Philly: Where to Eat, Drink & Go

I was in Philly for one of my college roomies this month. We shared a bunk-bed in Kappa Alpha Theta (Gosh I miss 28th Street! If you know, you know.)

One of the sweetest gals in our sorority, who actually lived across the hall from us, sent me over a ton of Philly recs. Thank you Maddy Peterson –– you are and always were an absolute angel on Earth!

She lived there for three years while in grad school and absolutely loves this city with her whole heart.

While I didn’t get to see much of the city with the weekend dedicated to wedding festivities, I do now have Maddy’s epic list to use as my guide the next time I’m in town!

Where to eat:

Where Beyoncé goes for her cheese steaks: Cleavers

“For a cheesesteak that is just super damn good, go to Cleavers near Rittenhouse. I used to bartend there and their meat is locally sourced and pretty much the only cheesesteak I’ll eat haha. Beyoncé orders from there when she’s in town 😉”

Best breakfast spot: Middle Child

“Life changing breakfast. If you like eggs, you’ll love theirs. They’re so fluffy. Just don’t be in a rush when you go, it’s a neighborhood joint so they chat with everyoneee.”

Quaintest: Parc

“Such a cutie restaurant! A bit expensive, but all the French vibes with really lovely outdoor seating along Rittenhouse.”

Fav casual/brunch spot: PS&Co

It’s vegan and delicous

Best Vegan Chow in the city: Vedge

This spot that will change any omnivore’s mind!

Best brussels sprouts: Double Knot

“Their happy hour is everything! Get the Brussels, they’ll change your life!”

You Just Have To…: Wawa

“If you want the true Philly experience, you have to get a coffee from Wawa. (I think it is the equivalent of a gas station convenience store, but DO NOT tell a local that haha! It’s their gold standard. The line goes out the door at lunch for sandos!)

Where to get coffee:

Rival Bro’s

“My FAV!”

Bluestone Lane

“A classic (although it is a chain).”

Elixr

Menagerie

Where to cheers:

Best rooftop bar: Bok Bar

“It’s a must. It feels far, but trust me! It has a cool story –– it’s an old converted school.”

Best happy hour: Mission Taqueria

“It’s just the best and where absolutely everyone in the city goes for happy hour!”

Best speakeasy cocktail bar: Charlie was a Sinner

You just tell them what you like and a bartender reads your mind and makes you the tailored drink of your dreams!

Biggest (and most social distance friendly) beer garden: Independence Beer Garden

“It is massive (so easy to social distance) and has a ton of outdoor games.”

One of the oldest bars in the country: McGillin’s

“The oldest tavern in Philly and one of the oldest in the country! One of my favorites! Karaoke night and pints of Yuenglings are the only way to do it!”

Other regular nightlife: Brick Wall/Porta

“A sports bar attached to a dance place!”

Chill Beer Joint where you can dance: Ubahn/Bru

“Another really chill beer joint attached to a dance spot.”

What to do:

Go to a magical (& historical) park: Talula’s Garden

“Pure magic near Washington Square Park which is near the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s house, etc.”

Peddle through the city:

“Rent a bike and ride down the Schuykill (try pronouncing it and ask strangers to as well, it’s a fun lil bit) to the art museum, to boathouse row, and further if you’re up for it.”

Mozy through this cute spot: Rittenhouse Square!

It’s where Parc (see above) is located.

Eat your way through the most up and coming neighborhood: Fishtown

“Fishtown is the new hip part of town and is super trendy! Yards Brewery, Frankford Hall, Garage, Honeys Sit ‘N Eats are all fun smattering of places.”

Go to outdoor yoga & then pop into nearby boutiques afterwards

“Check race street pier’s outdoor yoga classes (right under the bridge on a pier and an iconic photo people like to take.) People also bike over that bridge which is fun but not necessary, and there is cute boutique shopping around old city on your way to the pier."

Where to shop

Open House on 13th St

“If you need a Philly souvenir that can be displayed without being cheesy, go to Open House on 13th St. I used to walk through weekly just for fun haha.”