Xi'an Sizzling Woks
The "Chinese hamburger" is subtly spiced pulled pork, tucked into crisp-edged pita bread with a still-steaming center, for $3.50: Now, that's Chinese er, American um, Shaanxi food! 902 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, xiansizzlingwoksphilly.com.
Vetri
What'll it take to knock Marc Vetri's flagship out of this top spot? We don't know maybe some sort of apocalyptic continental drift that rams Italy's boot halfway up the Schuylkill? His new second-floor dining space only makes an experience here that much more personal. 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vetriristorante.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.
1812 Productions
Its hard to be funny all the time, but Philadelphia's all-comedy theater company, stationed at Plays and Players, does just that. Last season,Cherry Bomb was, well, the bomb. Their annualThis Is the Week That Is show is always a (smart) hoot. And they changed it up a bit by throwing in a musical cabaret about marriage, to critical acclaim (masters of comic timing, raved theInquirer). Next season, were looking forward toThe First Day of School: A Soccermom Sex Farce (opens 10/1) and April'sAn Evening With(out) Woody Allen. Independence Studio on 3, Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 1812productions.org.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
Birchrunville Store Cafe
There's something about going to a place so off the beaten path (in this case, northern Chester County) that your GPS won't recognize its existence, and so darling and rustic that you actually have to exit the restaurant and stroll across the wooden porch and into the adjacent (functioning) post office in order to use the restroom. These are the things that let you know you've found someplace special. Well, that and the fact that you'll have the best meal you've likely eaten in months. Just save room for the warm butterscotch cake. 1403 Hollow Road, Birchrunville, PA 19421, birchrunvillestorecafe.com.
Gold Million Records
This nifty shop is an homage to vinyl, and a must-stop for diehard collectors, come-lately hipsters, and anyone looking for a present (bowls and clocks made from old albums) for a record fan. Or just a place to show the kids what the world was like before iTunes. 851 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, goldmillionrecords.com.
Danzeisen & Quigley
They've got the square footage of a Dick's or Modell's, but the personalized expertise of a specialty bike, ski or snowboard shop. It's no wonder D&Q has stayed in business for the past 52 years. 1720 East Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, dandq.com.
Skin n Tonic
Peddler's Village isn't the first place you'd expect to find an amazing, no-holds-barred bikini wax, blissfully worth-the-year-long-wait massage, wholesome Phytomer seaweed facial, flawless, chemical-free mani-pedi, or dominant cut and color. But they're all here, thanks to an Aussie-born gatherer of pros and waxer of royalty owner Kerian Bray. Route 263, Shop 56, Lahaska, PA 18931, skinntonic.com.
Brauhaus Schmitz
This house-made ber-pretzel is served with salted radishes and mustard, but we recommend you ditch all that and dip it in Brauhaus's parsley-chive-and-dill-flecked butter (it comes with bread service, but if you ask for it with the pretzel, they'll accommodate you) instead. 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brauhausschmitz.com.
Per Lei Boutique
The haute women's clothing boutique has initiated a Buy Now, Wear Now, Pay Later program: Spend $1,000, pay half, bring it all home, and pay your balance within 30 days. When your significant other asks how you scored so much for so little, just shrug and tell him you're a savvy shopper. 2 East State Street, Media, PA 19063, perleiboutique.com.
Fishtown Beer Runners
Intimidated by the pace-obsessed, -spandex-clad enthusiasts who populate some running clubs? This once-a-week group (Thursdays at 7 p.m.) is for you. The runs are short (usually three to five miles), the atmosphere is welcoming (all levels attend), and the post-workout refreshments (enjoyed at a different bar each week) are more than motivating. Starting point: 2346 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, fishtownbeerrunners.com.
Le Virtù
How can you choose between chef Luciana Spurio's fresh fazzoletti "handkerchiefs" with rich duck ragu, the feathery crepes layered with itty-bitty meatballs, or the paper-thin pappardelle? Take our advice: Bring a crowd, and order 'em all. 1927 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, levirtu.com.
M Restaurant at the Morris House Hotel
The brick patio and pink azaleas are straight out of antebellum Savannah, but Michael Caspi's cooking split-pea tofu with pistachio mousse, roasted barramundi with sweet-and-sour hibiscus foam is an altogether more progressive affair. 231 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, mrestaurantphilly.com.
Bistrot La Minette
Bistrot La Minette has a secret sanctuary. Invisible from the street and the main dining room, its newly opened bricked-in patio is the prettiest in town. Window boxes bloom over unvarnished teak tables. Tiny white lights twinkle overhead. French tunes float in the air as servers appear and disappear through the door. And free movies play on Monday nights. Order a quiche and a glass of house red, and pretend you're in Paris. It's not hard. 623 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bistrotlaminette.com.