The Philadelphia Guide

Philadelphia is the food city you're sleeping on

Hi there!

Welcome to February!

I’m excited to share a long overdue guide to Philadelphia with you today. Philly has a very special place in my heart! It’s been so fun to see the city evolve over the years and become such a destination for food & culture. I cannot recommend it enough - here’s hoping this guide convinces you to book a flight, hop on the train, etc!

A Little About Philadelphia

I’ve been visiting Philadelphia at least once a year since I was born - as it’s home for my dad + his entire side of the family. Nearly every Christmas has been spent going to Gramma’s house, and I love it so much. In more recent years since my dad moved back to the East Coast, we’ve spent more time in the city and I’ve gotten the chance to explore Philly (versus spending most of our time in the ‘burbs and getting a single day in the city).

Philadelphia has so many ties to American history and there’s plenty to see & learn - but my favorite part is the historic architecture throughout the city. Similar to New York, Philly is a city that can entertain you for hours just by walking its streets. Philly is also a food city - known for so much more than cheesesteaks (although they are a very delicious and necessary part of any trip!) There’s a melting pot of cultures in Pennsylvania, which has created a plethora of amazing, inventive food & drink options throughout the city! I’ve had some of the best meals of my life in Philadelphia, and I always leave feeling inspired.

Below you’ll find a wide variety of recommendations to guide you - areas of the city to explore, points of interest, shopping, food & drinks.

Stay

Philadelphia is a relatively easy city to get around so I wouldn’t get too caught up on where you stay - but a couple neighborhoods I recommend below!

• Rittenhouse Square - a lovely neighborhood close to Center City, keeping you central - some of the best architecture here, the buildings are so beautiful!

• Fishtown - Philly’s most up and coming neighborhood - new restaurants and bars are opening here on the daily

• South Philly - home to the Italian market & lots of great shops + restaurants

Coffee

• Wawa !!!!!! Very good coffee for $2 you can’t beat it! I dream of their pumpkin spice & holiday blends weee

• Rival Bros - My favorite cappuccino in Philly! Amazing coffee and there’s a few locations in the city

• Enswell - Same ownership as Rival Bros but coffee is served in an adorable art deco bar & cafe. Great place for a cocktail too

• Habitat Coffee House - great grab & go spot

• K’Far - OG location of the Israeli bakery & cafe (now also in NYC)

Drinks

• Wine & Cocktails

  • Superfolie - the most perfect wine & cocktail bar in Rittenhouse Square. Love a glass of orange here but the freezer martini is divine too

  • Next of Kin - excellent cocktail bar in Fishtown, a great stop before or after dinner and a show. They also have tinned fish in their vending machine fun!

  • Solar Myth - vinyl bar with beer, wine & amaro / a most excellent cowgirl boot neon sign out front!

• Beer/Dives

  • McGillin’s Olde Ale House - honestly, the ONLY bar on this list that matters

  • Garage - great beer selection & skeeballlll

  • Johnny Brenda’s - an institution. Highly recommend catching a show here!

  • Frankford Hall - massive beer hall, great for group hangs

  • Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar - a pretty perfect dive!

  • Monk’s Cafe - cozy & great bar food

  • McGlinchey’s - one of Zach Bryan’s Great American bars… but be prepared to smell like a pack of cigs!

  • Dirty Frank’s - $2 Hamm’s pls

  • Bob and Barbara’s Lounge - a dance-y club-y kind of dive

  • Tattooed Mom - two floors covered in stickers & posters & sticky floors!

Food

• Middle Child - damn good sandwiches. You can’t miss. If you’re a breakfast sandwich lover, MC’s is a must try!

• Middle Child Clubhouse - my favorite favorite. I go here every trip! I love everything on the menu but highly recommend the latke okonomiyaki with roe on top!!

• Kalaya - Southern Thai like you’ve never had before. Watch Nok’s episode of Chef’s Table and then get yourself a resy here!

• Pizzeria Beddia - I was able to snag a reservation for “The Hoagie Room” on my trip over the holidays - AKA a multi-course omakase focused around you guessed it: the hoagie! Aperitivo, hoagies, pizza oh my. So special! Excited to go back to Beddia for pizzas at the regular restaurant

• Parc - Stephen Starr signature that makes you feel like you’re in Paris. Stunning restaurant and solid eats too

• Cry Baby Pasta - wonderful pasta bar

• DiBruno Bros - a freakin’ classic. Italian deli & gourmet grocery for all of your staple Italian foods

• Paulie Gee’s - excellent slice + bar situation

• Vita (More Behind the Door) - a very good Italian restaurant hidden behind a gelato shop!

• Pearl & Mary - great seafood lineup!

• Reading Terminal - Philly’s take on a food hall and it simply cannot be beat. There is something for everyone here! Some of our faves:

  • John’s Roast Pork - roast pork sandwiches (cheesesteak’s cousin)

  • Gus’s Steaks - cheesesteaks

  • Termini Bros - cannolis

• Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli - best tomato pie in Philly

• Angelos’s Pizzeria South Philly - best cheesesteaks!

• Dessert

  • Isgro Pastries - the best Italian bakery in Philly. Italian cookies galore + excellent cannolis

  • 1-900-Ice-Cream - unique ice cream flavors and I love their brand identity. You can’t miss!

  • Shane Confectionary - America’s oldest confectionary dating back to 1863! A really cool, unique place to buy some sweets

Points of Interest

• Sights - There is a lot of rich American history in Philly and plenty to see - but these are my favorite spots that I think are the most worthy of your time!

  • Museums & Points of Interest

    • Barnes Foundation

    • PMOA

    • Liberty Bell

    • City Hall - especially fun during the holidays!

    • Love Park - especially fun during the holidays!

    • Betsy Ross House

    • Elfreth’s Alley

    • Brandywine Museum

  • A Dose of Nature

    • Schuykill River Trail

    • Wissahickon Valley Park

    • Ridley Creek State Park

    • Longwood Gardens

• Shopping

  • Bok - The Bok Building is a former Vocational High School in South Philly, built in 1936, now turned into a communal space for artists & vendors. It’s such a fun space to explore - I recommend looking into their monthly events + the rooftop restaurant before you visit!

  • South Fellini - great for Philly-themed souvenirs; more on the humorous side

  • Philadelphia Independents - also great for souvenirs but local artisan/cutesy

  • Moon + Arrow - amazing selection of goods & vintage

  • Omoi Life Goods - great for gifts & trinkets

  • Art Star - great for gifts & trinkets

  • Occasionette - great for gifts & trinkets

  • Open House - great for gifts & trinkets

  • Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co - high end sports gear

  • Salt & Vinegar - a cutie gourmet grocery in South Philly

  • Vintage

    • Retrospect

    • The Raxx

    • Goods Vintage

    • Sweet Peel Vintage

    • Wayward Collection

    • Stickball Vintage Clothing & Art

    • Ace Outpost

    • Philly AIDS Thrift

    • B-Bop Vintage

    • Jawn Supply

There is so much to see in Philadelphia and though I’m heavily biased, I highly recommend a trip to experience the rich history & culture of the city. Reply directly to this email or drop a comment on Substack with any questions or specific recommendations you might need! Xoxo back soon have a lovely week y’all!