatre.org.
The Arden Theatre Company's Children's Theatre
Ask any first-grader: The show that really took the local theater scene by storm this year was the Arden's production of Beauty and the Beast. The year before that, it was Sideways Stories from Wayside School; before that, it was Cinderella. The truth is, the Arden always nails it, telling wonderful stories in creative ways, speaking directly to pint-size audience members without dumbing anything down, and stacking the stage with real talent that takes its viewing public seriously. 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, ardentheatre.org.
Ubiq
If you're the type who won't give up your trainers for anyone, pluck any pair of sneakers off the wall displays at Ubiq and you'll still look pulled together. This Walnut Street cult shop sells more than new-release Jordans and Yeezys: There are subdued retro New Balances, eco-friendly Vans and reflective suede Onitsuka Tigers. 1509 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ubiqlife.com.
Phield House
Mornings at Phield House may be filled with toddler open-play sessions, camps and youth clinics, but don’t overlook its indoor sports facility. After dark (or after work), reserve time at the batting cages, basketball court or multi-sport field for your own adult recess any day of the week. Phield House also hosts Heyday Athletic-sponsored adult soccer and dodgeball leagues throughout the year. 814 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, phieldhouse.com.
Johnny Doc
There was the main trial — was Local 98 power broker John Dougherty guilty of corruption? And then there was the equally tantalizing trial within the trial: Would any of the city’s other politicos (Mayor Jim Kenney, multiple City Councilmembers) be caught on wiretaps saying something incriminating, or at least highly embarrassing? For the most part, the answer to the latter question was no, but that didn’t mean there was no sweating inside City Hall — and the wiretaps sure did their job revealing the provincial, brash, immature schoolyard playground that is Philly politics.
Christa Barfield
Barfield went from a career in health care to fighting local food insecurity through FarmerJawn, her urban farming org that hosts community greenery workshops and a CSA to increase access to organic produce for Philly’s most underserved communities. This year, Barfield launched an educational nonprofit to train future farmers and opened a garden center in Mount Airy so neighbors can plant fruits and veggies in their own backyards. farmerjawnphilly.com.
Bianca De Pietro
It took this formally trained designer six years — and yards of tulle — to hand-make her first bridal line, but it was worth every stitch. The 13-piece Euro-inspired collection offers gowns of silk duchesse satin, organza, chiffon and tulle. Every look is customizable: Removable skirts snap on and off, and there are detachable sleeves and trains and various colors. Beaded lace florets add a romantic air to skirts, and sweetheart backs bring an exquisite touch to your last look. 234 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, atelier-bianca.com.
Muscle and Flow Massage
You’ll walk in like kiln-dried pottery and walk out like a lump of clay thanks to the deft hands of owner Dorinda O’Donnell, who spent a decade building experience in a variety of techniques at the now-closed (sniff, sniff) Terme Di Aroma spa. Whether you’re in for reflexology, a Thai yoga massage, or deep-pressure therapeutic work, she isn’t afraid to target any back lumps or tight hamstrings from multiple angles until they’re ahhhhh. 1318 West Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, muscleandflowmassage.com.
Philly Girls Jump
Go old-school with this group — more of a community movement, really, started by Tanisha Rinehardt and Della Burns in 2016 — that gathers regularly for free Double Dutch jump-a-thons. Check their socials for schedule updates; the jumpers typically meet in front of the Art Museum and at the tennis courts at Awbury Park in Germantown. And it seems everyone wants in: Back in April, Philly City Council celebrated the group and declared every first Saturday in May to be “Philly Double Dutch Day.” Better start practicing now. instagram.com/phillygirlsjump.
Boutique Nail Cafe
If you’ve given up on having long, chip-free nails, walk yourself into Boutique Nail’s spacious South Street spot and spring for a dip-powder manicure. They flawlessly execute whatever latest Instagram trend you bring them — from nail art to chrome powder — and that playful-yet-chic mani will last for weeks. 600 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, boutiquenailcafe.com.
Sidewalk Press
South Philly illustrator and designer Sarah Beahm translates the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of our great city into profoundly lovable art — prints like a Phillies helmet filled with flowers, paintings of bygone icons (the Melrose Diner!), and a series of rowhome portraits. (She takes on commissions if you want your home memorialized.) She also makes odes to iconic Philly objects — SEPTA buses, Arctic Splash — in the form of stickers and keychains. shopsidewalkpress.com.
Fabric Workshop and Museum
We’re not even sure how free museums exist these days, but such is the case with this museum, which always has inventive programming in the contemporary art realm and is free to enter. (A $5 donation is suggested.) Through September 29th, go to see, hear and feel “The Rose Garden,” an immersive exhibit centered on gender and transformation, created by legendary Philly drag artist John Jarboe of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret. 1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, fabricworkshopandmuseum.org.
The Kettle Black
The Kettle Black’s French-focused offerings may be simple, but they’re simply perfect: thick-crusted loaves in flavors like malt-and-oats or raisin-walnut, crumbly scones, bagels colored a deep black with activated charcoal (good for both you and your Instagram account). They’ve also mastered the art of dairy-free viennoiserie, so vegans can dig in, too. 631 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, thekettleblackphilly.com.