Philadelphia - A - BlackBook Guides

750 S. 4th St., Philadelphia 19147
215-627-2357

Bus Stop

Stylish women can thank Brit Elena Brennan for bringing hard-to-find shoe designs to town. No longer is a trip to NYC, or Lima, needed to snag coveted Fornarina's or Pour La Victoire's. Elena's alw... read more

116 S. 20th St., Philadelphia 19103
215-665-9150

Tinto

Jose Garces and his empire certainly have a lock on Philly these days, with four must-try establishments in the area. Tinto was the second to open back in '07 and remains one of the favorites. The ... read more

2005 Walnut St., Philadelphia 19103
267-820-9681

Rum Bar

For the most part obcessivness and dedication are good things, and with Rum Bar, has resulted in a a riotous establishment that excels in all manner of rum flavored drinks. Their dedication to the ... read more

408 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia 19147
215-238-7280

Xochitl

Aztec—a word you don't get to use enough unless you're a travel writer. Thanks to Xochiti for giving good reason—bar/resto's all about mysteries of South America, but nothing mysterious... read more

116-118 S. 13th St., Philadelphia 19107
215-531-6380

Sailor Jerry

The Sailor Jerry mythology is rife with old school sailor lore and tales of wanton nights in far off locales. The 2009 reality is a retail empire that spans the country and deals in limited editi... read more

640 Waterworks Dr., Philadelphia 19130
215-236-9000

The Water Works Restaurant

The Philadelphia Art Museum has always been a must go destination for any visit to the city. For the last few years an added bonus to absorbing some culture is the ability to also have a fabulous... read more

1030 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia 19123
215-923-1313

Bar Ferdinand

Regaled as one of the best new restaurants of the year upon it's inception, Bar Ferdinand continues to impress with its true-to-form Spanish tapas menu (sizzling shrimp, Serrano ham, etc.), impo... read more

909 N. 2nd. St., Philadelphia 19123
215-238-2695

North Bowl

Gone are the days of Ralph Kramdon escaping Alice's clutches for the bowling alley. Bowling is cool, and Ralph would have to compete with martini-swilling hipsters if he wants a lane, now. Philly's... read more

800 N. 4th St., Philadelphia 19123
215-925-1150

Honey's Sit 'n Eat

After a long night out, getting all gussied up and going to a 'nice' place for brunch is way too much trouble. Honey's demands no such commitment from it's regulars, although the potentially long w... read more

217-219 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19106
215-625-2450

Amada

Unanimously praised, Amada gets right to the point with an always-reliable menu of classic tapas, reimagined by versatile chef Jose Garces. As with most tapas joints, meat takes up more menu spa... read more

527 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia 19123
215-922-6433

Pura Vida

The words Pura Vida have magical resonance for those that have been to Costa Rica, where the phrase is the South American versions of 'It's all good.' Well Philly might not have the black sand beac... read more

225 S. 8th St., Philadelphia 19106
215-922-2446

Morris House Hotel

Fabulously located in walking distance of all your fave olde timey tourist spots, the Morris House combines cozy, historic building and afternoon tea with elegant, modern touches, like free interne... read more

746 S. 6th St., Philadelphia 19147
215-238-1920

Salt & Pepper

There's something so appealing about American comfort food (hence the name apparently). Squash soup, mashed potatos (granted, here with lobster), rack of lamb, these tastes recall home and happines... read more

1907 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19103
215-751-0707

Devil's Alley Bar & Grill

Intentionally distressed decor may suggest the bathroom at CBGB's, but the Stoli Vanilla and Chambord cocktail (an LA Lady, to you) is more Beltway than Bowery. Devil's Alley straddles an uptown ... read more

1709 Walnut St., Philadelphia 19103
215-751-0201

Walnut Room

Technically: the Walnut Room (Redux) but locals know it from before its recent luxe makeover. The Redux moniker ushers in new levels of sophistication for the cozy upstairs lounge. Lovely space n... read more

3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia 19104
215-222-1400

World Cafe Live

Gigs at World Cafe get filed under "must do" for American musicians touring the East Coast. World-famous space includes a top-notch venue that can accommodate 600, with classy bar/resto that can se... read more

105 Grape St., Philadelphia 19127
215-930-0321

105 Social

No need to shell out hundreds for fancy bottle service—at 105 Social you can order a case of pony beers in an ice bucket for $45! Mellow, lounge vibe that gets progressively less placid as th... read more

126 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19107
215-923-5553

Mad River Philly

Old City can be a madhouse on weekends, which have a habit of starting on Wednesdays during the warm spring and summer months. Fall into Mad River and immediately feel at home in this ski-lodge-mee... read more

153 N 3rd St., Philadelphia 19106
215-925-5455

Third Street Habit

Third Street Habit is all about designers; from Ernest Sewn to Free People, Dagmar to LoveQuotes, stylish Philadelphians have been flocking to the store for that perfect look for years. The jewelry... read more

1801 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19103
215-567-1800

Continental Mid-town

Oh, kitch — what a useful theme! And next to its cousin irony, one that certainly gets a workout, these days. The '60s rec-room color palate has been done before, but if you're in the mood (i... read more