Essen Bakery North

At Machine Shop Boulangerie in South Philly’s Bok Building, flaky French pastries and crusty breads reign supreme Thursday through Sunday.

Tai Lake serves fresh, authentic Cantonese seafood in Chinatown with a huge menu perfect for family-style feasts and late-night cravings.

Picanha is a top-notch Brazilian steakhouse serving endless rodizio meats and a vibrant buffet that marries traditional and inventive dishes, all at great prices.

Forsythia serves contemporary French cuisine in a chic Old City setting, blending elegance with inventive dishes like ricotta beignets and escargot.

U-Bahn is a vibrant underground bar with a stellar craft beer selection, live music, and a lively arcade vibe, though it's best visited with a discerning eye.

Miles Table is a cozy brunch spot on South Street serving up delicious, locally sourced breakfast and lunch options, from hearty omelets to indulgent French toast, all in a friendly, casual setting.

C&C Creamery is a beloved Roxborough fixture since '51, serving up towering soft serves, hard ice cream, and delicious cakes that keep locals coming back.

Rangoon in Philly's Chinatown dishes up casual Burmese fare with a massive menu and must-try crispy thousand-layer bread perfect for sharing.

Thirsty Dice is a laid-back board game café in Fairmount offering over 800 games, tasty comfort food, and a solid menu of cocktails and milkshakes, making it a great spot for friends and family to unwind and battle it out over games.

Fishtown's Pizza Shackamaxon serves huge, crispy, New American slices—plain, pepperoni, tomato pie, and a rotating, creative special—via a lively walk-up window.