Hallelujah, I got a cronut! And I barely waited two minutes for it!
Well, OK, a “Swiss Cro-crème” if you want to get technical, a knock-off from Philadelphia’s Swiss Haus Bakery. This perfectly crispy/chewy/buttery artery-clogger might not be a “must” reason to visit Philadelphia, but it sure is a bonus — as is the city’s new Shake Shack (also never a long wait!).
Here are some more reasons, food- and retail-wise, to head to Philly this fall.
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EAT
It’s no secret that Philly cheesesteaks rule, but which are best? You’ll need to venture deep into South Philly for that answer.
In the shadow of a factory and open from 6:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, John’s Roast Pork (14 E. Snyder Ave.) puts much love and a secret family recipe into juicy shaved pork heroes.
For the more traditional beef and Cheez Whiz on a chewy hoagie variety, Tony Luke’s (35 E. Oregon Ave.) is tough to beat — and, unlike John’s, open late.
In Fishtown, northeast of Center City, the dining scene is booming. Little Baby’s Ice Cream (2311 Frankford Ave.) offers are-you-serious? flavors that, beyond mere novelty, are mind-blowingly good: Spicy Mustard, Duck Sauce, Earl Grey Sriracha, Everything Bagel and Pizza. Can’t commit? Get a six-flavor tasting flight for $6.
Speaking of pizza, Little Baby’s is attached to the 1-year-old Pizza Brain (2313 Frankford Ave.), which bills itself as the “first pizza museum with an artisan pizzeria.” Their pies, like the Lucy Waggle (fresh thyme, dates, crisped prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula), are phenomenal, and the hysterical collection of kitschy pizza memorabilia holds Guinness World Record status.
For upscale grub and sophisticated atmosphere, try the under-the-radar bistro The Pickled Heron (2218 Frankford Ave.).
In Center City, chef/entrepreneur team and couple Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, helped transform 13th Street from a skeevy red-light haunt into a cool boutique-lined strip. Their six businesses include cozy tapas joint/wine bar Jamonera (105 S. 13th St.). The grilled Spanish octopus is remarkably tender, and cocktails (like the Alhambra: gin, grapefruit puree, rosemary and ginger) and sangrias are spectacularly refreshing.
For breakfast (or dessert), Federal Donuts with locations in both South Philly (1219 S. 2nd St.) and Center City (1632 Sansom St.), offers “Fancy” cake donuts in creative, always-changing flavors like Banana Cream Pie, and — a twist on chicken and waffles — fried chicken with a side of honey donuts.
A beer is best enjoyed in a beer garden, no? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Pop Up Garden (313 S. Broad St.), open through October, features a mobile beer garden, plenty of seating and sporadic performances by UArts students.
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SHOP
With its own fashion week, titled Philadelphia Collection (Sept. 18-25), the city has no shortage of design talent. Many shops are dedicated, in part or exclusively, to locally made fashion and crafts.
The Northern Liberties district’s Bloom (1001 N. Second St.) carries the rocker chick-inspired line Pretty Pretty Rebel; on Sundays this hipster hood’s outdoor Piazza at Schmidts plays host to an edition of Brooklyn Flea).
Center City’s Kembrel (1822 Chestnut St.), founded by a trio of former UPenn students, features an expertly curated, unisex trove of local and international goods: colorful sunglasses and apparel by “Project Runway” first-season winner Jay McCarroll; Waskerd’s uber-soft stitched leather goods; Machine Gun Betty’s Dita Von Teese-y women’s shoes and the shop’s own line of scented soaps and candles.
Sophisticated and on a social mission, SA VA (1700 Samson St.), the brainchild of designer Sarah Van Aken, brims with locally produced, fair-trade, sustainable garments and accessories — even the hangers are constructed from recycled paper and all-natural adhesives.
At US*U.S. (323 Arch St.,), a cozy designers’ co-op that opened last year, with styles ranging from “ready-to-wear” to “ready-to-wear-to-a-Nine-Inch-Nails-concert.”
Beauty and bath product lovers should be sure to stop at Duross & Langel (117 S. 13th St.) and load up on scrumptious-smelling, hand-crafted soaps, shampoos, lotions and more.
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STAY
Old Town’s year-old Hotel Monaco (from $247) has an unbeatable location overlooking the Independence National Historical Park and Liberty Bell Center, plus amenities like free bicycles.
Sofitel Philadelphia (from $133) occupies the former Philadelphia Stock Exchange building and recently completed a Rodin Museum-inspired renovation of its rooms, with eco-friendly wood walls and Rodin-esque artwork.
As part of an ongoing $10 million renovation of the landmark Rittenhouse Hotel (from $349), the brand-new Library Bar, along with five spacious Park Suites (from $749) that boast kitchens, Nespresso makers, marble bathrooms and floor-to-window views of Rittenhouse Square, opened this summer.