Union League of Philadelphia
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center, Avenue of the Arts South

140 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Vi V. writes: I stayed here for 5 days and have to say Union League is an impressive looking French Renaissance-styled building. I've always admired the UL every time I walk pass it.

Union League is members only private club. they have a strict dress code policy.…

Japanese Restaurant Kamakura

State Hwy 70 & El N
Marlton, NJ 08053

Chris L. writes: This restaurant truly feels like a real japanese restaurant with the way that the building and interior is designed. You feel like you're in Japan! They also have tables where you can sit down on those padded seats on the floor, but it's usually for…

Treasure Eyeland
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

620 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: Shocking, but this place has a great selection of high-end fashion sunglasses and really cool, modern jewelry. Skip the cubic zirconium-plated crosses (kitsch that is a must for it's location) and check out their selection of B. Tiff rings and…

Thunderbird Lanes

5830 Castor Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Jake P. writes: Okay... named after my favorite wine, Thunderbird Lanes suits those of us who don't think Bowling is so "hip, retro, and best mixed with martinis" (sorry Lucky Strikes).

I don't bowl really, but I've been out here a couple of times, and it's the way…

Buffalo Billiards
Neighborhood: Olde City

116 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Lene P. writes: I've always had fun here. I never paid for a table since I SUCK at pool and I only play because people urge me to hit a few balls. I've spent time upstairs and downstairs and I haven't had a problem. I love the diversity in the music played on the…

Los Taquitos de Puebla

1149 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Bess W. writes: I recently stopped being vegetarian after 15 years, and I am NOT exaggerating when I say that the tacos al pastor here were worth that long of a wait.  WOW.  It's not that frequent that you come across a place that does tacos right, with meat roasted…

Vintage Modern
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

906 N 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

David F. writes: YES!  Another place that gets IT!  Be unique, modern, contemporary, and look to the past for inspiration.  I love this store for everything is offers both in product and in spirit.  Only a great local store like this can be compared to a great local…

Space 1026
Neighborhood: Chinatown

1026 Arch Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106

karla g. writes: I have only been to 1026 once. It was for a free silk screening class in May but I found the place to be pretty cool.

I found myself back in my childhood playing around in the pillow fort-like art which was actually hundreds of couch cushions covered…

SPECTOR Gallery
Neighborhood: Queen Village

510 Bainbridge St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Shelly, Shelly I love seeing you hard at work in your gallery, your tot in tote, slouching over your laptop or priming the walls in preparation for another show.

SPECTOR Gallery is home to many Philadelphia artists who might have otherwise been…

Massage Arts Center of Philadelphia
Neighborhood: Market East

714 Market St
Se 103
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Nicole R. writes: Although I did not finish the massage program I started, I still think that Massage Arts has a really good program.  I learned a whole lot about the body all the way from the basics of cellular function to muscles, bones and nutrition.  I also…

Samsun Footwear

18 S 52nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19139

Jake P. writes: Samsun has a slept-on selection of sneaks. They do a lousy job sometimes indicating which shoes are for which gender (maybe that says something about me), but the selection and the prices are good.

I still think Philly Sports has the best deals, Ubiq…

Ritz Camera Centers
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

1533 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Russ C. writes: There's not much to say about a chain camera shop, but every time I go in here the staff is very friendly and helpful.  Just today I was in the market for new rechargeable batteries and the guy dug in the back just to give me other options to choose…

Riggtown Oven

551 S Matlack St
West Chester, PA 19382

derreck j. writes: Oh my god this pizza was crazy awsome. I have never eaten pizza this good in my life.  All other pizza shops should aspire to be more like Riggtown Oven.  The buffalo pizza was out of this world and so was the honey mustard.  I highly reconmend this…

Gold Medal Baking Co
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

901 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Susan L. writes: Great bagels and challah!
Standard bakery sugar cookies with sprinkles.
The pizza knish is something to write home about.

TLA Video
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

1520 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Bill M. writes: In the age of Net Flix there's not too many reasons to rent at stores any more. But TLA always manages to give you rare reasons. their obscure themed racks are the perfect reason to walk around and give in to the cinema gods.

I also got to give it up…

Agent Aloha
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

506 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Kellie C. M. writes: I've been wanting to write a review/article about Agent Aloha ever since I first visited last spring while pitching Daily Candy Philadelphia.  Nobody was interested in original graphic printing or silk screening (my favorite was the Absolut Classic…

Dolce Carini
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

1929 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Alex M. writes: the key to Dolce Carini is to NEVER EVER GET THEIR PIZZA. You must order their TOMATO PIE WITH CHEESE. Its a completely different sauce, there is less cheese, and its much much better than their half-assed pizza.

When you order their tomato pie wait…

Charlie's Pub
Neighborhood: Olde City

114 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Bill M. writes: Charlie's is a pub that's easy forget about. In fact it would have sit on the backburner of my brain untouched if I didn't read Wallspro's review. It's not that it's bad, it's just that in the hustle of Old City National Mechanics, Sugar Mom's and so…

Claudio King of Cheese
Neighborhood: Bella Vista

925 Carpenter St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

point p. writes: Those in the know support Claudio.

What's great about Claudio: Scary knowledgeable counter people, absolutely no pretense, they actually request feedback rather than tell you what you you're tasting, they experiment with unusual high quality stuff…

Ava Restaurant
Neighborhood: Society Hill

518 South Third St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Meghan D. writes: We were here on possibly the coldest night of the year, so we ended up being one of four occupied tables in the whole restaurant. Even though the restaurant was so empty and cold and drafty inside, we still had a great experience because the food was…

Benjamin Lovell Shoes
Neighborhood: Society Hill

318 South St Frnt
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: This is a small store, but they have a good selection and will help you with whatever you need.

The hubbub isn't about the size of BL's selection, it's about what they carry. Every shoe here is foot-friendly ad for the first time you might actually…

Core de Roma
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

214 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Jo C. writes: First off, WHY ONLY 2 OTHER REVIEWS?
I find it quite astonishing that mediocre places have over 400 reviews and Core de Roma doesn't.
Also, "Core" = heart. It's in the roman dialect. The owner is from Roma. He can definitely spell things in Italian…

Dairy Queen
Neighborhood: Society Hill

514 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: Want to make millions? Francaise a Cold Stone on SOuth Street. I get 40%.

Dairy Queen is okay, but it is the only place on the street to get ice cream in the summer! Definitely opt for their Blizzard (ice cream with toppings mixed in). Don't expect a…

Fusion Denim
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

327 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: EXXXXXXXpensive. But they have really cool urban outfits. The best selection are their jeans. They have Antik jeans and other brands they sell in Miami and LA but you will really pay for the styles here. If you can afford it, you should definitely…

Ground Zero Salon
Neighborhood: Queen Village

700 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: Pardon their name, post 9-11.

Okay, so it's located in the second floor of a gym, but it's a really cool place. For girls, I think maybe you should skip it as we tend to have pretty high standards unless it's a trim. For guys, it is perfect. A funky…

Vagabond
Neighborhood: Olde City

37 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Alexandra S. writes: I wish this store was my closet.

Springfield Beer Distributor
Neighborhood: Graduate Hospital

600 Schuylkill Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Jay C. writes: We all have to deal with the ridiculous PA state liquor laws which leads one to the Springfield Beer Distibutors. Sure the walk here can be annoying, and the staff are not particularly helpful, and the imports and micros are $5-$10 overpriced but…

Giovanni's Room
Neighborhood: Washington Square West

345 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Brian K. writes: If you're hard up for gay anythings, this place probably has it. Plenty to amuse, intrigue, and maybe even make you blush.

But really, my favorite part was the middle-aged straight couple that walked in looking for some kind of reference book. After…

12th Street Cantina
Neighborhood: Market East

Reading Terminl Mrkt
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Sue G. writes: I"m surprised at all the mediocre reviews this place is getting.  They provide quick service and decent food.  Ok, maybe it's not the most authentic mexican food, but it is made fresh and they are generous with their portions...what more could you…

Hocus Pocus
Neighborhood: Society Hill

523 South 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: What a strange little cave this is - exactly what you would expect from a magic shop. (Theres even a eccentric guy behind the counter who will try and shock you with a pen or trick you with cards.

This is a fun place to take kids, but be sure you…

Inka's Hands Fine Decor
Neighborhood: Society Hill

507 S. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: This woman handcrafts all of the vases and pots in her little boutique in Headhouse Square.

If you search you can find a few modern pieces (bright orange tall vase with holes throughout) and there is always the unique artsy piece.

TIP: She doesn't…

Dietz Hats
Neighborhood: Washington Square West

820 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Dietz is to Hats in the Belfry what bop is to a bad highschool musical.  There are cool kats selling hip caps to the wrens and dudes. In fact some of these hats require licenses.*  They have the new and the old, from Kangol to straight-up jazz dude…

Ground Floor Coffee & Tea House
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

209 Poplar St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: I really dig the outdoor seating at Ground Floor.  It's rockin'.  Very spacious, with many tables, I can see why this would be a really popular coffeeshop in the summer time.  People just chillin' with an iced latte, talking with their NoLibs…

Spasso Italian Grill
Neighborhood: Olde City

34 S Front St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Carrie E. writes: Sometimes you're just in the mood for some pasta. Yes, you want your meal to taste delicious, your service to be stellar and your decor to be aesthetically pleasing. But just because you're going out to dinner doesn't mean you always want "The…

La Stalla

18 Swamp Rd
Newtown, PA 18940

DJ M. writes: Originally built in 1929, the restored historic Lovett Barn is now home to a trattoria that caters to homemade Italian cuisine.

The Pasta's and Sauces are homemade, the prices are very reasonable.  The dinner menu priced for two, can be split in half…

Benjamin Lovell Shoes
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

119 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Rachel L. writes: i give this second BLS store four stars only because i have been to the south street location as well, so i know what their selection is really like. but it is nice having a BLS closer to home, because I like their shoe selection. It isnt INSANE or…

Toviah Thrift Shop
Neighborhood: Spruce Hill, University City

4211 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Alex C. writes: A let-down in men's clothing, but an A+ for the shopkeeper's bright smile.

I went to check them out for my first time recently, like 12 hours ago. I was mainly scouring the men's racks for some hi-quality goods of yesteryear. Unfortunately, the…

Bucks County Coffee Co
Neighborhood: Spruce Hill, University City

240 South 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Bill M. writes: I was seriously craving a caffeine kick on Memorial Day afternoon. Unfortunately this led me to find out that my favorite spots like Green Line and Satellite were closing down early. I was dreading a stop over to Fresh Grocer when I remembered that…

Whyy 91Fm

150 N 6th St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Jake P. writes: I don't always have time to read the Inquirer each day, so I depend on WHYY Radio (90.9 FM) to give me news, NPR, and things to consider throughout my days quite often.

As compared to other cities' radio news sources, WHYY is really balanced (in my…