United by Blue Sample Sale
Easy navigation (boxes are clearly labeled), rock-bottom deals ($25 canvas weekenders, $20 button-downs, $5 tees), and credit-card compatibility (a rarity on the sample-sale scene) make this annual shopping event (at the Old City location only) the ultimate stock-up occasion. 144 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, unitedbyblue.com.
Gallery Carré d’Artistes Philadelphia
Where else can you flick through hundreds of original artworks like you’re pawing through record albums? 104 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, carredartistesphilly.com.
Goodman Plumbing
Leaking toilets, flooded basements and clogged disposals always (always!) happen on Sundays. Thank God Goodman is a 24/7 shop, and a great one at that, with experienced pros who are quick to respond and don’t leave until the problem is solved, even if that means installing a new toilet the same day. Service in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties. Multiple Locations, goodmanplumbers.com.
J & J Motors
It’s not unusual to see a Porsche or Ferrari or Maserati on the lift at this shop, where they specialize in European models—but customers nevertheless rave about the unpretentious down-home service, surprisingly reasonable prices and spot-on estimates. 1111 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, jandjmotors.com.
Neil K. Davis at Doggie Style
Does Fifi want a purple mo-hawk? Of course Fifi wants a purple mohawk. Davis is the man for the job. 1700 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, doggiestylepets.com.
PeoplePrints 3D
Selfies are so 2016. This place scans your entire body, then generates a 3-D-printed action-figure-y mold of—hey, that’s me! 20 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, peopleprints3d.com.
Jason’s Toridasu
The owners of Jason’s say they’re like a grocery-store sushi counter except that they use fresh fish. That about sums up this quirky, tiny spot that’s so fast and polished, you’d think it was a chain. While it’s mostly takeout, we’ve seen some Main Line moms commandeer the few tables for girls’ nights out—prosecco in hand, of course. 40 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, PA 19003, jasonstoridasu.com.
The Clam Tavern
If you show up at 7 p.m. without reservations, you’re most likely SOL. (The crowds have been coming since the 1960s for the cheap cocktails, small-town service and baked clams.) But we’ve got a secret: The Broadway Bar & Grille, across the street, has the same owner and serves the full Clam Tavern menu. 339 East Broadway Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, clamtavern.net.
Pretzel Melt at American Sardine Bar
Chef Doreen DeMarco takes a Philly pretzel, splits it, crisps it, and stuffs it with Country Time ham, American cheese, mustard and a pickle. Even better: It’s just $5. 1800 Federal Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, americansardinebar.com.
Luis Pedrogo at Noord
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more experienced and charming personality in the biz. Pedrogo is always cool under pressure and knows his stuff, and everyone—everyone—likes him. He’ll even be nice to your gluten-intolerant vegan (but sometimes pescatarian) cousin who’s allergic to onions. 1046 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, noordphilly.com.
Ambra
When it comes to making an Italian meal feel extra-special, Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s 16-seat dining room is the only restaurant in Philly giving Vetri Ristorante a run for its money. 705 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, ambraphilly.com.
Vera Pasta
Joe D’Andrea makes extruded pastas the proper way—with bronze dies for texture and top-notch ingredients for maximum flavor. It’s why a bunch of our favorite restaurants and specialty shops (Di Bruno Bros., Green Aisle Grocery) serve and sell his goods. And now, with his new storefront, you can get those noodles faster and fresher. 319 Westtown Road, Suite K, West Chester, PA 19382, verapasta.com.
Southwark
This institution—revamped last year by Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira—does it all right, from the tidy menu of casual comfort foods to the elegant cocktail list. Both are best enjoyed on the Secret Garden-like patio, where twinkly lights, soft music, and the aromatics of fresh herbs (grown by the kitchen staff) make for the chillest summer hang in the city. 701 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southwarkrestaurant.com.
La Mula Terca
Restaurants nowadays are highly focused, so it’s easy to ignore spots that are trying to do everything instead of something. But don’t ignore La Mula Terca, a pan-Latin BYOB where the Argentine churrasco con chimichurri, Venezuelan arepas and lamb birria are all well executed and synch up better than you’d think. 2053 South Beechwood Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, facebook.com/lamulatercaphilly.
Mission Taqueria
With picnic-table seating (ideal for large groups), shuffleboard tables (more room for spectators), and a happy-hour menu of $3 beers and $2 tacos, it’s as if Mission was designed solely for our favorite time of day. 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, missiontaqueria.com.