Josh Middleton

For a city with 2am closing times and a historical love of blue laws, Boston sure knows how to drink. And even with the Hub's high expectations when it comes to our alcohol, the best bars in Boston truly deliver. Yeah, we may be most known for our Irish pubs and dive bars, but we now have some award-winning cocktail destinations and craft beer emporiums that are worth a visit. We've rounded up our top picks for the best places in town to get a little tipsy, so take a look and raise a glass. Cheers! RECOMMENDED: Guide to Boston's best restaurants

Whether you’re a longtime resident or haven’t had the pleasure of visiting, there are key sights that everyone associates with Philadelphia, like the Liberty Bell and the Rocky steps. But as a recent transplant, I can tell you for a fact that Philly has much more to offer tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re seeking a photo-worthy garden or arboretum, a Michelin-caliber meal, an unforgettable live performance, or a day at a museum (or five), this decidedly unpretentious city has it all. Sports buffs, amateur historians, and art lovers alike flock here to feed their respective hobbies and interests, while everyone in between should feel inclined to trek the centuries-old cobblestones for cheesesteaks (seriously, foodies—set a date and come hungry), street murals, microbreweries, and more.  Here, you’ll find 33 of the best things to do in Philadelphia any time, from April-only events to evergreen activities that you can try whenever you’re in the area. My personal favorites include the delightfully macabre Mütter Museum, the Schuylkill River Trail for a spring walk or bike ride, and Reading Terminal Market for all things edible. This month, you’ll have a chance to see some of the city’s most stunning cherry blossom trees in full bloom, a jam-packed comedy showcase in Old City, and a beloved craft fair at the historic Woodlands. Fetch a pen and clear your schedule—you’ll want to make space in your calendar.  This guide was updated by Philadelphia-based writer Taryn Pire. At

Where should I eat in Boston? is a question the editor and writers at Time Out Boston get a lot. The best answers take into account the occasion, vibe and even time of year for what you’re looking for—maybe it’s a cozy fireplace or wine bar to snuggle up at as we wait out spring.  RECOMMENDED: Boston’s best bars Choosing where you should eat right now is the way we like to look at it, as we compile our list of Boston’s best restaurants each season. From casual choices for seafood, pizza and wine-friendly small plates to occasion-worthy celebrations of seasonal cuisine, each of these places is a draw for its own reason. To compare them is literally apples to oranges sometimes, but we rank it anyway. Comprising restaurants we want to return to again and again, here are 30 best restaurants to book in Boston right now.  March 2025: Another trip to Comfort Kitchen this season reaffirms its status atop our list of best Boston restaurants. The Dorchester gem continues to deliver exciting plates inspired by the spice trade through the African diaspora, all with one of the most friendly and engaging waitstaffs in the city. I was particularly thrilled to explore its new cocktail menu, which pays homage to beloved '90s R&B singers with drinks like Kelly Price Sang the Hook, One in a Million, and Put That On Everything. Meanwhile, in the wider Boston food scene, locals are mourning the closure of Allston's Twin Donuts after an incredible 70 years. RIP! Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our f

When it comes to creating a properly outstanding bar, good vibes and even better drinks are a necessity, but a stonking good view? That’s a real gamechanger. After all, if the sun is shining, there are few things better than sitting up high, cocktail-in-hand admiring some glorious scenery.  And while there are plenty of bougie spots on this roundup, there’s a tonne of variety as well – rooftop bars can be anything from a glamorous, nineteenth-floor ‘trade’-themed bar to the top floor of a London car park – and our favourite ones range from chilled to cha-ching. One thing is guaranteed, though: views for days. Read on for our favourites from across the planet. RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍕The best pizzas in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food

This city may be known more for its scrappy sports fans and greasy, drippy cheesesteaks but the best luxury hotels in Philadelphia provide a different side to the City of Brotherly Love – one that can hold its own among the world’s fanciest, most cosmopolitan cities. Book a room in one of these world-class digs to lap up a little splendor while you set out to explore the best things to do in Philadelphia. They‘re all excellently located, so you know you’ll always be within walking distance to a handful of top Philadelphia attractions – whether it’s the historical stuff in Old City or Rittenhouse, which puts you in the epicenter of excellent museums, gorgeous parks, and some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Check out our guide to the best luxury hotels in Philadelphia below for the plushest beds, top-of-the-line amenities, and impeccable service. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in Philadelphia Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

As one of the oldest cities in the country—and one with the prettiest fall foliage—Boston is a prime place to visit in October. The region has historic haunts you can't miss, whether it’s one of our creepy old graveyards or a verifiably spooky site with a story that would put your favorite true-crime podcast to shame. But it's not all about the fear factor around here, with family-friendly fun floating around, too. If you want to celebrate the season without waiting for all the annual Halloween parties and events to happen, here's how to get your tricks and treats out and celebrate Halloween in Boston all October long. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Boston

Philly is beautiful—but we don't need to tell you that. Between incredible hiking destinations, scenic parks, world-class museums, and restaurants serving outstandingly photogenic food and drink, the city is packed with picturesque spots. It makes choosing the most Instagrammable places in Philadelphia quite a challenge. For those looking to refresh their feeds with some insider flair, we've combed through Instagram feeds to find shots by locals who have managed to capture the moments that make Philly look so damn pretty and—boy oh boy— have we fallen in love with our city all over again. Get ready to swoon.

  Head to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Extend your arm in any direction. You're bound to be pointing toward one of Philadelphia's world-class museums—which would be the envy of any city. But it would be a mistake to end your journey there. Sure, the Parkway may be the city’s epicenter of fine art and culture, but Philly has many more stories to tell: its Mummers and firefighters, its seafarers and scientists, its revolutionaries and entertainers. And of course, its special place in American history. For each of Philly’s many identities, there’s a museum that lovingly preserves that history and is just waiting to be discovered for the first time, or all over again. So go ahead, start on the Parkway and then use this list as inspiration to uncover the best museums in Philadelphia. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in PhiladelphiaThe best restaurants in Philadelphia This guide was updated by Philly-based writer Tim McManus. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

At the centre of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ scene is, of course, its Gayborhood, an enclave in Center City Philadelphia that’s home to gay bars, clubs and more.  Most of the fabulous venues on this list are found there, but the rest of the city is still alive with culture and nightlife, like the piano lounge for those looking to belt out a tune (or six) and a leather dungeon for chaps-clad daddies and those who love them. Whatever your vibe, read on for the best gay bars in Philly.  RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in Philadelphia📍 The best things to do in Philadelphia🍲 The best restaurants in Philly💵 The best cheap hotels in Philadelphia  Josh Middleton is Time Out’s former Philadelphia editor.  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.   

Philly loves to party. You knew that, right? The City of Brotherly Love is one of the most exciting cities in the U.S., a thrilling whirlwind of history and adventure, and a big night out is one of the best ways to experience it. The best clubs in Philadelphia are all about throwing shapes all night long. Nothing is typical here; the innovative restaurants and curious museums are further proof, but the clubs are on another level entirely. When the sun goes down, Philadelphia lets rip, and the result is a dancing extravaganza unlike any other. Put on your dancing shoes; it is time to throw some shapes.

Like to plan ahead? Get a jump start on your date-making with our guide to the best things to do in Philadelphia this month. November brings holiday displays and activities to a handful of Philadelphia attractions, such as Dilworth Park and the Delaware River Waterfront. Plus, see some of the best live music Philadelphia has to offer and take in new exhibitions at some of the best Philadelphia museums. Find all that and more in our guide the best things to do in Philadelphia this month below. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Philadelphia

When will the latest edition of Time Out Philadelphia be available? You'll be able to pick up a free copy of the summer edition Time Out Philadelphia starting May 16. Where can I get a free copy of Time Out Philadelphia? Time Out Philadelphia street teams will be distributing the magazine in Center City on Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17 from 6:30 to 10:30am at the following locations: 30th Street Train Station at 30th and Market Streets City Hall at 15th and Market Streets Jefferson Station at 10th and Filbert Streets PATCO Station at 8th and Market Streets PATCO Station at 16th and Market Streets PATCO Station at 17th Street and JFK Boulevard Reading Terminal 12th and Filbert Streets Regional Rail entrance at 13th and Market Streets After that, deliveries will be made to restaurants, bars, shops, cultural institutions, hotels and more spots around the city. Looking for a spot near you? Check out this map for pick-up locations by zip code starting Monday, May 21. Will it still be the Time Out I know and love online? Absolutely. We feel passionately that it’ll be the same inspiring, high-quality content you currently enjoy. We’ll remain to be Philadelphia's No. 1 source for information on the latest restaurants, bars, theater, movies, concerts, festivals and exhibition openings in the city, and it’ll all still be filtered through our trademark critical eye. Why does this issue look different than the others? Our editors have recognized a recent sharing of cultures

Blossom Bar in Brookline Village is a buzzy cocktail joint from the makers of Baldwin Bar. Like its sister location, the drinks here are well-thought-out, meticulously crafted, and presented so beautifully that you may have to pull out your camera. The vibe: Loud, fun, energetic, young, and stylish—the place to be in Brookline if you can beat everyone else through the door. Pastel green walls, simple Spanish-style decor, and tropical plants situated around the room give the bar a sort of "cafe in Havana in the 1950s" feel. The food: Blossom Bar's location inside Sichuan Garden means you have easy access to some of the best Sichuan cuisine in the Boston area. Soak up the alcohol with dan dan noodles that will make your tongue tingle, pork dumplings with chili vinaigrette, or spicy kung pao chicken. The drink: Blossom Bar is a haven for delicious and inventive Latin-inspired cocktails, made with fresh tropical fruits and herbs and presented tiki-style, with fragrant garnishes spilling over the top. Drinkers can choose between a selection of frequently changing new creations alongside well-loved classics, such as the award-winning Gloria, with Bacardi Quatro Años, passionfruit, lime, cinnamon, coffee, and mascarpone. The menu offers illustrations of each drink, so you'll know exactly what you're getting, at least visually. Time Out tip: Blossom Bar operates a to-go cocktail menu, with drinks running $12 each. Order a half-dozen for an impromptu happy hour at your place?

A rainbow-colored sign above the entrance welcomes guests to this beloved neighborhood haunt, a South End staple that has cultivated a loyal following of locals, transient bike messengers, and curious drinkers from across the city, all drawn by its chill vibe and affordable-for-Boston libations. This is the place to come when you're craving fun, retro dive bar vibes with friendly, engaging staff and a lively clientele. The vibe: Fun, convivial, nostalgic. The Delux is perhaps just as well known for its kitschy, playful decor. A lamp shaped like the bust of Elvis sits at the corner of the bar; holiday lights decorate shelves; and vintage records and movie memorabilia are displayed on wood-paneled walls, all giving the place a quirky, ’70s-basement-bar feel. The food: The Delux has a solid selection of foods to go with your drinks. Light snacks include chips and salsa and quesadillas. Or you could fill up even more with cauliflower or jerk chicken tacos, a pork cheek bahn mi, or a cheeseburger on brioche. If you need a full-on dinner, order a mixed salad and an entree of roasted half chicken, arctic char, or spaghetti. The drink: The Delux offers six creative specialty cocktails—and traditional off-menu drinks—all $13 and servied in cute cocktail glasses. The Dirty Bird, their version of a dirty martini, comes with black pepper-infused vodka, olive brine, and pickled fresno. The El Camino satisfies your margarita cravings with reposado tequila, ancho chile, guava puree, and lim

Tucked away in the North End just down the street from Paul Revere's house, Farmacia isn't your average bar. This nine-seat gem, helmed by the dedicated Phillip Rolfe of All Day Hospitality Group, offers an intimate, curated cocktail experience that's more akin to a tasting menu than a casual drink. Forget walking in and ordering a simple G&T; here, you're embarking on a journey through Rolfe's thoughtful and meticulously crafted creations. The vibe: Think apothecary chic. It's like stepping back in time, with Rolfe playing the role of a modern-day pharmacist, whipping up potent "cures" with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The drink: Each season, Rolfe unveils a new "chapter," drawing inspiration from diverse sources—a specific locale, spirit, or even a zodiac sign. He personally selects every spirit, cold-presses every juice, and infuses every syrup, ensuring each cocktail is a delicious and complex little masterpiece in a coupe. Rolfe prioritizes personalized service, hence our five-star review. He'll tailor drinks to your preferences, ensuring a bespoke experience that leaves you feeling seen, darling. The food: Each order—a selection of anywhere from two to four cocktails—comes with accompanying snacks, which are meant more for palate cleansing than belly filling.  Time Out tip: With only nine seats and a reputation for truly special cocktails, securing a reservation can be a competitive sport. Tickets, priced at $80 per person (plus a small fee), are released 60 days in

Shojo is one of those places where you feel cool just walking in. Situated just around the way from the Chinatown gate, the space feels very "downtown," with vibrant, graffiti-splashed walls, exposed brick and industrial elements such as metal stools and a concrete floor. Good music pumps overhead as waiters bop about the dining room. In warmer months, the floor-to-ceiling louvred front windows fan open, giving the space an edgy, garage-like feel. Owner Brian Moy grew up in the Boston Chinatown culinary scene, working at his family's landmark restaurants, China Pearl and Best Little Restaurant. At Shojo, he takes the traditional approaches he learned there and blows them up with art, style, and an exciting, flavor-packed menu of typical Asian—namely Japanese, Korean, and Thai—street foods, done with a modern twist. Standout dishes include the hand-cut duck fat fries served with sriracha aioli, Wagyu beef dumplings, and the Shojonator, an enormously delicious Angus beef burger served on a toasted house-made bao bun with sriracha aioli, smoked BBQ sauce, bacon, fried shallots, and kimcheese, a mixture of Velveeta cheese and kimchi. At the bar, Shojo's focus is its approximately 50-strong list of Japanese whiskies, along with many other rare Japanese spirits. The cocktails are a production. The tiki-inspired concoctions are often colorful and topped with garnish; some are served in adorable glasses shaped like pandas, dragons, and cats. This is the place to go when you're cravin

Charming haley.henry comes with two serious bona fides: First, it's a go-to for tinned seafood enthusiasts wild about its extensive selection of tinned fish—from mackerel in piri piri and every kind of sardine variation imaginable to octopus and even minnows in cod liver oil—responsibly sourced from around the world. Second, its list of small-production, mostly female-owned natural wines is pretty rockin' too—so much so that haley.henry was named a 2024 James Beard semi-finalist for “Outstanding Wine Program.” For all the hype, the place is quite modest in size and appearance. It almost looks like a hip little Wes Anderson seaside shack, plucked from the south of France and planted on a rather soulless street in Downtown Crossing. The walls and bar are wood-paneled, the bar is plated with punctured tin, and colorful stacks of tinned fish and jars of spices line the shelves behind the bar. There are only a handful of tables—more in warmer months when the action spills out onto the sidewalk. The rest is bar seating—and there's not a lot of it. The staff is incredibly friendly and more than happy to make suggestions from both the food and, perhaps especially, the wine lists. From this writer's experience, their recommendations have been pretty spot on. In addition to its preserved seafood offerings, haley.henry features daily crudo and ceviche. One standout dish, the buttered Jonah crab toast, is a prime example of the restaurant's knack for turning simple ingredients into somet

This stylish Greek meze and wine bar, located in the heart of Back Bay, occupies the former Café Jaffa space and is part of the team behind GreCo and Committee Ouzeri + Bar. Named after the Greek word for wine, Krasi serves regional Greek meze (small plates), complemented by a massive Greek wine list featuring over 180 natural, organi and biodynamic wines. The menu showcases traditional Greek dishes with a contemporary twist. The standout kotopoulo dish features a tasty, crispy chicken thigh served over revithada (a chickpea stew) with tarragon-seasoned carrots. The lavraki is a Mediterranean seabass wrapped in a grape leaf with anchovy butter. Vegetarians are well-catered to, with an exciting menu of meat-free options such as celery root dumplings stuffed with sweet potato, pine nuts and currants, topped with a dollop of almond milk-cauliflower crema. There's also a vegetarian farro risotto and lemony patates made with an herbed panko crust and oregano béarnaise. The vibe: Krasi is chic and rustic, modern and traditional Greek, trendy yet hospitable, and consistently warm and inviting. The food: A contemporary take on traditional Greek cuisine, with ingredients sourced from Greece and served meze style. The drink: Rare Greek liquors, Greek beers, and a wine list for the gods. Time Out tip: Brunch at Krasi is a delightful experience: imagine beautifully presented spanakopita croissants, Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, baklava granola and eggs prepared in all kinds of delici

Despite its unassuming location behind an orange door in an alley between The Independent and Bronwyn, Backbar is anything but discreet. In-the-know locals flock here for meticulously crafted, inventive takes on classic cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere that exudes a “chill hang” vibe. The ambiance is fun and relaxed, even delightfully quirky, with chalk drawings adorning one wall and Star Wars-themed memorabilia alongside other pop-culture artifacts decorating the dining area. Guests can choose from a variety of seating options, including bar stools, high-top tables, and cushioned benches complete with pillows for added comfort. The owners have just as much fun with the cocktail menu, which changes approximately seasonally and always features a playful twist. Currently, patrons can explore Backbar's eight specialty concoctions, each priced at $17, presented on a menu designed to resemble a tabloid magazine. Each drink is named after a different cryptid; for example, the “Jackalope” offers a veritable forest in a glass, crafted with bourbon, brandy, a pine-forward spirit called Zirbenz, Yobo Kish Seoul Soju Aperitif, maple, and candy cap mushroom. The “Fiji Mermaid” serves as a savory, tropical take on an Old Fashioned, featuring bonito-infused Fiji rum, Monkey Shoulder scotch, coconut taro root syrup, and East India sherry. If these inventive options feel a bit too adventurous for your palate, don’t worry! The bartenders at Backbar are always eager to craft customized drin

The vibe: Farmhouse chic is the vibe at this charming hotspot in Inman Square, where kitchen towels serve as napkins, vintage furniture decorates the dining room (the host stand is a gorgeous 1920 Glenwood oven), and fabulously weighty antique flatware gives you a workout as you feast on a menu of elevated New England faves and occasional forays into ethnic cuisines. Everything on chef-owner Will Gilson's seasonally updated menu boasts local farm-sourced ingredients. The food: Begin your evening with the homemade Parker House rolls, best slathered with the yogurt and sea salt-whipped cultured butter. If you have room for more bread, the mushroom toast topped with fresh mushrooms, creamy taleggio cream, and garlic chips is a dreamy entry into Gilson's winter slate of entrees. If you don't want your mushrooms on toast, try them in the risotto with golden raisins and hazelnut gremolata. The pan-seared swordfish is brought to life with a decadent chorizo ravigote sauce and paired with braised lima beans. Meat on your mind? You can't go wrong with the Berkshire pork chop that shines in all its comfort-food glory alongside polenta, apple, cippolini onion, and a maple jus. Red meat gets a moment with the grilled ribeye served with truffle potatoes and blue cheese butter. The drink: The bar menu is just as carefully curated, with a rotating selection of local beers and an expansive wine list featuring reds, whites, bubblies, and the occasional orange from independent makers around th

This corner restaurant has been a staple in Rittenhouse for over a decade and continues to set the bar for what a destination restaurant should be—one that neighbors and star chefs frequent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The seasonal French/New American menu features crave-worthy plates, such as a double patty cheeseburger with pickled relish, alongside special-occasion dishes like smoked duck breast served with seasonal fixings. Plus, don't miss one of the country’s finest natural wine lists.

This is the spot where your freedom was born—the very building in which our founding fathers drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Join a free guided tour led by a park ranger that takes you throughout the building, including into the Assembly Room where the aforementioned documents were John Hancock’d. You’ll find George Washington’s “rising sun” chair holding a prominent position in the room, which is set up exactly the way it was during the Constitutional Convention. To actually get in here, you’ll have to pick up a free ticket at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30am. Get there as close to opening as you can. Tickets are limited and they’re all usually snatched up by the afternoon.

Stir is the Philadelphia gay bar that managed to get away. It’s the only establishment of its kind to exist outside the Gayborhood, taking up residence in a nondescript alley near Rittenhouse Square Park. It’s a popular happy-hour stop for LGBTQers working in the neighborhood. They sit at the small bar in the front of the venue with Stoli cocktails and other froofy, boozy concoctions swirling in hand. The scene gets a little sloshier every Thursday night for the long-running and rather legendary Stirsday party. That night, well drinks go on sale for $1, and a local DJ spins till close.

The Abruzzo region of Italy inspires the flavors at this upscale dining spot that holds down the quieter southwestern stretch of East Passyunk Avenue. The menu features fresh, local ingredients to create a rustic, sea- and mountain-inspired menu that, while it changes with the season, always features knockout pasta dishes house-made daily with Abruzzese flour.

If you’re in West Philly, beeline to 4545 Girard Avenue right now to check out the brand new Will Smith mural being sketched and painted by London street artist Richard Wilson. According to a rep from Mural Arts Philadelphia, which broke news about the mural this afternoon on Twitter, Wilson was inspired to do the work after seeing some of Will Smith’s feel-good, togetherness-inspiring posts on Instagram. SNEAK PEEK: London artist Richard Wilson is in #Philly creating a mural honoring Will Smith! Check it out at 4545 Girard Ave. pic.twitter.com/dyzzy5LNB8 — Mural Arts (@muralarts) May 29, 2018 This isn’t a Mural Arts Philadelphia project, but the nonprofit has helped Wilson with essential organization and connected him with a nearby school, the Global Leadership Academy Charter School, where he will teach some art-making classes in conjunction with the mural’s creation. We haven’t been able to track down Wilson for comment, but this Instagram post from last week offers a few more clues in his own words as to what he has planned. Beautiful day in Philadelphia! Ready to start sketching up tomorrow, and yes there is a reason why that brick at top right has no paint ☺️ This wall belongs to a warehouse but I’m working in and this view is from a school, its an amazing place and i’m pretty sure all the kids just think the walls getting a coat of paint and thats it! I’m going to do a class with some of the kids and an Art teacher here which makes this really special #spraypain

Dust off your white threads; pull out your fanciest table linens and candelabras: Dîner en Blanc is returning to Philadelphia for its seventh year, and the waiting list is officially open. For those new to the game, Dîner en Blanc brings together upwards of 5,000 attendees dressed head to toe in white. All participants are required to tote their own white dining supplies: a table, chairs, linens, silverware, china and a picnic basket full of food and drinks. They’ll set up everything and have a fabulous meal together under the stars while the rest of us watch it unfold on Instagram (#dinerenblancphilly). Photograph: Georgi Anastasov The date for the 2018 festival hasn’t been announced yet. That will happen at a special party aboard the Moshulu on June 12. As fans know, the location of the soiree won’t be announced until moments before Dîner en Blanc takes place. But perhaps the Moshulu party offers a hint? Maybe something along the waterfront? I doubt organizers would be that obvious. The one bit of information we do know is the theme: “Passport to Le Dîner en Blanc,” a nod, says co-host Natanya DiBona, to the 30th anniversary of the party, which began in Paris 30 years ago before making its way to 80 cities around the world. As such, the party will celebrate the towns and cultures around the globe that participate in Dîner en Blanc, including Philadelphia, which was one of the first cities to take part when the party went international. Photograph: Courtesy Du Soleil Phot

Outdoor-drinking enthusiasts, take note: This summer the Good King Tavern is opening charming secret patio. Opening June 6, the space is tucked away just behind the restaurant, which sits at the corner of 7th and Kater Streets in Queen Village. General Manager Chloe Grigri says the patio will be decked out with market lights, greenery and casual garden furniture, where guests can hang out to sip a lineup of refreshing, summer-approved beverages. Drinks include Kronenbourg ($6), Aperol Spritz ($10), and rosé, red and white wines by the glass for $9. A selection of shots will be available for $5. Those include the TGK Fireball (Wild Turkey bourbon, cinnamon and chili) and TGK Kamikaze (Appleton Reserve, Grand Marnier and fresh lime). As good as all that sounds, the vino is truly where it’s at. The restaurant recently won the 2018 Time Out Philadelphia Bar Award for Best Wine Bar. Our judges were especially impressed with the Good King Tavern’s wine selection, because it’s just downright approachable. “While wine lists can be intimidating, the Good King Tavern has broken up its menu into flavor profiles, rather than listings by region or by grape, said judge David Powell. “This allows even a wine novice to find an incredible bottle without having to be a connoisseur. There’s also great diversity in the price points, inviting everyone to enjoy a bottle without breaking the bank.” If you’re itching to check out the secret patio before the grand opening, Grigri is hosting a Negroni

No city does the patriotic holidays quite like Philly, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, sealed and delivered. Accordingly, there’s an abundant list of Memorial Day events in Philadelphia to cipher through. We’ve done the job of narrowing down the essential things to do in Philadelphia over the long weekend—from fireworks shows and Philadelphia concerts to street festivals. If you’re looking for a more laid back way to celebrate our troops and the unofficial start of summer, consider checkout out one of the beer gardens in Philadelphia, or scurry up to one of the city’s rooftop bars to check out those aforementioned fireworks. The Bok Bar opens this weekend, FYI. Find our full guide to the top Memorial Day weekend events in Philadelphia below. Friday, May 25 Sail Philadelphia at Penn's Landing; noon; $7–$125Nine tall ships from along the eastern U.S., Bermuda and Portugal will dock at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. The four-day festival includes tours of the traveling boats, admission to the Independence Seaport Museum and optional 90-minute or two-hour cruises. Tickets to sail aren’t cheap ($90-$125 for a day pass), but you don’t have to get out on the water to experience the vessels. On Deck ship tours are $10 for adults, or you can admire the beauties from land at the accompanying Sail Philadelphia Waterfront Festival, which costs $7 to enter. —Jared Brey Photo Pop Philly at the Philadelphia Building; 3pm; $25 Photograph: Briana Sposato A towering office

Put your hands together, folks, and pray that the rain-filled weekend forecast is all a hoax. There are way too many things to do in Philadelphia this weekend to be dealing with all that precipitation—including major outdoor street festivals along Rittenhouse Row and in the Italian Market. Art in the Open also transforms the Schuylkill Banks into one big open-air art gallery all weekend. If the rain does come, you’ll have to grab a poncho or an umbrella and play along, or opt for some of the weekend’s more-sheltered to-dos. Like what you, ask? Well, there’s the amateur porn fest, Hump! Film Festival, at FringeArts; big-time comedians Hannibal Buress and Jay Leno perform along the Avenue of the Arts; on-the-rise Philly indie rockers Hop Along perform at Union Transfer; and tons of local theater companies debut new shows, such as the Arden Theatre Company’s Fun Home and Mamma Mia! at Walnut Street Theatre. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, stop by the Dandelion on Saturday for a prix-fixe meal that includes English classics, cake and champagne. Find details on all that and more in our comprehensive guide to the (hopefully dry!) weekend below. Friday, May 18 Free admission at Philadelphia museums; all day; freeA handful of local museums celebrate International Museum Day by opening their doors to guests for free. Participating spots include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Museum, the Rodin Museum and the Pennsylvania Academy of the F

Lovers of donuts and fried chicken, get excited. Federal Donuts announced today that it’s opening a new location in Center City. 🚨NEWS FLASH🚨 FedNuts is coming to @eastmarketphl❗️Excited to be in the historic #StephenGirardBuilding in the great East Market neighborhood coming 2019 ☕️🍩🍗 pic.twitter.com/e2jMnlEQnH — FederalDonuts (@FederalDonuts) May 14, 2018 The expanding comfort-food chain run by CookNSolo’s Steven Cook and Chef Michael Solomonov will take up residence in a 1,180-square-foot space in the Stephen Girard Building, part of the pedestrian-oriented development project known as East Market that takes up an entire city block—from Market to Chestnut Streets and 11th to 12th Streets. The building is quickly filling up with a well-curated mix of shopping, dining and living spaces that developers hope will revitalize the area just east of City Hall. Federal Donuts will join other Philly favorites in the building, including MOM’s Organic Market, Wawa, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Little Baby’s Ice Cream and District Taco. ROOST Apartment Hotel will also run 60 stylish extended-stay rooms in the adjoining residential building, the Ludlow. Those are expected to open later this summer. This will be the seventh location of Federal Donuts, which became the self-proclaimed world’s first fried chicken and donut shop when it opened its inaugural storefront in Pennsport in 2011. In the years since, it has expanded to Rittenhouse, University City and beyond. The menu at t

There are a ton of things to do in Philadelphia this weekend to keep you busy around the clock, but folks from the Friends of Rittenhouse, a group that works to maintain Rittenhouse Square, would appreciate a few extra hands on Saturday morning as they work to spiff up the popular square for summer. If you can spare a few hours, they’ll even give you a handful of delicious treats for your hard work.  All volunteers who swing by to help between 9am and noon on May 12 will receive a free 16-ounce salad from sweetgreen, custard from Shake Shack and macaroons from Sofitel Philadelphia. Duties for the day include planting impatiens, pulling weeds, raking leaves and picking up litter around the park. All supplies are provided, so all you need to bring is a willingness to help (and maybe a little green-thumb expertise if you have it). Photograph: Courtesy Friends of Rittenhouse The cleanup is part of the spring iteration of Love Your Park Week, which kicks off on May 12 and lasts through the 20th. The initiative is a way to get folks out of the house to engage with the city’s green spaces—through volunteer cleanups like the one at Rittenhouse Square on Saturday, but also events such as bird-walking tours, plant sales and an excursion to spot amphibians in Carpenter’s Woods. (See the full lineup of events here.) Most of the cleanups won’t come with free Shake Shack custard, but at least you’ll leave feeling good that you put in some time to keep Philadelphia parks clean and thrivin

This weekend in Philadelphia brings about all kinds of ways to get out and have some fun in the sun. Among the major events happening this weekend is the opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest along the Delaware River. Both attractions bring enough activities to the waterfront—from live music and beer gardens to general hammock-lounging—to keep you busy all summer long. Over in Fairmount Park, adventure seekers will find plenty to love at the debut of Treetop Quest, an outdoor adventureland filled with zip-lining, rope courses and more. If you’re looking for neighborhood block parties, beeline to the IPA, Champagne and Rosé Block Party outside Hawthorne’s Cafe in Bella Vista; and if it’s art you’re after, swing by the PAFA Annual Student Exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Looking for ways to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend? Tons of restaurants are rolling out special menus, but if you failed to snag a reservation, consider taking her to do some shopping at the Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing, or lounge along the Schuylkill Banks to watch the Dad Vail Regatta. The Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair is also open all weekend at 18th and Walnut Streets. On the live-performance front, check out the debut weekend of Brian Sanders JUNK’s innovative Dancing Dead IPX show in an old church, or the equally trippy Séancers at FringeArts. Comedian D.L. Hughley performs at the Merriam Theater, and DJ Marshmello (who you may hav

Last night, at the Trestle Inn, we brought together bar industry folks from across the city for our first-ever Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards ceremony. With the help of a panel of in-the-know judges, the awards gave us a chance to dole out prizes to the best bars in Philadelphia at this very moment—from promising new joints to iconic dives and even the bartenders and cocktails you need to get acquainted with pronto. We couldn’t have picked a better spot than the Trestle Inn, which is always a blast, with its go-go dancers, old-school funk and soul music and some of the friendliest drink-slingers in town. Spirits flowed all night, courtesy of Bar Awards sponsors Hendrick’s Gin, Flor de Caña and Segura Viudas, who each brought specially made cocktails (or a small bottle of straight up Brut, in the case of Segura) for guests to enjoy. When it came time for the awards presentation, everyone gathered on the dance floor to cheer on all the winners and nominees. It’s clear that bar industry folks make up a tight-knit, supportive community in this city. That fact only helped make the night one big, kick-ass celebration—with winners and nominees alike getting back-pats and high-fives all night long. Check out the full list of winners here, and some photos from the evening below. All photos by Margaret Ferrec David Powell from Flor de Caña serves his special cocktail, the Translation, made with Flor de Caña 4 White, fresh lime, simple syrup, angostura bitters and a lime garnish.

Starting on Friday, swarms of folks will head like mosquitoes to the Delaware River waterfront, which will glow with the lights, sights and sounds of two of summer’s most popular hangouts: Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Here’s what’s in store for this year’s attractions. What’s happening at Spruce Street Harbor Park in 2018 Photograph: Matt Stanley The beer garden and carnival-like promenade opens for the season on Friday, May 11, with all the tidbits you’ve come to know and love. The Boardwalk will buzz with food stalls manned by folks like Franklin Fountain, Village Burger, Chickie’s and Pete’s, Distrito and more selling pizza, tacos, cheesesteaks, fried chicken, funnel cake, doughnuts and ice cream. The floating beer garden known as the Oasis is back with a TBA food and drink lineup, and a whole new display of greenery decorating the barge. Then of course, there are the hammocks, 50 of them to be exact, that hang from light-filled trees throughout the park. Relax there and take in the scene, or take part in some onsite games like bocce, ping pong and shuffleboard. Photograph: Matt Stanley Spruce Street Harbor Park will also play home to a staggering number of events throughout the season, including paddle board yoga, a Jazz in the Park concert series and an event every Friday night called Lights + Flights, which is essentially a beer tasting and light show all in one. The Punk Rock Flea Market and a farmers’ market from Greensgrow Farms

Hot damn! We’ve hoped and hoped for it for weeks and it’s finally here: a weekend that calls for sun and warm temperatures for three days straight. Get out and enjoy it; there’s plenty to do around the city. Of particular note is the opening of three popular beer gardens in Philadelphia—Uptown Beer Garden and both locations of the stunning PHS Pop-Up Gardens. Traveling beer garden Parks on Tap is still rolling around town, too, this time moving out to Mt. Airy for ample suds and BBQ-style grub under the sun. It’s First Friday in Old City, which is perfect, because the nearby Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is all aglow for its first weekend at Franklin Square. Check out some galleries, then head over to take in the illuminated pandas, dragons and samurais. Saturday is going to be one big citywide fiesta, with Cinco de Mayo events and food and drink specials happening all around town (find 10 of our favorite picks here), and the South Street Spring Festival draws thousands to one of Philly’s busiest thoroughfares for a day of outdoor eating, drinking and merrymaking in the streets. Get excited, because that’s one of the first spring and summer festivals in Philadelphia of the season. There are many more to come. On top of all that, there are a handful of theater and art openings, namely the new Renoir exhibition at the The Barnes Foundation (which you can peep for free on Sunday). Get details on all those things and more in our roundup of things to do in Philadelphia thi

On August 11, eight miles of Philadelphia streets—on North Broad Street between City Hall and Erie Avenue—will close to vehicular traffic for the third annual Philly Free Streets event. Mayor Kenney and the city of Philadelphia announced plans today, saying that this will be the largest event of its kind in the city yet. If you’ll remember, the Free Streets event in August was only seven miles, so this time around you’re getting a whole extra mile. Make plans now: Roads will be open that day from 8am to 1pm for pedestrians, bikers, joggers and general gadabouts to stroll freely without the fear of any motorized disturbances, and local organizations and businesses will host events along the route throughout the day.   Photograph: Courtesy Philly Free Streets Philly Free Streets was inspired by the Pope visit in 2015, when much of the city was closed to traffic, allowing folks to walk and pedal wherever they wanted—including, and perhaps most memorably, across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. People loved it so much that the Philly Free Streets initiative was born. The first one happened last September. Then, 10 miles of streets closed—mostly along South Street—and about 30,000 people showed up to take advantage of a blissful, car-free stroll through their city. Like most Philly Street Events, which have drawn tens of thousands of spectators, the August event is meant to highlight a part of town that tends to get overshadowed by more popular areas like Center City. Organizers ho