Best of Philly 2015

Our annual Best of Philly issue may come out in August, but every Philadelphia magazine editor and writer knows that researching this massive compendium of the very best is an all year-process. Our style editor has been known to close in on any well-dressed man she passes on Walnut Street and demand to know where he gets his suits tailored. Our food editor wakes up at the crack of dawn (or possibly doesn’t ever go to sleep) all in the name of eating another stack of fluffy pancakes. Our writers circle names in their notebooks of the people who sources continue to insist are the ones that are doing remarkable things for our city.

All of these notes, tastes, and discoveries come together to form our annual list, which, when taken as a whole, shows off the newest and best of Philadelphia in 2015. As we start to put together the list, trends — the things that truly reflect what is happening in the city now — always emerge. For example, bowls are apparently huge this year. Bowls filled with mountains of black rice, fresh-pulled noodles, and local veggies are being composed by chefs in high-end restaurants and quick-serve lunch spots alike. (In fact, nine of our food winners this year were in the bowl form. We agree that this one-dish eating is pretty awesome.) In other food news, East Passyunk is still one of the most exciting food neighborhoods. Our food writers awarded “Best Ofs” to 10 restaurants, bars, and dishes from the cluster of establishments located on these few South Philly blocks.

Along with (or maybe despite) our robust food scene, fitness and the desire for a healthy-lifestyle continue to be a growing part of what Philadelphians want. There were so many standout running-related classes, clubs, cleanses and more, that we broke running out into its own category this year with nine winners. (Plus, that’s only part of it — you’ll see a “Virtuous Eats” category for good food that tastes great, a local fitness Instagramer whose photos will be your new daily motivation, and the people who can holistically cure any ailment.) Speaking of people, our Best Philadelphians list is also back this year. In it, we recall the citizens (both well-known and undiscovered) who are, well, just pretty cool for all making Philly a better place. And as usual, we focus on lot on fun. New places and ways to shop, the best happy hours, music venues, and tours, and ways to make the most of the limited time we have to spend with our friends and family outside.

And guess what? Our section editors have not only pulled together their favorite parts of Best of Philly this year (check out their picks below), but the entire list is now online. So grab a copy of the mag at the newsstand or charge up your iPad, snag a comfy seat (perhaps at the Yachtsman, with a Mai Tai, our Best of Philly Summer Cocktail), and start plotting out your year in eating, drinking, culture, shopping, and fun. (And please enjoy, because we are already hitting the pavement for next year’s list.)

Foobooz: The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Be Well Philly: The Best Workouts

Shoppist: The Best Shops for Furniture and Home Accessories

Ticket: The Best Family Activities

Property: The Best Home Repair and Help

Philadelphia Wedding: The Best Pre-Wedding Party Resources

News: The Best Philadelphians 2015

Now that you’ve had a taste of this year’s Best of Philly, come get a real taste! Join us in the heart of the city on August 6th for an evening of award-winning food, summer cocktails and dancing under the stars in celebration of the winners at the Best of Philly Soirée. Get details and ticket information here.