Philadelphia

A collection of things in Philadelphia I recommend, whether you’re a local or just passing through – restaurants, places, things to do, and more. Let me know if I left off any “musts"! 

To eat. 
This could be an entire web site of its own, with various categories on what you like to eat and atmosphere choices.  But I’ll just keep it as a simple list of my faves and maybe a few words to tell you what type of occasion it might be good for. 

To see my reviews on all the places I’ve eaten in Philadelphia, check out my Yelp reviews. 

• Bibou – perfect date night spot byo French wine
• Vetri – for fancy occasions only (chef's tasting menu only = $$$$)
• Dalessandro's – best. cheesesteak. period. 
• Café Lift – my number one brunch spot (and BYO champagne)
• Café L’Aube – crepes for breakfast or lunch, not expensive and very affordable
• Village Whisky – great burgers and small plates and phenomenal drinks
• Pub & Kitchen – solid food, casual atmosphere
• Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria – favorite pizza and salad (get any salad with the sautéed chicken) 
• Han Dynasty – amazingly spicy Chinese food, multiple locations
• XIX – go for lunch order from the fixed price menu and take in the views
• Calaca Feliz – Delicious Mexican food and a nice patio
• Dim Sum Garden – Dirt cheap and ridiculously delicious dim sum

To hang. 
By hang, I mean drink and socialize.

• Graffiti Bar – outside but covered
• Time – three different vibes (jazz club, whiskey bar, and sweaty dance party) all in one. Pick your poison.
• Silk City – sweaty dance party with a diner serving food late-night
• Frankford Hall – outdoor beer garden with fire pits, ping pong and jenga
• Morgan’s Pier – go during the day when it’s nice, sit outside and enjoy the water under the Ben Franklin Bridge
• Hop Sing Laundromat OR Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. OR Ranstead Room – all are prohibition-esque bars with a dark and secretive vibe and creative cocktails
• Oscars Tavern – the dive of all dives and so utterly Philadelphian 
• Stratus Rooftop Bar and Lounge – get dressed up and sip some pricey cocktails in the middle of old city on a nice evening

To see and do.
In no particular order, things you might want to do or see while in Philly. Note: Most museums (except Please Touch and Mutter Museum) are located along the Ben Franklin Parkway. 

• Liberty Bell and Independence Hall – You don't have to pay or wait in line to get a decent view of the Liberty Bell through a window or visit the nice space behind Independence Hall. I would recommend a tour of Independence Hall because the inside is pretty cool.
• Walk along the Schuylkill River - You can walk from Manayunk (my neighborhood) all the way past boat house row to University City.
• City Hall Observation Deck
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Run the steps like Rocky, and take in the beautiful grounds and architecture of this massive building. If you’re planning to see the art, set aside 4-6 hours. 
• The Franklin Institute – see an IMAX movie and visit whatever super-cool exhibit they have
• Please Touch Museum
• Mütter Museum
• Barnes Foundation – View the largest collection of privately curated art, and if you want to know a little more about the controversy of this museum, watch The Art of the Steal on Netflix Instant
• Longwood Gardens - A bit of a trek outside the City but beautiful nonetheless
• King of Prussia Mall - apparently the largest shopping mall on the east coast, shop until you drop. 
• See a show (Philadelphia Orchestra OR Kimmel Center)
• The Philadelphia Zoo
• Adventure Aquarium
• City Food Tour

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