twelvepoint wrote:
On Sat I go directly to Philadelphia for a conference and will be there til Wednesday. As these things go, it’s sometimes a crapshoot when and where I can go but similarly, other fun aging hipster stuff going on? I think Nemo Case is playing Sat and I guess Johnny Brenda’s would be a place to check out. Record stores, drool over vintage guitars, bars where people in denim aprons have 3 dozen herbal tinctures in constant rotation?
I grew up in and around Philly and return a few times a year.
Personally, I think you can do better than Johnny Brenda's if you fancy a drink: I'd check out the Khyber Pass Pub (classic craft beer bar and nowadays, passable Creole Food), Fountain Porter (which also has a dynamite wine list, a great cheap burger, and possibly the best recorded music of any bar in the city), or the Jim (newer, weirder, Asian-influenced bar food, feels like you stumbled on a secret).
The Philadelphia Record Exchange is the old-school shop to hit, although it's unfortunately not the '90s anymore. Long in the Tooth, Repo, and Beautiful World Syndicate also merit a visit.
Illata is an incredible BYO restaurant. Hard to explain the cooking, sort of Mediterranean, sort of New American. Seasonal and taking risks. If you've ever enjoyed the Four Horsemen or Wildair in NYC, this comes from a similar school, but it's also different, way more intimate.
Irwin's, a modern rooftop Sicilian joint, is a controversial choice for some (Philly often expects Italian food to be inexpensive and served in massive portions; this is not that), but I happen to love the place, especially the chef's sourcing. Incredible view, located on top of a former school. Concentrate on starters, pastas, and specials. Don't skip dessert or cocktails. Smart wine list. Myloup is a great, buttery French Canadian-ish splurge if you want even more of a baller dinner. They also mix a hell of a drink, as does Friday Saturday Sunday bar.
If you're looking for cheap eats, I love Al-Amana (Palestinian inside of a grocery store), Almaz Cafe (Ethiopian; BYO), or Hardena (Indonesian; BYO). Sang Kee in Chinatown (OG branch only) has been carving reliable Peking duck forever, and Pho 75 (Viet soup, obviously) will cure a hangover. Sakartvelo is a slightly under-the-radar BYO spot for Georgian food and great for vegetarians.
Perfect tomato pie at Iannelli's, but good luck, it's only open 15 random days per year. Pizzata is solid for regular pizza done well.
Get a big sloppy sandwich at John's Roast Pork for lunch (roast pork or cheesesteak) or a new-school hoagie at Farina di Vita (more artisanal Italian influence; owner is a sweetheart; there's an Eagles-themed [the football team, not Don Henley] special on the menu right now that's totally delicious despite the sports tie-in).
Edit and just noticed: Wasn't sure if you also needed meatless options on the menu for Philly? Some of these can oblige, for sure. Others not so much, my apologies. You'll figure it out, I'm sure.