Guidebook for Philadelphia
Food Scene
This hot chocolate the best ever and is a cultural experience definitely worth trying! Also often open late so you can get here on the weekends after a dinner.
RIM Cafe
This hot chocolate the best ever and is a cultural experience definitely worth trying! Also often open late so you can get here on the weekends after a dinner.
Los Gallos
Great authentic Mexican two blocks from my house.
Circles Thai South Philly
Thai fusion that delivers to my house
Has great breakfast and good coffee including Espresso. No alcohol, however if you are looking for a Mamosa or something...
Black N Brew
Has great breakfast and good coffee including Espresso. No alcohol, however if you are looking for a Mamosa or something...
Phở 75
Good place to get Pho in Philly...
Cool recently opened new spot. The decor is different and cool, it's a restaurant with a tiny bar in the back.
Bing Bing Dim Sum
Cool recently opened new spot. The decor is different and cool, it's a restaurant with a tiny bar in the back.
I'm not sure if they still do it, but they have live opera music over delicious pizza and Italian...
Francoluigi’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen
I'm not sure if they still do it, but they have live opera music over delicious pizza and Italian...
Best authentic Mexican in the city in my opinion. They have an outdoor beer garden in warmer weather, and it's BYOB.
Taco Riendo Restaurant
Best authentic Mexican in the city in my opinion. They have an outdoor beer garden in warmer weather, and it's BYOB.
Hands down best espresso in the city for me. Besides the fact that they are an institution here in Philly and have expanded nationally now, their coffee is served in most high end restaurants and their baristas consistently make Espresso correctly, unlike many places. You should not have to wait fifteen minutes to drink a cappuccino because it is too hot...
26 locals recommend
La Colombe Coffee Workshop
Hands down best espresso in the city for me. Besides the fact that they are an institution here in Philly and have expanded nationally now, their coffee is served in most high end restaurants and their baristas consistently make Espresso correctly, unlike many places. You should not have to wait fifteen minutes to drink a cappuccino because it is too hot...
Thai restaurant I like in West Philly. I usually go for lunch. They have a little bar.
Pattaya Thai Cuisine
Thai restaurant I like in West Philly. I usually go for lunch. They have a little bar.
White Dog Cafe University City
Good food on Penn's campus
They have great bagels here. I usually go one day of my weekend and get an egg and cheese on plain bagel toasted...
Philly Bagels - South Street
They have great bagels here. I usually go one day of my weekend and get an egg and cheese on plain bagel toasted...
BAI WEI (Sakura Mandarin)
I have always gone here for the soup dumplings haha... It's a good spot.
I have breakfast here many mornings, usually getting a latte and oatmeal. They have two locations, this one tends to be lots of college kids and faculty from Penn and Drexel. They support park cleanups and have a unique clothing line sold out of the cafe.
United By Blue
I have breakfast here many mornings, usually getting a latte and oatmeal. They have two locations, this one tends to be lots of college kids and faculty from Penn and Drexel. They support park cleanups and have a unique clothing line sold out of the cafe.
Termini Bros Bakery
Yummmmm.... so good.
Themed Mexican Steve Starr restaurant but not modern twist like usual... Mid range to expensive price, interesting decor
26 locals recommend
El Vez
Themed Mexican Steve Starr restaurant but not modern twist like usual... Mid range to expensive price, interesting decor
mmm the Gelato... I like to get half Pistachio, half Hazelnut. They have decent espresso too... This location is walkable from my house and East Passyunk has lots of other restaurants and shops to look at.
Capogiro Gelato Artisans Scoop Shop
mmm the Gelato... I like to get half Pistachio, half Hazelnut. They have decent espresso too... This location is walkable from my house and East Passyunk has lots of other restaurants and shops to look at.
mmm the Gelato... I like to get half Pistachio, half Hazelnut. They have decent espresso too...
Capogiro Gelato Artisans
mmm the Gelato... I like to get half Pistachio, half Hazelnut. They have decent espresso too...
Another themed Steven Starr restaurant. Small portions and a bit expensive but usually the food is good.
El Rey
Another themed Steven Starr restaurant. Small portions and a bit expensive but usually the food is good.
Nom Nom Ramen
Authentic ramen place, good.
Themed Stephen Starr sushi restaurant. A little pricey but very good sushi and modern Japanese...
Pod
Themed Stephen Starr sushi restaurant. A little pricey but very good sushi and modern Japanese...
Jones
One of the more affordable themed Stephen Starr restaurants... American style food.
Distrito
I love the fish tacos from here... Eat upstairs, this is middle a little $$ but very good.
Bomb Bomb Bar B Que Grill
Very traditionally Italian local place with great ribs and mussels.
This is an awesome place to come and look around. The Amish have the best Mac N Cheese and there are endless amounts of restaurants and dessert places to check out at this market.
136 locals recommend
Reading Terminal Market
This is an awesome place to come and look around. The Amish have the best Mac N Cheese and there are endless amounts of restaurants and dessert places to check out at this market.
Good brunch spot in the Italian Market... so you can walk around afterwards.
Sabrina's Cafe - Italian Market
Good brunch spot in the Italian Market... so you can walk around afterwards.
Spuntino Wood Fired Pizzeria
Piiizzzaaa.... Wood fired always good.
Mama Palma's
BYOB pizza, wood fired again... Very tasty!
Very fancy! $$$ for me at least, anniversary or birthday style spot... but simply delicious and always an experience when you can watch the chef cook, which you can...
Little Fish BYOB
Very fancy! $$$ for me at least, anniversary or birthday style spot... but simply delicious and always an experience when you can watch the chef cook, which you can...
Another excellent authentic Mexican restaurant! I think at least at one point or still similar ownership as Taco Riendo which I also mentioned and only blocks away. Hard to decide between them...
Las Cazuelas Restaurant
Another excellent authentic Mexican restaurant! I think at least at one point or still similar ownership as Taco Riendo which I also mentioned and only blocks away. Hard to decide between them...
They actually have breakfast and lunch/dinner here but it's a small cafe type setting with only 4 or 5 tables. Same owner for many many years and they are very kind using only the best and fresh local ingredients. I used to indulge in a croissant toasted with raspberry jam in the mornings from here. Also frequently order their salads which change daily.
Picnic
They actually have breakfast and lunch/dinner here but it's a small cafe type setting with only 4 or 5 tables. Same owner for many many years and they are very kind using only the best and fresh local ingredients. I used to indulge in a croissant toasted with raspberry jam in the mornings from here. Also frequently order their salads which change daily.
HipCityVeg
Good vegetarian spot, not too expensive...
Drinks & Nightlife
Dirty Franks
Popular inner city dive bar with a very eclectic crowd, darts and pinball
Bok
Excellent view of skyline when open
Often there are interesting music events here. It's on the divey side. On weekends, keep an eye out for "Shakedown" parties, a long standing house event that has a good vibe, good people.
The Barbary
Often there are interesting music events here. It's on the divey side. On weekends, keep an eye out for "Shakedown" parties, a long standing house event that has a good vibe, good people.
Has pool and skeet ball... Can get a little annoying right after a Philly sports event but otherwise a cool spot with a decent beer selection. More cans than draft though. Right across from the cheese steak places if you are a tourist wanting to try out a local spot for that.
Garage Passyunk
Has pool and skeet ball... Can get a little annoying right after a Philly sports event but otherwise a cool spot with a decent beer selection. More cans than draft though. Right across from the cheese steak places if you are a tourist wanting to try out a local spot for that.
They have a bar and a store where you can sit and drink also... The store is affordable for a huge selection of beer.
8 locals recommend
Local 44 Restaurant & Bar
They have a bar and a store where you can sit and drink also... The store is affordable for a huge selection of beer.
Outdoor beer garden with indoor space also. It's a Steven Starr restaurant so the quality is solid. They have table tennis and Jenga and German style food selection... sausage and sauerkraut type of thing. Pirogies tasty! Also central to several other bars that are adjacent
18 locals recommend
Frankford Hall
Outdoor beer garden with indoor space also. It's a Steven Starr restaurant so the quality is solid. They have table tennis and Jenga and German style food selection... sausage and sauerkraut type of thing. Pirogies tasty! Also central to several other bars that are adjacent
They have tons of vintage video games and draft beer, can be fun if you're in to that sort of thing... "Joust", "Rampage", "Gauntlet" and "Gataga" are some of my favorites I always look for.
11 locals recommend
Barcade
They have tons of vintage video games and draft beer, can be fun if you're in to that sort of thing... "Joust", "Rampage", "Gauntlet" and "Gataga" are some of my favorites I always look for.
Has DJs on Wednesdays that I know about and maybe other nights. The bartender Sarah is excellent and food is delicious here!
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar
Has DJs on Wednesdays that I know about and maybe other nights. The bartender Sarah is excellent and food is delicious here!
South Philadelphia Tap Room
Good local South Philly bar with decent beer selection and good food
Live music upstairs and somewhat hopping little bar. There seem to always be people here and it's central to all the most active parts of Center City. A good starting point for a night...
MilkBoy Philadelphia
Live music upstairs and somewhat hopping little bar. There seem to always be people here and it's central to all the most active parts of Center City. A good starting point for a night...
Good for tequila. They have outdoor seating when it's warm and good food. It can get noisy here but if that's what you are looking for...
Cantina Los Caballitos
Good for tequila. They have outdoor seating when it's warm and good food. It can get noisy here but if that's what you are looking for...
Has live music on the weekends and maybe other nights. It's divy but a lot of fun.
Bob and Barbara's Lounge
Has live music on the weekends and maybe other nights. It's divy but a lot of fun.
They have live music upstairs on some nights. Otherwise, it has a bar pool table and food. It's central to the neighborhood and been around for a long time.
21 locals recommend
Johnny Brenda's
They have live music upstairs on some nights. Otherwise, it has a bar pool table and food. It's central to the neighborhood and been around for a long time.
They keep vinyl playing at the bar and have a great beer selection. The $5 burger may be one of the best I've had in the city... Good spot close to home.
Fountain Porter
They keep vinyl playing at the bar and have a great beer selection. The $5 burger may be one of the best I've had in the city... Good spot close to home.
Sampan
Popular spot in a bustling area... worth a try.
Tap Room On 19th
... small local bar close by with good food.
Where I go to play pool for full sized tables. They have darts and upstairs that many people don't know to check on the weekends which can be a little quieter.
Buffalo Billiards
Where I go to play pool for full sized tables. They have darts and upstairs that many people don't know to check on the weekends which can be a little quieter.
Chris' Jazz Cafe
If you like jazz... cozy spot with good musicians usually.
Place to catch interesting music sometimes... Has a bar you can sit at and tables depending on event. Also downstairs stage as well.
World Cafe Live
Place to catch interesting music sometimes... Has a bar you can sit at and tables depending on event. Also downstairs stage as well.
Interesting drinks and eclectic music with live DJs on some nights. If you're in the area, check it out...
The Yachtsman Tiki
Interesting drinks and eclectic music with live DJs on some nights. If you're in the area, check it out...
El Bar
Hipsterish bar with lots of college students and bar pool table.
Essentials
I tend to pay too much for my fresh organic food but to me it's worth the price...
Whole Foods Market
I tend to pay too much for my fresh organic food but to me it's worth the price...
Trader Joe's
Popular and affordable grocery store if you are in that area.
Expensive but good food and groceries. They have great bread and a huge assortment of cheeses unusual meats etc...
Di Bruno Bros.
Expensive but good food and groceries. They have great bread and a huge assortment of cheeses unusual meats etc...
Place to buy more "exotic" or difficult to find food ingredients... I used it when I tried to make my own sushi. Masago and Unagi and what not...
H Mart Upper Darby
Place to buy more "exotic" or difficult to find food ingredients... I used it when I tried to make my own sushi. Masago and Unagi and what not...
I have known the owner Pascal since 2003 and would trust sending any of my friends to him... He has as lifetime of experience with hair and very friendly.
M21
I have known the owner Pascal since 2003 and would trust sending any of my friends to him... He has as lifetime of experience with hair and very friendly.
Great for health foods , organic and generally everything grocery related. Local substitute for something like Whole Foods which is also nearby.
Essene Market & Café
Great for health foods , organic and generally everything grocery related. Local substitute for something like Whole Foods which is also nearby.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful old trees here, hidden gem in Philadelphia!
13 locals recommend
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Beautiful old trees here, hidden gem in Philadelphia!
Close to my house, great for a short walk. Has public tennis and a cheap golf course. Also a skate park is here for enthusiasts.
7 locals recommend
FDR Park
Close to my house, great for a short walk. Has public tennis and a cheap golf course. Also a skate park is here for enthusiasts.
Local park very close to my house where people walk their dogs and play soccer and softball. If you need a short walk from the house, this is the closest.
Marconi Plaza
Local park very close to my house where people walk their dogs and play soccer and softball. If you need a short walk from the house, this is the closest.
Valley Green Inn
Good hiking and there is a restaurant here...
Great view of the city and a little dog park. They have tennis and basketball here and an entrance to Fairmount Park where you could walk for miles and miles...
Schuylkill River Trail
Great view of the city and a little dog park. They have tennis and basketball here and an entrance to Fairmount Park where you could walk for miles and miles...
Sightseeing
This opened not long ago and may be a cool spot if you are in from out of town. They have lots of hammocks and the ships/submarine are interesting here...
51 locals recommend
Spruce Street Harbor Park
This opened not long ago and may be a cool spot if you are in from out of town. They have lots of hammocks and the ships/submarine are interesting here...
Cira Green
Rooftop view of Philly's skyline. Free, recently opened..
On weekdays, it's affordable to take the elevator to the top of Ben Franklin. It has a good view of the city.
39 locals recommend
Philadelphia City Hall
On weekdays, it's affordable to take the elevator to the top of Ben Franklin. It has a good view of the city.
Beautiful little spot in Fairmount Park that is close to the city. The carp are neat if you get to see them when they are feeding...
Japanese House and Garden
Beautiful little spot in Fairmount Park that is close to the city. The carp are neat if you get to see them when they are feeding...
Easy walk from the city. They have some concessions and great views back on Philadelphia! If you're lucky, they have races occasionally on the weekends.
31 locals recommend
Boathouse Row
Easy walk from the city. They have some concessions and great views back on Philadelphia! If you're lucky, they have races occasionally on the weekends.
The artist Isaiah Zagar who did the murals for this site is responsible for mural arts all over the city. It's pretty awesome, Philly has tons of mural art everywhere! Drive around and you'll see... There is also a mural arts tour you can take...
70 locals recommend
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
The artist Isaiah Zagar who did the murals for this site is responsible for mural arts all over the city. It's pretty awesome, Philly has tons of mural art everywhere! Drive around and you'll see... There is also a mural arts tour you can take...
One of the coolest things about Philadelphia. This place has trolley tours to see some of Philadelphia's endless murals...
Mural Arts Philadelphia (administrative office)
One of the coolest things about Philadelphia. This place has trolley tours to see some of Philadelphia's endless murals...
The regular tour at this place is very interesting, where Al Capone was held for a period. During Halloween Season, they have a world class haunted tour which I have gone to several times because of friends who work there. The lines for the haunted tour are very long so it might be worth purchasing the "speed pass" if you decide to to this.
57 locals recommend
Eastern State Penitentiary
The regular tour at this place is very interesting, where Al Capone was held for a period. During Halloween Season, they have a world class haunted tour which I have gone to several times because of friends who work there. The lines for the haunted tour are very long so it might be worth purchasing the "speed pass" if you decide to to this.
Arts & Culture
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Great museum...
Rodin Museum
Another historical spot worth getting to if you like museums.
The Franklin Institute
Great science museum with IMAX theater in it...
This museum doesn't get much attention but very good. If you are looking for interesting things to check out, I recommend it...
Independence Seaport Museum
This museum doesn't get much attention but very good. If you are looking for interesting things to check out, I recommend it...
This outdoor music venue is great for summer concerts in good weather. You can BYOB and put out a blanket. They have some concessions or bring your own food too... Lawn tickets are affordable.
13 locals recommend
The Mann Center
This outdoor music venue is great for summer concerts in good weather. You can BYOB and put out a blanket. They have some concessions or bring your own food too... Lawn tickets are affordable.
Shopping
Large size sport clothes but made very well with some cool vintage choices...
Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co
Large size sport clothes but made very well with some cool vintage choices...