The Palestra
Inside this storied brick-and-steel sweatbox, we can all sigh and remember what competitive basketball looks like. Courtside seats are $20. Nachos are $5. Weightman Hall, 235 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, pennathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=1700&ATCLID=66183.
ToBox
Boyds expat Tung To only stocks options with quality and style (handmade-in-Paris loafers by La Cordonnerie Anglaise, Scarpe di Bianco monk straps, John Lobb oxfords) and offers $6 on-site shoe shines. 25 South 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, toboxshoes.com.
Commonwealth Proper
Because a bespoke suit that fits perfectly and looks fresh, from a place that serves whiskey while you wait, shouldn't be something reserved solely for those who have drivers and Bentleys. 1839 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, commonwealthproper.com.
Benjamin's Desk
If you're in the tech-biz game and need a vibe that's cool but still more collared-shirt than hoodie, you'll love the membership options, admin support and La Colombe coffee at Benjamin's Desk. 1701 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, benjaminsdesk.com.
Le Cheri
Pierre Calmels executes French dishes only seen on culinary-school exams (rabbit ballotine, pike quenelles) so delicately and artfully that they suddenly seem totally fresh and new. This kind of French cooking never gets old. 251 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, lecheriphilly.com.
El Rey
Had a long night? Get this nacho-like dish: marinated skirt steak for heft, crispy tortilla chips for salt, a zingy salsa for a kick in the pants, and a fried egg, just because. 2013 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, elreyrestaurant.com.
Chris Painter, Il Pittore
Quietly, without much fanfare, Chris Painter, who spent years as culinary director for Starr Restaurants before opening Il Pittore, has been stuffing, rolling and saucing thoughtful pasta dishes, garden-fresh apps and big-flavor entrees. 2025 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, ilpittore.me.
Tria Taproom
Leave it to the people who made drinking wine in Philly fun again to rethink a beer bar: The iPad menu shows how much beer is left in each keg; the bar's design was nominated for a James Beard Award; and the list itself features draft beers that can't be found anywhere else in town. 2005 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, triacafe.com/taproom.
Jose Pistola's
Jose Pistola's is about as down-to-earth as it gets, with good drink specials ($15 happy-hour marg pitchers), craft brews, a kitchen that's open until 1 a.m., live music, and a come-as-you-are attitude. 263 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, josepistolas.com.
Yogawood
The vinyasa classes kick butt, yes. But with family nights, pay-what-you-can acupuncture, free meditation, daily $7 classes, plus yoga for kids, moms-to-be and baby-and-me, this studio is more of a community center, serving the neighborhood, giving back a little good karma on your way to nirvana. 688 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, yogawood.com.
Savona
It claims to have one of the largest wine lists in Pennsylvania, with more than 1,000 bottles, but it's the quality, not quantity, that impresses here. Under the watchful eye (or nose?) of Melissa -Monosoff (below) one of only 15 women in the U.S. to hold the rank of Master Sommelier this list has something for everyone, from pinot-grigio--swilling ladies-who-lunch to rare bordeaux for the heavy-hitting oenophiles. 100 Old Gulph Road, Gulph Mills, PA 19428, savonarestaurant.com.
La Famiglia
Seeing as Italian-everything is the new French, La Famiglia's expertly procured, extensive, Italian-focused wine list really caught our eye. With more than 1,200 selections, there are plenty of bottles at moderate prices, all of which pair well with the classic-but-light Italian fare. 8 South Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, lafamiglia.com.
Inn at Bowmans Hill
There are plenty of B&Bs in Bucks County, but this is the only one that's earned four AAA diamonds. On the outskirts of New Hope, the inn's five verdant acres, heated outdoor pool, moonlit deck, attentive staff, and impeccable accommodations (from $295) exceed expectations. Breakfast is courtesy of the hens out back. For dinner and drinks, pay a visit to the iconic Boathouse Bar and Hamilton's Grill Room (8 Coryell Street, Lambertville, 609-397-4343). But also be sure not to miss new Middle Eastern gem Marhaba, which is BYO (77 South Union Street, Lambertville, 609-397-7777). 518 Lurgan Road, New Hope, PA 18938, theinnatbowmanshill.com.
Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Noon: Start with Swedish potato pancakes or omelets at local fave Black Lab Bistro (248 Bridge Street, 610-935-5988, blacklabbistro.net). 2 p.m.: Take in a classic movie at the Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, 610-917-0223, thecolonialtheatre.com). This month, look for a Harlow-and-Gable screening series; coming in September: the "Better on the Big Screen" series, including The Searchers (9/6), Lawrence of Arabia (9/13), and the supremely confounding 2001: A Space Odyssey (9/20). 4 p.m. (or later, depending on length of said movie): Roam the antique (and junk) shops on Bridge Street. Buy things you don't need. 6 p.m.: It's Sunday, so it's an early dinner. For burgers and beer, the call is Iron Hill (130 East Bridge Street, 610-983-9333, ironhillbrewery.com); for something a tad more refined, BYO Majolica (258 Bridge Street, 610-917-0962, majolicarestaurant.com). 8 p.m.: Remember that tomorrow is a workday, and make the long, sad journey home. 00000,
Ignite Philly
In this quirky series, held at Johnny Brenda's whenever they damn well feel like it, speakers get five minutes to make (sometimes elaborate) slide presentations to packed-to-the-rafters crowds on just about anything: the link between dreams and video games, the virtues of canned goods, how to channel all those random facts crammed inside your brain. Surprisingly riveting at $5 a head See website for schedule, 00000, ignitephilly.org.