Best of Philly 2013

For the 40th edition of Best of Philly, we're celebrating the tradition with a ton of fresh honorees, from must-eat doughnuts to must-hire Mandarin teaechers—with an ode to some classic BOP standouts, too.

By Christine Speer Lejeune· 7/25/2013, 6:00 a.m.

For 40 years now, we’ve been eating, drinking, primping, polling, shopping and schlepping our way across Philadelphia and her ’burbs to bring you the best of everything this city has to offer. (Forty years. Do you know how much sodium has been consumed in the name of Best of Philly over 40 years?)

This year, we’re celebrating the tradition with a boatload of fresh winners for 2013, from the doughnuts you should be eating to the place you should buy your bike to the people you want teaching your kid Mandarin … and much, much more. There are the winners from the public taste tests we hosted throughout the summer (see who really makes the best Italian hoagie); an ode to some classic bests (like Philly’s greatest dive bar—now and forever); the favorites that you, our readers, voted for in our online polls; and the Philadelphians who are having the biggest and best impact on our lives right now.

Because, illustrious history aside, that’s what Best of Philly really is, and has always been: an up-to-the-moment guide to all the great things going on right here, right now. Don’t miss out.

Check out are Best of Philly winners below:

>>Best of Philly: Food and Drink

>>Best of Philly: Fun and Games

>>Best of Philly: Service and Help

>>Best of Philly: Shopping and Beauty

>>Forty years after Best of Philly began, are these original winners still the city’s best?