Guidebook for Philadelphia
Food Scene
Beautiful indoor decor (murals!) and details, great atmosphere and good food. There's also outdoor seating in the rear in a lovely little romantic courtyard.
65 residents recomanen
La Calaca Feliz
2321 Fairmount AveBeautiful indoor decor (murals!) and details, great atmosphere and good food. There's also outdoor seating in the rear in a lovely little romantic courtyard.
Delicious Latin Fusion in a relaxed atmosphere. Great customer service! a Lovely painting of a big blue cat adorns one wall inside.
11 residents recomanen
BlueCat
1921 Fairmount AvenueDelicious Latin Fusion in a relaxed atmosphere. Great customer service! a Lovely painting of a big blue cat adorns one wall inside.
Locally sourced foods in a simple yet elegant setting. Outdoor seating with heat lamps or a fireplace is also available. The courtyard features a mural and a green wall.
58 residents recomanen
Fare
2028 Fairmount AveLocally sourced foods in a simple yet elegant setting. Outdoor seating with heat lamps or a fireplace is also available. The courtyard features a mural and a green wall.
One of my absolute favorite coffee shops in the city, this spacious cafe & art gallery offers high quality teas and coffees, delicious and healthy smoothies, sandwiches and treats.
41 residents recomanen
Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery
620 S 9th StOne of my absolute favorite coffee shops in the city, this spacious cafe & art gallery offers high quality teas and coffees, delicious and healthy smoothies, sandwiches and treats.
In a refurbished building, Rybrew offers a wide selection of beer, as well as gourmet sandwiches, soup and dessert treats. It's kid friendly and has fun spinning seats to keep little ones amused.
74 residents recomanen
Rybrew
2600 W Girard AveIn a refurbished building, Rybrew offers a wide selection of beer, as well as gourmet sandwiches, soup and dessert treats. It's kid friendly and has fun spinning seats to keep little ones amused.
This is one of my long-standing favorite BYOB restaurants in the city - simple decor, delicious food, reasonable prices. Get the curry potato thousand layer bread or the tea leaf salad!
14 residents recomanen
Rangoon
112 N 9th StThis is one of my long-standing favorite BYOB restaurants in the city - simple decor, delicious food, reasonable prices. Get the curry potato thousand layer bread or the tea leaf salad!
Beautifully decorated, warm and artsy atmosphere, Farmicia offers delicious food! I like the tamales.
42 residents recomanen
FARMiCiA
15 S 3rd StBeautifully decorated, warm and artsy atmosphere, Farmicia offers delicious food! I like the tamales.
Delicious food, good prices, generous portions, intimate atmosphere. Another long-standing fave.
79 residents recomanen
Vientiane Café
4728 Baltimore AveDelicious food, good prices, generous portions, intimate atmosphere. Another long-standing fave.
If you are wandering around Old City taking in historic sites stop in to this quaint cafe on cobblestone Church St. They offer quality coffees, soups and treats.
17 residents recomanen
Old City Coffee
221 Church StIf you are wandering around Old City taking in historic sites stop in to this quaint cafe on cobblestone Church St. They offer quality coffees, soups and treats.
If you're downtown, head for the Reading Terminal Market for a wide selection of foods and goods offered by local vendors, including the Amish community. Fresh veggies, honey, grains and cooked foods.
739 residents recomanen
Mercat de Reading Terminal
1136 N 12th StIf you're downtown, head for the Reading Terminal Market for a wide selection of foods and goods offered by local vendors, including the Amish community. Fresh veggies, honey, grains and cooked foods.
Close to my house, this neighborhood BYOB Thai restaurant offers delicious food (take out, delivery or restaurant seating).
18 residents recomanen
Trio BYOB
2601 Pennsylvania AveClose to my house, this neighborhood BYOB Thai restaurant offers delicious food (take out, delivery or restaurant seating).
Small, cute coffee shop, friendly baristas. Great coffee close to my house!
42 residents recomanen
Lucky Goat Coffee House
888 N 26th StSmall, cute coffee shop, friendly baristas. Great coffee close to my house!
Sister to Rybrew (on Girard), Rybread also offers coffee, gourmet sandwiches and soups. You can call in and pick up your order before hitting the road as you hit the road or go for that 50 mile ride.
40 residents recomanen
Rybread
1711 Fairmount AveSister to Rybrew (on Girard), Rybread also offers coffee, gourmet sandwiches and soups. You can call in and pick up your order before hitting the road as you hit the road or go for that 50 mile ride.
Good coffee, WiFi, good vegetarian sandwiches, soups and pasta/rice bowls. Try the breakfast burrito!
30 residents recomanen
Mugshots Coffeehouse
1925 Fairmount AvenueGood coffee, WiFi, good vegetarian sandwiches, soups and pasta/rice bowls. Try the breakfast burrito!
Nice spacious seating for getting work done! Big windows that are opened on nice days, tasteful simple decor, good food options. A green wall!
137 residents recomanen
OCF Coffee House
2100 Fairmount AveNice spacious seating for getting work done! Big windows that are opened on nice days, tasteful simple decor, good food options. A green wall!
Fresh ingredients make this yummy Mexican place a destination for me. Though a little pricey the food is good! In winter, they even make Mexican hot cocoa despite the fact its not on the menu.
11 residents recomanen
Las Cazuelas Restaurant
426 W Girard AveFresh ingredients make this yummy Mexican place a destination for me. Though a little pricey the food is good! In winter, they even make Mexican hot cocoa despite the fact its not on the menu.
Yummy food, vibrant atmosphere! If you are vegetarian, ask for the veggie menu and they'll accommodate with really delicious options. The Mango lassis are good here.
52 residents recomanen
Buddakan
325 Chestnut StYummy food, vibrant atmosphere! If you are vegetarian, ask for the veggie menu and they'll accommodate with really delicious options. The Mango lassis are good here.
Fresh ingredients, including fresh squeezed orange juice. One big room, kid -friendly, country-style decor with modern brunch options including delicious huevos rancheros and pancakes. No reservations
238 residents recomanen
Honey's Sit 'N Eat
2101 South StFresh ingredients, including fresh squeezed orange juice. One big room, kid -friendly, country-style decor with modern brunch options including delicious huevos rancheros and pancakes. No reservations
This is the newest coffee shop in my neighborhood, and their mission includes helping foster kids. It's only a block away!
65 residents recomanen
The Monkey & The Elephant
2831 W Girard AveThis is the newest coffee shop in my neighborhood, and their mission includes helping foster kids. It's only a block away!
Vedge
1221 Locust StElegant, formal vegan restaurant - delicious, creative food options.
Talula's Garden
210 W Washington SquareWhat a lovely place! This is one of the Phill faves.
One of the best Philly dim sum restaurants, informal atmosphere. Lots of options on a big menu. Warm or cold bubble tea!
42 residents recomanen
Dim Sum Garden
1020 Race StOne of the best Philly dim sum restaurants, informal atmosphere. Lots of options on a big menu. Warm or cold bubble tea!
Quaint Italian restaurant, 1890's circa coach home on historic Sansom St., in Center City Philadelphia. Tasty fare, cozy atmosphere.
11 residents recomanen
Porcini
2048 Sansom StQuaint Italian restaurant, 1890's circa coach home on historic Sansom St., in Center City Philadelphia. Tasty fare, cozy atmosphere.
This is such an adorable little place and the baked goods are high quality! There isn't much seating available, so consider it a place to go get a snack. They offer breads, delicious cupcakes and high quality croissants.
Sweet Nectar Dessert Kitchen
547 N 20th StThis is such an adorable little place and the baked goods are high quality! There isn't much seating available, so consider it a place to go get a snack. They offer breads, delicious cupcakes and high quality croissants.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lovely green roof deck seating area, good pub food, nice selection of beer in the University City area.
35 residents recomanen
City Tap House University City
3925 Walnut StLovely green roof deck seating area, good pub food, nice selection of beer in the University City area.
Local Belgin bar - get the rocket salad! The service is so - so, but the food and beers are good. This is a favorite in winter time, when a cozy little bar is exactly what is called for!
27 residents recomanen
Bridgid's
Local Belgin bar - get the rocket salad! The service is so - so, but the food and beers are good. This is a favorite in winter time, when a cozy little bar is exactly what is called for!
Tasty cheeses, salads, breads and beverages, along with indoor/outdoor seating options make this a nice place to people-watch and enjoy the downtown hubub.
31 residents recomanen
Tria Cafe Rittenhouse
123 S 18th StTasty cheeses, salads, breads and beverages, along with indoor/outdoor seating options make this a nice place to people-watch and enjoy the downtown hubub.
This place offers indoor or outdoor seating on a quiet residential street. There is a relatively large beer list, and decent veggie options, as well as burgers and pasta.
61 residents recomanen
Cooperage: A Wine & Whiskey Bar
123 S 7th StThis place offers indoor or outdoor seating on a quiet residential street. There is a relatively large beer list, and decent veggie options, as well as burgers and pasta.
Authentic decor, great atmosphere with open windows in the summer months, cozy in the winter time.
141 residents recomanen
The Franklin Bar
1715 S 18th StAuthentic decor, great atmosphere with open windows in the summer months, cozy in the winter time.
Close-to-authentic German fare and beer selections. The food is traditional German food in the modern era and is quite tasty. Atmosphere inside is "very German" - decor, overall feeling, etc.
33 residents recomanen
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South StClose-to-authentic German fare and beer selections. The food is traditional German food in the modern era and is quite tasty. Atmosphere inside is "very German" - decor, overall feeling, etc.
Everything Else
If you need a spare part or want to inquire about local cycling, these folks can help send you on your way in this increasingly bike-friendly city.
9 residents recomanen
Fairmount Bicycles
2015 Fairmount AveIf you need a spare part or want to inquire about local cycling, these folks can help send you on your way in this increasingly bike-friendly city.
If you are in Philly with kids, this big playground is near my house and is beloved by many!
26 residents recomanen
Parc infantil i teatre Smith Memorial
3500 Reservoir DrIf you are in Philly with kids, this big playground is near my house and is beloved by many!
This is such a great feature of Philly! This trail can take you 30-40 miles north via bike. Various destinations are along the way. Or head south and walk along the river in to Center City for brunch
250 residents recomanen
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailThis is such a great feature of Philly! This trail can take you 30-40 miles north via bike. Various destinations are along the way. Or head south and walk along the river in to Center City for brunch
What an amazing park! This park offers many miles of trails in a forested valley within city limits. Once you are there its hard to remember you are in the 5th largest US city.
209 residents recomanen
Parc del Wissahickon Valley
Valley Green RoadWhat an amazing park! This park offers many miles of trails in a forested valley within city limits. Once you are there its hard to remember you are in the 5th largest US city.
This refurbished pier is now a public park and offers great views of the river and Ben Franklin Bridge. Get a sandwich or coffee at nearby Sassafrass or Old City Coffee and hang out on the pier.
66 residents recomanen
Moll de Race Street
North Christopher Columbus BoulevardThis refurbished pier is now a public park and offers great views of the river and Ben Franklin Bridge. Get a sandwich or coffee at nearby Sassafrass or Old City Coffee and hang out on the pier.
Clark Park is always bustling with activity. A playground, sports area, picnic benches, and programming make this a magnet for families in West Phila. While there: Green Line cafe, 43rd & Baltimore
188 residents recomanen
Clark Park
4300-4398 Baltimore AveClark Park is always bustling with activity. A playground, sports area, picnic benches, and programming make this a magnet for families in West Phila. While there: Green Line cafe, 43rd & Baltimore
Quirky, tiny, cozy and with the best chai I have ever tasted! Go on a crisp cool day and plan to read or write a bit.
24 residents recomanen
The Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop
713 N 4th StQuirky, tiny, cozy and with the best chai I have ever tasted! Go on a crisp cool day and plan to read or write a bit.
Performance space and art gallery. Poetry readings, performance art, mosaic exterior.
Painted Bride Art Center
5212 Vine StPerformance space and art gallery. Poetry readings, performance art, mosaic exterior.
International films - film screenings, programming
7 residents recomanen
International House Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut StInternational films - film screenings, programming
Shops, restaurants - a cute little hub in another part of town. Schuylkill Trail, ice cream, burritos, Japanese, Italian or Thair food.
82 residents recomanen
Manayunk
Shops, restaurants - a cute little hub in another part of town. Schuylkill Trail, ice cream, burritos, Japanese, Italian or Thair food.
If you're in town to see or compete in regattas, Boathouse Row is within a few minutes walk from my stoop. Boathouse Row is lit with LED lights at night, and represents the entrance to Fairmount Park
204 residents recomanen
Fila de les Cases de les Barques
1 Boathouse RowIf you're in town to see or compete in regattas, Boathouse Row is within a few minutes walk from my stoop. Boathouse Row is lit with LED lights at night, and represents the entrance to Fairmount Park
Walk for a good view of downtown or the Art Museum. Lots of sporting events happen here including Philadelphia half/marathons, fundraising walks, pro-cycling events. Watch the wacky Mummers Parade!
114 residents recomanen
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Benjamin Franklin ParkwayWalk for a good view of downtown or the Art Museum. Lots of sporting events happen here including Philadelphia half/marathons, fundraising walks, pro-cycling events. Watch the wacky Mummers Parade!
Gourmet treats to eat there, a pleasant place to sit, some high quality grocery items.
79 residents recomanen
Tela's Market & Kitchen
1833 Fairmount AveGourmet treats to eat there, a pleasant place to sit, some high quality grocery items.
Klein's Supermarket
Fairmount AvenueBasic grocery items in a small family-owned grocery.
Entertainment & Activities
Adorable home gifts (lotions, cookware, hand bags, cutlery), and clothing for kids.
19 residents recomanen
Ali's Wagon
2017 Fairmount AveAdorable home gifts (lotions, cookware, hand bags, cutlery), and clothing for kids.
The Schuylkill Center is over 300 acres and located within city limits! It has a small store, interpretive displays for kids, frog ponds and numerous trails along 2 stream-created ravines = song birds
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy's Mill RoadThe Schuylkill Center is over 300 acres and located within city limits! It has a small store, interpretive displays for kids, frog ponds and numerous trails along 2 stream-created ravines = song birds
Within walking distance. The zoo offers tethered rides in a hot air balloon (views!). A recent structural addition to the zoo allows big cats to walk above visitors. There's also a petting zoo!
416 residents recomanen
Zoo de Filadèlfia
3400 W Girard AveWithin walking distance. The zoo offers tethered rides in a hot air balloon (views!). A recent structural addition to the zoo allows big cats to walk above visitors. There's also a petting zoo!
This museum is a short drive or trolley ride/walk from my house. It's in an amazing building with plenty for the little ones to interact with.
214 residents recomanen
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the RepublicThis museum is a short drive or trolley ride/walk from my house. It's in an amazing building with plenty for the little ones to interact with.
Sightseeing
These gardens are amazing! If you like floral eye candy and want to explore an amazing garden, picnic, or find a gorgeous spot to read, Chanticleer has a lot to offer. Inexpensive.
8 residents recomanen
Chanticleer, a pleasure garden
786 Church RoadThese gardens are amazing! If you like floral eye candy and want to explore an amazing garden, picnic, or find a gorgeous spot to read, Chanticleer has a lot to offer. Inexpensive.
This beautifully situated museum has a great collection and is only about a 10 min walk from my house. Free access Sundays. Art and music Fri evenings. Kid-friendly workshops!
1164 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art de Filadèlfia
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThis beautifully situated museum has a great collection and is only about a 10 min walk from my house. Free access Sundays. Art and music Fri evenings. Kid-friendly workshops!
This amazing little (free) underground museum is only a 10 min walk from my house and offers very interesting historic info about Philadelphia's role in municipal water treatment. Kid friendly.
28 residents recomanen
Fairmount Water Works
640 Waterworks DrThis amazing little (free) underground museum is only a 10 min walk from my house and offers very interesting historic info about Philadelphia's role in municipal water treatment. Kid friendly.
This little museum doesn't take much time but offers a lot in return. Within 1.5 miles of my house, you can see Rodin's works up close.
225 residents recomanen
Museu Rodin
2151 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThis little museum doesn't take much time but offers a lot in return. Within 1.5 miles of my house, you can see Rodin's works up close.
This museum recently came to Center City after being in the suburbs. Across from Whole Foods and within 2 miles of my house, you can easily stroll along the Parkway to see an amazing collection.
560 residents recomanen
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThis museum recently came to Center City after being in the suburbs. Across from Whole Foods and within 2 miles of my house, you can easily stroll along the Parkway to see an amazing collection.
This little park offers a splashing pool, a mini set of trails and bubbling fountain designed for kids. There's also a cafe in a green building, offering sandwiches & coffees.
18 residents recomanen
Parc de les Ciutats Germans
210 N 18th StThis little park offers a splashing pool, a mini set of trails and bubbling fountain designed for kids. There's also a cafe in a green building, offering sandwiches & coffees.
Historic Rittenhouse Square offers a lovely urban park atmosphere in the summer time, and has a magical quality around the holidays. It's in the middle of Center City, and has benches & grassy areas.
620 residents recomanen
Rittenhouse Square
135 S 18th StHistoric Rittenhouse Square offers a lovely urban park atmosphere in the summer time, and has a magical quality around the holidays. It's in the middle of Center City, and has benches & grassy areas.
This historic ivy league university has a beautiful campus and is surrounded by businesses and restaurants. Walking among the venerable old stone buildings is an experience in and of itself.
165 residents recomanen
University of Pennsylvania
This historic ivy league university has a beautiful campus and is surrounded by businesses and restaurants. Walking among the venerable old stone buildings is an experience in and of itself.
Essentials
Whole Foods supermarket - within walking distance, or use the 48 or 32 bus.
269 residents recomanen
Whole Foods Market
2101 Pennsylvania AveWhole Foods supermarket - within walking distance, or use the 48 or 32 bus.
Trader Joe's offers a lot of foods for a decent price. They certainly have a lot to offer, and I make regular stops there for many of my grocery items. Take the 48 bus.
305 residents recomanen
Bob and Barbara's Lounge
1509 South StreetTrader Joe's offers a lot of foods for a decent price. They certainly have a lot to offer, and I make regular stops there for many of my grocery items. Take the 48 bus.
Very high quality foods, vegan/macrobiotic market with a hot foods bar. Yum! Expensive but great.
40 residents recomanen
Essene Market & Café
719 S 4th StVery high quality foods, vegan/macrobiotic market with a hot foods bar. Yum! Expensive but great.
Already spending time in University City and want to pick up something on the way back to the house? This is a good option. It is big, a little pricey, but they will have everything you need.
101 residents recomanen
The Fat Chicken
2355 S Bucknell StAlready spending time in University City and want to pick up something on the way back to the house? This is a good option. It is big, a little pricey, but they will have everything you need.