Caroline Coral

This city is brimming with amazing watering holes—from the coziest of cocktail lounges to the grimmiest of dives—but sometimes choosing where to go can be tough. Enter the first-ever Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards, which honors the best and brightest of the bar scene (and helps you decide where to go for happy hour). Below, you’ll find the full list of 2018 Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards winners and runners-up, which were chosen by a trusty team of industry insiders and folks-about-town who know their way around a cocktail joint. With their help, we came up with a consensus about the new bar the city absolutely can‘t live without, must-visit breweries, establishments that have the most creative drink lists and the most Instagrammable cocktail in the city so you can get it on your IG feed, pronto. Check out the full list of winners below. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Time Out Philadelphia's Bar Awards

Cinco de Mayo in Philadelphia is going to be hype this year, thanks to the fact that the fifth of May falls on a Saturday in 2018. That means you can gorge on all the guacamole and margaritas you want, and still have a day to recover before the alarm rings Monday morning. Here we lay out the best Cinco de Mayo Philadelphia events happening this weekend, including block parties, awesome deals on South of the Border-style grub at Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia and cheap tequila-based drinks at some of the best bars in Philadelphia. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

When the produce section at Acme or Whole Foods leaves you uninspired, consider doing your fruit and veggie shopping at one of the amazing farmers’ markets in Philadelphia. There are dozens upon dozens of these little pop-up grocery stands located all around town—in public squares, Philadelphia parks and even on college campuses. They overflow with vibrant, locally grown produce, fresh meats and bushels of fragrant flowers. You could also find fresh-baked goods, such as bread and pastries, that could rival some of the best bakeries Philadelphia has to offer. Our guide to the best farmers’s markets in Philadelphia covers all the must-shop spots across town, and in some cases beyond the city limits to discover unique food purveyors that you wouldn’t be able to find around these parts. Check out the full guide below. Trust us, regardless of whether or not you’re in a shopping mood, a browse through some of these markets can be a rewarding and inspiring experience on its own—and, with zilch entry fees, it’s one of the essential free things to do in Philadelphia during the spring and summer. Note: Some of these farmers’ markets don’t open till later in the season. Check venue details before heading out. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Philadelphia

Finding the best brunch Philadelphia has to offer is a serious business. But while most of us head to the spots with the longest lines (hello, Sabrina‘s and Green Eggs!), savvy diners opt for more under-the-radar eateries that serve up all the things we look for in an ideal brunch experience: atmosphere, tons of coffee and mimosas, and, of course, delicious grub. Follow our guide to the best brunch in Philadelphia to find a mix of these low-key spots—including some of the best new restaurants in Philadelphia—and tried-and-true favorites. If you‘re looking for something lighter, consider ditching the crowds for one of the best bakeries Philadelphia has to offer, or plop down over a steamy cup of java in one of the best local coffee shops. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Philadelphia

Fantastic new restaurants in Philadelphia continue to pop up in neighborhoods across the city. Be among the first to snag a table at the most-worthwhile spots with our constantly updated guide to the best new Philly restaurants, which at the moment includes a great new addition to the burgeoning scene of Latin American restaurants in Philadelphia, a new spot to get pizza in Philadelphia and a cool new food hall in University City cranking out food from Goldie, High Street on Market and more. To create a whole experience, top off your meal with a drink at one of the best bars in Philadelphia or head out for a night of dancing at one of our favorite Philadelphia nightclubs. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Philadelphia * denotes latest additions

Now in its sixth year, East Passyunk Restaurant Week gives you the chance to try more than two dozen of the best restaurants in Philadelphia at a steeply discounted price. Once mostly known as the place to go for the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia, South Philly has recently become one of the top dining destinations in the city—thanks to a handful of young, innovative chefs and restaurateurs who have brought in a variety of different cuisines, such as Dutch, Japanese and Filipino. East Passyunk is also home to some of the best bars in Philadelphia, if you’re looking for a quick sip before your meal (hint, hint). Twenty-six restaurants to choose from in a two-week time frame can be tough, so we’ve narrowed down the list to 11 essential spots to try for lunch and dinner during East Passyunk Restaurant Week. Bon appétit! What is East Passyunk Restaurant Week? East Passyunk Restaurant Week is an annual event that gives you the chance to try some of Philly’s most-buzzed-about restaurants for a discounted price. Here’s the deal: For the two-week span, 26 restaurants up and down the corridor will offer a three-course prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner for three set prices: $15, $25 or $35. When is East Passyunk Restaurant Week? East Passyunk Restaurant Week runs from February 26, 2018 to March 9, 2018. For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, go here. Where is East Passyunk Restaurant Week? Participating restaurants sit along East Passyunk Avenue in Phi

Get ready to feast. It’s almost time for Philadelphia Restaurant Week 2018, when local eateries by the dozens offer prix-fixe menus at a discounted set price, allowing local foodies the chance to try some of the best established and new restaurants in Philadelphia for a fraction of the regular cost. The list of participating restaurants can be overwhelming, so we’ve narrowed it down to 16 spots where you’ll get the most for your money—focusing on variety and those places that may typically be out of reach for the everyday budget-conscious diner. For the ultimate cheap date night, pair your dinner with our list of the best free things to do in Philadelphia, or make a night of it by catching a flick at some of the best movie theaters Philadelphia has to offer. Also, keep in mind that during Restaurant Week, Philadelphia eateries get packed—so you’d be smart to make reservations ASAP. What is Restaurant Week in Philadelphia? Philadelphia Restaurant Week is an biannual event produced by Center City District, where more than 120 restaurants offer a three-course lunch for $20 or a three-course dinner for $35. When is Philadelphia Restaurant Week? Restaurant Week in Philadelphia runs from Sunday, January 14, 2018, through Friday, January 26, 2018. For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, go here.

When you’re craving the kind of hearty grub that can only be found in Italy, the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia won’t disappoint. This city, which is steeped in Italian traditions, takes its Italian food seriously—whether its a simple bowl of red-sauce pasta or an elaborate Sicilian seafood stew. Follow this guide to find the very best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia—from the Italian Market to Fishtown—then follow up your meal with a strong cup of java at one of our Italian coffee shops. Philadelphia is also known for decadent Italian desserts (think: fresh biscotti and ricotta-cream-filled cannoli) which are baked fresh daily at some of the best bakeries Philadelphia has to offer. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Philadelphia

The summer’s most picturesque indoor-outdoor dining destination is packed with talent both in the kitchen and behind the bar. Chef Ben Moore whips up a seasonal menu of shareable plates with baked goods from Lost Bread Co., while behind the bar, a 30-line draft system pours everything from wine and cider to beer, cold brewed coffee and kombucha. Killer cocktails come courtesy of bar manager Jesse Cornell.

Head up to North Fifth Street for an unrivaled all-you-can-eat experience that brings together both tabletop barbecue and hot pot. For $31.95, guests can choose from a rainbow of meats, veggies and sauces from the buffet and then bring them back to the table to grill or poach in flavorful broth. Dessert isn’t really necessary after such a sizable meal, but the folks at Gogi often treat customers to complimentary fresh pineapple or cantaloupe juices.

In addition to a well-executed menu showcasing tacos, burritos and tortas, this Mexican BYO has a serious meat game. Bone-in sirloin steaks are grilled to order and accompanied with chilaquiles and a fried egg, a T-bone comes with red rice, beans and roasted cactus, and specials like lamb barbacoa are slow cooked on an outdoor spit.

Enticing Momofuku alum Peter Serpico to move from NYC and open an eponymous South Street spot was a power move for restaurateur Stephen Starr, not to mention one that paid off nicely for the city’s diners as well. Serpico’s seasonal menus come from a bustling open kitchen into a dimly lit dining room where vibrant plates and unlikely flavor pairings illuminate the space.

Friday Saturday Sunday was already a time-worn Philadelphia dining institution, but husband-and-wife duo Chad and Hanna Williams put the Rittenhouse restaurant on the national radar, winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2023. Dining here feels both elegant and comfortable, and the popular tasting menu stands out with multicultural influences from places like the Caribbean, France and the American South. Reserve a table upstairs, go full tasting menu or pull up to the bar for á-la-carte plates.

Setting its sights on internationally influenced street food, this satellite of Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby’s Vedge is a globetrotting look at meat- and dairy-free cuisine. The menu riffs on the familiar (think kung pao cucumbers) and not so familiar (carrot asado), spinning them through a creative vegan lense. Over at the bar, that creativity and worldliness carries through to the beer, wine and cocktail program.

Yellow walls and blue banquettes set the scene for this French bistro just off of South Street. Wine lovers can opt for a glass or bottle from the restaurant’s good, better and best list of reds and white, or explore the bottle list for more esoteric finds. In the kitchen, textbook versions of French classics, such as pork rillettes and steak frites, are joined by inspired takes on escargot and root-vegetable gratins.

This family-run Mexican corner spot in deep South Philly is as welcoming as can be, especially on weekend mornings. True to its name, the espresso drinks here are perfectly pulled and finished with a bit of Mexican flare—dashes of cinnamon and chocolate. You could opt for the migas—à la Mexicana or Motulenos—but anything with huevos here is going to please.

Bread whisperer Alex Bois debuted his baking talent at Fork and High Street on Market. At Lost Bread Co. he’s striking out on his own with a bakery and café stocked with hearth-baked loaves made from locally milled grains. Along with seasonally inspired focaccias and fluffy Japanese milk bread, an eat-in menu offers slices of flatbread pizza, vegetable sides and a lineup of creative pastries ranging from chocolate croissants to vegan maple tahini bars.

Hong Kong-style breakfast is on the menu at this Chinatown newcomer. Unlike the morning offerings at the various dim sum and congee shops around town, Hidden Gem has a lineup of four prix-fixe sets, all under the $7 mark. Choose from macaroni soup with Spam and eggs, stir-fried noodles and eggy Hong Kong toast filled with a layer of peanut butter, all served with a choice of coffee, milk tea or soy milk.

From serious Sazeracs to red beans and rice, Cajun classics are done right at this Queen Village homage to NOLA fare. During brunch, Benedicts are accompanied by links of andouille sausage and sweet rice patties, grillades and grits topped with a tomato roux sauce and beignets dusted with copious amounts of powdered sugar. Swing by for happy hour, when bottles of Abita and bowls of gumbo go for $5.

Named for a neighborhood in Paris’s idyllic 12th arrondissement, this well appointed new brasserie brings bistro standards to Ardmore. Start with a seafood plateau, charcuterie board or crock of bubbly French onion soup and move on to steak frites, lobster thermidore or one of the weekly plats du jour.

Whether it’s kicking back with a cocktail on one of Philly’s rooftop bars, cracking a cold one at a seasonal beer gardens or simply pouring a glass of rosé to enjoy on your patio, this city’s residents are positively itching to get outside. This season welcomes another addition to the alfresco scene, with the opening of Harper’s Garden. Brought to us by the good folks of FCM Hospitality, the masterminds behind some of Philly’s favorite summertime dining and drinking destinations, such as Morgan’s Pier and Parks on Tap, Harper’s is upping the game with some serious talent—both in the kitchen and behind the bar.   Outdoor area at Harper’s Garden Photograph: Courtesy FCM Hospitality Bartender Jesse Cornell outfitted the bar with a 30-line draft system that is home to not only beer but a selection of ciders, wines, kombuchas and coffees. Cornell has crafted a lineup of classically inspired cocktails with a summerly lean, including daiquiris and a tequila- and jalapeño-spiked lemonade. A well-considered wine list has plenty of warm-weather favorites like an Austrian rosé and lightly effervescent Txakoli. And for those interested in on-trend sipping, Aperol spritzes and a Spanish pét-nat will please. Harper’s Garden is setting itself apart from other outdoor operations with an ambitious, seasonal menu from chef Ben Moore. Having put in time at lauded Philly institutions such as Le Bec Fin and La Croix, Moore’s menu of shareable plates are rooted in seasonality and technique. Hand-

Following the food truck boom of the early aughts, indoor food halls are springing up all over the nation—and Old City is expected to get its first one midsummer. The home of this tasty endeavor is the Bourse, a striking red-brick and terra-cotta structure that looms over Independence National Historical Park. The building was first a commodities exchange, but since 1979 it’s played host to a mix of drab office spaces, a grim food court geared toward Liberty Bell gawkers and, most notably, an art-house movie theater. The food hall will be located on the fully renovated first floor of this Old City beauty, welcoming a mix of local and out-of-town vendors. Some brick-and-mortar restaurants, such as Indian street-food spot Chaat and Chai and brunch purveyor Grub House, have left their South Philly storefronts in favor of a spot in these sure-to-be-high-trafficked digs. The former will resurrect its menu of creative chaats and curries, while the latter will crank out breakfast fare all day. Others are using the food hall as a jumping-off point for new concepts. Stargazy’s Sam Jacobson is joining forces with Mighty Bread Company’s Chris DiPiazza for Mighty Melt, a grilled cheese shop. Chef Sylva Senat, the former Top Chef contender who most recently opened from Maison 208, is fusing bao and sliders for Baby Buns, where you’ll find steamed buns filled with an array of international ingredients and frosé flowing all summer long. Longtime Philly favorite Scoop DeVille is the food ha

The who’s who of the Philadelphia restaurant scene aren’t typically much for breakfast meetings, but this morning the city’s top chefs and hospitality pros came together at Parc in Rittenhouse to hear the announcement of the 2018 James Beard nominees. Philadelphia was well represented in the list of semifinalists, with 15 nominations. Today, only four of those were named finalists and will be going on to the award ceremony in Chicago on May 7. With a venerable line up that includes Fork, High Street on Market, a.kitchen, a.bar and High Street on Hudson in New York, Ellen Yin is up for Outstanding Restaurateur. Rich Landau is in the running for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic for his groundbreaking empire of vegan restaurants including Vedge, V Street, Wiz Kid and the upcoming Fancy Radish in D.C. The Cook & Solo crew are well versed in the world of Beard awards with Mike Solomonov taking home the title of Best Chef Mid Atlantic in 2011 and Outstanding Chef in 2017. This year the restaurant group’s flagship, Zahav, is vying for two titles: Rising Star, for pastry chef Camille Cogswell, and Outstanding Service. Congrats to all the local nominees. You can see the full nomination list here. GET VOCAL FOR YOUR LOCAL: Vote for your favorite local restaurant in the Time Out Love Philadelphia Awards

In honor of National Taco Day, which happens Wednesday, October 4, we’ve rounded up excellent taco-centric deals happening at some of the best Mexican restaurants Philadelphia has to offer (and Taco Bell). Consider your Hump Day lunch and dinner plans made. Mission Taqueria With a menu full of stuffed-tortilla options, this second-floor cantina celebrates tacos all year round. In honor of National Taco Day—and all foreseeable Tuesdays from here on out—anyone who orders tacos off the regularly priced menu will be treated to a complimentary house margarita. Revolution Taco After multiple requests for hardshell tacos, this Rittenhouse lunchtime favorite is rolling out a pair of one-day-only additions in honor of the holiday. Smoked brisket tacos are coming topped with scallion crema and heirloom-tomato salsa, and mole chicken is matched with seasonally appropriate apple and pumpkin salsa. Taqueria Feliz The Horsham branch of this happy-hour mecca is discounting their entire array of tacos by $3 from 3 to 9pm, meaning that everything from sesame tuna to brussels sprout and southern fried chicken tacos are going for under $10 for a trio. Jose Pistola’s, Pistola’s del Sur, Sancho Pistola’s All three locations of this craft beer and Mexican spot are featuring Pistola’s take on classic street tacos, a pair of corn tortillas piled high with carnitas, chopped white onion and cilantro and a drizzle of salsa verde for $6. Coreanos Chinatown’s premier destination for Korean Mexi

With the chilly weather moving in, what could be better than a big ole plate of soul-warming nachos, piled high with fresh tortilla chips, refried beans, sour cream guacamole and more? Here, we round up the best restaurants in Philadelphia to get nachos, including delicious and sometimes quite creative dishes in Center City, Fishtown and beyond. Celebrate the occasion with friends and a few rounds of margaritas. Bar Amis, 4503 S Broad StThis Navy Yard happy-hour haunt has put an Italian spin on the Tex-Mex standard, layering corn chips with cheese fonduta, cannellini beans and salsa verde along with sliced radishes, jalapeños and avocado. El Rey, 2013 Chestnut StStephen Starr’s converted diner cum Mexican cantina gets points for even topping distribution. Their shareable starter is finished with housemade chorizo, melty chihuahua cheese, pickled chiles, and habanero and mint salsa. Blue Corn, 940 S 9th StUnlike other joints that are happy to pop open a bag of chips and call it a day, the talented crew at this Italian Market mainstay makes every element of their nachos from scratch—from the warm blue corn chips to the creamy refried beans. Lolita, 106 S 13th StDuring weeknights this Midtown Village Mexican spot runs a late-night happy hour from 10 to 11pm. Along with deeply discounted micheladas and margaritas, a charred corn and avocado crema nachos can be finished with a choice of mixed mushrooms or al pastor pork. Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut StFor those in the market for some ea

Pumpkin spice season hit unseasonably early this month, meaning that even before Halloween there’s a good chance that you or someone you know might be suffering from PSTSD, or pumpkin spice traumatic stress disorder. To counter seasonal palate fatigue, the good folks at Shake Shack are rolling out a savory counter balance to all of that cinnamon and nutmeg. Beginning on Thursday, November 2 (or Monday, October 30, if you have the Shake Shack app), chili is hitting the menu at all of the burger fave’s standalone outposts. From now until January, Shake Shack guests can top their cheese burgers, Vienna beef dogs and crinkle cut cheese fries with chili, an ideal addition to combat cold weather. Though it won’t be on the menu, those in the know can also opt for a bowl of the good stuff on its own as an added winter warmer. Never one to cut corners, Shack’s chili recipe is a smoked, slow braised creation developed by the masterminds of their culinary development team that incorporates ancho and chile de arbol peppers into the mix for a rich and deeply spiced (but not too spicy) chili. For those in the market for a little pumpkin-less holiday cheer, Shake Shack is getting festive with a trio of concretes (their word for shakes) beginning on November 15, including frozen hot cocoa topped with chocolate chip marshmallow, a chocolate peppermint shake with a candy cane crumble, and a Christmas cookie shake that works shortbread crumbles and sprinkles into the mix.

Lancaster County butchers gave the world scrapple by mushing together innards and other parts of the pig that were previously unused, and it eventually made its way to Philly to become a breakfast staple. It’s arguably the least–vegan-friendly concoction in the world, but the veggie set in the city lap it up at these three spots serving meat-free versions. Front Street Cafe, 1253 N Front St Made with finely ground mushrooms and lentils, this Fishtown spin on the regional breakfast fave works warm breakfast-sausage spices into the mix. The mushroom scrapple is an option for a variety of plates on the breakfast menu, including the Front Street Breakfast and Front Street Benedict, or on the vegan scrapple sandwich with tofu scramble and garlic-thyme aioli. Triangle Tavern, 1338 S 10th St Brunchers are all about veg at this red-sauce joint. Need proof? The vegan scrapple routinely outsells its pork alternative. Try it in the hearty mushroom scrapple breakfast at brunch, or as a side with any of your entrees. Vegan Commissary, 1429 Wolf St Weeks of research and development went into the recipe for this meatless scrapple made of an earthy blend of shiitake, cremini and oyster mushrooms. It’s perhaps best on the the Brunch sandwich alongside a vegan egg, cheese wiz and arugula on homemade focaccia. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best brunch in Philadelphia